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Jalen Brunson Jalen Brunson to host season premiere of SNL
Wed, Sep 9, 2026, 7:35 AM
Saturday Night Live
Jalen Brunson will host the premiere of season 52 of Saturday Night Live.
Analysis: The episode is set to air on NBC and Peacock on September 26. After leading the Knicks to their first championship in 53 years, Brunson, the reigning Finals MVP, is on top of the basketball world. Now he'll join a long line of pro athletes who have hosted Saturday Night Live. Brunson had offseason wrist surgery, but he's expected to be ready for training camp later this month. The 30-year-old point guard has an ADP in the late-second round of fantasy drafts. |
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Taj Gibson Pelicans waive Taj Gibson
Wed, Sep 9, 2026, 6:30 AM
New Orleans Pelicans
Pelicans waived Taj Gibson.
Analysis: Acquired from the Grizzlies on Tuesday, Gibson appeared in 10 games last season after joining the team in late February. His contract for the 2026-27 season was not guaranteed, so New Orleans unsurprisingly prioritized salary cap flexibility. Once he clears waivers, the 41-year-old Gibson will be an unrestricted free agent. |
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Xavier Cooks Hornets sign Bez Mbeng
Tue, Sep 8, 2026, 5:30 AM
Charlotte Hornets
Hornets signed Bez Mbeng.
Analysis: While details of the contract were not disclosed, Mbeng is most likely joining the Hornets on an Exhibit 10 contract. He appeared in 15 NBA games with the Jazz last season, starting five, and averaged 8.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.3 steals in 32.8 minutes. Given Charlotte's depth in the backcourt, Mbeng is likely to spend most of his time in the G League. With the Sioux Falls Skyforce currently holding his G League rights, the Hornets would need to make a deal with them to get Mbeng to Greensboro. |
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Taj Gibson Pelicans acquired Taj Gibson from Grizzlies
Tue, Sep 8, 2026, 3:41 AM
Shams Charania
The Pelicans acquired Taj Gibson and AJ Johnson from the Grizzlies in exchange for Jordan Hawkins, Micah Peavy, a future second-round pick and a second-round pick swap.
Analysis: Tuesday's reported trade was all about the Pelicans freeing up cap space, allowing the team to make Bennedict Mathurin's signing official. Gibson, who was not on an NBA team at the start of last season, agreed to a deal with the Grizzlies in late February and appeared in 10 games. While a positive voice within the locker room, Gibson has not been a factor in fantasy basketball for quite some time. It's also unknown whether he'll be on the Pelicans' roster when the season begins. |
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Jordan Hawkins Shams: Jordan Hawkins traded to Grizzlies
Tue, Sep 8, 2026, 3:29 AM
Shams Charania
ESPN's Shams Charania reports that the Pelicans traded Jordan Hawkins, Micah Peavy and multiple second-round picks to the Grizzlies for AJ Johnson and Taj Gibson.
Analysis: The 14th overall pick in the 2023 draft, Hawkins couldn't carve out a consistent role for himself over three seasons with the Pelicans. The 2024-25 campaign was his most productive, with the 6-foot-5 guard averaging 10.8 points per game. However, Hawkins couldn't build on that output, averaging 5.1 points per game last season and falling further down the pecking order in the backcourt. A move to Memphis gives Hawkins a fresh start, but it is unlikely to do much for his short-term fantasy value. |
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Xavier Cooks Hornets waive Kobe Stewart
Mon, Sep 7, 2026, 10:58 AM
Charlotte Hornets
Hornets waived Kobe Stewart.
Analysis: Signed to an Exhibit 10 contract on September 4, Stewart has been waived by the Hornets. While Monday's transaction means he won't participate in training camp, it also means that the 6-foot-6 wing is likely to catch on with the Hornets' G League affiliate in Greensboro. |
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Josh Giddey Josh Giddey (ankle) cleared to play 5-on-5
Fri, Sep 4, 2026, 6:18 AM
DJ Siddiqi
Josh Giddey (ankle) has been cleared to play 5-on-5 with no restrictions.
Analysis: Giddey, who missed 28 games last season with the majority of his absences due to a strained left hamstring, underwent right ankle surgery in May. Given a three-month re-evaluation timeline, the Bulls' starting point guard recently resumed playing 5-on-5 and has not been restricted in any way. With Giddey now a full go, fantasy managers can approach their drafts with the mindset that he'll be able to hit the ground running. With the additions of Caleb Wilson and Nic Claxton to the Bulls' roster, Giddey is a legitimate threat to push his assist average into double figures next season (he averaged 9.1 helpers per game in 2025-26). |
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Ben Simmons Spears: Kings, Ben Simmons agree to one-year deal
Fri, Sep 4, 2026, 3:52 AM
Marc J. Spears
ESPN's Marc Spears reports that the Kings and Ben Simmons have agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million deal.
Analysis: The first overall pick in the 2016 draft, Simmons is back in the NBA after sitting out the entire 2025-26 season. In his most recent action, the 6-foot-10 point forward appeared in 51 games during the 2024-25 season for the Nets and Clippers. In those appearances, Simmons averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 22.0 minutes per game. While he's had his moments as an effective fantasy option in the past, despite his limited scoring ability, fantasy managers should not expect too much from Simmons in Sacramento. However, keep an eye on him during the preseason to see if Simmons can earn a consistent role. |
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Donte DiVincenzo GM: DiVincenzo (Achilles) lacks return timeline
Fri, Sep 4, 2026, 2:13 AM
KSTP Minneapolis
Timberwolves GM Matt Lloyd refused to give a return timeline for injured guard Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles).
Analysis: DiVincenzo suffered a ruptured right Achilles tendon during the Timberwolves' first-round series against the Nuggets. While there were some external questions about whether the team would entertain trading him in order to upgrade the roster this offseason, it was reported that the Timberwolves would not move DiVincenzo. According to Lloyd, the guard has been a fixture at the team facility as he attacks his rehab. While the Timberwolves' general manager refused to provide a concrete return timeline for DiVincenzo, he did express optimism that the guard would be able to play at some point next season. Fantasy managers can afford to leave him on the waiver wire in drafts due to the uncertainty. |
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Malaki Branham Magic sign Branham, Davison to Exhibit 10 deals
Fri, Sep 4, 2026, 2:04 AM
Orlando Magic
Magic sign Malaki Branham, JD Davison to Exhibit 10 contracts.
Analysis: Branham, the 20th overall pick in the 2022 draft, has seen his NBA opportunities decrease after serving as an occasional starter in his first two seasons with the Spurs. In 2025-26, his lone season with the Wizards, the guard averaged 9.8 minutes per game in 28 appearances. As for Davison, the 53rd overall pick in the 2022 draft, he appeared in 28 games for the Rockets last season. While both will have an opportunity to compete for a roster spot in training camp, neither Branham nor Davison is likely to be in a position to impact fantasy basketball next season. |
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Amen Thompson Shams: Rockets, Amen Thompson agree to extension
Thu, Sep 3, 2026, 4:40 AM
Shams Charania
ESPN's Shams Charania reports that the Rockets and Amen Thompson have agreed to a five-year, $208 million extension.
Analysis: The fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft, Thompson has emerged as a key figure within the Rockets' current build. His scoring output has increased in each of his three seasons, with the 6-foot-7 wing averaging 18.3 points per game in 2025-26. Thompson, who finished eighth in NBA Defensive Player of the Year voting, also accounted for 7.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.6 blocks per game while shooting 53.4 percent from the field. Despite the lack of three-point production, Thompson does enough in other areas to provide top-50 fantasy value. With Thursday's contract extension and Kevin Durant set to turn 38 in late September, Thompson's role should only grow in the years to come. |
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Kawhi Leonard Shams: NBA dishes out punishments to Kawhi, LAC
Wed, Sep 2, 2026, 10:38 AM
Shams Charania
ESPN's Shams Charania reports the NBA will strip the Clippers of five first-round picks, fine owner Steve Ballmer $30 million and issue suspensions for Ballmer, Lawrence Frank and Gillian Rucker as a result of the Kawhi Leonard cap circumvention investigation.
Analysis: Leonard will reportedly also have to pay $700,000 in restitution for improper benefits by the Clippers for his uncle and former business representative Dennis Robertson, who has also been banned from all business dealings in the NBA. Both Ballmer and Rucker have been suspended for a year, while Frank's suspension is for six months. The picks the Clippers will lose are from 2029-2033, though they have a few extra picks during that stretch from the Kawhi and Ivica Zubac trades. The Leonard trade should officially go through now that the investigation is complete. |
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Xavier Cooks Khalifa Diop signs four-year deal with Cleveland
Wed, Sep 2, 2026, 10:04 AM
Michael Scotto
HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reports Khalifa Diop has signed a four-year, $9.26 million contract with the Cavaliers.
Analysis: Cleveland selected Diop with the 39th pick in 2022, but he has remained in Spain since then. Now, they'll finally bring him over, though the only the first year of his contract is guaranteed at $1.3 million. This is a low-risk move for the Cavs to add to their depth. |
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Paul Reed Fischer: Pistons guarantee Paul Reed's contract
Wed, Sep 2, 2026, 5:45 AM
Jake Fischer
NBA Insider Jake Fischer reports the Pistons have guaranteed Paul Reed's contract for the 2026-27 season.
Analysis: Reed's contract of $5.6 million for this upcoming season wasn't guaranteed previously, but now he is locked in well before the deadline. This, as well as trading Isaiah Stewart, shows the Pistons value Reed and plan to utilize him in a big way next season. However, they still have to sign Jalen Duren to solidify their center rotation. |
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Thanasis Antetokounmpo Thanasis Antetokounmpo signs 3-year deal in Greece
Tue, Sep 1, 2026, 9:57 AM
Marc Stein
NBA reporter Marc Stein reports that Thanasis Antetokounmpo has signed a three-year deal with the Greek club ARIS Thessaloniki.
Analysis: Antetokoumpo spent the last six years with the Bucks, but he'll transition to an overseas career after his brother Giannis was traded to the Heat. |
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Jalen Duren Report: Gap remains between Pistons, Jalen Duren
Tue, Sep 1, 2026, 2:19 AM
ESPN
According to ESPN's Tim MacMahon, there remains a gap in the contract negotiations between the Pistons and restricted free agent Jalen Duren.
Analysis: Contract negotiations between Duren and the Pistons have dragged into September, just weeks before the team is scheduled to begin training camp. According to MacMahon, Detroit has offered the All-NBA center a five-year contract with an average annual salary of $35 million, while Duren is seeking an AAV of over $40 million. While he is coming off the best season of his NBA career, the 6-foot-10 center struggled in both of Detroit's playoff series, which has likely factored into the contract negotiations. Also, the Pistons already have Cade Cunningham on a max deal, and they're negotiating with Ausar Thompson as he enters the final year of his rookie deal. Duren is a top-50 fantasy player, but it's fair to wonder how the contract talks will affect his performance in 2026-27 if the hard feelings linger. |
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Xavier Cooks Report: Mark Mitchell re-enrolls at Missouri
Mon, Aug 31, 2026, 8:23 AM
Jeff Goodman
Field of 68's Jeff Goodman reports that Mark Mitchell has re-enrolled at Missouri.
Analysis: Not selected in the 2026 draft, Mitchell agreed to an Exhibit 10 deal with the Nuggets shortly thereafter. However, a recent court injunction giving Class of 2022 athletes a fifth season of eligibility opened the door for athletes like Mitchell to return to school. The 6-foot-9 forward/center initially committed to Kentucky but has since decided to return to Missouri for another season. If the court ruling is upheld, Mitchell will be a Tiger next season. However, if the NCAA's appeal is upheld, he and many other players will be in a tough spot regarding where they'll play next season. |
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Jalen Brunson Jalen Brunson (wrist) 'feels good' post-surgery
Mon, Aug 31, 2026, 6:41 AM
New York Post
Jalen Brunson (wrist) told the New York Post that he âfeels goodâ after undergoing offseason surgery and should be ready to go when training camp opens in late September.
Analysis: Despite an injured left wrist, Brunson led the Knicks to their first NBA title since 1973 this past spring. Now focused on retaining the crown for another season, the star point guard is in a good place health-wise after undergoing surgery on his left wrist earlier this summer. Brunson told the New York Post that he âfeels good,â and he's expected to be ready when training camp opens in late September. Given the timeline, fantasy managers should not have any concerns about Brunson's availability. He should be either a second- or third-round pick in standard league drafts. |
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Deni Avdija Deni Avdija (back) held out of FIBA qualifiers
Mon, Aug 31, 2026, 4:10 AM
EuroHoops
Deni Avdija (back) did not receive clearance from the Trail Blazers to play for Israel in the country's recent FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
Analysis: Israel had already been eliminated from contention for a FIBA World Cup spot, but there was still hope that Avdija would play in the nation's most recent qualifiers. However, according to him, the Trail Blazers did not clear him to play because of the back injury he initially suffered in mid-January. Avdija said via social media that, while he wanted to play, the Trail Blazers weren't willing to take that risk. With Damian Lillard and Ja Morant entering the rotation, Avdija's usage is likely to take a hit in 2026-27. Hopefully, Portland's decision to keep him out of FIBA qualifier competition was more precautionary than anything else. |
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John Konchar Timberwolves waive John Konchar
Mon, Aug 31, 2026, 4:02 AM
Minnesota Timberwolves
Timberwolves waived John Konchar.
Analysis: Hours after it was reported that the Timberwolves planned to waive the recently acquired Konchar, the team made the news official. He was acquired as part of a deal with Utah that gave Minnesota the cap space needed to make its signing of Jonathan Kuminga official. Konchar's skill set can be a positive asset in fantasy basketball, but last season was the first in which he averaged more than 25 minutes per game. Until he's on a team with a clearly defined role, there's no need for managers to invest in him. |
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