Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams is expected to miss the first half of the 2026-27 NBA season following surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. In response to his absence, the Suns signed veteran center Duop Reath to a one-year, minimum deal. Williams' prolonged recovery leaves the frontcourt rotation dependent on Oso Ighodaro and Khaman Maluach as training camp approaches.
Philadelphia 76ers center Adem Bona has suffered a left foot sprain late in the offseason, with an MRI confirming the injury. The team announced he is expected to be re-evaluated at the start of training camp. Bona made 71 regular-season appearances last year in his second NBA year, averaging 4.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 17.4 minutes. The 23-year-old provides depth at center behind Joel Embiid and Ariel Hukporti for the upcoming season.
Kawhi Leonard and the Toronto Raptors are in advanced discussions on a two-year contract extension. Eligible for up to $126 million, the Raptors are reportedly seeking a deal under $100 million due to the 35-year-old's injury history. Managed by agent Harrison Gaines, Leonard averaged 27.9 points and 6.4 rebounds in 65 games last season. Alongside Scottie Barnes, Leonard anchors Toronto's championship aspirations as he seeks to end his career with the Raptors.
Dallas Mavericks All-Star guard Kyrie Irving offered to pay the fine for Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair following his tribute to a Palestinian girl killed in Gaza. Both athletes have been outspoken advocates for Palestine. Earlier, Irving participated in offseason Brotherhood scrimmages at Duke University alongside recovering teammate Dereck Lively II and Cooper Flagg, showcasing his readiness as the Mavericks prepare for their October 21 season opener against Houston.
Trevor Keels has agreed to an Exhibit-10 contract with the Washington Wizards. The 23-year-old guard will spend training camp with Washington, with his G League rights acquired by the Capital City Go-Go. Keels averaged 15.6 points per game and shot 40.4% from three-point range in the G League last season, headlined by a 46-point performance where he went 12-for-12 from deep. He can earn a $91,000 bonus by staying with the Go-Go for 60 days.
Selected fifth overall in the 2026 NBA Draft after starring at Illinois with averages of 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, 19-year-old rookie Keaton Wagler has unexpectedly become the most vital cornerstone for the LA Clippers. Following unprecedented league penalties that stripped the franchise of five future first-round draft picks, Wagler's development into a star and primary creator is essential for the team's ability to navigate a challenging future and survive a difficult roster rebuild.
Scottie Barnes teams up with Kawhi Leonard as the Toronto Raptors look to thrust themselves back into championship contention for the 2026-27 season. With high aspirations heading into the new year, the front office is counting on their star duo to navigate a competitive Eastern Conference and lead the franchise toward a deep playoff run.
Cooper Flagg has been heavily featured in highlight clips from the Duke University Brotherhood offseason training sessions. Working out alongside teammates like Kyrie Irving and recovering center Dereck Lively II, Flagg has displayed strong form during campus scrimmages. As anticipation builds for the upcoming NBA season, Flagg's continued development and prominent role in these offseason workouts signal his growing impact on the basketball landscape.
Dereck Lively II continues his recovery from right foot surgery that sidelined him for most of last season, recently participating in offseason workouts at Duke University. While still unable to fully run and jump in team scrimmages as he takes a cautious approach, photos reveal significant upper-body physical development. The Mavericks have not provided a definitive timeline for his return, leaving his availability for the October 21 season opener against the Houston Rockets uncertain.
Pete Nance's turbulent NBA journey continues after being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks on July 3 and re-signed to a multi-year non-guaranteed contract on July 8. Known as the ultimate glue guy, Nance boasts a career 42% mark from three and high basketball IQ, but his rebounding and defensive versatility remain limited. His non-guaranteed deal serves as a flexible roster tool for the Bucks as they manage a tight salary cap crunch heading into the upcoming season.
Ryan Dunn enters a pivotal third season with the Phoenix Suns looking to take a major offensive leap. In 70 games last year, he averaged 5.8 points and 4.2 rebounds while shooting 45.3% overall and 33.1% from three, though his free-throw percentage lagged at 48.9%. While his elite defensive hustle and athleticism remain valuable, his offensive spacing and shooting consistency must improve to secure regular minutes under head coach Jordan Ott amid increased roster competition.
Following an Achilles tear and a late knee issue in Game 7, Jayson Tatum enters the season fully ready to lead the Boston Celtics. Following Jaylen Brown's departure, Tatum is the focal point, averaging 10.0 rebounds in the regular season and 10.7 in the playoffs. His elite scoring, improved playmaking, and versatile pick-and-roll partnerships with Neemias Queta, Mitchell Robinson, and Luke Kornet anchor Boston's championship aspirations in the Eastern Conference.
Entering his 20th NBA season, Mike Conley is expected to make his biggest impact on the Boston Celtics through veteran leadership rather than box score numbers. Teammates and staff highlight his value in mentoring younger guards like Derrick White and Payton Pritchard, helping fill a leadership void following offseason departures. While his on-court minutes may mirror a Blake Griffin-like role, his professionalism and experience will guide Boston's youth.
Veteran big man Anthony Davis is highlighted as one of ten featured players returning from injury to target for the 2026-27 fantasy basketball campaign. Following injury struggles last season, Davis is expected to serve as a major statistical contributor and key target in fantasy drafts as training camps launch across the league.
Point guard Damian Lillard has been named among the top ten players returning from injury to target for the 2026-27 fantasy basketball season. After missing time during the previous campaign, Lillard enters training camp as a high-upside bounce-back candidate expected to reclaim a central offensive workload as teams prepare for the upcoming NBA season.
Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton is generating momentum ahead of the 2026-27 season following an Achilles tear that sidelined him for the previous year. Recent video shows Haliburton looking sharp in workouts, prompting ESPN's Dean Oliver to argue he holds a case as the 2020 draft's top player over Anthony Edwards. Haliburton has also returned to top-tier status in updated fantasy category and head-to-head rankings.
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving is entering the 2026-27 season on trade watch, highlighted by a proposed deal sending him to the Houston Rockets for Fred VanVleet and Reed Sheppard. Irving, who is featured as an injury-return target in updated fantasy rankings after missing last season, also recently made headlines by offering to cover Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair's $11,492 NFL fine for an unauthorized pro-Palestinian display.
The Phoenix Suns signed free agent center Duop Reath to address frontcourt depth lost to Mark Williams' torn labrum. Reath, 30, previously played for the Portland Trail Blazers, averaging 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 36% shooting from three-point range as a rookie. He missed the second half of the 2025-26 season with a right foot stress fracture. Reath provides 3-point shooting and veteran size behind Khaman Maluach and Oso Ighodaro.
Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams suffered a torn labrum in his shoulder during a scrimmage and is expected to be sidelined until at least the All-Star break, potentially missing a majority of the season. The significant injury initially left Phoenix relying heavily on young frontcourt players Khaman Maluach, Oso Ighodaro, and CJ Huntley while operating near the second apron. In response, Phoenix signed veteran center Duop Reath.
Kawhi Leonard officially rejoined the Toronto Raptors after waiving a $7.45M trade kicker to facilitate his move from the LA Clippers. Following an NBA investigation into LA's salary cap circumvention—which resulted in a $700,000 fine for Leonard—the veteran star expressed excitement about returning to Toronto for family reasons and stated he isn't looking to take over, noting, "If it’s Scottie’s team, it’s his team."
