Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Jordan Poole (quadriceps) is scheduled for a full practice Wednesday, according to Will Guillory. Coach James Borrego noted Poole was a limited participant Tuesday and could ramp up to full activity. A return against the Trail Blazers on Thursday has not been ruled out for the New Orleans Pelicans guard.
Alperen Sengun (illness) was back at practice Tuesday, per Lachard Binkley. After missing the past two games for the Houston Rockets, Sengun is trending towards a return. With the Rockets not playing again until Thursday, he has an additional 48 hours to fully recover.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton will make his debut as a player contributor on 'NBA on Prime' with an appearance on 'NBA Nightcap' following Tuesday's NBA Cup quarterfinals. This will be the first of five appearances this season, where he is expected to offer commentary on his rehab and game insights for the 2025-26 season. Haliburton praised the broadcast's positive approach to discussing the game.
All-Star forward Anthony Davis is at the center of trade rumors, with the Dallas Mavericks reportedly weighing their options. Three Eastern Conference teams have emerged as potential suitors for Davis, indicating active discussions around possible deals.
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier pleaded not guilty Monday to wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy charges in federal court. He was released on $3 million bond, accused of helping gamblers bet on his performance in a March 2023 game by allegedly informing them he would leave early due to a supposed injury. Rozier, who remains on unpaid leave, surrendered his passport and faces travel restrictions. His lawyer plans to file a motion to dismiss the case; the next hearing is March 3.
Jonathan Kuminga's recent DNP-CD has reignited trade rumors for the Warriors forward. Golden State is reportedly open to moving Kuminga, who is averaging 12.4 points and 6.3 rebounds this season. His contract, featuring a team option on the second year, makes him an attractive flyer for teams after Jan. 15, when he becomes eligible to be traded. Previous interest from the Kings and Suns may have shifted.
Despite a calf strain, trade speculation surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo continues, though a deal before the Feb. 5 deadline is uncertain. Sources suggest a trade hinges on Antetokounmpo formally requesting one, with a preference for the Knicks. However, other teams like Atlanta, San Antonio, and Houston could offer better returns. An offseason trade remains a more likely scenario if he declines an extension.
Cooper Flagg is among the players whose NBA 2K26 ratings have been updated. This adjustment is part of a recent update that also impacted Scottie Barnes' rating, reflecting changes in the game's player evaluations.
Scottie Barnes has seen a change in his NBA 2K26 rating, according to the latest update. The specific details of his rating adjustment, whether an increase or decrease, are part of a broader update that also affected Cooper Flagg.
Derrick White is experiencing a significant surge in December for the Boston Celtics, averaging 24.5 points per game on impressive 51.4/40.8/80.0 shooting splits over his last four games. This marks a notable improvement from his October and November performance. His increased volume of three-point attempts (12.3 per game) and recent upticks in rebounds and assists are providing substantial fantasy basketball value. This elevated production suggests White is adjusting well to a more prominent scoring role within the Celtics' offense, making his stock trend strongly upwards.
Trae Young (knee) is optimistic about a December return, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The Atlanta Hawks guard suffered a sprained MCL on Oct. 29 and is due for re-evaluation in mid-December. The Hawks have performed well in his absence, going 12-8, and believe his return will elevate the team alongside Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Zaccharie Risacher, and Onyeka Okongwu. He is unlikely to play on December 9th against Detroit.
OG Anunoby's return to the New York Knicks lineup, after missing nine games, highlights his crucial role in the team's championship aspirations. Despite a 6-3 record without him, his defensive impact is undeniable, with the Knicks allowing 105.4 points per 100 possessions with him on court versus 116.7 without. Anunoby also contributes offensively, averaging more drives and shooting a career-high 40.9% from three. His presence is vital as the Knicks face a tougher schedule.
The Sacramento Kings are reportedly entering a rebuild phase due to their 6-18 record, making star players like Domantas Sabonis available for trade. Sabonis, acquired from the Pacers in February 2022, is being monitored by teams. His remaining contract is considered tough to move, with reports indicating limited interest from teams in having their offenses run through the center position.
The Sacramento Kings are reportedly embracing a rebuild with their 6-18 record, making star players like Zach LaVine available for trade discussions. LaVine, acquired seven months after DeRozan in a trade that sent Fox to the Spurs, is being monitored by teams. His remaining contract is noted as potentially tough to move, though the Milwaukee Bucks have shown some level of concrete interest.
The Sacramento Kings, with a 6-18 record, are reportedly entering a rebuild phase and are open to trading star players, including DeMar DeRozan. Acquired in a July 2024 sign-and-trade, DeRozan is among the veterans being monitored by teams. While he is considered potentially 'easy enough' to move compared to other Kings stars, his partial guarantee for next season could complicate trade negotiations for Sacramento.
Jimmy Butler believes it's his 'job' to help Warriors teammate Jonathan Kuminga succeed, stating the young player is 'way better' than he was at the same age. Butler emphasized Kuminga's drive to improve and willingness to ask questions, even about playing different positions. He sees his role as mentoring Kuminga through the ups and downs of an NBA career, drawing from his own non-linear path to stardom.
Warriors' Jonathan Kuminga is being actively mentored by teammate Jimmy Butler, who calls aiding Kuminga's development his 'job.' Butler highlighted Kuminga's impressive potential and his proactive approach to learning, noting the young player's eagerness to ask questions and improve. Butler stated Kuminga is 'way better' than he was at 23, and his willingness to adapt, even to playing the center position, is a key factor in his growth.
San Antonio Spurs rookie Dylan Harper emerged victorious in a high-stakes clash against fellow 2025 rookie Derik Queen on December 8. Harper's team secured a thrilling 135-132 win over the Pelicans, despite Queen's impressive 33-point triple-double. Harper's performance was pivotal in the Spurs' narrow victory, marking a significant moment in the rookie's season as he outdueled a strong individual effort from his counterpart.
Pelicans center Derik Queen delivered a standout performance, achieving a 33-point triple-double in a thrilling 135-132 loss to the Spurs on December 8. Despite Queen's impressive stat line, fellow 2025 rookie Dylan Harper ultimately came out on top in their head-to-head clash. The high-scoring affair highlighted Queen's significant offensive impact for New Orleans, showcasing his potential as a key player for the team.
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle posted 21 points (7-11 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 5-7 FT), eight assists, and three rebounds over 37 minutes during Monday's 108-105 loss to the Suns. Despite a season-low 11 field-goal attempts, he finished as Minnesota's second-leading scorer. Randle has been efficient of late, scoring 21 or more points in four of his last five games while shooting 50.7 percent from the field, and has dished out at least six assists in four of his last five appearances, including a game-high eight assists in this outing.
