NBA Player News

Edgecombe said Monday that he placed an emphasis on improving his shooting during the offseason while also working on his finishing and ball-handling, Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice.com reports.

Edgecombe established himself as a significant part of Philadelphia's rotation as a rookie, but improving his perimeter efficiency was an obvious area of focus heading into his second season. He shot 43.6 percent from the field and 35.9 percent from three across 79 regular-season appearances, and continued development as a shooter could make him an even more effective complement to the 76ers' other high-usage options. While Edgecombe's fantasy outlook is somewhat murkier entering 2026-27 after the 76ers added LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, James doesn't feel like his presence should take away from the youngster's development. "I don't understand why things would change for him," James said of Edgecombe's role.

General manager Zach Kleiman said Monday that Peavy recently turned his ankle and it'll be "some time" before the team gets a full look at him, Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.

Peavy was traded from New Orleans to Memphis on Sept. 8 after averaging 4.3 points and 1.9 rebounds in 15.0 minutes per game during his rookie season with the Pelicans. The 25-year-old forward faces plenty of competition for playing time on the rebuilding Grizzlies, and it's unclear if he'll be able to suit up during the preseason, which does not bode well for his chances of carving out a meaningful role early in the season.

Kalkbrenner said Monday that improving his physicality was his biggest developmental focus during the offseason, Owen O'Connor of SI.com reports.

Physicality was already an area in which Kalkbrenner made noticeable strides during his rookie campaign, particularly absorbing contact defensively and setting screens. The 7-foot-1 center averaged 7.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 21.4 minutes across 69 regular-season appearances last campaign, and further improvement in that area could help him earn additional playing time in Charlotte's frontcourt. His competition is much fiercer this season due to the additions of Hannes Steinbach, Naz Reid and Royce O'Neale.

Head coach Steve Kerr said Monday that Lendeborg is "clearly going to play a ton," regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench, Anthony Slater of ESPN.com reports.

The No. 11 overall pick in this year's draft, Lendeborg is fresh off winning a national championship with Michigan, where he averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals in 30.2 minutes per tilt across 40 games. He also earned Big Ten Player of the Year honors. The forward will be 24 years old when the season begins, and he'll seemingly step into a significant role right away for a Golden State team trying to win another title in the twilight of Stephen Curry's career.

LeBron James said Monday that his relationship with Maxey played a significant role in his decision to sign with the 76ers, Dave McMenamin of ESPN reports.

James said he narrowed his free-agent choices to five teams before ultimately choosing Philadelphia. The 41-year-old described his relationship with Maxey as "really, really great" and said their extensive conversations were a "main deciding factor" in his decision. James previously revealed that Maxey was among the first players to contact him after he informed the Lakers he wouldn't return, with the two sharing a close relationship that extends beyond basketball. The additions of James and Jaylen Brown should reduce Maxey's responsibilities as Philadelphia's primary ballhandler, potentially allowing him to generate more catch-and-shoot opportunities. Maxey converted 41.7 percent of his 3.4 catch-and-shoot three-point attempts per game during the 2025-26 regular season compared to just 33.5 percent on 5.2 pull-up attempts, so a change in shot profile could lead to improved efficiency from beyond the arc.

General manager Zach Kleiman said Monday that Edey (ankle/elbow) has been cleared for on-court activity and is on pace to suit up for Memphis' regular-season opener against the Jazz on Wednesday, Oct. 21, Chris Herrington of The Daily Memphian reports.

Edey still hasn't been ruled out for the preseason, so there's a chance he will see some run ahead of the regular-season opener. The big man underwent surgeries on his left elbow and ankle in March, though he's trending in the right direction ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. The Purdue product appeared in only 11 regular-season games in 2025-26, averaging 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, 1.1 assists and 0.6 steals in 25.8 minutes per contest.

Clowney acknowledged Monday that his offensive role will shrink following the Nets' acquisition of Julius Randle, adding that he's focused on improving defensively in order to earn playing time, Brian Lewis of the New York Post reports.

Clowney started 60 of his 66 regular-season appearances last campaign, averaging 12.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 27.0 minutes per game. Randle's arrival is expected to push the 22-year-old into a reserve role and reduce his shot volume, making Clowney's ability to contribute defensively and on the glass increasingly important to securing consistent minutes in Brooklyn's frontcourt.

Hart said Monday that there hasn't been much movement in extension talks with the Knicks and that he doesn't expect a deal to get done, Vincent Goodwill of ESPN reports.

Hart is eligible for an extension but remains under contract for 2026-27 with a team option for 2027-28, so his comments don't create any immediate uncertainty regarding his status with New York. However, the lack of progress suggests the two sides may enter the season without reaching a new long-term agreement.

LeBron James said Monday that Embiid put significant work into his body, game and mental preparation during the offseason, Kyle Neubeck of PHLY Sports reports.

Embiid enters training camp following an encouraging offseason after appearing in just 38 regular-season games in 2025-26. The 32-year-old center has dealt with persistent durability concerns in recent years, but Philadelphia has consistently expressed optimism about his health this summer, and James' comments provide another positive indication regarding Embiid's preparation for the upcoming campaign.

Porzingis is out indefinitely due to an undisclosed issue, Anthony Slater of ESPN.com reports.

Porzingis will miss the start of training camp due to the unknown issue, and his status for the beginning of the regular season is murky. If the veteran big man is forced to miss time to begin the campaign, Al Horford and Charles Bassey would be candidates for increased playing time.