NBA PORTAL
Anton Watson Returns to Lakers on Exhibit 10 Deal
The Los Angeles Lakers have signed forward Anton Watson to an Exhibit 10 contract, according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic. The 25-year-old also went through camp with Los Angeles last year before being waived ahead of the regular season. Watson spent 2025-26 with the South Bay Lakers, averaging 11.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.4 steals in 27.2 minutes across 50 games. Los Angeles already has 16 guaranteed contracts and all three two-way spots filled, leaving Watson with a difficult path to the NBA roster. Another stint with the Lakers' G League affiliate, now the Coachella Valley Lakers, looks more realistic and keeps him off the fantasy radar.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/anton-watson-returns-to-lakers-on-exhibit-10-deal/1944855Saddiq Bey Agrees to Three-Year Extension with Pelicans
New Orleans Pelicans forward Saddiq Bey has agreed to a three-year, $55.5 million extension, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. The fully guaranteed deal includes a trade kicker and runs through 2029-30. Bey missed all of 2024-25 after tearing his left ACL, then returned to average a career-high 17.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.1 threes in 31.2 minutes across 72 games. He finished third on New Orleans in scoring. Bennedict Mathurin's arrival gives new coach Jamahl Mosley another wing scorer alongside Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones, which could trim Bey's touches. Still, Bey should retain a steady role and remain a useful source of points and threes.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/saddiq-bey-agrees-to-three-year-extension-with-pelicans/1934233Bruce Brown Lands Exhibit 9 Deal with Knicks
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, free-agent guard Bruce Brown has signed a training camp contract with the New York Knicks. New York later announced the 30-year-old is on an Exhibit 9 deal, putting him in a camp battle with Ochai Agbaji, James Wiseman, John Konchar, and Drew Eubanks for what is effectively one roster spot if the Knicks stay below the second apron. Brown averaged 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.0 steals in 24.4 minutes across all 82 games for Denver last season while shooting 38.5 percent from three. Landry Shamet turned a similar opportunity into a long-term deal, but Brown would still need injuries or a larger-than-expected bench role to carry much fantasy value.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/bruce-brown-lands-exhibit-9-deal-with-knicks/1933398Deivon Smith Joins Warriors on Camp Deal
The Golden State Warriors signed guard Deivon Smith to a training camp contract Tuesday, according to Paul Garcia of The Spot Up Shot, putting him in contention for the team's final two-way opening. Smith strengthened his case during Summer League, recording 21 points on 9-for-14 shooting, nine rebounds and three assists in the title-game win over Memphis. He also averaged 16.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1.7 steals across three starts for College Park before Santa Cruz acquired him for two G-League draft picks in February. With Golden State's 15 standard spots filled and LJ Cryer and Malevy Leons on two-way deals, Smith faces a crowded path to NBA minutes and carries little fantasy value unless he secures the final slot.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/deivon-smith-joins-warriors-on-camp-deal/1932583Brandon Ingram Officially Heads to the Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors have completed the trade, sending forward Brandon Ingram (heel), Gradey Dick, and draft compensation to Los Angeles for Kawhi Leonard, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. The deal was first agreed to on June 30 but sat on hold for more than two months during the league's salary-cap investigation involving Leonard and the Clippers. Ingram now officially moves to Los Angeles after averaging 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 33.8 minutes across 77 starts with Toronto last season. He had a spur removed from his right heel in May, though he was expected to be ready for training camp. If healthy, Ingram should step into heavy scoring usage next to Darius Garland, with Max Strus and Rui Hachimura in supporting roles. Garland trade speculation adds a wrinkle, but Ingram's shot volume should remain strong either way.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/brandon-ingram-officially-heads-to-the-clippers/1931790Aaron Gordon Feels Ready for Camp
Denver Nuggets forward/center Aaron Gordon (hamstring, calf) told Harrison Wind of DNVR Sports that his offseason helped reset him physically and mentally. Speaking at his youth camp, Gordon said he did a lot of "soul-searching" and training before adding, "I'm ready to go." The 30-year-old was limited to 36 regular-season games by hamstring issues, then played only three games in Denver's first-round loss to Minnesota while dealing with left calf tightness. He still produced when available, averaging 16.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.7 threes in 27.9 minutes while opening the season with a 50-point night. Peyton Watson's move to Cleveland helps secure Gordon's frontcourt role next to Nikola Jokic, though DeMar DeRozan's arrival adds another scorer to the mix. The injury discount is the appeal, but another missed stretch would quickly cap the upside.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/aaron-gordon-feels-ready-for-camp/1930850Julius Randle Confident Nets Can Exceed Low Expectations
Brooklyn Nets forward Julius Randle is not treating his first season in Brooklyn like another rebuilding year, according to Andrew Crane of the New York Post. Speaking Saturday at the Brooklyn Basketball Training Center, Randle leaned into the team's "shock the world" framing and said, "Whatever your expectations are, whatever expectations that are put upon us, we're gonna exceed them." The three-time All-Star averaged 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists for Minnesota last season before being traded to a Nets team that went 20-62. Brooklyn still has Michael Porter Jr., Egor Demin, and Mikel Brown Jr. in the offensive mix, but Randle should have a larger creation role than he did with the Timberwolves. With Nicolas Claxton now in Chicago, Randle also has a path to frontcourt minutes, giving him a strong counting-stat base if Brooklyn stays competitive.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/julius-randle-confident-nets-can-exceed-low-expectations/1930159Devin Carter Floated as Knicks' Guard Insurance
Guard Devin Carter could make sense as backcourt insurance for the New York Knicks once he clears waivers, Kris Pursiainen of Knicks Film School suggested. This comes after Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported that Boston has shown interest in Carter following his release from Atlanta, so New York should be treated as a logical fit rather than a reported suitor. Carter has a tie to head coach Mike Brown, who coached the Sacramento team that drafted him No. 13 overall in 2024. The 24-year-old averaged 8.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 0.9 steals in 18.4 minutes across 38 games last season. New York already has Jalen Brunson, Jordan Clarkson, Jose Alvarado, Landry Shamet, and Tyler Kolek in the guard mix, but Miles McBride missed 28 games after sports hernia surgery. Carter would still need the right landing spot to become more than a watch-list name.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/devin-carter-floated-as-knicks-guard-insurance/1929333Hawks Sign Lamont Butler
The Atlanta Hawks signed guard Lamont Butler on Thursday after waiving Keyshawn Bryant. Butler is back for another stint with Atlanta after briefly joining the organization last fall, when he was waived before the season and later landed with the College Park Skyhawks. His first pro year never got going, as a torn left ACL and meniscus during the preseason process cost him the entire 2025-26 campaign. The former San Diego State and Kentucky guard averaged 11.4 points, 4.3 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in 26.0 minutes during his lone season with the Wildcats. Terms were not disclosed, but the move appears procedural, with Butler likely headed back toward College Park if waived. CJ McCollum, Kingston Flemings, Ryan Nembhard, and Devin Carter leave him buried in Atlanta's backcourt, so there is no fantasy value here.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/hawks-sign-lamont-butler/1928209Paul Reed Primed for Expanded Role with Pistons
Detroit Pistons forward/center Paul Reed is in line for a more featured role as the team's backup big this season, according to Hunter Patterson of The Athletic. Patterson views Detroit's decision to trade Isaiah Stewart to Memphis as a vote of confidence in Reed, who earned the promotion in the playoffs. The former G-League MVP forced his way into the rotation against Cleveland in the second round, averaging 11.4 points and 5.0 rebounds in roughly 13 minutes per game while going 24-for-34 from the field. With Stewart's 22.7 minutes a night now up for grabs, Reed's 61.7 percent shooting from last season and his knack for steals and blocks give him legitimate late-round appeal. His value could climb even higher if restricted free agent Jalen Duren's contract standoff drags into training camp.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/paul-reed-primed-for-expanded-role-with-pistons/1927369Coby White Set to Run the Show in Charlotte
Charlotte Hornets guard Coby White is expected to open the season as the team's starting point guard after LaMelo Ball was sent to Minnesota in a deal built around Naz Reid and draft capital, ESPN's Andre Snellings writes. White arrived from Chicago at last season's deadline and came off the bench for Charlotte, averaging 15.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 three-pointers in 19.3 minutes across 21 games. His last two full seasons with the Bulls are the better fantasy guide, as he averaged roughly 19.7 points, 4.8 assists, and 2.8 threes while carrying a larger on-ball role. Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller will need touches, and Reid adds another scoring option up front, but White has the clearest path to initiating the offense after signing a three-year, $74 million deal. A career-best fantasy season is in play if the minutes climb.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/coby-white-set-to-run-the-show-in-charlotte/1926547Darryn Peterson Positioned as Utah's Franchise Centerpiece
ESPN's Tim MacMahon is framing Utah Jazz guard Darryn Peterson as a possible franchise centerpiece entering 2026-27. The No. 2 overall pick gives Utah another high-end scorer after averaging 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.4 steals at Kansas, where he posted the highest scoring average by a freshman in program history. Peterson also flashed in July, scoring at least 20 points in each of his first four Summer League appearances before finishing the event at 20.7 points, 4.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. The fantasy question is volume. Keyonte George still has lead-guard usage, while Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Ace Bailey all need touches. Peterson is worth drafting for scoring upside, but his rookie ceiling depends on how quickly Will Hardy clears a steady on-ball role.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/darryn-peterson-positioned-as-utahs-franchise-centerpiece/1925716Andrew Nembhard Returns to Off-Ball Duty in Indiana
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard enters his fifth season with a different offensive setup as Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) returns after missing 2025-26. Nembhard handled lead-guard duties well last season, setting career highs with 16.9 points and 7.7 assists while adding 2.8 rebounds and 0.9 steals in 31.3 minutes across 57 games. He also shot 36.1 percent from three. The assists and usage should come down if Haliburton is close to full strength, but Nembhard's defense, secondary playmaking, and off-ball shooting should keep him in a steady role. His chemistry with Ivica Zubac in the pick-and-roll is one camp storyline to watch, though the fantasy ceiling is lower than it was when Indiana had no Haliburton.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/andrew-nembhard-returns-to-off-ball-duty-in-indiana/1925008Jalen Green Could Land on Trade Block
Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green could land on the trade block with a slow start or another early playoff exit, Donnie Druin of Sports Illustrated writes, citing Blake Silverman's analysis. The former No. 2 overall pick has a $36 million player option for 2027-28, leaving Phoenix to decide how much it wants to commit to him as Devin Booker's long-term running mate. Green was limited to 32 games last season by a right hamstring issue, averaging 17.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 2.2 threes in 25.9 minutes. Miles Bridges adds another scorer next to Booker and Dillon Brooks, so Green's fantasy value depends on shot volume, health, and whether he can hold off Collin Gillespie for key guard minutes. He still helps mainly in points and made threes, but the role risk is higher than usual.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/jalen-green-could-hit-trade-watch/1924431Bucks Bring Back John Butler Jr. on a Camp Deal
The Milwaukee Bucks signed forward/center John Butler Jr. to a non-guaranteed training camp deal, according to Eric Nehm of The Athletic. It is the second straight fall the 7-footer has landed a preseason look with Milwaukee after spending last season with the Wisconsin Herd. Butler averaged 9.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in 28.6 minutes across 49 G-League games while shooting 36.3 percent from three. Milwaukee does have one two-way slot open, so a strong camp isn't a wasted exercise for him. Even so, Myles Turner, Kel'el Ware, and Jericho Sims have the center rotation locked down under Taylor Jenkins, which keeps Butler off fantasy radars in every format.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/bucks-bring-back-john-butler-jr-on-a-camp-deal/1923778Cody Williams Gets Fresh Start with Timberwolves
Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Cody Williams drew praise from general manager Matt Lloyd after arriving from Utah in last weekend's trade. Lloyd told Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News that Williams' late-season growth helped drive Minnesota's interest, adding, "There was a reason he was the 10th pick in the draft." The 21-year-old averaged 12.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists over his final 30 games last season, though his season-long 21.4 percent shooting from three remains the swing concern. Minnesota wants to evaluate him as a versatile wing defender in camp, though Jonathan Kuminga, Jaden McDaniels, and Terrence Shannon Jr. leave Williams fighting for reserve minutes rather than a fantasy-ready role.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/cody-williams-gets-fresh-start-with-timberwolves/1923099Kings Eyeing Jalen Duren in 2027 Free Agency
ESPN's Anthony Slater reports that Sacramento Kings general manager Scott Perry met with Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren in early July and explored a sign-and-trade concept involving Domantas Sabonis. Detroit balked at losing Duren for Sabonis, leaving the Kings with no clean path unless Duren accepts his $9.6 million qualifying offer and reaches unrestricted free agency in 2027. The 22-year-old is coming off an All-Star, Third-Team All-NBA season, averaging 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists on 65.0 percent shooting across 70 starts. His 2026-27 fantasy outlook stays tied to Detroit for now, where he projects as the starting center if he re-signs or plays on the qualifying offer. Sacramento's interest says more about Domantas Sabonis' uncertain future than Duren's immediate fantasy outlook.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/kings-eyeing-jalen-duren-in-2027-free-agency/1922382Nikola Jokic Plays Through Illness for Serbia
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic played through three days of sickness and multiple IV treatments in Serbia's 76-64 win over Italy in FIBA World Cup qualifying on Monday. Serbian head coach Dusan Alimpijevic said Jokic "rejected giving up and leaving his team alone," which helps explain the three-time MVP's quiet line of eight points, eight rebounds, and one assist. There is no immediate fantasy fallout with Serbia's next qualifying window set for late November, but managers will want this cleared up before training camp. Jokic averaged 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.7 assists last season and remains the safest fantasy anchor when healthy.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/nikola-jokic-plays-through-illness-for-serbia/1921767Matthew Murrell Signs with Jazz
The Utah Jazz have signed guard Matthew Murrell, the team announced Monday, with terms undisclosed per club policy. The 24-year-old spent last season with the Salt Lake City Stars, Utah's G-League affiliate, averaging 10.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.2 steals across 31 regular-season appearances at a shade over 28 minutes per night. Efficiency was the sticking point, as he shot 36.2 percent from the field and struggled to carry his tip-off tournament three-point stroke through the full season. Utah's 15-man roster was already full before this transaction, so Murrell profiles as a training camp addition headed back to the Stars rather than a rotation candidate. Keyonte George, Darryn Peterson, and Isaiah Collier control the backcourt minutes, and nothing about this signing disturbs that order. There is no fantasy angle here.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/matthew-murrell-signs-with-jazz/1921075Braden Smith Targets Daily Progress with Pacers
Indiana Pacers guard Braden Smith said he is focused on turning in-game growth into daily progress after a rough Summer League, per Forbes' Tony East. The No. 38 pick shot just 26.5 percent across five games in Las Vegas, though he still averaged 6.8 points, 7.0 assists, and 4.4 rebounds. Smith called himself his own hardest critic and said he has been working on his ball handling, decision-making, and pace. The passing gives him a base, but the physicality on defense and lack of clean paint touches showed how far he has to go. With Tyrese Haliburton back and T.J. McConnell entrenched behind him, the Noblesville Boom should see plenty of Smith as a rookie. He is a development name, not a fantasy option.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/braden-smith-targets-daily-progress-with-pacers/1920226Stephen Curry Becomes Eligible for a Two-Year Extension
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry became extension-eligible Saturday and can sign a two-year deal worth up to $136.7 million before June 30, ESPN's Bobby Marks reports. The Over-38 rule caps any extension at two seasons, though Curry could pursue up to three years by waiting for free agency in 2027. The 38-year-old is owed roughly $62.5 million this season either way, so the fantasy question is workload, not money. Curry was limited to 43 games last season by various injuries, including a knee issue, but still averaged 26.6 points, 4.7 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 30.9 minutes. With Jimmy Butler III (knee) and Moses Moody (knee) rehabbing season-ending injuries, Golden State's offense should lean heavily on Curry, Brandin Podziemski, and Kristaps Porzingis early. That keeps Curry's ceiling high, but his durability risk is just as obvious.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/stephen-curry-becomes-eligible-for-a-two-year-extension/1919515Josh Green Sent to Utah
The Minnesota Timberwolves are trading guard/forward Josh Green and cash to the Utah Jazz for Cody Williams and John Konchar, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. The Australian wing was the salary Minnesota needed to move, as his $14.7 million expiring deal cleared enough room under the second apron to finalize Jonathan Kuminga's contract using the taxpayer midlevel exception. Green never played a game for Minnesota after arriving in June's LaMelo Ball trade, and he lands in Utah as another 3-and-D option in a crowded perimeter mix. He shot 42.0 percent from three last season in Charlotte but managed only 4.3 points and 1.8 rebounds in 15.7 minutes across 58 games. With Lauri Markkanen, Ace Bailey, Darryn Peterson, Brice Sensabaugh, and Josh Okogie all part of Utah's rotation picture, Green remains off fantasy radars.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/josh-green-sent-to-utah/1919005Dalen Terry Lands Training Camp Deal with Warriors
Free-agent guard/forward Dalen Terry has agreed to a deal with the Golden State Warriors, HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reports. Luca Evans of the San Francisco Chronicle adds that it is an Exhibit 10 contract, putting Terry in training camp without a guaranteed roster spot. The No. 18 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft was waived by Philadelphia on July 26 and is not eligible for a two-way deal, making Santa Cruz the likeliest fallback if he does not force a roster move. Terry averaged 3.7 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists across 48 games between Chicago and Philadelphia last season while shooting 43.9 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from three. With Golden State's 15-man roster already set after adding Brandon Williams and Georges Niang, Terry is off fantasy radars barring a surprise preseason jump.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/dalen-terry-lands-training-camp-deal-with-warriors/1918228Rafael Castro Signs Two-Way Deal with Rockets
The Houston Rockets announced Wednesday that they signed rookie center Rafael Castro to a two-way contract and waived guard Tristen Newton in a corresponding move. Castro went undrafted after a redshirt senior season at George Washington and later played for Milwaukee's California Classic and Las Vegas Summer League teams. Across 63 starts over his final two college seasons, he averaged 14.6 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 1.5 steals while shooting 64.4 percent from the field. With Alperen Sengun, Steven Adams, and Clint Capela ahead of him, Castro projects for heavy Rio Grande Valley time and is not a fantasy target.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/rafael-castro-signs-two-way-deal-with-rockets/1917395Nikola Topic Faces Make-or-Break Year
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topic enters a pivotal 2026-27 season with a 2027-28 team option hanging over his future. The 21-year-old has already dealt with a torn left ACL that wiped out his first NBA season, a testicular cancer diagnosis that delayed his debut until February, and offseason back surgery that he is expected to return from by training camp. Topic flashed late last season with back-to-back double-doubles, including an 18-point, 14-assist game against Phoenix that tied a Thunder rookie record. Oklahoma City moved Luguentz Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe this offseason, but minutes are still not guaranteed with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cason Wallace, Ajay Mitchell, Jared McCain, and Alex Caruso in the guard mix. Topic has passing upside, but he needs a steady role before becoming fantasy relevant.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/nikola-topic-faces-make-or-break-year/1916596