Player news from trusted outlets

NBA News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Thursday, October 1

Jaylen Wells Fully Participating in Grizzlies Training Camp

AutoDraft Pro AI

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 Cleared for Full Participation in Bucks Training Camp

AutoDraft Pro AI

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 Participating in Milwaukee Bucks Training Camp After Foot Procedure

AutoDraft Pro AI

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.

Jaren Jackson Building Chemistry and Versatility Early in Utah Jazz Camp

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jaren Jackson is actively building chemistry with Utah's core during training camp following limited action after arriving last season, according to reporter Eric Spyropoulos. Head coach Will Hardy noted Jackson remains early in the learning process after appearing in just three games for the Jazz last year. Hardy praised Jackson's communication in practice and highlighted his defensive versatility. Developing strong on-court chemistry with Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George remains a primary focus.

AJ Dybantsa Unveils Busy Rookie Promotional Schedule with Wizards

AutoDraft Pro AI

Washington Wizards rookie AJ Dybantsa will be featured prominently on the team's 2026-27 promotional schedule, receiving three separate bobblehead nights during his debut campaign. Fans can secure a Spider-Man bobblehead on January 28, a Draft Night bobblehead on February 10 against the Miami Heat, and a Rookie Edition bobblehead on March 6, highlighting the high expectations for his rookie season in Washington.

Jamal Shead Inks Three-Year, $24 Million Extension with Raptors

AutoDraft Pro AI

Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead has agreed to a three-year, $24 million contract extension keeping him under contract through the 2029-30 season. The 2024 second-round pick is rewarded after an ironman season playing all 82 games, dishing out a league-best 354 bench assists, and averaging 6.9 points, 4.8 assists, and 0.9 steals in 21.1 minutes per game. The deal solidifies his role as a gritty backup point guard behind Immanuel Quickley.

Tyrese Haliburton Ready for Full Go After Missing Entire Previous Season

AutoDraft Pro AI

Tyrese Haliburton is a full go to open the 2026-27 campaign after missing all of last season recovering from an Achilles tear suffered in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. Haliburton stated he has no restrictions as he resumes his role as Indiana's floor general. Prior to his injury, he recorded three straight Top-14 fantasy finishes. As an efficient shooter, scorer, and capable defender, Haliburton retains massive upside and figures to slide right back into elite fantasy consideration.

Kyrie Irving Returns Fully Healthy for 2026-27 Season After ACL Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Kyrie Irving is fully cleared for the 2026-27 season after missing 82 games during the 2025-26 campaign due to an ACL tear. Prior to his injury, Irving posted nine straight Top-20 fantasy seasons. He returns to a revamped Mavericks squad following the departure of Luka Doncic and the arrival of Cooper Flagg. While his availability has historically been a concern, Irving is expected to maintain a prominent offensive role as a key scorer and playmaker alongside Flagg.

Karl-Anthony Towns Set for Expanded Playmaking Role with New York Knicks

AutoDraft Pro AI

New York Knicks big man Karl-Anthony Towns is slated for an expanded playmaking role this season under head coach Mike Brown. Building on adjustments from last year's playoffs, the Knicks intend to feature Towns at the elbow more frequently to facilitate the offense. This strategic shift aims to create more scoring opportunities for Towns while opening up off-ball actions for teammates like OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges.

Donovan Mitchell Signs Multi-Year Contract Extension with Adidas

AutoDraft Pro AI

Cleveland Cavaliers star guard Donovan Mitchell has signed a new multi-year contract extension with Adidas. The agreement secures his partnership with the brand through his 10th signature shoe, making him only the seventh active NBA player to achieve the milestone of reaching a 10th signature shoe with the same athletic brand.

Sam Merrill Poised for Expanded Role and Minutes with Cleveland Cavaliers

AutoDraft Pro AI

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill enters the season looking to build on a campaign where he averaged 27 minutes and shot 42% from three-point range on 7.2 attempts per game. Despite offseason roster shake-ups, Merrill remains a vital floor spacer for head coach Kenny Atkinson. Entering his second year playing alongside James Harden, Merrill's elite shooting gravity and high-volume output position him for potentially increased minutes and usage in the Cavaliers' second unit.

Myles Turner Lands at Number Five in Bucks Roster Ranking Ahead of Season

AutoDraft Pro AI

Entering his second season with the Milwaukee Bucks, Myles Turner ranks fifth on the roster. Following a tough exit from the 2025 NBA Finals with Indiana, Turner signed a four-year, $107m deal with Milwaukee. Last season, he averaged 11.9 PPG and shot 38.3% from deep while ranking sixth in blocks per game. Despite a career-low PER of 14.2 due to limited paint touches, his defensive on/off impact remained elite, solidifying his role as a key veteran leader for the Bucks.

Ja Morant Starts Fresh With Portland Trail Blazers

AutoDraft Pro AI

Ja Morant enters a new chapter with the Portland Trail Blazers after a major offseason of roster changes across the league. While he provides a much-needed fresh start, questions remain regarding how his fit alongside Damian Lillard will function in the Portland starting backcourt given the defensive queries surrounding the pairing as the 2026-27 NBA season gets underway.

Jordan Walsh Embraces New Offensive Role Entering Year 4 With Celtics

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jordan Walsh is entering Year 4 with the Boston Celtics looking to establish a high role player IQ. He is focusing on impacting the game without the ball through transition running, cutting, and screening. Walsh feels confident in his improved three-point shot and believes a fresh team environment provides a major opportunity to carve out a steady career rotation spot under head coach Joe Mazzulla.

Collin Murray-Boyles Included in 2026-27 Fantasy Basketball Outlooks

AutoDraft Pro AI

Collin Murray-Boyles was noted in early 2026-27 fantasy basketball sleeper and second-year breakout player articles, as basketball publications evaluate upcoming young talent and potential rotation pieces entering the new NBA season.

Joan Beringer Featured in Early Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Coverage

AutoDraft Pro AI

Joan Beringer appeared in early 2026-27 fantasy basketball sleeper reports and breakout player watchlists as analysts examine potential young contributors and developmental prospects across the league, including within the Minnesota Timberwolves organization.

Cedric Coward Highlighted in Early Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lists

AutoDraft Pro AI

Cedric Coward was mentioned in early 2026-27 fantasy basketball sleeper and second-year breakout player lists published ahead of the upcoming NBA season, signaling emerging interest in his potential trajectory and role for the Memphis Grizzlies as training camps get underway across the league.

Neemias Queta Focuses on Mobility and Versatility Expansion

AutoDraft Pro AI

Boston Celtics big man Neemias Queta is focused on expanding his mobility, versatility, and shooting ability heading into the new season following the best year of his career. Coach Joe Mazzulla and President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens noted his increased confidence in making plays with the ball in his hands. Queta aims to become a key mismatch threat and handoff driver, leveraging opportunities created by playing alongside Boston's elite perimeter scorers.

Wednesday, September 30

Kristaps Porziņģis Misses Warriors Training Camp Due to Sudden Health Issue

AutoDraft Pro AI

Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porziņģis will miss the start of training camp in Hawaii after informing general manager Mike Dunleavy on Sunday night that a sudden health issue prevents him from making the trip. Porziņģis, whose unpredictable availability prompted the team to re-sign veteran Al Horford as a reliable backup plan, had spent the summer working out at Chase Center and was expected to travel before the unexpected setback sidelined the projected starting center.

Al Horford Emerges as Vital Warriors Starter Amid Kristaps Porziņģis Absence

AutoDraft Pro AI

Golden State Warriors veteran Al Horford is stepping into a vital role for his 20th NBA season, likely starting at center as 40-year-old insurance while Kristaps Porziņģis misses training camp due to a sudden health issue. Horford, who signed a $14 million deal, also praised rookie Yaxel Lendeborg's early training camp impact, highlighting his offensive feel and defensive communication as the team navigates early-season roster adjustments and pursues high-level competition.