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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander PG | OKC
Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: More off-ball work coming?
Gilgeous-Alexander could play off the ball more this season, per Kevin O'Connor of Yahoo Sports.
Running mate Jalen Williams was limited to a career-low 33 regular-season appearances in 2025-26, but his presence on the floor could help Gilgeous-Alexander spend more time off the ball in 2026-27. Gilgeous-Alexander remains a cinch pick early in the first rounds of fantasy drafts regardless of his role, having averaged at least 30 points, four rebounds, five assists, one steal and nearly one block while shooting at least 51 percent from the field and 87 percent from the foul line in each of his past four seasons.
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Cason Wallace SG | OKC
Thunder's Cason Wallace: Pegged for larger role
Thunder general manager Sam Presti said the organization thinks "very highly" of Wallace and indicated that trading Luguentz Dort was partly a reflection of the team's belief in the 22-year-old guard, according to Rylan Stiles of SI.com.
Wallace started 58 regular-season games in 2025-26, averaging 9.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.1 steals in 27.7 minutes per game in those contests. With Dort no longer in Oklahoma City, Wallace appears positioned for an increased role and could become a full-time starter in 2026-27.
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Gary Trent Jr. SF | MIL
Bucks' Gary Trent: Investigation still ongoing
The NBA's investigation into Trent's four-year, $64 million contract with the Bucks remains ongoing, Joe Vardon of The Athletic reports.
The league has reportedly hired national investigations law firm Hecker Fink to examine the fully guaranteed deal, while both Milwaukee and Trent's agency, Klutch Sports Group, are cooperating with the investigation. The NBA is looking into whether Trent's previous team-friendly contracts with the Bucks were connected to an understanding that he would receive a more lucrative deal once Milwaukee acquired his Early Bird rights. There is currently no indication of when the investigation will conclude, and no finding of wrongdoing has been announced.
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Ajay Mitchell SG | OKC
Thunder's Ajay Mitchell: Could step up this season
Thunder general manager Sam Presti has mentioned Mitchell (calf) multiple times as a player who could take on more minutes and make a jump this season, according to Brandon Rahbar of Daily Thunder.
Mitchell appears to be a candidate for an expanded role in Oklahoma City's rotation after showing promise in a limited capacity last season. The team lost Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins and Luguentz Dort this offseason, making Mitchell an obvious player to watch ahead of fantasy drafts. His exact place in the rotation will become clearer during training camp and the preseason.
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Jared McCain PG | OKC
Thunder's Jared McCain: Hyped up by Presti
Thunder general manager Sam Presti praised McCain's all-around game, describing the guard as a "winning player," Brandon Rahbar of DailyThunder.com reports.
Presti added that there's "a lot more" to McCain's game than his ability to knock down three-pointers. The comments suggest Oklahoma City values the 22-year-old's broader skill set and could look to utilize him in multiple ways during his first season with the Thunder, and there will certainly be more opportunities following some key departures in the wing rotation.
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Jakob Poeltl C | TOR
Raptors' Jakob Poeltl: Moving well ahead of camp
Poeltl is moving well and "looks good" ahead of training camp, Raptors general manager Bobby Webster said, according to Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun.
Webster added that spending time at home helped Poeltl reset ahead of the upcoming campaign. The positive update suggests the veteran center is in good shape entering camp, though his workload and status will be worth monitoring as Toronto begins preseason preparations. Injuries limited Poeltl to 46 regular-season appearances in 2025-26.
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Anthony Davis PF | WAS
Wizards' Anthony Davis: Expected to bounce back
General manager Will Dawkins said during Thursday's press conference that Davis (finger) is "very much a motivated player" and that he expects the veteran big man to bounce back in 2026-27.
Davis was limited to only 20 regular-season appearances with Dallas last season due to health issues, but Dawkins said the 10-time All-Star is currently in a "great frame of mind." Washington also views Davis as a starting-caliber center in a revamped frontcourt featuring Alex Sarr and Deandre Ayton. Davis and the Wizards reportedly postponed contract extension discussions earlier this offseason, but Dawkins declined to specifically address those talks Thursday.
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Jarred Vanderbilt PF | LAL
Lakers' Jarred Vanderbilt: Likely coming off bench
Vanderbilt is among the candidates for the Lakers' final starting position, according to Jovan Buha of Buha's Block.
Vanderbilt's defensive versatility, size and rebounding make him a theoretical fit for what Los Angeles wants from the role, but Buha is skeptical that he'll win the competition after playing a modest role last season. Jake LaRavia and Ziaire Williams appear to have the inside track entering camp, so Vanderbilt may need a strong preseason to move up the pecking order.
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Sandro Mamukelashvili PF | LAL
Lakers' Sandro Mamukelashvili: Outside chance to start
Mamukelashvili is among the options for the Lakers' final starting spot, though Jovan Buha of Buha's Block has reservations about his defensive fit.
Buha questioned whether a lineup featuring Luka Doncic, Mamukelashvili and Walker Kessler would have sufficient quickness and athleticism defensively. Mamukelashvili should nevertheless get an opportunity to compete for the job during camp and the preseason, though Jake LaRavia and Ziaire Williams appear to be the more likely candidates entering the competition.
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Quentin Grimes SG | LAL
Lakers' Quentin Grimes: Expected to start
Grimes is viewed as a lock to occupy one of the Lakers' starting spots entering training camp, according to Jovan Buha of Buha's Block.
Grimes is expected to join Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler as four established members of the starting five, leaving only one position unsettled. The offseason addition should complement Doncic and Reaves with his perimeter defense and ability to operate away from the ball, putting Grimes in line for a substantial role in his first season with Los Angeles.