NBA News

Simone Fontecchio • SF • Heat

Simone Fontecchio Explains Why He Stayed with Heat

Miami Heat forward Simone Fontecchio re-signed on a reported one-year minimum deal this summer, and he said returning to Europe was never part of the plan. "We didn't even consider the idea of returning to Europe this summer," Fontecchio told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "When this opportunity in Miami came along, I just accepted it." The 30-year-old also valued keeping his family settled, describing Miami as the place where he feels "wanted and appreciated." Fontecchio averaged 8.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting 37.5 percent from three across 70 games last season. His shooting should help space the floor around Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo, but a crowded wing rotation keeps him off fantasy radars unless injuries open steady minutes.

11 hours ago

Chaney Johnson • PF • Nets

Chaney Johnson Eyes Standard Contract with Nets

Brooklyn Nets guard/forward Chaney Johnson is working to turn his two-way contract into a standard NBA deal, according to Sharif Phillips-Keaton of Nets Wire. Johnson told NetsDaily's Connor Long on The Brooklyn Boys Show that he is focused on buying into whatever development plan the coaching staff has for him, and his Summer League production helped his case. The 24-year-old undrafted Auburn product averaged 13.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 2.5 steals across six games between the California Classic and Las Vegas Summer League while shooting 66.7 percent from the field and 50.0 percent from three. Still, his two-way role points more toward Long Island Nets minutes than a steady NBA run, leaving him off fantasy radars unless injuries open a path.

11 hours ago

Dejounte Murray • SG • Pelicans

Dejounte Murray Declares Himself Healthy

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray says he is healthy and ready to show a better version of himself in 2026-27, he told HoopsHype's Cyro Asseo. Murray said his Achilles rehab was mentally harder than his earlier ACL recovery, but his 14-game return last season was not just a late-year cameo. The 29-year-old averaged 16.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.6 steals in 27.8 minutes over that stretch after tearing his right Achilles on Jan. 31, 2025. A full runway puts Murray back in New Orleans' starting backcourt under Jamahl Mosley, which should trim Jeremiah Fears' on-ball ceiling while giving Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, and Derik Queen a steadier table-setter.

11 hours ago

Klay Thompson • SG • Heat

Klay Thompson Praised by Pat Riley After Heat Signing

Miami Heat guard/forward Klay Thompson drew strong praise from team president Pat Riley after signing with Miami following his Dallas Mavericks buyout. Riley called Thompson "one of the most iconic players to ever suit up in the NBA" and pointed to his value as an all-around player, not just a shooter. The 36-year-old five-time All-Star is coming off a reduced role in Dallas, where he averaged 11.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 21.7 minutes across 69 games while shooting 38.3 percent from three. Thompson's fantasy value should still lean heavily on triples, and Miami's crowded rotation caps his counting-stat ceiling despite the cleaner spacing next to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.

11 hours ago

Jimmy Butler III • SF • Warriors

Jimmy Butler III Has No Firm Timeline for Return

Golden State Warriors guard/forward Jimmy Butler III (knee) remains without a firm return timeline after undergoing ACL surgery in February, with Danny Emerman of The San Francisco Standard noting that it is too early to read much into a target date. Emerman floated a broad Christmas-to-March window, which fits the uncertainty around a long ACL recovery. Butler tore his right ACL on Jan. 19 after averaging 20.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.4 steals over 38 games. Until he returns, Gui Santos should have the cleanest path to extra wing minutes, while Brandin Podziemski carries more secondary creation next to Stephen Curry. Butler remains a stash with real age and rehab risk.

11 hours ago

Payton Pritchard • PG • Celtics

Payton Pritchard Wants to Improve at Drawing Fouls

Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard recently talked about his goals for the upcoming season. Pritchard mentioned that he'd like to get better at drawing fouls. He made it clear that he doesn't want to flop, but instead improve on his technique and learn when to draw the foul. He has been working on his footwork as well because he wants to become a more efficient finisher. Last season, Pritchard averaged 17.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.2 assists across 32.4 minutes per game in 79 contests. The departure of Jaylen Brown could mean that Pritchard takes on a larger role offensively. It sounds like his value should be on the rise heading into the 2026 season.

23 hours ago

Dennis Schröder • PG • Hornets

Dennis Schroder Wants to Play 2-4 More Years

Charlotte Hornets guard Dennis Schroder would like to play in the NBA for 2-4 more years, according to heavy.com. Schroder has been playing in the league for 13 years, but he still feels that he has a few more years left in him. His main reason to keep playing is that he wants to make it to 2028 when the salary cap rises. Schroder has been all around the league, playing for 11 different organizations since joining the league in 2013. He was most recently traded to Charlotte, so we'll see what kind of role he has on the rebuilding Hornets. This past season, Schroder averaged 10.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in 70 games between the Sacramento Kings and Cleveland Cavaliers. The 32-year-old feels like he could play at least four more seasons, so we'll see if that's true.

23 hours ago

Klay Thompson • SG • Heat

Klay Thompson Signs Two-Year Deal with Heat

According to Shams Charania, veteran guard Klay Thompson is finalizing a two-year, $13 million deal with the Miami Heat. It's a two-year deal, but the second year is a player option. Thompson must wait until he officially clears waivers following a buyout from the Dallas Mavericks. After two bad years in Dallas, it's unclear if Thompson is going to start on the Heat. This past season, Thompson averaged 11.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists across 21.7 minutes per game in 69 contests. His shooting percentages have taken a hit in recent years, but Thompson can still be a decent contributor, whether it's on the bench or in the starting five. Pelle Larsson will likely see a reduced role with Thompson now headed to South Beach.

23 hours ago

Oso Ighodaro • PF • Suns

Oso Ighodaro is Working on his Three-Point Game

Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro is working on improving his game this offseason. He sat down with Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic to discuss his goals and the overall outlook of his team for the upcoming season. Ighodaro is young, but he wants to keep stepping into a leadership role on the team. He wants to work on his offensive game, knowing his defense is his strong suit at the moment. During the offseason, Ighodaro has been working on his free throws and shooting from beyond the arc. Both areas could use improvement, so it's nice to see him focusing on that. Last season, Ighodaro averaged 6.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in 22.0 minutes per game in 82 contests. His value should be on the rise if he can improve his game offensively.

23 hours ago

Dalano Banton • PG

Dalano Banton Draws EuroLeague Interest

Free-agent guard/forward Dalano Banton has drawn EuroLeague interest from Partizan, Olympiacos, and Valencia, according to overseas reporting from Encestando, BeBasket, and 5th Quarter. The Boston Celtics waived the 26-year-old in July to shed his non-guaranteed $2.8 million salary, leaving him to weigh NBA and overseas options. Banton was productive in the G-League last season, averaging 25.0 points, 6.8 assists, and 3.7 rebounds across 30 starts for the Texas Legends. His NBA track record is thinner, with 6.6 points in 14.4 minutes across 222 games. A EuroLeague move would wipe out any NBA fantasy value, while another 10-day path would keep him on the fringe.

Yesterday

Bruce Brown • SG

Bruce Brown Linked to Cavaliers in Free Agency

Free-agent guard/forward Bruce Brown has been linked to the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to Zach Weiss of SI, who cited Cleveland.com's Terry Pluto. Brown spent last season back with the Denver Nuggets, averaging 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.0 steals in 24.4 minutes across 82 games while shooting 47.5 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from three. Cleveland could have a roster spot to fill if it waives or trades Cam Whitmore, and Brown would bring low-usage wing depth with past ties to James Harden and Jarrett Allen from Brooklyn. The fantasy appeal would be limited, though, with Brown likely ticketed for a bench role behind Cleveland's established rotation unless injuries open steady minutes.

Yesterday

Keshad Johnson • PF

Keshad Johnson Could Rejoin Heat

Free-agent forward Keshad Johnson has been part of talks about a possible return to the Miami Heat, according to the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson. Johnson has continued working out with the team and could come back on either a standard contract or a two-way deal. The reigning Slam Dunk Contest champion averaged 4.3 points and 1.9 rebounds in 8.8 minutes across 32 games last season, so even a reunion would carry little fantasy appeal. With Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins, and Bobby Portis ahead of him in the frontcourt and wing mix, Johnson would need several injuries to sniff a usable role.

Yesterday

Nick Richards • C

Nick Richards Emerges as Heat Frontcourt Target

Free-agent center Nick Richards has emerged as a candidate for the Miami Heat's 14th roster spot, according to the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson. Miami wants to use the spot on a rotation big who can play either center or power forward, and the 6-foot-11 veteran has been working out at Kaseya Center in Heat gear. Richards is weighing multiple offers, and it's unclear whether another team has topped Miami's guaranteed money. Any fantasy value would be thin regardless of where he signs. Richards averaged 5.8 points and 5.1 rebounds in 14.6 minutes across 48 games and six starts for Phoenix and Chicago last season. In Miami, he would sit behind Bam Adebayo, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Bobby Portis, leaving frontcourt injuries as his only real path to minutes.

Yesterday

Zeke Nnaji • C • Nuggets

Zeke Nnaji Emerges as Nuggets' Likely Salary Dump

Denver Nuggets forward/center Zeke Nnaji is a strong candidate to be traded as the franchise works to dip below the second apron after DeMar DeRozan agreed to join Denver, according to NBA insider Evan Sidery. The Nuggets may need to attach draft capital to move Nnaji, who is owed roughly $7.5 million next season and has a player option for the same amount in 2027-28. The 25-year-old holds little fantasy appeal after averaging 3.7 points and 2.6 rebounds in 12.0 minutes across 52 games last season. DeRozan is the actual fantasy-relevant piece here after averaging 18.4 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds with Sacramento. His arrival could squeeze touches for Christian Braun and Cameron Johnson behind Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.

2 days ago

Naji Marshall • SF • Mavericks

Naji Marshall Backed by Mavericks GM Mike Schmitz

Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall received strong public backing from general manager Mike Schmitz after signing a three-year, $52.2 million extension. Schmitz used a Friday appearance on 1310 The Ticket to praise Marshall's toughness, versatility, feel and ability to play with or without the ball. The 28-year-old averaged 15.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals in 29.5 minutes last season while shooting 51.0 percent from the field, though his 29.1 percent mark from three remains the swing skill. Klay Thompson's buyout removes one veteran wing, but Dallas still has a crowded forward mix around Cooper Flagg, P.J. Washington, Max Christie and Zaccharie Risacher. Marshall's role looks stable enough to keep him in the late-round fantasy conversation, with more upside if the jumper improves.

2 days ago

Neemias Queta • C • Celtics

Neemias Queta Could be in Line for Offensive Leap

Boston Celtics forward/center Neemias Queta could take another step forward offensively after a breakout season that earned him a four-year, $56 million extension. The 26-year-old averaged 10.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.3 blocks while shooting 65.3 percent from the field, giving Boston efficient rim-running production around its creators. Jack Simone of Boston Sports Journal noted that the Celtics scored 1.35 points per possession on Queta pick-and-roll looks, a strong sign that more touches could be available next to Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard. Jaylen Brown's move to Philadelphia also opens up creation elsewhere, but Mitchell Robinson's arrival adds center competition. Queta's fantasy value still leans on field-goal percentage, rebounds, and blocks, with minutes deciding how high the ceiling climbs.

2 days ago

Jalen Duren • C • Pistons

Jalen Duren's Contract Negotiation Get Messy

Restricted free-agent center Jalen Duren remains unsigned as extension talks with the Detroit Pistons drag on. ESPN's Tim MacMahon said on The Hoop Collective that he did not know whether Duren would sign an extension, calling the situation "an awfully nasty negotiation." At the same time, Marc Stein has reported that Duren could still play on his $9.6 million qualifying offer. The 22-year-old averaged 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists across 70 games last season before slipping to 10.2 points and 8.5 boards in the playoffs. Detroit has continued to brush aside sign-and-trade scenarios, so Duren's fantasy outlook is still tied to a likely return as the Pistons' starting center next to Cade Cunningham. The contract noise is real, but the role remains strong enough to keep him valuable for points, rebounds, field-goal percentage and blocks.

2 days ago

DeMar DeRozan • SF • Nuggets

DeMar DeRozan Signs One-Year Deal With Denver

Free-agent guard DeMar DeRozan is signing a one-year, $3.9 million contract with the Denver Nuggets, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. DeRozan and the Sacramento Kings parted ways in July, allowing the veteran to join a contending team. Despite being in the second tax apron, the Nuggets' roster is extremely shallow, especially after the recent sign-and-trade of Peyton Watson, so DeRozan projects to get plenty of run with his new team. The 37-year-old enters his 18th NBA season after averaging 18.4 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds on 49.7% shooting last year for the Kings.

3 days ago

Klay Thompson • SG • Heat

Klay Thompson Agrees To Buyout With Mavericks, To Sign With Heat

Veteran shooting guard Klay Thompson will soon join Giannis Antetokounmpo and Company in Miami after agreeing to a buyout with the Dallas Mavericks. ESPN's Shams Charania reports that the 36-year-old is expected to sign with the Heat once he clears waivers. Thompson averaged career-low marks across the board: minutes (21.7), shot attempts (10.6), three-point percentage (38.3%), free throw percentage (76.6%), points (11.7), rebounds (2.1), and assists (1.4). On the tail end of his career, Thompson doesn't have much left to give for fantasy basketball players, but figures to be part of the new-look rotation in South Florida.

3 days ago

Matas Buzelis • SF • Bulls

Matas Buzelis Adds Strength Ahead of Year 3

Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis told Cousins with Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady that he added roughly 12 pounds this offseason and hired a personal chef to help keep the weight on. Bulls On SI's Elias Schuster noted that Buzelis wants to play through more contact and cut down on his three-point volume after taking 6.4 attempts per game last season. The 21-year-old nearly doubled his scoring in Year 2, averaging 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 29.2 minutes while shooting 46.3 percent from the field. The added strength could help his finishing and rebounding, though Chicago's frontcourt now includes rookie Caleb Wilson and Nicolas Claxton. Buzelis still has breakout appeal, but the Bulls' crowded rotation keeps his fantasy ceiling tied to minutes.

3 days ago

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