NBA Player News

The Grizzlies' selection of Cameron Boozer with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft creates additional frontcourt competition, but Hendricks (thumb) should still have an opportunity to carve out a significant role entering 2026-27.

Acquired from Utah in the Jaren Jackson trade, the 22-year-old showed encouraging flashes after arriving in Memphis, averaging double figures while displaying his defensive versatility and floor-spacing ability. Boozer's arrival could reduce some of Hendricks' offensive opportunities, but the former lottery pick remains an intriguing developmental piece as the Grizzlies continue building their young core.

Wells (toe) should continue competing for rotation minutes on the wing despite Memphis adding Cameron Boozer with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Wells' defensive ability and complementary skill set could help him carve out a role alongside the Grizzlies' established core. However, increased competition for minutes may make consistent opportunities more difficult to secure. In addition to Boozer, the Grizzlies also added forward Karim Lopez in the first round.

Coward (back) could potentially have more competition for touches with the Grizzlies selecting Cameron Boozer with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

The second-year pro could spend more time on the wings and in the backcourt after the Grizzlies added considerable frontcourt talent. In addition to Boozer, Memphis also selected forward Karim Lopez in the first round. The Grizzlies' depth may slightly limit his usage, though Coward still offers intriguing long-term upside.

Aldama (knee) may face increased competition for minutes after the Grizzlies drafted Cameron Boozer with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

The versatile forward has established himself as a valuable rotation player because of his floor spacing and offensive versatility, but Memphis' crowded frontcourt could lead to fluctuating opportunities. In addition to Boozer, the Grizzlies also selected Karim Lopez in the first round. Aldama's ultimate role may depend on potential offseason roster moves.

Edey's (ankle, elbow) role becomes more intriguing following Memphis' addition of Cameron Boozer with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

The young center has shown encouraging development during his first two seasons and still projects to receive significant frontcourt minutes. However, Memphis now possesses additional depth in the frontcourt, creating some uncertainty regarding lineup combinations. Injuries have limited Edey to 66 regular-season appearances through two years, so his health is a far bigger concern.

The Jazz's selection of Darryn Peterson with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft gives Jackson (knee) another high-end offensive creator to play alongside entering 2026-27.

Jackson appeared to fit seamlessly after arriving in Utah last season before a knee issue cut his campaign short, and he should remain a focal point of the team's frontcourt once healthy. Peterson's arrival could reduce some of the offensive burden on Jackson while allowing him to focus more heavily on his defensive impact. Assuming he enters training camp healthy, Jackson projects to remain one of Utah's most productive two-way players.

Utah's selection of Darryn Peterson with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft should help ease some offensive pressure on Markkanen (hip).

The veteran forward has often carried a significant scoring burden during the rebuilding process, and the arrival of an elite shot creator could create more favorable opportunities. Markkanen remains the focal point of Utah's frontcourt, although trade speculation and the team's long-term direction could still influence his outlook.

Collier (hamstring) faces increased competition for backcourt minutes after Utah drafted Darryn Peterson with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

The second-year guard flashed strong playmaking ability during his sophomore campaign with 7.2 assists across 59 regular-season appearances, but Peterson is expected to assume a significant offensive role immediately. Collier could still maintain value as a secondary ballhandler, although his ceiling may depend on how the Jazz distribute minutes among their young guards.

Reaves intends to sign a four-year, $185 million deal to return to the Lakers, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

The deal will include a player option for the 2029-30 season. Reaves declined his $14.9 million option for the 2026-27 season to pursue a new deal, and there was always mutual interest in getting something done. Reaves struggled with injuries in 2025-26, which limited him to 51 regular-season appearances, but he was excellent with 23.3 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 34.5 minutes per contest.

Bailey will enter his second NBA season playing alongside franchise guard Darryn Peterson, who Utah took with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

The pairing gives the Jazz a dynamic young offensive core, with Peterson's playmaking potentially creating easier scoring opportunities for Bailey and Keyonte George. While usage distribution remains uncertain, Bailey still projects as one of Utah's foundational building blocks. After the All-Star break, Bailey averaged 18.3 points, 4.9 boards and 2.0 dimes in 23 regular-season games.