NBA News

Klay Thompson • SG • Mavericks

Heat Waiting on Klay Thompson Buyout Path

Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Klay Thompson remains a Miami Heat target, but the Heat are more likely to wait on a possible buyout than trade for him, per Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald. Miami could use the remainder of its midlevel exception if Thompson reaches the market, but Dallas reportedly prefers to find a trade for the four-time champion rather than let him walk for nothing. Thompson, 36, is owed roughly $17.5 million in the final year of his deal and is coming off a diminished season, averaging 11.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while still hitting around 38 percent from three. He would help Miami's spacing, but his low usage and fading all-around production leave him as a deep-league threes specialist at best.

10 hours ago

De'Andre Hunter • SF • Kings

De'Andre Hunter Eyes Kings Starting Spot

Sacramento Kings forward De'Andre Hunter is expected to claim the final starting spot over Maxime Raynaud, per Kings beat writer Chris Watkins. That would round out a projected five of Darius Acuff Jr., Zach LaVine, Hunter, Keegan Murray, and Domantas Sabonis, giving Sacramento more perimeter defense and spacing than a two-big look with Raynaud. Hunter, 28, arrived from Cleveland at the deadline and finished last season averaging 13.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.7 threes across 45 games. His low defensive stats and limited playmaking cap the fantasy ceiling, so even with a starting role, he profiles more as a points-and-threes streamer than a stable standard-league option.

11 hours ago

Darius Acuff Jr. • PG • Kings

Darius Acuff Jr. Could Start for Kings

According to beat writer Chris Watkins, Sacramento Kings guard Darius Acuff Jr. is expected to open the season as the starting point guard. That would put the No. 7 pick in a first unit with Zach LaVine, De'Andre Hunter, Keegan Murray, and Domantas Sabonis while pushing Malik Monk toward a bench scoring role. Acuff, 19, showed shot-creation juice in Summer League, averaging 20.8 points and 4.6 assists, but he shot just 27.8 percent from three and committed 3.8 turnovers per game. A starting job would boost his redraft case for points, assists, and steals, though shaky efficiency and turnovers could drag down his nine-category value. He remains more appealing as a dynasty piece than a safe redraft target.

11 hours ago

Jeremy Sochan • PF • Trail Blazers

Jeremy Sochan Joins Trail Blazers

Free-agent forward Jeremy Sochan has agreed to a one-year, non-guaranteed deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, per Shams Charania of ESPN. The former No. 9 pick was waived by the Spurs in February, then joined the Knicks and played a limited role during their championship run. Sochan, 23, owns career averages of 9.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, but his 28.6 percent career mark from three has capped his offensive fit. In Portland, he will try to stick behind Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara on the wing. His defensive versatility gives him a path to minutes, but he is more of a watch-list name than a draft target.

11 hours ago

Gary Payton II • PG • Warriors

Gary Payton II Stays With Warriors

Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II has agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million deal to return to the Bay Area, per Shams Charania of ESPN. The 33-year-old defensive specialist remains in a familiar bench role under Steve Kerr, giving Golden State another low-usage defender around Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Payton is coming off one of his best seasons, averaging a career-high 7.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 0.9 steals while shooting 58.3 percent across 73 games. His finishing and defense help the Warriors, but limited touches and low three-point volume keep him off most fantasy boards.

11 hours ago

Zeke Nnaji • C • Nuggets

Bucks Could Absorb Zeke Nnaji's Contract

Denver Nuggets forward/center Zeke Nnaji could be included as a salary piece in a potential sign-and-trade that would send restricted free-agent forward Peyton Watson to the Milwaukee Bucks, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Milwaukee has not offered a first-round pick, so taking on the $14.93 million left on Nnaji's contract over the next two seasons could be its clearest way to help Denver cut salary near the second apron. Nnaji is not a fantasy factor, but Watson's landing spot carries more weight. The 23-year-old averaged 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and shot 41.1 percent from deep last season. A post-Giannis reset in Milwaukee could give him more minutes and usage than he had in Denver.

22 hours ago

Pat Connaughton • SG • Hornets

Hornets Could Waive Pat Connaughton

Charlotte Hornets guard/forward Pat Connaughton is a waiver candidate as the team works through a crowded roster, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Connaughton, 33, had his $3.8 million team option picked up in June, but his salary does not become fully guaranteed until Jan. 31, 2027, giving Charlotte flexibility if it needs to trim down before opening night. The 11-year veteran and 2021 NBA champion has seen his role fade, averaging 2.6 points and 1.5 rebounds in 7.1 minutes across 42 games last season. His contract and locker-room presence may be more useful than his on-court production, but he has no fantasy relevance.

22 hours ago

Tyrese Maxey • PG • 76ers

Tyrese Maxey Aims for Team USA Debut

Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey wants to play for Team USA at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, per Evan Sidery. Maxey, 25, has not suited up for the national team, but he would be 27 by the next Olympics and fits as a prime-age scoring guard in a younger American backcourt mix. He is coming off his first All-NBA season after averaging career highs of 28.3 points, 6.6 assists, 1.9 steals, and 3.1 three-pointers across 70 games. The Olympic note is not a fantasy factor, but it reinforces Maxey's rise. His scoring, assists, steals, threes, and free-throw percentage keep him firmly in the early-round fantasy conversation.

22 hours ago

Patrick Williams • PF • Bulls

Bulls Try to Move Patrick Williams

Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams is reportedly being shopped, with the team willing to attach draft compensation to move his contract, per Evan Sidery. Williams, 24, has three years left on the five-year, $90 million extension he signed in 2024, including an $18 million player option for 2028-29. Moving him would give Chicago more flexibility amid its reported interest in the Clippers' restricted free-agent Bennedict Mathurin, though that pursuit may not be as aggressive as first believed. Williams posted career lows of 7.0 points and 3.0 rebounds while shooting 34.7 percent from three last season, leaving him off the redraft radar unless a new team gives him a cleaner role.

23 hours ago

Cooper Flagg • PF • Mavericks

Cooper Flagg Eyes 2028 Team USA Spot

Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Cooper Flagg intends to commit to Team USA for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, per Evan Sidery. Flagg, 19, is already tracking as one of the program's top young options after a historic rookie season in Dallas. He averaged 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals while leading the Mavericks in total points, rebounds, assists, and steals, joining Michael Jordan as the only rookies to do so since steals became official. The Olympic news is not directly actionable for fantasy, but it reinforces Flagg's long-term ceiling. He remains an elite dynasty cornerstone and a strong early-round target this season.

23 hours ago

D'Angelo Russell • PG • Grizzlies

Grizzlies are Nearing Buyout with D'Angelo Russell

The Memphis Grizzlies are reportedly nearing a buyout with guard D'Angelo Russell. According to Evan Sidery, the Grizzlies are expected to finalize this buyout soon. There are no plans for Russell to play for the Grizzlies this upcoming season. The 30-year-old was acquired as a part of a six-team blockbuster trade earlier this offseason. After the buyout is finished, Russell would enter free agency as an unrestricted player who is free to sign anywhere. Last season, Russell averaged 10.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists across 19.0 minutes per game in 26 contests with the Dallas Mavericks. He'll likely sign with a contending team as a bench piece, so his fantasy value will probably be limited.

Yesterday

Michael Porter Jr. • SF • Nets

Nets Could Extend Michael Porter Jr.

The Brooklyn Nets could potentially use the rest of their remaining cap space to give small forward Michael Porter Jr. a long-term extension. They could raise his 2026-2027 salary to $45.3 million and add four additional seasons to his contract. Porter is entering the final year of his deal and is coming off a career year with the Nets. He averaged a career-high 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists across 32.5 minutes per game in 52 contests. The 28-year-old is going to set himself up for a hefty payday if he puts together similar stats again in 2026. The Nets would be smart to lock up Porter now, assuming they believe he's going to be a key piece to the future of this roster.

Yesterday

Bennedict Mathurin • SG • Clippers

Bulls, Pelicans Remain Interested in Bennedict Mathurin

The New Orleans Pelicans and Chicago Bulls are both reportedly interested in restricted free-agent shooting guard Bennedict Mathurin. The Los Angeles Clippers tendered a qualifying offer to Mathurin, so they do retain his restricted rights. The Clippers intend to keep Mathurin, but that hasn't slowed teams down from showing interest. He averaged 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists across 28.0 minutes per game in 26 games with the Clippers this past season. There seems to be a handful of suitors for Mathurin, but the Clippers are unlikely to let him leave. We'll see if the Pelicans or Bulls make an offer to Mathurin this offseason.

Yesterday

Jonathan Kuminga • PF

Timberwolves Expressing Interest in Jonathan Kuminga

The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly interested in signing free-agent forward Jonathan Kuminga. He became an unrestricted free agent after the Atlanta Hawks decided to decline his $24.3 million option for the 2026 season. A return to Atlanta is possible, but the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly showing interest as well. Now, Minnesota is putting its hat into the mix after missing out on the LeBron James sweepstakes. The Wolves could use another forward or center after the departure of Julius Randle and Naz Reid this offseason. His overall fantasy value will be dependent on where he lands this offseason.

Yesterday

Anfernee Simons • SG • 76ers

Anfernee Simons Set to Lead Sixers' Bench Scoring

Philadelphia 76ers guard Anfernee Simons is expected to provide second-unit scoring and three-point shooting, per Paul Hudrick of Liberty Ballers. Simons, 27, signed a two-year, $12.3 million deal after splitting last season between Boston and Chicago, where he averaged 14.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists and shot 38.5% from three. He gives Philadelphia a needed bench scorer after Quentin Grimes left for the Lakers, but his usage could be squeezed behind Tyrese Maxey, LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, and Joel Embiid. For fantasy, Simons is mainly a points-and-threes option with spike-game appeal if the Sixers manage injuries or rest their stars.

Yesterday

Cason Wallace • PG • Thunder

Cason Wallace Eyes Bigger Minutes

Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Cason Wallace could be the biggest fantasy winner from the team's offseason salary-shedding moves, per Bryan Toporek of Forbes. Oklahoma City traded Isaiah Joe to Detroit and moved Aaron Wiggins and Luguentz Dort to Atlanta, opening up perimeter minutes after Dort spent years as a starter. Wallace, who started 58 games last season, already brings strong steals, low turnovers, and usable threes, but his scoring ceiling still depends on how much on-ball work he gets next to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He looks like a clear redraft riser, especially in nine-category builds. The Thunder can extend Wallace before the season, or he will be on track for restricted free agency in 2027.

Yesterday

Shake Milton • PG

Shake Milton Signs With Hapoel Jerusalem

Guard Shake Milton has signed with EuroCup side Hapoel Jerusalem for the 2026-27 season, the club announced. Milton spent last season with Partizan Belgrade in his first campaign outside the NBA, averaging 6.9 points, 2.4 assists, and 1.4 rebounds in EuroLeague play while adding 12.8 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.2 rebounds per game in the ABA League. The 29-year-old previously spent seven NBA seasons with the 76ers, Timberwolves, Pistons, Knicks, Nets, and Lakers before heading overseas. He had also been linked to Maccabi Tel Aviv before landing with Hapoel. Milton has been off NBA fantasy boards since leaving the league, and this move keeps him irrelevant for stateside formats.

Yesterday

Mac McClung • PG • Bulls

Rytas Vilnius Targets Mac McClung

Free-agent guard Mac McClung is increasingly likely to continue his career in Europe, with Rytas Vilnius monitoring him, per BasketNews. The three-time Slam Dunk Contest champion and two-time G-League MVP has chased an NBA role for years, but a consistent opportunity has not followed despite his production. McClung spent the end of last season on a two-way deal with the Chicago Bulls and averaged 31.8 points and 7.9 assists for Windy City, yet he has logged only 17 NBA games. Rytas has emerged as a team to watch, though no agreement has been reported. A move overseas would take McClung off NBA fantasy boards, but he was never a redraft factor.

Yesterday

Bradley Beal • SG

Bradley Beal Draws Heat and Celtics Interest

Free-agent guard Bradley Beal has drawn interest from the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics on a veteran minimum deal, per Evan Sidery. Beal, 33, declined his Clippers player option after a lost season, appearing in six games before undergoing season-ending surgery for a left hip fracture. The three-time All-Star averaged just 8.2 points, 1.7 assists, and 0.8 rebounds with Los Angeles, a long way from his peak scoring years in Washington. Miami may offer a cleaner path to bench offense next to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, while Boston would likely view him as a low-minute scorer. His fantasy appeal depends almost entirely on health and role, leaving him as a late flier rather than a draft priority.

Yesterday

Mouhamadou Gueye • PF

Hornets Waive Mouhamadou Gueye

The Charlotte Hornets waived forward/center Mouhamadou Gueye, the team announced, after acquiring him from Chicago in the July 10 four-team deal that also involved Minnesota and Brooklyn. Gueye was included largely for transaction mechanics, and his non-guaranteed 2026-27 salary made him an expected cut with Charlotte facing an offseason roster crunch. The 28-year-old has appeared in 13 NBA games, including two with Chicago last season, and averaged 15.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across 34 regular-season G League games for Windy City. Valencia Basket has already announced a deal with Gueye through June 30, 2027, so there is no NBA fantasy fallout here.

2 days ago

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