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Basketball Player News

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Mouhamadou Gueye Hornets waive Mouhamadou Gueye Thu, Jul 30, 2026, 7:10 AM Charlotte Hornets Hornets waived Mouhamadou Gueye. Analysis: Acquired from the Bulls in a three-team deal that also involved Minnesota, Gueye was expected to be waived at some point. In fact, Thursday's transaction comes after Valencia Basket in Spain announced that the 6-foot-10 forward will be on its roster for the 2026-27 season. Gueye's departure does not affect fantasy basketball, as he was not going to be in the Hornets' rotation had he not agreed to a deal with Valencia.
Josh Richardson Josh Richardson announces retirement from NBA Thu, Jul 30, 2026, 6:10 AM Josh Richardson Josh Richardson announced his retirement from basketball. Analysis: Following four seasons at Tennessee, Richardson spent a decade in the NBA, with most of that time being spent in Miami. He was drafted by the Heat with the 40th pick in 2015 and spent his first four seasons with them. He bounced around the league after that, spending time with the 76ers, Mavericks, Celtics, Spurs and Pelicans before returning to Miami for two more seasons. He spent last year in Spain before officially announcing his retirement on Instagram.
Kawhi Leonard Report: Probe into LAC, Kawhi could go into 2027 Wed, Jul 29, 2026, 11:13 AM ESPN According to ESPN's Baxter Holmes, the NBA's investigation into the Clippers and Kawhi Leonard could go into 2027. Analysis: The Clippers agreed with the Raptors on a trade that would send Leonard back to Toronto in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and draft compensation. However, due to the investigation into the contract that the Clippers signed Leonard to, that transaction is on hold. And with Wednesday's report, it's fair to wonder if the trade will ever get done, as a potential penalty would be to void Leonard's contract, making him a free agent. Also, Toronto would assume the penalties if they were to acquire Leonard before a ruling was made, hence the decision to delay the trade.
Bennedict Mathurin Stein: Bulls interested in Bennedict Mathurin Wed, Jul 29, 2026, 5:00 AM Marc Stein NBA insider Marc Stein reports that the Bulls are one of the teams interested in restricted free agent Bennedict Mathurin. Analysis: While Mathurin has yet to find a home after hitting restricted free agency, teams have expressed interest in the former lottery pick. In addition to the Pelicans, the Bulls have reportedly joined the pursuit. While Chicago added Norman Powell in free agency and selected Caleb Wilson in the draft, adding another wing scorer like Mathurin to the mix could give their offense a boost. However, the Bulls would likely need to free up cap space to make an offer that the Clippers would refuse to match to land Mathurin. For most of his NBA career, Mathurin has been a better option for points leagues than category leagues.
DeMar DeRozan Shams: Wizards in contact with DeMar DeRozan Wed, Jul 29, 2026, 4:09 AM NBA on ESPN ESPN's Shams Charania reports that the Wizards have been in contact with free agent DeMar DeRozan recently. Analysis: In the aftermath of his exit from Sacramento, DeRozan was considered to be a player likely headed to a team with postseason ambitions. Miami, Cleveland and Denver have all expressed interest since the veteran wing hit free agency, and now Washington has reportedly worked its way into the mix. Given the number of young wings on the Wizards' roster, adding DeRozan would create even more of a logjam, potentially limiting the short-term fantasy potential of a Kyshawn George or Will Riley.
Draymond Green Draymond Green inks one-year deal with Warriors Tue, Jul 28, 2026, 9:18 AM Shams Charania ESPN's Shams Charania reports that Draymond Green has agreed to a one-year, $27.7 million deal to return to the Golden State Warriors. Analysis: Green turned down the same amount of money to give Golden State cap flexibility in its pursuit of LeBron James, but with James in Philly, Green will return to the Warriors for the 2026-27 campaign. Expect him to retain a similar role to the one he had a season ago.
Peyton Watson Report: DEN offered Watson $70m over five years Tue, Jul 28, 2026, 5:52 AM The Athletic Tony Jones of The Athletic reports that the Nuggets offered restricted free agent Peyton Watson a five-year, $70 million contract. Analysis: While it was reported that the Nuggets offered Watson $70 million over four years, another report says the team is willing to put up that amount over five years. The Nuggets are looking to get back under the second apron, hence the figure being offered to Watson. Regardless of the contract's length, the annual value is a far cry from the $25 million that Watson was reportedly seeking. And with teams that have reportedly expressed interest in signing Watson needing to execute a sign-and-trade to get something done, the Nuggets have leverage. Watson has the option to accept his qualifying offer, which would make him an unrestricted free agent next summer, but that path carries significant risk. If he were to either play poorly or suffer an injury, Watson could stand to lose even more money next summer.
Dereck Lively II Stein: DAL, Lively engage in early extension talks Tue, Jul 28, 2026, 2:49 AM Marc Stein NBA insider Marc Stein reports that the Mavericks and Dereck Lively II have had some âearly-stage talksâ regarding a contract extension. Analysis: While Lively finished sixth in Rookie of the Year voting in 2024 as part of a team that reached the NBA Finals, injuries have been a major issue in his three seasons. The 7-foot-1 center has struggled with right foot injuries, most recently appearing in just seven games last season before undergoing surgery. With Daniel Gafford on the squad and the Mavericks having added Santi Aldama and rookie Morez Johnson Jr., the team has options in the frontcourt. Lively and the Mavericks have until just before the start of the 2026-27 regular season to agree on a new deal. If they can't, he will be a restricted free agent next summer. Lively can be a productive option for fantasy managers, but the injury concerns may make him someone not worth the risk in standard leagues.
Jalen Duren Stein: Duren, Watson weigh qualifying offer Mon, Jul 27, 2026, 7:48 AM Marc Stein Pistons C Jalen Duren and Nuggets G Peyton Watson are weighing playing next season on the qualifying offer, reports NBA Insider Marc Stein. Analysis: By playing under the qualifying offer next season, both Duren and Watson, who are currently restricted free agents, would leave millions on the table to become unrestricted free agents next offseason. Stein reports Denver's initial contract offers to Watson were believed to be in the four-year, $70 million range. While that offer is certainly less than Watson wants, at least the sides are talking. Duren and the Pistons appear to be at a stalemate as Detroit has no interest in trading him or giving him the max contract he desires. While it'll be interesting to see how both of these situations ultimately resolve themselves, it remains unlikely that either player will actually resort to accepting the qualifying offer.
Dalen Terry Forward Dalen Terry waived by Philadelphia Sun, Jul 26, 2026, 11:11 AM Philadelphia 76ers 76ers waived F Dalen Terry. Analysis: The team's official X account broke the news on Sunday, making the former No. 18 pick a free agent. The move could be part of the Sixers' plan to clear roster space and salary cap to add Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who NBA insider Chris Haynes reported intends to sign with Philadelphia after being bought out by Memphis. Terry split time with the Bulls and Sixers last season, averaging 3.7 points across 48 games.
Mario Hezonja Report: Cavaliers, Mario Hezonja agree to deal Sun, Jul 26, 2026, 7:18 AM Shams Charania ESPN's Shams Charania reports that the Cavaliers and Mario Hezonja have agreed to a one-year deal worth $2.8 million. Analysis: The fifth overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, Hezonja has been out of the NBA since being waived by the Grizzlies in December 2020. However, a return to Europe was just what the doctor ordered for the forward, who most recently played for Spanish power Real Madrid. The expectation is that Hezonja will have a role within the Cavaliers' rotation, but fantasy managers should not make it a priority to draft him until the role becomes clear.
Kobe Bufkin Report: Pelicans sign Kobe Bufkin to one-year deal Sat, Jul 25, 2026, 1:36 PM Michael Scotto According to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, the Pelicans signed Kobe Bufkin to a one-year contract. Analysis: After an impressive showing for the Pelicans during the Summer League in Las Vegas, Bufkin has been rewarded with a one-year contract. The 15th overall pick in the 2023 draft, Bufkin has appeared in just 43 NBA games over three seasons. He appeared in 16 games for the Lakers in 2025-26, averaging 2.9 points and 0.8 rebounds in 7.4 minutes per game. With Jeremiah Fears and Dejounte Murray on the roster, Bufkin is unlikely to offer much fantasy value next season.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Shams: Caldwell-Pope plans to sign with 76ers Sat, Jul 25, 2026, 11:42 AM Shams Charania ESPN's Shams Charania reports that Kentavious Caldwell-Pope plans to sign a one-year contract with the 76ers once he clears waivers. Analysis: Less than 24 hours after it was reported that Caldwell-Pope and the Grizzlies were negotiating a contract buyout, the veteran wing has been waived. Unless another team decides to file a claim, KCP will be headed to Philadelphia on a one-year, $3.9 million deal. Caldwell-Pope appeared in a career-low 51 games last season, as a finger injury ended his 2025-26 campaign just after the All-Star break. He can provide three-point shooting and wing defense in Philadelphia, but KCP is unlikely to be in a position where fantasy managers can rely on him for value.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Haynes: KCP, Memphis negotiating contract buyout Fri, Jul 24, 2026, 6:19 PM Chris Haynes NBA insider Chris Haynes reports that the Grizzlies and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope are working on a buyout, with KCP intending to sign with the 76ers. Analysis: The report comes after LeBron James' decision to sign with the 76ers as a free agent. With Caldwell-Pope potentially heading to Philadelphia after being bought out of Memphis, he'd team up with James, with whom he won an NBA championship back in 2020. The 13-year veteran averaged 8.4 points and shot just 31.6 percent from beyond the arc last season in Memphis.
LeBron James Shams: LeBron James, 76ers agree to two-year deal Fri, Jul 24, 2026, 5:37 AM LeBron James on Instagram ESPN's Shams Charania reports that LeBron James and the 76ers have agreed to a two-year, $8 million contract with a player option for the second year. Analysis: The LeBron James free agency saga has reached its conclusion, with the future Hall of Fame forward reportedly picking Philadelphia as his new home. Despite being 41 years old, James still has plenty left in the tank, as evidenced by his 2025-26 season with the Lakers. Appearing in 60 games, he averaged 20.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.3 three-pointers while shooting 51.5 percent from the field and 73.7 percent from the foul line. While James' streak of All-NBA selections ended due to his not appearing in 65 games, the production remained good enough for him to offer reliable fantasy value. While his fantasy ceiling takes a hit with the move to Philadelphia, LeBron's floor should be fine, with the occasional spike when factoring in Joel Embiid's injury history.
Jordan Walsh Jordan Walsh agrees to 3-year extension Thu, Jul 23, 2026, 9:10 AM Shams Charania ESPN's Shams Charania reports that Jordan Walsh has agreed to a three-year, $15 million extension to remain with the Boston Celtics. Analysis: With Jayson Tatum out for most of the season, Walsh took on an increased role for the shorthanded Celtics. He'll be rewarded with an extension that will keep him with the team through the 2029-30 season.
D'Angelo Russell Report: MEM, Russell working toward new home Wed, Jul 22, 2026, 2:44 PM Yahoo! Sports Yahoo! Sports' Kelly Iko reports that the Grizzlies and D'Angelo Russell are working together to find the veteran guard a new home. Analysis: Russell did not play at all after being traded to the Wizards at the February deadline, and he was sent to Memphis as part of a six-team deal in early July. Even with the Grizzlies trading Ja Morant to Portland, D'Lo is not in the team's plans moving forward. As a result, the two sides are reportedly working together to find Russell a new home, either through a trade or a contract buyout. Russell is entering the final year of a contract that will pay him slightly less than $6 million. While a capable player, D'Lo is unlikely to land in a situation where he can be fantasy-relevant next season.
Xavier Cooks Report: Pelicans sign Jaron Pierre to two-way deal Wed, Jul 22, 2026, 2:06 PM Marc Stein NBA insider Marc Stein reports that the Pelicans signed Jaron Pierre to a two-way contract. Analysis: Selected by the Pelicans with the 58th overall pick in last month's draft, Pierre averaged 10.0 points per game in three appearances in Las Vegas. While he didn't shoot the ball well, making just 27 percent from the field, the rookie wing is coming off a senior season at SMU in which he averaged 17.6 points per game while shooting 46.2 percent from the field. New Orleans now has one available two-way slot, with Hunter Dickinson already under contract.
Jalen Wilson Report: Hawks sign Jalen Wilson to two-way deal Mon, Jul 20, 2026, 5:21 PM Michael Scotto HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reports that the Hawks signed Jalen Wilson to a two-way contract. Analysis: The 51st overall pick in the 2023 draft, Wilson spent three seasons in Brooklyn before becoming a free agent this summer. The 6-foot-6 wing appeared in 55 games in 2025-26, averaging 6.4 points and 2.1 rebounds in 15.9 minutes. Wilson fills Atlanta's third two-way contract slot, joining Keshon Gilbert and RayJ Dennis. He is unlikely to get the minutes needed to affect fantasy basketball, especially after the Hawks acquired Luguentz Dort from Oklahoma City.
Jett Howard Mavericks sign Jett Howard to two-way contract Mon, Jul 20, 2026, 3:30 PM Dallas Mavericks Mavericks signed Jett Howard to a two-way contract. Analysis: Not long after the Mavericks waived forward Tyler Smith, opening up a two-way contract slot, the franchise filled the vacancy by signing Howard. The 11th overall pick in the 2023 draft, Howard failed to earn consistent rotation minutes in his three seasons with the Magic. He appeared in 55 games last season, averaging 5.5 points and 1.6 rebounds in 12.6 minutes. Howard shot the ball reasonably well from beyond the arc, making 37.2 percent of his attempts. He joins John Poulakidis and Tobi Lawal as two-way contract players on the Mavericks roster.