NBA Player News

Okongwu's status as the top center is solidified after Atlanta selected Kingston Flemings with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

The Hawks passed up on names like Morez Johnson, Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara and Nate Ament, instead focusing on building their backcourt for the future with the pick of Flemings. Atlanta did nab Zuby Ejiofor later in the first round and also exercised the team option on Mouhamed Gueye's contract to fortify its frontcourt this offseason, but Jock Landale (ankle) is set to enter unrestricted free agency. Neither Ejiofor nor Gueye project as more than reserve players, so Okongwu should have a good chance of building upon a career 2025-26 campaign across the board while effectively functioning as the team's full-time starting center.

Johnson could be working with a more traditional point guard more often after the Hawks drafted Kingston Flemings with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Johnson thrived during a year of transition for a Hawks team that traded away franchise cornerstone Trae Young midseason, serving as Atlanta's de facto point guard. Across 72 regular-season contests, the star forward averaged a career-high 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, 7.9 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.7 three-pointers in 35.2 minutes per game. It's hard to envision Flemings cutting into Johnson's ball-handling duties significantly right away, even though none of CJ McCollum, Dyson Daniels or Nickeil Alexander-Walker profile as true floor generals, so Johnson should continue to operate as Atlanta's top playmaker in 2026-27.

Marshall (hip) has more competition for playing time after the Mavericks chose Morez Johnson with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Marshall was one of the bigger fantasy beneficiaries of the various injuries to Dallas' frontcourt in 2025-26, averaging a career-high 15.2 points per game to go with 4.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals in 29.5 minutes per game over 74 regular-season appearances (47 starts). Dallas could lose Khris Middleton in unrestricted free agency this offseason, and Klay Thompson is also a rumored trade candidate, so Marshall still has a chance to battle with Max Christie for the top spot at shooting guard next year even though Johnson could create a crunch for minutes in the frontcourt.

Miami is declining the $2.41 million team option on Young's contract Friday, per Michael Scotto of USA Today.

The Heat converted Young's two-way contract to a standard deal prior to the conclusion of the regular season, but they'll now look to fill his roster spot with another player. Young could find a two-way spot elsewhere, otherwise he may have to settle for an Exhibit 10 deal.

Flagg (ankle) could be working alongside a new member of the starting lineup after Dallas selected Morez Johnson with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

P.J. Washington and either Dereck Lively (foot) or Daniel Gafford remain the early favorites to comprise the Mavericks' starting frontcourt in 2026-27, but Johnson certainly poses a significant risk to that projection. Dallas is set to finally have Kyrie Irving back in the fold next year following his knee surgery, and the star guard's presence might have more of an impact on Flagg's performance than Johnson's. That in mind, Flagg is in jeopardy of seeing a downtick in usage, but he shot just 29.5 percent from deep during his rookie campaign and could see more open looks from downtown with Irving in the lineup.

The Thunder traded Joe to the Pistons in exchange for two second-round picks, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

The Pistons secure some additional shooting to spread the floor for Cade Cunningham. Joe played a key role for the Thunder in 2025-26, averaging 11.1 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 2.5 three-pointers on 45.5 percent shooting from the field in 71 regular-season appearances. He has a chance to play a similar role with his new team.

Dieng should receive every opportunity to earn consistent rotation minutes now that Milwaukee has fully embraced a rebuilding direction, Amir Motameni of SI.com reports.

The former lottery pick flashed intriguing upside after arriving late last season, and the Bucks can afford to prioritize his development alongside fellow youngsters Brayden Burries, Nate Ament, Kel'el Ware and Jaime Jaquez. Increased competition at forward exists, but Milwaukee's emphasis on evaluating its young core should work in Dieng's favor with Giannis Antetokounmpo out of the picture.

Green should continue playing a significant role despite Milwaukee's influx of young wings, Amir Motameni of SI.com reports.

The sharpshooter established himself as one of the league's better perimeter specialists last season, and his floor spacing should remain valuable as the Bucks integrate Brayden Burries and Nate Ament into the rotation. While the rookies could eventually eat into his minutes, Green projects to remain one of Milwaukee's most reliable veterans on the wing following the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade.

Kuzma (Achilles) could take on a larger offensive role after Milwaukee pivoted toward a rebuild, though he also profiles as a logical trade candidate, Amir Motameni of SI.com reports.

The veteran forward is one of the few proven scorers remaining on the roster following the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade and could help ease the transition for rookies Brayden Burries and Nate Ament if Kuzma stays with the team. However, Kuzma's expiring contract could make him an appealing target for contenders before the trade deadline.

Turner (ankle) remains one of Milwaukee's top trade candidates after the organization shifted into rebuilding mode following the Giannis Antetokounmpo deal, Amir Motameni of SI.com reports.

While the veteran center would likely open the season as the Bucks' starting center, the team's focus on developing younger talent could eventually lead to a move if the right offer emerges. Until then, Turner should continue to serve as a stabilizing presence on a roster headlined by inexperienced players.