Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
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."
Paul George expressed optimism about his health and transition to the Boston Celtics, calling the move a "rebirth" and emphasizing his desire to support superstar Jayson Tatum. Coming off knee surgery that limited him to 17.3 points per game and 39.2% three-point shooting with Philadelphia, the 36-year-old nine-time All-Star stated it would be "unacceptable" not to play at least 50 to 60 games this season. George acknowledged fan reaction to the Jaylen Brown trade and aims to bring elite defense and playoff experience.
Former No. 2 pick James Wiseman has signed a non-guaranteed Exhibit 9 training camp contract with the New York Knicks, joining Bruce Brown, Ochai Agbaji, John Konchar, and Drew Eubanks in a battle for the team's 14th standard roster spot. The 25-year-old center, who has averaged 9.0 points and 5.5 rebounds across five NBA seasons, appeared in just five combined games over the last two years following a torn left Achilles in 2024. Training camp begins Sept. 28.
Landry Shamet serves as a prominent example of how pre-training camp signings can make a major impact as the New York Knicks prepare for another competitive roster battle this season. While non-guaranteed and training camp deals often appear routine or minor, Shamet previously demonstrated the high level of value these late additions can bring to a championship-caliber team during pre-season preparation and final roster evaluation.
The New York Knicks have signed veteran guard Bruce Brown to an Exhibit 9 training camp deal, creating a tight battle for a single available regular-season roster spot. Brown played in all 82 regular season games for the Denver Nuggets last season, averaging 7.9 points and 3.3 rebounds per game while shooting 38.5% from three-point range. The 2023 NBA champion will battle John Konchar, James Wiseman, Ochai Agbaji, and Drew Eubanks during camp under New York's second-apron cap limits.
Boston Celtics center Mitchell Robinson missed his team introductory press conference for personal reasons after his brother was hit by a car on Tuesday. Robinson, who signed a three-year, $47.4 million contract with Boston in July following eight seasons with the New York Knicks, shared prayers on social media for his brother. Coming off a 2026 NBA title run with New York, the seven-footer averaged 5.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 60 games last season while ranking second in the NBA in offensive rebounds (4.2 per game).
The Sacramento Kings are actively seeking a veteran backup point guard to support star rookie Darius Acuff heading into the 2026-27 season. Sacramento has brought in Elfrid Payton and Ben Simmons on one-year, non-guaranteed training camp contracts to compete for the backup role behind Acuff. With 13 standard contracts currently on the roster, Sacramento is expected to enter the season with a 14-man roster to preserve luxury tax flexibility below the apron.
Veteran point guard Elfrid Payton has signed a training camp contract with the Sacramento Kings to compete for a roster spot and the backup point guard role against Ben Simmons. The 32-year-old former 2014 No. 10 overall pick enters his 10th season, reuniting with GM Scott Perry. Payton last appeared in 2024-25, averaging 3.5 points, 6.9 assists, and 3.3 rebounds across 24 games split between New Orleans and Charlotte. He holds career averages of 9.8 points and 5.8 assists over nine seasons.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Jake LaRavia enters the season looking to find consistency after a breakout 27-point game against Minnesota last year was followed by a brutal shooting slump. With the Lakers adding depth pieces like Sandro Mamukelashvili, Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams, and Quentin Grimes, LaRavia's minutes are threatened if he fails to improve his 32% three-point shooting. His hustle and defense earned coach JJ Redick's trust, but he must expand his offensive impact.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Dominick Barlow is working on smoothing out his corner three-pointer this summer to maximize his minutes on a stacked roster. After starting 59 games last season and averaging 7.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 0.9 steals, Barlow's offseason focus on his jumper is key. Overcoming an elbow injury that bothered him previously, he aims to provide crucial floor spacing for stars like LeBron James and Joel Embiid on his team-friendly $3.41 million contract.
As LeBron James prepares for his 24th NBA season and first with the Philadelphia 76ers, beloved in-arena announcer Matt Cord has officially come out of retirement. Cord, who previously served 28 seasons before stepping down in March, was personally urged to return by franchise legend Allen Iverson via text. Cord will return to the mic at Xfinity Mobile Arena to introduce James and the newly bolstered 76ers squad for the upcoming 2026-27 campaign home opener.
Coming off his first healthy season in years, elite point guard LaMelo Ball joins the Minnesota Timberwolves as their premier offseason addition. Despite unfair criticisms labeling his innovative playstyle as reckless, Ball anchors one of the league's top offensive engines. Teaming up with Anthony Edwards, Ball's exceptional passing and high-level creation give the Timberwolves a dynamic new dimension to counter conference rivals in the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season.
Acquired by the Milwaukee Bucks in a trade with the Detroit Pistons, veteran wing Caris LeVert prepares for a reduced role in a young locker room. The 32-year-old struggled last season with injuries and inefficiency, averaging 7.4 PPG in 60 appearances without a start. GM Jon Horst added LeVert primarily for asset management and cap flexibility. LeVert faces a tough battle for minutes against Milwaukee's young guard rotation but provides valuable off-the-bench shot creation.
Drafted 30th overall by the Phoenix Suns, 19-year-old rookie Koa Peat brings an elite resume from Arizona, including a Final Four run. Standing 6’7” and 245 lbs, Peat excels in the midpost, transition, and as a playmaker. However, his lack of a consistent 3-point shot and questions about conditioning remain hurdles. Projected to come off the bench initially, the Suns hope to develop his raw potential into a franchise cornerstone under a patient development plan.
As the Philadelphia 76ers prepare for the 2026-27 season with new additions LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, scrutiny remains on the backup center situation behind starter Joel Embiid due to his extensive injury history. Third-year big man Adem Bona, who averaged 4.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 17.4 minutes per game last season, and new signing Ariel Hukporti will compete for minutes behind Embiid, while Dominick Barlow, Dean Wade, and James serve as versatile small-ball options.
Reports indicate Houston Rockets internal metrics value Amen Thompson as a top-10 NBA player, though public models like DPM and EPM place him in the 92nd percentile. Thompson boasts elite athleticism and an improved ball-handle, but his lingering shooting struggles remain a notable offensive hurdle. Despite questions surrounding his true tier, the Rockets view him as a foundational piece and hold zero interest in trading him as he enters his development phase under staff guidance.
Payton Pritchard has been engaging in intensive summer workouts with newly signed veteran Mike Conley ahead of the upcoming season. The duo has been playing one-on-one and five-on-five games while discussing complementary offensive strategies, such as floaters and mid-range shots. Pritchard's quickness and playmaking are expected to complement Conley's experience as both guards prepare to share the backcourt for the Boston Celtics.
Entering his 20th NBA season, 38-year-old veteran guard Mike Conley signed with the Boston Celtics in pursuit of his first championship. At his introductory press conference, Conley revealed he has been extensively training with teammate Payton Pritchard through one-on-one and five-on-five workouts. Conley, who averaged 4.5 points and 2.9 assists in 54 games for Minnesota last season, is passing along veteran tips as he prepares to bolster Boston's guard depth.
