NBA Player News

The Clippers and Raptors both agreed Monday to finalize the trade sending Kawhi Leonard to Toronto for Ingram (heel), Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, one first-round pick swap and two second-rounders, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

The deal, which was agreed to in principle June 30, was held up over two months due to the league's investigation involving salary-cap circumvention by Leonard and the Clippers. Ingram underwent surgery in early May to address ongoing right heel pain, so his health will be worth monitoring when he reports to Los Angeles' training camp later in September.

The Clippers and Raptors both agreed Monday to complete the trade sending Leonard to Toronto for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, one first-round pick swap and two second-rounders, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

Over two months after the deal was initially agreed upon, it will finally be processed following the NBA's investigation of salary-cap circumvention involving Leonard and the Clippers. The star forward is coming off one of the best seasons of his storied career in 2025-26 with Los Angeles, having averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game over 65 regular-season appearances.

Carter agreed to a deal with the Celtics on Monday, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.com reports.

This appears to be an Exhibit 10 deal, as Scotto notes that Carter will compete for an NBA roster or two-way contract in training camp. Across 38 regular-season games for the Kings in 2025-26, Carter averaged 8.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists.

Gordon (calf) said he got his mind and body right during the offseason, and he's "ready to go" for the 2026-27 season, Harrison Wind of TheDNVR.com reports.

Gordon labored through a left calf issue during Denver's postseason run last spring, missing three of the Nuggets' final four games in their first-round loss to the Timberwolves. However, he's had plenty of time to recover, and it appears he'll enter training camp at 100 percent. Gordon averaged 27.9 minutes per game last season over 36 regular-season contests, but his playing time could dip this upcoming season due to the arrival of DeMar DeRozan.

Philon faces plenty of competition for minutes and an uncertain role heading into his rookie campaign, per Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice.com.

Selected with the No. 22 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Philon will likely have to impress to take on a steady role after the 76ers added Jaylen Brown, LeBron James, Anfernee Simons, Dean Wade and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (finger) this offseason. Philon will need to prove he can be effective off the ball to see meaningful burn on a nightly basis during his rookie season, as the 76ers have plenty of ball-handlers ahead of him. The 20-year-old's off-ball movement and ability to hit catch-and-shoot threes could play a large part in his playing time, considering the Sixers also have Simons to handle the rock off the bench. Philon will also have to hold his own defensively to stay on the court. He earned All-SEC First Team honors with Alabama in 2025-26, averaging 22.0 points, 5.0 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals while shooting 50.1 percent from the field and 39.9 percent from beyond the arc in 30.9 minutes per game.

Milicic agreed to an Exhibit 10 contract with the Knicks on Saturday, Stefan Bondy of The New York Post reports.

Milicic is set to compete for a spot on New York's regular-season roster, and the organization now holds his G League rights. The 24-year-old forward appeared in 45 outings with the G League's Delaware Blue Coats last season, averaging 6.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 18.8 minutes per tilt.

With Cameron Boozer, Karim Lopez (undisclosed) and Jerami Grant now in the mix, Jackson faces increased competition for playing time in the 2026-27 campaign.

The Grizzlies are expected to focus on developing their young talent this season, though Jackson still faces plenty of competition for minutes. Memphis drafted Boozer and Lopez in June before acquiring Grant in the Ja Morant deal later that month. Jackson has flashed potential throughout his time in the NBA, which the Grizzlies rewarded this summer by exercising his $2.4 million team option. The 21-year-old's long-term upside could help him retain a meaningful role, but he isn't guaranteed steady minutes when the team is at full strength. Jackson is coming off a solid season for an injury-riddled Grizzlies squad in 2025-26, averaging 12.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.4 combined steals-plus-blocks while shooting 49.6 percent from the field across 21.4 minutes per game in 55 regular-season appearances (28 starts).

Sasser will compete for playing time off the Mavericks' bench in 2026-27, and he could operate as the primary backup to Kyrie Irving (knee).

After spending the first three years of his career with the Pistons, Sasser will get a fresh start in Dallas. The 25-year-old logged several career lows in 2025-26, averaging 5.2 points, 2.0 assists, 1.0 rebounds and 0.5 steals in 12.0 minutes per showing across 38 regular-season outings (five starts). Although he shot a career-worst 39.0 percent from the field last season, Sasser connected on a career-high 41.5 percent of his three-point tries on 2.8 attempts per contest. He'll have a much clearer path to a consistent role with the Mavericks, as he'll presumably compete with rookie Sergio de Larrea for playing time off the bench behind Irving. While Cooper Flagg should continue to take on significant ball-handling duties, Sasser will likely have the opportunity to carve out a meaningful role, especially if he impresses during training camp and the preseason.

The Hawks waived Carter on Friday, Jake Fischer of BleacherReport.com reports.

After coming over from the Kings in an offseason trade, Carter is being let go by Atlanta before getting the chance to report for training camp. The 2024 first-rounder averaged a career-high 8.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 0.9 steals in 18.4 minutes per contest across 38 regular-season appearances for Sacramento in 2025-26, so he should draw some interest on the open market provided he clears waivers.

Head coach Ime Udoka said Friday that VanVleet (knee) is ramping up his rehab work, Lachard Binkley of SI.com reports.

With VanVleet having missed the entire 2025-26 campaign after suffering a torn ACL late last offseason, it's encouraging to hear he's back on the court. The veteran point guard is almost a full calendar year removed from the surgery, so there's optimism he'll be ready for Opening Night in late October. His level of participation in training camp and the preseason remains a question mark, though.