NBA Player News

Adebayo's (back) fantasy outlook should remain strong after Miami acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo, though his offensive role could shift alongside another high-usage frontcourt star, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sentinel opines.

While Adebayo may sacrifice some scoring volume, Antetokounmpo's ability to collapse defenses should create more efficient scoring opportunities, and the duo projects to form one of the league's premier defensive frontcourts. Adebayo nursed a back issue to end the 2025-26 season, but he should be a full go for training camp.

Knecht could receive a larger offensive opportunity following LeBron James' departure, as the Lakers have significant scoring to replace, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.

However, the additions of Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams provide more competition on the wing, while Sandro Mamukelashvili adds another rotation piece in the frontcourt. Knecht's ability to emerge as a reliable perimeter scorer should ultimately determine whether he can claim a larger role in 2026-27.

Vanderbilt should continue to provide defensive value after LeBron James' exit from the Lakers, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Despite James' absence, the arrivals of Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams and Sandro Mamukelashvili give the Lakers additional options on the wing and in the frontcourt. While Vanderbilt's rebounding and defensive versatility remain valuable, increased competition for minutes could make it difficult for him to carve out a reliable fantasy role.

LaRavia could see an expanded role following LeBron James' departure, though the Lakers' additions of Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams and Sandro Mamukelashvili should create added competition for frontcourt minutes, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.

LaRavia's ability to defend multiple positions and contribute as a floor spacer should keep him in the rotation, but his fantasy upside may depend on whether he can maintain a consistent starting role. He appeared in all 82 regular-season games for the Lakers in 2025-26 with averages of 8.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists.

The Nuggets offered Watson (hamstring) $70 million over five seasons, Tony Jones of The Athletic reports.

This offer comes in well below the $25 million annually that Watson was seeking. Christian Braun previously received a five-year, $125 million deal from the Nuggets and was clearly outplayed by Watson in 2025-26, but Denver holds the leverage. Watson is a restricted free agent, and his top suitors currently don't have the cap space to sign him.

Stevens was waived by the Kings on Monday, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.com reports.

Stevens signed a two-year, two-way contract with the Kings last July, though he'll now have to explore other opportunities if he clears waivers. The 25-year-old point guard appeared in just three regular-season games for the Kings last season, averaging 3.3 points, 3.3 assists and 1.7 steals in 14.3 minutes per tilt.

Spencer (back) should have a significant role next season after the Grizzlies traded Ja Morant to the Trail Blazers this offseason.

Memphis has a three-way competition brewing for No. 1 point guard duties ahead of training camp, featuring Scotty Pippen (toe), Ty Jerome (ankle) and Spencer. Even if he fails to seize a starting position to open the year, Spencer is far more likely than D'Angelo Russell to play meaningful minutes in the backcourt off the bench for the rebuilding Grizzlies. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (finger) also agreed to a buyout with Memphis on Saturday, further improving Spencer's chances of claiming a big role with the second unit.

Pippen (toe) has a chance to begin the new year as Memphis' starting point guard after Portland acquired Ja Morant in a trade with the Grizzlies earlier this offseason.

Pippen will have to gain clearance ahead of training camp after undergoing a toe procedure in March, but he certainly appears to be a winner of the team's offseason moves. Ty Jerome (ankle) poses a significant risk to Pippen's role, however, and the two guards figure to engage in a battle for the top role at the point this fall. Pippen is looking to bounce back following an injury-ruined 2025-26 campaign, during which he averaged 11.4 points, 4.7 assists, 2.2 rebounds and 1.9 steals in 21.2 minutes per game across 10 regular-season appearances (six starts).

Jerome (ankle) moved up the depth chart earlier this offseason when Portland acquired Ja Morant in a trade with the Grizzlies.

Scotty Pippen (toe) appears to be the early favorite for the starting spot at point guard, but there's no denying how effective Jerome was when healthy in 2025-26. Across 15 regular-season appearances, Jerome averaged a hyper-efficient 19.7 points, 5.7 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals in just 22.6 minutes per game. Pippen underwent a toe procedure in March, so it remains to be seen if he'll be cleared for full participation in training camp this fall.

Irving (knee) should be fully healthy by the end of the offseason, per Christian Clark of The New York Times.

Irving is close to a full recovery from ACL surgery, so he should be a full participant by the time training camp comes around in the fall. The star guard hasn't yet gotten the chance to take the floor since the Mavericks drafted Cooper Flagg last year, so it'll be interesting to see how the two mesh once they're sharing the backcourt duties.