NBA Player News

Clifford enters his second NBA season after showing flashes as a versatile two-way wing during his rookie campaign.

His ability to defend multiple positions and contribute as a rebounder should keep him in the mix for rotation minutes, though Sacramento's wing depth could make consistent playing time difficult to secure. Continued improvement as a perimeter shooter would go a long way toward expanding his role in 2026-27 after he hit 33.3 percent from beyond the arc over 75 regular-season games as a rookie.

Cardwell returns to Sacramento after spending last season with the organization, giving him a leg up in the battle for frontcourt minutes entering training camp.

The big man provides size, rebounding and rim protection, though he'll likely be competing for a reserve role behind Domantas Sabonis and Maxime Raynaud. Across 44 regular-season games in 2025-26, Cardwell averaged 5.4 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 20.6 minutes per contest.

Acuff enters his rookie season with an opportunity to earn developmental minutes in Sacramento's backcourt after being selected in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft.

The dynamic scoring guard could spend time learning behind the Kings' veteran guards while adjusting to the NBA game, but a starting role on Opening Night could be on the table. Acuff's long-term upside as a shot creator makes him one of Sacramento's top young prospects.

Sheppard continued to provide valuable depth on the wing during the 2025-26 campaign, carving out minutes with his perimeter shooting and defensive effort.

Although Indiana's veteran core limits his offensive opportunities, the organization continues to value his ability to play within the system. Sheppard's role could be reduced entering the 2026-27 season, however, as the Pacers will be getting Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) back in the mix.

Walker took another step forward during his third NBA season, earning a larger role in Indiana's rotation thanks to his defensive versatility and improving offensive game.

The 2023 lottery pick remains one of the Pacers' most intriguing young forwards and could continue seeing increased opportunities as his development progresses. He enters 2026-27 positioned to remain a key member of Indiana's frontcourt rotation.

Nesmith continued to establish himself as one of Indiana's most valuable two-way wings during the 2025-26 season, but injuries limited him to 45 regular-season appearances.

Nesmith's combination of three-point shooting, defensive versatility and energy made him an ideal fit alongside the Pacers' core. With Indiana largely standing pat this offseason, Nesmith should continue to occupy a prominent role in the starting lineup. In 2025-26, he averaged 13.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.9 dimes and 2.3 three-pointers for a shorthanded Pacers squad.

Siakam remained one of Indiana's most productive players in 2025-26, providing consistent scoring, rebounding and veteran leadership during a rebuilding campaign.

The four-time All-Star can now look forward to complementing a returning Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) as the Pacers' top frontcourt option and should remain heavily involved offensively. Indiana made no significant offseason additions that would impact Siakam's workload heading into 2026-27, and the fact that Indiana is projected to be competitive is great news for his outlook.

McConnell continued to deliver steady production off the bench for Indiana during the 2025-26 campaign, serving as one of the league's most reliable reserve point guards.

The veteran remains an important source of playmaking and defensive intensity whenever he's on the floor, even in a limited role. With the Pacers returning much of their core, McConnell is expected to reprise his role as the team's primary backup point guard entering 2026-27, this time behind a returning Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles).

Brooks agreed to a three-year, $73 million extension with the Suns on Wednesday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

Despite appearing in only 56 regular-season games in 2025-26, Brooks had a fantastic campaign, averaging a career-high 20.2 points along with 3.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.0 steals across 30.4 minutes per contest. He's not the most efficient shooter. However, the 30-year-old is capable of producing on both ends of the floor while also providing leadership and toughness. Brooks should continue to be a vital piece of the Suns' long-term plans, so he could see more minutes than ever in 2026-27. He has an excellent opportunity to match or surpass his production from last season, especially if Devin Booker, Jalen Green and Mark Williams can't stay off the injury report.

The Rockets are waiving Davison on Wednesday, per Varun Shankar of the Houston Chronicle.

Houston originally exercised the team option on Davison's contract in June, but the team has since had a change of heart in keeping him around. Assuming he clears waivers, Davison will be free to sign elsewhere, likely on either an Exhibit 10 deal or a two-way contract.