NBA Player News

Harrell informed the 76ers on Wednesday that he will decline his $2.76 million player option for 2023-24 and become a free agent, Chris Haynes of Turner Sports reports.

The 2020 NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award winner is opting to move on from the 76ers after he essentially fell out of former head coach Doc Rivers' rotation following the All-Star break during his lone season in Philadelphia. Over his 57 appearances this past season, Harrell averaged 5.6 points in 11.9 minutes per game on 59.8 percent shooting from the field, but he saw his rebound rate drop off considerably and lacks the rim-protecting abilities that most teams seek in backup centers. Harrell should land on a roster somewhere heading into training camp, though the 29-year-old could continue to struggle find a consistent rotation spot due to his limitations on the defensive end.

Jones exercised his $2.58 million player option for the 2023-24 season Tuesday, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.

Jones split time with the Lakers and Jazz last year but never carved out a substantial role with either team. He played at least 20 minutes just nine times, posting 7.2 points, 5.9 rebounds and 0.9 blocks during those contests, and had one double-double across 41 appearances (one start). Walker Kessler and Udoka Azubuike will be Utah's top two centers next year, but Jones figures to be a capable depth option.

The Hornets announced Wednesday that Williams underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb.

Williams missed most of March due to the thumb issue but suited up for six of the Hornets' final eight games. He's expected to make a full recovery ahead of training camp and should be back in time for the start of the 2023-24 season, when he'll likely settle back in as Charlotte's top center. In 17 appearances as a starter during his rookie campaign, Williams averaged 11.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.1 blocks across 26.9 minutes.

Jokic recorded 28 points (12-16 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 3-5 FT), 16 rebounds, four assists and one block over 42 minutes during Monday's 94-89 win over Miami in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.

As expected, Jokic dominated once again as the Nuggets secured a series-clinching Game 5 win. Across 20 postseason games, the two-time MVP averaged 30.0 points, 13.4 rebounds, 9.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.0 blocks with 54/46/80 shooting splits across 39.4 minutes per contest. Jokic and Jamal Murray are under contract for the next few years, so Denver should remain in championship contention during the 2023-24 campaign.

Adebayo registered 20 points (9-20 FG, 2-2 FT), 12 rebounds, one assist and one steal across 44 minutes during Monday's 94-89 loss to the Nuggets in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.

Adebayo scored at least 20 points in all five matchups of the Finals and recorded four double-doubles, falling just one board short in the only game he didn't. The sixth-year center's effort versus Nikola Jokic was nothing short of valiant, but the Miami offense just couldn't score enough to keep the series competitive. Adebayo and Butler are both under contract for the next couple years, so the duo figures to run it back during the 2023-24 campaign.

Adebayo contributed 22 points (7-21 FG, 8-10 FT), 17 rebounds, three assists and one block in 41 minutes during Wednesday's 109-94 loss to Denver in Game 3 of the NBA Finals.

Adebayo's efficiency from the field left much to be desired, but he was solid at the free-throw line and managed to tie his highest rebounding total in the playoffs. With Jimmy Butler's production having taken a step back for the first three games of the series, Adebayo has stepped into an increased role on the offensive end, averaging 23.0 points per game in The Finals.

Jokic closed Wednesday's 109-94 victory over the Heat in Game 3 of the NBA Finals with 32 points (12-21 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 7-8 FT), 21 rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks across 44 minutes.

In yet another dazzling performance during the postseason, Jokic put his name in the history books Wednesday by becoming the first player to record a 30-20-10 game in the NBA Finals. Jokic has seven triple-doubles over his last nine playoff outings and owns exceptional 59.0/85.7/44.4 percent shooting splits through the first three games of the series with Miami.

The Suns will explore the possibility of trading Ayton (ribs) this offseason, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.

After suffering a disappointing exit in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs, it appears the Suns are looking to make significant roster changes ahead of the 2023-24 season, including potentially parting ways with both Chris Paul and Ayton. After signing a four-year, $132.93 million contract last offseason, Ayton appeared in 67 regular season games in 2022-23, averaging 18.0 points and 10.0 rebounds across 30.4 minutes. Though there have been some motor concerns with Ayton since entering the league in 2018, the 24-year-old will undoubtedly attract some suitors if put on the trading block.

Zeller (foot) is available for Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Nuggets on Wednesday, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

As expected, Zeller has been upgraded from probable to available for a second straight game. He's played 15 minutes over the first two games of the series, totaling four points and seven rebounds.

Zeller is probable for Wednesday's Game 3 against Denver due to a sprained right foot, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Zeller was also considered probable for Game 2 before being upgraded to available. The veteran big man is averaging 2.0 points and 1.5 rebounds in 7.5 minutes across the first two contests of the series.