NBA Player News

Braun appears cemented as a starter for the Nuggets in 2026-27 after Peyton Watson was traded to Cleveland.

Despite playing a career-low 44 regular-season games, Braun was a full-time starter last year and should be locked into a similar role this season. The swingman is searching for a bounce-back campaign, closing last regular season with averages of 12.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 31.8 minutes per game.

Strawther could play an expanded role for the Nuggets in 2026-27 after Peyton Watson was traded to the Cavaliers.

Strawther is still ticketed for a bench role this season, even with Watson now out of the picture, but his playing time could be more consistent after finishing last postseason outside the rotation. The sharpshooter averaged 7.2 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.0 three-pointers in 15.1 minutes per game over 57 regular-season appearances in 2025-26.

Cleveland and Harden agreed Thursday to a three-year deal worth $97 million, per Chris Fedor of The Cleveland Plain Dealer.

The expectation earlier this offseason was that Harden would re-sign on a new multi-year contract with the Cavaliers, and the deal is now in place. The star guard is entering his age-37 campaign but looks to have plenty left in the tank as an early-round fantasy player, having averaged 20.5 points, 7.7 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 3.1 three-pointers per game in 26 regular-season appearances for the Cavs in 2025-26.

Christie's path to consistent minutes became even murkier after the Clippers acquired Max Strus.

Strus should immediately slot into the wing rotation and bring the combination of shooting and veteran experience that contending teams generally prioritize. With Christie also entering the season on a non-guaranteed contract, he'll need a strong showing to secure both his roster spot and meaningful playing time, making him a difficult player to trust outside of deeper dynasty formats.

The Clippers' addition of Max Strus further crowds a wing rotation that already presented Sanders with a difficult path to immediate playing time.

Strus should command regular minutes because of his shooting and ability to play off the Clippers' primary creators, potentially pushing developmental players such as Sanders further down the depth chart. Sanders therefore projects as more of a long-term option than a player likely to make a fantasy impact.

Miller's path to a larger role became more difficult with the Clippers' acquisition of Max Strus.

Strus is an established rotation player with extensive postseason experience and should immediately factor into the club's wing rotation, leaving fewer available minutes for younger options. Miller could still earn opportunities if injuries strike, but he'll face substantial competition for playing time and enters the season with limited redraft appeal.

Max Strus gives the Clippers another veteran wing capable of occupying many of the same lineup slots as Jones.

While Jones offers considerably more defensive versatility and athleticism, Strus provides superior floor spacing and could be preferred in lineups that need additional shooting. The added competition makes Jones' minutes somewhat less secure and reinforces his status as a low-usage contributor whose fantasy value will generally come from defensive statistics rather than offensive volume.

The arrival of Max Strus creates another source of competition for Hachimura in Los Angeles.

Strus' ability to space the floor and function without the ball should make him an easy fit around the Clippers' primary creators, potentially costing Hachimura some opportunities depending on how the rotation shakes out. Hachimura can still carve out a significant role with his size and scoring ability, but the Clippers' depth makes a major fantasy breakout less likely.

The Clippers' acquisition of Max Strus adds another established wing while Mathurin's future with the club remains unresolved as a restricted free agent.

Strus can absorb minutes at both wing spots and brings shooting and playoff experience, potentially making the Clippers less dependent on retaining Mathurin. However, Los Angeles remained below the first apron following the trade, so the addition of Strus doesn't necessarily prevent Mathurin from returning. His fantasy outlook will depend heavily on where he ultimately signs and what role is available there.

Cleveland's acquisition of Peyton Watson adds another versatile forward to a frontcourt that already has plenty of competition for Hezonja and others.

Watson is coming off a breakout season in which he averaged 14.6 points and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 41.1 percent from three across 54 regular-season outings, and his new four-year, $88 million contract indicates he'll command a substantial role. Hezonja's path to consistent playing time consequently becomes more complicated, leaving him with limited fantasy appeal unless injuries thin Cleveland's rotation.