NBA Player News

Johnson (rest) is getting ready to reprise his role as a two-way player for Brooklyn in 2026-27.

Johnson signed a two-way contract with the Nets in June after occupying a two-way roster spot with the club a year ago. Such a role leaves Johnson more likely to begin the new season as a featured part of the G League's Long Island Nets as opposed to the NBA squad, unless injuries strike the parent team at some point between training camp and the regular season.

Powell (rest) is looking to improve this season following a poor rookie campaign in 2025-26.

Powell struggled to make an impression on either end of the floor during his rookie year, averaging 6.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 0.6 steals per game while shooting just 40.2 percent from the floor over 63 regular-season appearances (24 starts) in 2025-26. While it appears unlikely he'll start the new year in the first unit, Powell should at least have a leg up on veterans Keon Ellis and Terance Mann for Brooklyn's backup role at shooting guard before training camp kicks off in September.

Mann (knee) is unlikely to begin the 2026-27 season as a starter and appears to be buried on the depth chart.

Mann started 51 of his 63 regular-season appearances during his first year with the Nets in 2025-26, but he's all but certain to begin the new campaign as a reserve instead. Brooklyn drafted Mikel Brown in the first round this summer and is also set to get Egor Demin back in the mix, potentially leaving Mann behind Drake Powell, Ben Saraf and Nolan Traore (foot) in a position to fight for scraps with Keon Ellis off the bench.

Brown (rest) is primed for a significant role ahead of his rookie season in 2026-27.

The Nets chose Brown with the No. 6 overall pick in this year's draft, so they likely have big plans in mind for the 20-year-old guard right away in 2026-27. Brown, who averaged 15.0 points, 4.0 assists, 1.2 steals and 2.2 three-pointers per game over four Summer League appearances, is lined up to share Brooklyn's starting backcourt with Egor Demin.

Saraf (rest) is in line for a reserve role in 2026-27 after the Nets drafted Mikel Brown earlier this summer.

The 2025 first-rounder bookended his rookie campaign as a starter, but a bench role appears more likely to open this season now that Brown is in the fold and Egor Demin is healthy. Nolan Traore is recovering from offseason knee surgery but is expected to be ready for the start of training camp in the fall, so Saraf is set to battle with youngsters Traore and Drake Powell as well as veterans Keon Ellis and Terance Mann for playing time in the second unit.

Wolf (rest) is ticketed for a reserve role in 2026-27 after the Nets acquired Julius Randle from Minnesota earlier this offseason.

Wolf closed last season as a starter while the Nets gradually began shutting down most of their key players, but the 2025 first-rounder might even struggle for a significant Opening Night role in 2026-27. Not only did Brooklyn add Randle as its starting power forward, but the team also signed Moritz Wagner and drafted Joshua Jefferson to further upgrade the frontcourt.

Demin (rest) is looking to take a step forward ahead of his second NBA season in 2026-27.

The 2025 first-rounder is coming off an exciting Summer League run, having averaged 21.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.8 steals and 2.6 three-pointers per game over five appearances. Demin is set to work alongside a new backcourt partner after the Nets drafted Mikel Brown earlier this summer, and he should operate as a full-time starter in 2026-27.

The Raptors announced Wednesday they've signed Jemison to a two-way contract.

Jemison had previously been an unrestricted free agent after the Knicks declined to tender him a qualifying offer earlier this offseason. The big man is preparing for his fourth NBA season ahead of 2026-27, but most of his playing time is likely to come with the G League's Raptors 905.

Fears enjoyed an outstanding rookie season, appearing in all 82 regular-season games while averaging 14.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists.

Fears capped the year by setting the franchise rookie scoring record with a 40-point performance and enters 2026-27 as one of New Orleans' most promising young guards. Even with Dejounte Murray expected back, Fears has positioned himself for a significant role in the Pelicans' backcourt rotation.

Queen impressed during his rookie campaign despite missing time early in the season due to a wrist injury, flashing the versatile offensive skills that made him a lottery pick.

Queen posted several standout performances, including the first 30-point triple-double by a rookie center in NBA history. Queen should compete for an even larger frontcourt role in 2026-27 as one of New Orleans' top young building blocks.