Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Detroit Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff announced plans for swingman Ausar Thompson to handle an increased workload this upcoming season. After averaging a career-high 25.9 minutes per game last regular season, Thompson continues working to improve his shooting form after failing to surpass 65 percent from the free-throw line or 25 percent from three-point range, while seeking to expand his all-around game.
After 13 seasons in the NBA, veteran center Kelly Olynyk is expected to sign with BC Roma in Italy after receiving no suitable NBA offers. Linked to the Golden State Warriors in free agency, the 35-year-old saw limited action last season with the San Antonio Spurs, averaging 8.6 minutes across 42 appearances. Olynyk leaves the NBA with career averages of 9.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game across 842 contests.
Quentin Grimes is actively competing for a starting wing spot with the Los Angeles Lakers after signing a four-year, $60 million contract this offseason. Grimes is embracing competition against teammates like Jake LaRavia, Ziaire Williams, and Matisse Thybulle. Known for his floor-spacing and point-of-attack defense, Grimes expressed a strong desire to earn his role and take on the daily challenge of guarding the opponent's best player every night.
James Harden has departed the Los Angeles Clippers, leaving the team alongside other key players following a severe salary cap circumvention scandal. The penalties—including the loss of five first-round draft picks, a $30 million fine, and a one-year suspension for owner Steve Ballmer—drastically reshaped the franchise's trajectory.
Ivica Zubac is noted as having departed the Los Angeles Clippers amidst a turbulent offseason that saw the franchise stripped of five first-round draft picks, hit with a $30 million fine, and owner Steve Ballmer suspended for a year following a salary cap circumvention scandal, leaving the team heavily depleted as training camp begins.
Clippers guard Bradley Beal opened up about re-signing on a two-year, $13.1 million deal despite the franchise's turbulent offseason and salary cap scandal. Acknowledging his injury history, including missing at least 29 games in each of the last five seasons and currently dealing with right knee inflammation, Beal prioritized stability, health, and a strong relationship with the coaching staff over chasing a title elsewhere.
Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard is officially extension eligible, with the team able to offer an extra three years totaling $67 million. The seventh-year guard has two seasons left on a four-year, $30 million contract. Pritchard has emerged as a vital contributor, averaging 15.7 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.9 rebounds while shooting 39.3% from deep. Boston faces financial apron considerations regarding his age 31 season in 2028, but his elite shooting skills and footwork provide low risk.
RJ Barrett has expressed a strong desire to stay with the Toronto Raptors. The swingman is currently set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer following the expiration of his rookie contract extension, which was originally signed as a member of the New York Knicks back in 2022. Barrett's future in Toronto is a key storyline to watch as he heads toward his upcoming contract year.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell is fully healthy and participating in training camp after a calf injury ended his 2025-26 season. Head coach Mark Daigneault noted Wednesday that Mitchell successfully rehabilitated his leg during the offseason, earning praise for his conditioning and form. His unrestricted participation confirms he has moved past the injury and is available for the Thunder's upcoming preseason schedule.
Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler highlighted his enthusiasm for playing alongside Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves while embracing his physical style of play. Kessler expressed deep gratitude for the organization's faith and financial investment in him, stating he is ready to embrace the dirty work, including setting hard screens, crashing the glass, and providing rim protection to help the team win.
Miles McBride expressed a desire to remain with the New York Knicks for his entire career while acknowledging ongoing contract extension discussions handled by his agency and front office. After playing through injury during the playoff run, McBride is fully healthy following double-sided sports hernia surgery. Despite contract uncertainty, McBride remains focused on maintaining professionalism and helping the Knicks win.
Isaiah Hartenstein has dropped nearly 10 pounds ahead of the 2026-27 season. He has been a full go for several weeks after previously tweaking his ankle while playing for Germany during the offseason. Hartenstein is expected to play a similar role for the Oklahoma City Thunder this year, entering the campaign fresh off signing a lucrative three-year, $75 million contract extension.
Miami Heat rookie Ryan Conwell has made a strong early impression on teammate Klay Thompson during his first training camp. Thompson praised Conwell's conditioning, defense, and left-handed jumper, noting his full-court defensive intensity. The No. 37 overall pick averaged 18.8 points and attempted 9.6 three-pointers per game at Louisville, positioning him to compete for a rotation role. A prior hip issue from Summer League is apparently fully behind him.
Miami Heat guard Klay Thompson praised rookie teammate Ryan Conwell for his conditioning, defense, and left-handed jumper during training camp. Thompson noted that Conwell picked up full court defensively and previously beat him in a shooting drill over the summer. The No. 37 overall pick out of Louisville is combining strong shooting and defensive effort to compete for an immediate rotation role, while a prior hip issue is behind him.
Miami Heat point guard Dru Smith is set to miss a couple of weeks due to a strained right calf. This injury represents a significant setback for Smith, who was penciled in as the primary backup behind Davion Mitchell. If the recovery timeline holds true, he could potentially return in time for the team's final preseason contest on October 16, though it compresses his preparation window significantly before the start of the regular season.
Washington Wizards center Anthony Davis is fully healthy and participating in training camp after battling injuries throughout the 2025-26 campaign. Davis was spotted going through on-court work alongside Trae Young during Wednesday's session, confirming his readiness for his first full season with Washington. The veteran big man is poised to ramp up his workload throughout camp and the preseason without facing any lingering injury-related limitations.
Washington Wizards guard Trae Young has been fully cleared for training camp and participated in on-court work following a previous campaign cut short by a right quadriceps contusion and lower-back irritation. Entering the preseason fully healthy, Young is also set to be featured with an "Ice Trae" bobblehead night scheduled for November 16 against the Memphis Grizzlies, locking him in as a primary offensive piece for the squad.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Jaylen Wells is a full participant to begin training camp, according to president of basketball operations Zach Kleiman. Wells has been cleared for all basketball activities after undergoing toe surgery in March and is practicing without restrictions. His healthy return provides ample time to ramp up during the preseason while he actively competes for a prominent and impactful role on the wing for the upcoming campaign.
Kevin Porter is participating fully in training camp after recovering from April arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. The procedure cut short his 2025-26 campaign after 38 games, where he averaged 17.4 points, 7.4 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.2 steals in 33.2 minutes. His full clearance indicates he has moved past the knee issue heading into 2026-27, though Porter will face intense competition for backcourt minutes following the offseason acquisition of fellow guard Tyler Herro.
Tyler Herro is fully participating in Milwaukee Bucks training camp after undergoing a foot procedure back in April. Herro's active presence at the start of camp provides an encouraging sign after he battled multiple injury issues throughout the 2025-26 campaign. The veteran guard will have the opportunity to ramp up his workload progressively throughout the preseason as the Bucks prepare for their regular-season opener, adding significant backcourt depth and scoring punch to the roster.
