NBA PORTAL
Cedric Coward "100% Cleared" for Basketball Activities
Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (shoulder) stated he's "100% cleared" for full basketball activities. The rookie, selected with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, sustained a torn rotator cuff six games into the 2025 season at Washington State, requiring surgery. Fortunately, he won't have any restrictions or limitations heading into the 2025 campaign. Coward appeared in 73 games at the collegiate level, most recently averaging 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks with the Cougars in 2024-25. The injury may have set Coward back in terms of his development to begin the 2025 campaign, so he won't be an ideal redraft option. On the other hand, fantasy managers can stash him in dynasty formats.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/cedric-coward-100-cleared-for-basketball-activities/1703024Tyler Herro Undergoing Foot/Ankle Surgery
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (foot/ankle) has reportedly been dealing with a foot and ankle impingement since the middle of the summer. According to Anthony Chiang, beat reporter for the Miami Herald, Herro was trying to avoid surgery and received some platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments along with some cortisone injections. That apparently has not been helping over the recent weeks, so surgery was considered necessary to avoid issues down the road. The six-year pro is now expected to miss the beginning of the season, and it looks like he may return in late November. He was named as an All-Star for the first time last season while averaging 23.9 points, 5.5 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.3 threes per game. As of right now, it looks like Davion Mitchell, Terry Rozier, and Norman Powell could all see a boost in minutes at first.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/tyler-herro-undergoing-foot-ankle-surgery/1700492Keon Johnson Waived by Nets
The Brooklyn Nets have waived guard Keon Johnson. This move is quite unexpected since Johnson was one of the team's top contributors last season. Johnson started in 56 of his 79 appearances, averaging 10.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.0 steals. He was on a partially guaranteed $2.34 million salary for this season. According to Brian Lewis of the New York Post, Johnson is dealing with an injury, which influenced the team's decision to release him. Considering his performance last season, Johnson will likely attract interest from other NBA teams once he's healthy again.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/keon-johnson-waived-by-nets/1699274Thomas Sorber Undergoes Surgery
Oklahoma City Thunder center Thomas Sorber (knee) underwent successful surgery on Tuesday to repair a torn ACL in his right knee, Clemente Almanza of the OKC Thunder Wire reports. The young big man suffered the injury a few weeks ago during an offseason workout. Sorber was the 15th pick in this year's draft after a strong year at Georgetown. His 2024-25 season ended early due to foot surgery, so he's had some tough luck with injuries this calendar year. Tuesday's knee surgery means Sorber will miss the entire 2025-26 campaign. He is expected to be healthy and ready for the next season.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/thomas-sorber-undergoes-surgery/1698287Kobe Bufkin Moves to Brooklyn
The Brooklyn Nets are acquiring guard Kobe Bufkin from the Atlanta Hawks for cash considerations, sources have told ESPN's Shams Charania. The Hawks selected Bufkin 15th in the 2023 draft, but injuries have severely limited his development. Last season, Bufkin's campaign ended in December due to shoulder surgery. He made 10 appearances, averaging 5.3 points and 1.7 assists in 12.4 minutes. Bufkin gets a fresh start in Brooklyn, although the Nets' backcourt currently appears very crowded, making it difficult to project what the rotation might look like.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/kobe-bufkin-moves-to-brooklyn/1697008Jonathan Kuminga Receives New Offer From Warriors
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga has been in a negotiating stalemate since the end of last season. According to ESPN NBA insiders Anthony Slater and Shams Charania, the Warriors have recently made a stronger offer to Kuminga worth $75.2 million over three years. The third year would reportedly be a team option, and there would be $48.3 million guaranteed in the first two seasons. This would put Kuminga's per-year earnings on par with Josh Giddey's new deal, but his camp doesn't seem to be a fan of the length and team control of the final year. The last counter that Kuminga and his agent offered was reportedly a big one-year deal that could still be used in trade talks at the deadline, but ultimately gives Kuminga control of his future. That was declined by the Warriors' front office, and the stalemate is ongoing with no real end in sight. The 22-year-old is entering his fifth season with career averages of 12.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.4 turnovers per game.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/jonathan-kuminga-receives-new-offer-from-warriors/1696154Joel Embiid "Looking Slender, Spry and in Positive Spirits"
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid was spotted at the team's practice facility and not wearing a knee brace. Without a doubt, his lingering knee issues have been a major concern for fantasy managers over the years. However, it appears Embiid has taken the steps necessary to avoid further issues, with Fischer adding that the 31-year-old was "looking slender, spry and in positive spirits." He is coming off one of his worst seasons in the National Basketball Association, averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists while shooting a career-low 29.9% from behind the three-point line. Embiid was also limited to 19 contests. He may never be as productive as he was in 2023, the year he won the Most Valuable Player award. Still, Embiid has an excellent chance of returning to the All-Star conversation as long as he stays healthy.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/joel-embiid-looking-slender-spry-and-in-positive-spirits/1695628Landry Shamet Staying with the Knicks
New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet is sticking around with the team for at least one more year. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Shamet and the Knicks agreed to a one-year deal on Thursday. The former first-round pick has spent time on six different teams since being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018. Last year, he appeared in 50 regular-season games and averaged 5.7 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.2 threes across 15.2 minutes per game. He also appeared in 10 playoff games, but played very sparingly in those contests. Shamet hasn't been very fantasy-relevant throughout his career, and he'll likely continue in the same role for the foreseeable future.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/landry-shamet-staying-with-the-knicks/1692785Terence Davis Waived by Kings
The Sacramento Kings waived guard Terence Davis on Wednesday. Per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Davis had a contract that would have become guaranteed with the first game of the season. The 28-year-old has 228 regular-season contests under his belt but made only one appearance with the Kings in 2024-25. In the G League, Davis notched 14.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game with the Wisconsin Herd. There's a chance Davis joins another team for training camp, or he might seek playing opportunities overseas.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/terence-davis-waived-by-kings/1691602Josh Giddey Re-Signs With Bulls for Four Years
Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey has agreed to a four-year, $100 million deal with the team, ending his contract saga. Giddey spent the entire summer as a restricted free agent, with both sides struggling to find common ground in contract negotiations. However, they finally worked out a deal ahead of training camp. Per ESPN's Shams Charania, the contract is fully guaranteed and contains no player or team options. Giddey had a big finish with the Bulls in 2024-25, and fantasy managers will certainly hope he continues where he left off. After the All-Star break, Giddey averaged 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, 9.3 assists, and 1.5 steals.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/josh-giddey-re-signs-with-bulls-for-four-years/1690289Ben Simmons Reportedly Declined Knicks' Contract Offer
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, free-agent utility man Ben Simmons reportedly declined a contract offer from the Knicks. It's unknown how much it would take for Simmons to join a team. However, New York can't go higher than a veteran's minimum, so it's safe to say the three-time All-Star is looking for more than that. He ended last season by logging 18 games for the Los Angeles Clippers, although he averaged only 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists, all career-lows. There was another report from Stefan Bondy of the New York Post suggesting Simmons has pondered retirement. With that said, even if the 2016 No. 1 overall pick signs with a team during the 2025 campaign, he doesn't have much to offer, considering his shooting percentages are far from great. Simmons also has an extensive injury history, which won't help him find a spot on any fantasy roster.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/ben-simmons-reportedly-declined-knicks-contract-offer/1689137Jayson Tatum "Moving Around Way Better"
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (Achilles) continues his rehab efforts after undergoing surgery on a torn Achilles suffered during the playoff series versus the New York Knicks. Fortunately, he's moving in the right direction, with Jordan Walsh recently providing an encouraging update on his teammate. "I've seen him from when he messed up his Achilles to now, and it's a big difference," said Walsh. "He's moving around way better. So, he's progressing well." It's unknown exactly when Tatum will be ready to play. However, the Celtics still have more than a few capable scorers to help keep the team competitive. Fantasy managers can anticipate Jaylen Brown and Derrick White to lead the way offensively. Payton Pritchard, who is in line to move into the starting lineup, should be entering his best season to date after being named the 2025 NBA Sixth Man of the Year.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/jayson-tatum-moving-around-way-better/1688066Dylan Harper Hoping to be Ready for the Opener Versus Dallas
San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (thumb) suffered a partially torn ligament in his left thumb. He suffered the injury while training on Wednesday, resulting in surgery. The rookie is hoping to be ready for the opener versus the Dallas Mavericks on October 22. Harper was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. In 29 games at Rutgers, he averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.4 steals. The latest update shouldn't decrease his value for dynasty managers. On the other hand, Harper's redraft stock should fall, even more so if he's not cleared to suit up to begin the season. The 19-year-old is expected to come off the bench in 2025. He could have difficulty being a reliable fantasy producer, as long as De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Victor Wembanyama are healthy.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/dylan-harper-hoping-to-be-ready-for-the-opener-versus-dallas/1687159P.J. Washington Agrees to Four-Year, $90 Million Extension
Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington has agreed to a four-year, $90 million contract extension, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. Washington had one year left on his contract for $14.1 million and now can't be traded during the upcoming campaign. The new deal means that Dallas has tied him down through the 2029-30 season. Washington moved to Texas in 2024 and became an instant hit. During his first full season with the Mavericks in 2024-25, he averaged 14.7 points, a career-high 7.8 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks. Among players to make at least 50 appearances, Washington was one of only eight players to average at least 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. The addition of Cooper Flagg might affect Washington's role on the team, but the large contract extension shows he's still a key part of the Mavericks' plans.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/p-j-washington-agrees-to-four-year-90-million-extension/1684020Jared McCain "On Pace" for Training Camp
Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain (knee) believes he has a chance to participate in training camp. "Yeah, my plan, for sure, is to participate," said McCain, "I mean, anything can happen, but for right now, I'm on pace." The 2024 No. 16 overall pick was in the mix for Rookie of the Year honors last season, averaging 15.3 points, including 23.8 points, 4.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds in eight starts. Unfortunately, his season came to an early end after suffering a torn meniscus in his left knee, resulting in surgery. Only time will tell if McCain will be ready to go when the Sixers begin the 2025 campaign versus the Boston Celtics on October 22. Still, even if he is, it's possible he'll be on a minutes restriction. He may also not be a routine fantasy producer as long as Tyrese Maxey is available.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/jared-mccain-on-pace-for-training-camp/1682972Victor Wembanyama Looking "Quite Stellar"
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (illness) was cleared to return in July after dealing with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder last season. He last suited up in February's All-Star game before the condition ended his season abruptly. While the 21-year-old hasn't played since then, NBA insider Marc Stein mentioned he has "played in some recent full court runs at Loyola Marymount" and has "looked quite stellar." This is certainly another positive update regarding Wembanyama, who averaged 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.8 blocks, and 1.1 steals last season. Without question, the team will presumably be overly cautious with him moving ahead. However, that shouldn't stop fantasy managers from viewing Wemby as a top-five fantasy option, especially since he has MVP potential.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/victor-wembanyama-looking-quite-stellar/1682182Dante Exum, Mavs Agree on a One-Year Deal
Free-agent guard Dante Exum agreed to a one-year deal to remain with the Dallas Mavericks. There was talk about a new contract over the last few months. However, with Dallas recently waiving Olivier-Maxence Prosper, the Mavs finally had the cap space needed to make it official. The 2014 No. 5 overall pick played overseas before returning to the National Basketball Association with the Mavericks, where he spent the last two seasons. He averaged a career-high 8.7 points per contest last season while shooting 43.4% from deep. With Kyrie Irving (knee) sidelined, Exum should see extra minutes to begin the 2025 campaign. That won't make him a consistently reliable fantasy option, although there could be streaming opportunities for managers throughout the year, especially if D'Angelo Russell misses time.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/dante-exum-mavs-agree-on-a-one-year-deal/1681608Bogdan Bogdanovic to Miss the Rest of EuroBasket
Los Angeles Clippers guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (hamstring) will miss the remainder of EuroBasket 2025. The 33-year-old, who was suiting up for Serbia, suffered a hamstring injury during the August 29 meeting with Portugal. Unfortunately, it was determined Bogdanovic suffered a ruptured hamstring muscle. He began the 2024 campaign with the Atlanta Hawks before being sent to the Los Angeles Clippers ahead of the trade deadline. In 30 contests in Los Angeles, Bogdanovic averaged 11.4 points and 42.7% shooting from behind the arc. The veteran is expected to remain one of the first options off the bench for the Clippers in 2025. However, there's a good chance he'll miss time to begin the season, especially since hamstring injuries have been a common theme for him throughout the years. If that's the case, guys like Chris Paul, Kris Dunn, and Derrick Jones Jr. could benefit.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/bogdan-bogdanovic-to-miss-the-rest-of-eurobasket/1680845Jose Alvarado "Good" After Recent Fall
New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado appears to be doing fine after exiting Thursday's AmeriCup loss to Argentina. Alvarado, representing Puerto Rico, took a hard fall in overtime while attempting to grab a rebound. He remained on the floor in obvious pain before eventually being taken off the court by a stretcher. Fortunately, the 27-year-old provided a positive update on social media, posting "your boy good." Alvarado averaged a career-high 10.3 points, 4.6 assists, and 2.4 rebounds while amassing 1.3 steals last season. With that in mind, he hasn't appeared in more than 61 games in any of his four seasons in the National Basketball Association, which certainly doesn't help his fantasy stock. Although Alvarado could find himself starting to begin the 2025 campaign, that may not last once Dejounte Murray (Achilles) is cleared to return. The development of rookie Jeremiah Fears should also be a factor in Alvarado's path to playing time.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/jose-alvarado-good-after-recent-fall/1679190Tyrese Haliburton Expects to Return in 15 Months
Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) expects to be back playing next season. "I think it'll be 15 months until I play my next game," Haliburton said during an appearance on the Impaulsive podcast. The Pacers already ruled out Haliburton for the entire 2025-26 campaign after he had offseason surgery on his right Achilles tendon. Recently, Haliburton revealed that he is no longer using a scooter or crutches, marking another step forward in his recovery. Halliburton's absence will give Andrew Nembhard an increased offensive role this season, and Bennedict Mathurin has an opportunity to show what he can do as a regular starter.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/tyrese-haliburton-expects-to-return-in-15-months/1678038Max Strus to Miss 3-4 Months After Surgery
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Max Strus (foot) has undergone surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his left foot and is expected to miss 3-4 months. The veteran sharpshooter suffered the injury during recent offseason workouts. Strus can't catch a break regarding injuries, having missed over 30 games last season due to health issues. As a result of his absence, we will likely see De'Andre Hunter join the first unit at the start of the season. Hunter was one of the most productive bench players in the league last term, but a more consistent role will improve his fantasy value. Sam Merrill and Dean Wade may also see additional time on the court.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/max-strus-to-miss-3-4-months-after-surgery/1677088Mavs Likely to Offer P.J. Washington a Contract Extension
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Dallas Mavericks are expected to offer a contract extension to forward P.J. Washington. The 27-year-old becomes eligible for the extension on Friday, with Stein adding he could be in line to earn nearly $90 million over a four-year span. He averaged 14.7 points last season, the second-highest mark of his career, while amassing 7.8 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, 1.1 steals and 38.1% shooting from behind the arc. There's a chance Washington won't remain as productive throughout the 2025 campaign, especially since he may not be a routine starter for the Mavs. His expected salary after the extension may also make him an attractive trade target for many teams around the National Basketball Association, assuming league rules allow him to be moved during the year. All things considered, Washington deserves a spot on most fantasy rosters, although his ceiling will change depending on where he sits in the rotation. The 2019 No. 12 overall pick is currently on tap to earn $14 million before hitting unrestricted free agency next summer. Of course, that's assuming a deal isn't done well before then.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/mavs-likely-to-offer-p-j-washington-contract-extension/1675829Malik Beasley Now Drawing Interest from Teams
According to Ian Begley of SNY, the Knicks (among other teams) are reportedly interested in free-agent guard Malik Beasley. The 2016 No. 19 overall pick has bounced around the league over the years. He most recently logged 82 games for the Pistons last season, averaging 16.3 points and shooting 41.6% from downtown. As a result, Beasley was expected to be a coveted free agent entering the offseason. However, that all changed when it was revealed in June that he was the target of a federal investigation for gambling on NBA contests. On Friday, it was announced that Beasley was no longer being investigated. With the news, teams are now seemingly interested in acquiring his services, although there aren't many clubs in the National Basketball Association that can offer him what he would have received from the Pistons. With that in mind, Beasley still has some hurdles to clear before he is cleared to get back on the court. Still, it appears there's a good chance he'll be on a roster come opening night, with his draft stock predicted to surge if more positive updates are released moving forward.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/malik-beasley-now-drawing-interest-from-teams/1672931Jahmir Young Agrees to Deal With Heat
The Miami Heat are bringing in point guard Jahmir Young for training camp, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reports. He is expected to compete for a two-way roster spot. Despite going undrafted in 2024, Young made his NBA debut last season, appearing six times for the Chicago Bulls. Young earned a shot in the big league following impressive performances in the G League, where he averaged 21.7 points, 7.0 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game. Additionally, Young spent the Summer League with the Bulls, but he was waived last month.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/jahmir-young-agrees-to-deal-with-heat/1671532Wizards Add Skal Labissiere for Training Camp
Forward/center Skal Labissiere has agreed to a deal with the Washington Wizards to join the team for training camp. The 29-year-old is attempting to stick in the NBA after making a comeback in the league during the 2024-25 season. Labissiere made four appearances with the Sacramento Kings last term, his first NBA contests in five years. Overall, Labissiere has 152 games under his belt in the Association. He has averaged 7.1 points and 4.4 rebounds in 17.2 minutes. These are solid numbers for a backup, and Labissiere could add more frontcourt depth for the Wizards if he secures a contract for the upcoming season.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/wizards-add-skal-labissiere-for-training-camp/1670773