NBA News

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.

4 hours ago

Jalen Duren • C • Pistons

Jalen Duren Negotiation Gets 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.

4 hours 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.

20 hours ago

Klay Thompson • SG

Klay Thompson Agrees To Buy Out With Mavericks, To Sign With Miami Heat

Veteran shooting guard Klay Thompson will soon join Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co. 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.

20 hours 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.

Yesterday

Darius Garland • PG • Clippers

Darius Garland Says He Is Back to 100 Percent

Los Angeles Clippers guard Darius Garland says he is back to 100 percent after the injury that disrupted his last year in Cleveland and delayed his Clippers start. Speaking with HoopsHype at New Balance's Beantown Elite camp, Garland said the issue began as a bone bruise before worsening into torn ligaments that required reconstruction. He is now excited for a full training camp under Tyronn Lue and said he has discussed borrowing from Kyrie Irving's 2016 Finals role. Garland averaged 20.6 points, 6.7 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.8 threes in 2024-25, so a clean offseason makes him a strong bounce-back fantasy target.

Yesterday

Max Strus • SG • Clippers

Max Strus Earns Praise From Lawrence Frank

Los Angeles Clippers guard/forward Max Strus received a strong endorsement from president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank, who called him "a big part" of the team's plans after the trade from Cleveland. Frank praised Strus as a shooter with feel who can handle, pass, and fit into different lineup groups. The veteran wing gives Los Angeles another floor spacer after shooting 37.0 percent from three across his NBA career. His 2025-26 regular season was derailed by a left foot Jones fracture, but he returned in the playoffs and averaged 9.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.1 threes across 18 games. Strus should get clean catch-and-shoot chances next to Darius Garland, though his fantasy value still depends on minutes and shot volume in a crowded Clippers rotation.

Yesterday

Nick Richards • C

Nick Richards Works Out with Heat Players in Miami

Free-agent center Nick Richards has been working out in Miami Heat gear on the team's practice court, but the Sun Sentinel's Ira Winderman downplayed the idea that it signals a front-burner signing. Miami is an offseason hub for player runs, and Winderman framed any Heat path for Richards as more likely a non-guaranteed camp invite than a firm roster move. The 28-year-old could follow the path Precious Achiuwa took last year, though that route would come with no roster-spot guarantee even if he plays well in preseason. Miami's hard cap after the Giannis Antetokounmpo acquisition also limits flexibility while other roster matters remain unresolved. Richards split 2025-26 between Phoenix and Chicago, averaging 5.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 0.3 assists in 14.6 minutes per game, leaving him off fantasy radars unless a real roster opening develops.

Yesterday

Malique Lewis • PF • Bucks

Malique Lewis Nears Deal with Cairns Taipans

Forward Malique Lewis is nearing a deal with the Cairns Taipans for NBL27, according to ESPN's Olgun Uluc. The Trinidad and Tobago forward would join Cairns as an import and fill the team's final roster spot, keeping him in the NBL after two seasons with the South East Melbourne Phoenix through the Next Stars program. Milwaukee holds Lewis' NBA draft rights after he was selected No. 60 in the 2026 NBA Draft, making this a draft-and-stash development year rather than an NBA opportunity. Lewis averaged 7.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.2 steals last season. His defensive tools and improved shooting keep him interesting long-term, but he is off NBA fantasy radars for now.

Yesterday

Aaron Holiday • PG

Aaron Holiday Signs with Maxima Roma in Italy

Guard Aaron Holiday is headed overseas after signing with Maxima Roma, the first-year Italian club set to compete in Lega Basket Serie A and the EuroCup in 2026-27. The 29-year-old leaves the NBA after eight seasons with Indiana, Washington, Phoenix, Atlanta, and Houston, averaging 6.4 points and shooting 38.4 percent from three across 505 regular-season games. Holiday spent the last three years with the Rockets, posting 5.5 points, 1.1 assists, and 1.0 rebounds in 13.7 minutes across 57 games last season. Houston's guard rotation now includes Fred VanVleet and Marcus Smart, leaving no clear path back there. Holiday's deal reportedly has an NBA out, but he is off fantasy radars unless he returns stateside.

Yesterday

Jae Crowder • PF

Jae Crowder Joins ASVEL for First European Stint

Forward Jae Crowder signed with LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne for the 2026-27 season, sending the longtime NBA veteran to Europe for the first time in his career. The 36-year-old played 13 NBA seasons across nine franchises, averaging 9.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists over 812 regular-season games. Crowder also appeared in 115 playoff contests and reached the NBA Finals with Miami in 2020 and Phoenix in 2021. His last NBA stop came with Sacramento in 2024-25, when he logged only nine appearances before later playing in Puerto Rico. With Crowder now committed to ASVEL, he carries no value in NBA fantasy formats.

Yesterday

James Harden • SG • Cavaliers

James Harden Returns to Cavaliers on Three-Year, $97 Million Deal

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden has agreed to a three-year, $97 million fully guaranteed contract to stay in Cleveland, with a third-year player option and 15% trade kicker. The former MVP returns as the Cavaliers' primary ball-handler after averaging 20.5 points, 7.7 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.1 threes in 26 regular-season games with the team. The fantasy appeal remains tied to assists, scoring, and three-point volume, though turnovers are still part of the package after Harden gave it away 4.7 times per game in the playoffs. With his role settled, he remains a reliable early-round guard.

Yesterday

DeMar DeRozan • SF • Nuggets

DeMar DeRozan Emerges as Denver's Top Free-Agent Target

Free-agent guard/forward DeMar DeRozan has become a target for the Denver Nuggets after they sent Peyton Watson to Cleveland, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes. The six-time All-Star was waived by Sacramento in July after averaging 18.4 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds in 31.2 minutes across 77 starts last season. Denver can offer a title-contending role next to Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, but its second-apron situation leaves the veteran minimum as the likely path. That could make money the hurdle if Miami or Washington pushes harder. DeRozan still offers scoring and durability, but a bench role in Denver would likely cap his fantasy value.

2 days ago

Santi Aldama • PF • Mavericks

Santi Aldama Sits Out Spain Qualifiers

Dallas Mavericks forward/center Santi Aldama will sit out Spain's upcoming FIBA World Cup 2027 qualifying window as he continues working back from right knee surgery. The Spanish Basketball Federation announced that Aldama will miss training camp and the games against Portugal and Greece, with both sides deciding not to rush his recovery before his first season in Dallas. The 25-year-old averaged 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists and shot 35.0 percent from three across 43 games last season. The fantasy appeal is real if the minutes are there, but Dallas' frontcourt is crowded, with Cooper Flagg and P.J. Washington absorbing forward minutes while Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II handle the middle, leaving Aldama's role as the key swing factor.

2 days ago

Elfrid Payton • PG

Elfrid Payton Draws Kings Interest

Free-agent guard Elfrid Payton is one of the experienced ball-handlers the Sacramento Kings are considering as they open a series of veteran workouts, according to Jake Fischer. Sacramento is hosting Cameron Payne first and has also shown interest in Victor Oladipo while searching for a veteran presence behind No. 7 pick Darius Acuff Jr. Payton, the 10th pick in the 2014 draft, last played in the NBA in 2024-25, averaging 3.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 6.9 assists across 24 games with New Orleans and Charlotte. He spent last season with the G-League's Austin Spurs. Even if signed, Payton would be a deep-reserve mentor behind Acuff, Zach LaVine, and Malik Monk, leaving him off fantasy radars.

2 days ago

Cameron Payne • PG

Cameron Payne to Work Out for Kings

Free-agent guard Cameron Payne is set to work out for the Sacramento Kings as the team begins a series of veteran guard auditions, according to Jake Fischer. Sacramento has been searching for an experienced ball handler to help support and mentor rookie Darius Acuff Jr., the No. 7 overall pick, with Victor Oladipo and Elfrid Payton also under consideration. Payne spent time with Partizan last season before joining Philadelphia, where he averaged 7.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 steals in 17.0 minutes across 22 games while shooting 37.6 percent from the field and 33.0 percent from three. Even if Payne lands a deal, he would be fighting for reserve minutes in a backcourt that already features Acuff, Zach LaVine and Malik Monk, leaving him off fantasy radars.

2 days ago

Julian Reese • PF

Julian Reese Headed to Denver, to be Waived

The Denver Nuggets are acquiring forward Julian Reese from the Washington Wizards as part of the expanded multi-team trade involving Peyton Watson, Max Strus, Tre Mann, and Cam Whitmore, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Denver is expected to waive Reese from his two-way deal, leaving the 23-year-old without a clear NBA home for now. Reese flashed in a late-season Washington cameo, averaging 11.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists across 13 games, but the waiver keeps him off fantasy radars. He is more of a developmental big to monitor if another team gives him a two-way or back-end roster look.

2 days ago

Cam Whitmore • SF • Cavaliers

Cam Whitmore Headed to Cleveland

The Cleveland Cavaliers are acquiring forward Cam Whitmore from the Washington Wizards as part of the expanded multi-team trade that also sends Peyton Watson to Cleveland, Max Strus to the LA Clippers, Tre Mann to Washington, and Julian Reese to Denver, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The move gives Cleveland a younger, smaller-salary wing after Whitmore's 2025-26 season ended in January because of deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. The 22-year-old averaged 9.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.7 assists across 21 games while shooting 45.6 percent from the field. The fantasy fit is cloudy. Watson has the cleaner path to impact minutes, while Jaylon Tyson adds more wing competition, leaving Whitmore off fantasy radars until his health and role are clearer.

2 days ago

Tre Mann • PG • Wizards

Tre Mann Traded to Wizards

The Washington Wizards are acquiring guard Tre Mann, a 2027 second-round pick from the Clippers, and cash from the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Washington is sending Cam Whitmore to Cleveland and Julian Reese to Denver as part of the expanded multi-team trade that also moves Peyton Watson to Cleveland and Max Strus to the LA Clippers. Mann gives Washington another backcourt option after the Wizards have been searching for guard depth. The 25-year-old averaged 5.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 12.6 minutes across 53 games last season, struggling to find steady footing in a limited role. A change of scenery could help, but Washington's backcourt is still crowded enough to cap his fantasy appeal. Mann is only worth tracking if injuries open a clearer path to minutes.

2 days ago

Max Strus • SG • Clippers

Max Strus Traded to the Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers are acquiring guard/forward Max Strus in the multi-team deal that sends Peyton Watson to Cleveland, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The veteran wing gives the Clippers another floor spacer after shooting 37.0 percent from three across his NBA career. Strus' 2025-26 regular season was derailed by a left foot Jones fracture, limiting him to 12 games, but he returned for the playoffs and averaged 9.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.1 threes across 18 contests. He profiles as a useful movement shooter in Los Angeles, though his fantasy value will depend on whether he can carve out enough minutes and shot volume in a crowded rotation.

2 days ago

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