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Fred VanVleet to Skip Back-to-Backs Early in Season
Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (knee) will not play in back-to-backs initially this season, head coach Ime Udoka said Tuesday. The good news is that VanVleet "looks good" and is taking part in full-contact, five-on-five work as he returns from the torn ACL that cost him all of 2025-26. The 32-year-old averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals on 37.8 percent shooting in his last healthy season. Reed Sheppard should have more opportunities to handle the offense whenever VanVleet rests, while Marcus Smart gives Houston another veteran option in the backcourt.
Source: Jackson Gatlin
Source: Jackson Gatlin
More Recent News
Heat Claim Bez Mbeng Off Waivers for Training Camp
The Miami Heat have claimed guard Bez Mbeng off waivers from the Charlotte Hornets and intend to sign him to an Exhibit 10 contract for training camp, according to the Miami Herald's Anthony Chiang. Mbeng spent much of last season with the Sioux Falls Skyforce before earning a late-season call-up with Utah, where he averaged 8.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.3 steals in 15 games. He also posted a 27-point triple-double against Memphis in April. Mbeng's defensive activity is intriguing, but his 19.4 percent shooting from three remains a concern. With Miami's camp roster at 19 players, another stint in Sioux Falls looks like the most realistic path.
Source: Anthony Chiang
Source: Anthony Chiang
Kawhi Leonard Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Raptors
Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard has agreed to a two-year, $115 million contract extension that includes a player option for the 2028-29 season, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Sportsnet's Blake Murphy reports that Leonard took about $11 million less than the maximum after also waiving roughly $7.44 million in trade bonus money when he returned to Toronto. The 35-year-old is coming off a career-best 27.9 points per game with the Clippers, along with 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals across 65 appearances. Playing alongside Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley could cut into his shot volume, but Leonard should remain a strong fantasy contributor if he can stay on the floor.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Dorian Finney-Smith Heads to Atlanta
The Charlotte Hornets are trading forward Dorian Finney-Smith to the Atlanta Hawks for guard/forward Buddy Hield, guard Ryan Nembhard, and cash considerations, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Finney-Smith gives Atlanta another veteran frontcourt option while Mouhamed Gueye (foot) continues working back from July surgery. The 33-year-old struggled after returning from left ankle surgery last season, averaging 3.3 points and 2.5 rebounds in 16.8 minutes across 37 games with Houston while shooting just 27.0 percent from three. He'll need to regain his outside shot and carve out steady minutes before becoming much of a fantasy option.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Ryan Nembhard Traded to Hornets, Expected to be Waived
The Atlanta Hawks are trading guard Ryan Nembhard to the Charlotte Hornets alongside guard/forward Buddy Hield and cash in exchange for forward Dorian Finney-Smith, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk reports that Charlotte is expected to waive Nembhard following the deal. The 23-year-old never appeared for Atlanta after arriving in the three-team trade involving Luguentz Dort this summer. Nembhard averaged 6.6 points and 5.3 assists across 60 games with Dallas last season, including 27 starts, while shooting 35.6 percent from three. Where he ends up next will play a big role in whether he can get enough minutes to matter in fantasy.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Buddy Hield Traded to Hornets
The Atlanta Hawks are trading guard/forward Buddy Hield, guard Ryan Nembhard, and cash considerations to the Charlotte Hornets for forward Dorian Finney-Smith, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Hield appeared in only seven games for Atlanta after arriving from Golden State at the trade deadline and averaged a career-low 7.6 points across 51 games last season. Charlotte already has plenty of perimeter options, including Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, Coby White, Grayson Allen, and Dennis Schroder, so consistent minutes could be tough to find. Hield's main fantasy appeal remains his ability to provide three-point shooting when given enough run.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Isaac McKneely Signs Training Camp Deal with Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks have signed guard Isaac McKneely to a training camp contract, according to Paul Garcia of The Spot Up Shot. The 22-year-old went undrafted in June after four college seasons split between Virginia and Louisville, making 329 three-pointers at a 41.4 percent clip across 133 games. McKneely averaged 10.9 points while shooting 39.5 percent from deep for Louisville last season before posting 6.7 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 18.9 minutes across seven Summer League appearances with Atlanta. His shooting gives Atlanta a skill to evaluate in camp, though a stint with the College Park Skyhawks still looks like the more likely next step.
Source: Paul Garcia
Source: Paul Garcia
Solomon Washington Joins Pelicans on Training Camp Deal
The New Orleans Pelicans have signed forward Solomon Washington to a training camp contract, according to Paul Garcia of The Spot Up Shot. Washington went undrafted in June before initially joining New Orleans as a free agent and playing with the team during Summer League. The former Maryland forward averaged 9.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.1 offensive rebounds, and 1.1 steals across 25 games last season, though he shot just 24.3 percent from three-point range. With Zion Williamson, Derik Queen, Yves Missi, and Karlo Matkovic already in the frontcourt mix, Washington has a steep climb to meaningful minutes. Since New Orleans owns his G-League rights, a developmental stint there looks like the most likely outcome for now.
Source: Paul Garcia
Source: Paul Garcia
Drake Allen Lands Training Camp Deal with Pistons
The Detroit Pistons have signed guard Drake Allen to a training camp contract, according to Paul Garcia of The Spot Up Shot. The move follows the Exhibit 10 agreement reported by The Athletic's Hunter Patterson shortly after Allen went undrafted in June. The former Utah State guard averaged 7.9 points, 4.7 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.9 steals in 25.5 minutes last season, ranking second in the Mountain West in steals. With Cade Cunningham and first-round pick Ebuka Okorie among the guards ahead of him, Allen has a tough path to NBA minutes in Detroit. A stint with the Motor City Cruise looks more likely, leaving him as a developmental name to monitor for now.
Source: Paul Garcia
Source: Paul Garcia
Keonte Jones Signs Training Camp Deal with Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets signed guard/forward Keonte Jones to a training camp contract, according to Paul Garcia of The Spot Up Shot. Jones went undrafted in June after starting all 37 games at Dayton, averaging 7.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.7 blocks in 30.2 minutes per game. The 6-foot-6 wing posted stronger numbers at Cal State Northridge a year earlier, earning All-Big West First Team honors after averaging 13.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.3 blocks. Denver owns his G-League rights, making a stint with the Grand Rapids Gold a likely path if he does not earn a roster spot. For now, Jones is more of a developmental name to monitor than someone likely to see meaningful NBA minutes.
Source: Paul Garcia
Source: Paul Garcia
Reese Dixon-Waters Signs Training Camp Deal with Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets signed guard/forward Reese Dixon-Waters to a training camp contract, according to Paul Garcia of The Spot Up Shot. The 24-year-old went undrafted in June after averaging 13.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists while shooting 35.6 percent from three-point range and 87.8 percent at the line for San Diego State. Dixon-Waters had missed the entire 2024-25 season with a foot injury before returning for his final college campaign. Denver already owns his G-League rights, making the Grand Rapids Gold a possible destination if he fails to secure a roster spot. He remains off the fantasy radar for now.
Source: Paul Garcia
Source: Paul Garcia
Hornets Sign DJ Armstrong
The Charlotte Hornets have signed guard DJ Armstrong, the team announced Monday. Terms were not disclosed, though Armstrong signed with the Greensboro Swarm in August and appears headed toward a G-League role. The son of former NBA guard Darrell Armstrong averaged 13.3 points at UMBC last season while leading the America East in three-point percentage at 41.9 percent and threes per game at 2.7. He also earned conference tournament MVP honors after scoring 33 points with seven triples in the title game. Armstrong's shooting gives him something to build on in Greensboro, but he'll need to earn a real role in Charlotte before he becomes relevant for fantasy.
Source: Charlotte Hornets PR
Source: Charlotte Hornets PR
Malachi Smith Lands Two-Way Deal with Raptors
Toronto Raptors guard Malachi Smith will have his Exhibit 10 training-camp contract converted to a two-way deal, according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. The spot opened after Toronto moved Jaden Bradley to a standard contract. Smith averaged 8.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 23.9 minutes across 15 games with Brooklyn last season, shooting 48.5 percent from the field and 43.5 percent from three. Those numbers make him an appealing depth option. Still, with Immanuel Quickley and Jamal Shead ahead of him in the backcourt and Kawhi Leonard occupying perimeter minutes, Smith could spend plenty of time with Raptors 905 unless injuries create a larger role.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
Jaden Bradley Lands Four-Year Deal with Raptors
The Toronto Raptors converted guard Jaden Bradley's two-way contract into a four-year, $9.3 million standard deal, according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. Only the first season is guaranteed. Bradley, the No. 50 pick in June, won Big 12 Player of the Year at Arizona after averaging 13.3 points, 4.4 assists, and 1.4 steals as a senior. He struggled offensively in Summer League, averaging 6.4 points and 3.0 turnovers on 32.4 percent shooting across five games. With Immanuel Quickley and Jamal Shead ahead of him in the rotation, Bradley may have a tough time carving out enough minutes to matter in fantasy right away.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
Jalen Duren Weighs Pistons' $200 Million Offer
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren remains at an impasse with the team despite Detroit increasing its offer to five years and $200 million, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Charania added that Duren's attendance at media day and training camp is "highly up in the air and questionable." The 22-year-old earned his first All-Star selection and All-NBA Third Team honors after averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds on 65.0 percent shooting last season. If the standoff carries into camp, Paul Reed would be positioned for increased center minutes, with John Collins also capable of absorbing more frontcourt work.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Henri Veesaar Expected to Miss 2026-27 Season with Torn ACL
Atlanta Hawks center Henri Veesaar (knee) suffered a torn ACL during a Sept. 15 workout and is expected to miss the 2026-27 season, according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. The 22-year-old will undergo surgery in October after joining Atlanta via a draft-night trade for the No. 52 pick. Veesaar averaged 17.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks at North Carolina while shooting 42.6 percent from deep. His absence leaves Onyeka Okongwu and Jock Landale atop Atlanta's center depth chart, while Zuby Ejiofor could see more opportunity with Mouhamed Gueye (foot) also recovering.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
Montrezl Harrell Works Out for Rockets' G-League Affiliate
Free-agent forward/center Montrezl Harrell completed a post-practice workout with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the Houston Rockets' G-League affiliate, on Sept. 12 as he continues his NBA comeback attempt. Harrell told Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson that the session with the coaching staff "went really well." The 32-year-old hasn't played in the NBA since 2022-23 but stayed active this year, averaging 17.3 points for Atleticos de San German in Puerto Rico and setting a BIG3 single-game record with 42 points. Harrell still believes his rim-running and screen-setting can translate, but there is no contract on the table yet. For now, the workout is simply another step toward getting back into the league.
Source: Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson
Source: Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson
Mike Conley Settles Into Veteran Mentor Role
Boston Celtics guard Mike Conley is already working closely with Payton Pritchard, including regular one-on-one sessions and conversations about scoring reads, according to Souichi Terada of MassLive. The 38-year-old signed a one-year deal with Boston after averaging career lows of 4.5 points and 2.9 assists in 18.4 minutes across 54 games with Minnesota. Conley is expected to play a complementary role while providing another ball handler behind Pritchard and Derrick White. His own fantasy ceiling is limited, but the veteran guidance could benefit Pritchard as he looks to build on career highs of 17.0 points and 5.2 assists.
Source: Souichi Terada
Source: Souichi Terada
Hornets Waive Bez Mbeng
The Charlotte Hornets have waived guard Bez Mbeng, the team announced Sunday. Charlotte signed the former Ivy League Player of the Year to an Exhibit 10 deal earlier this month after he finished last season with Utah. Mbeng averaged 8.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.3 steals in 32.8 minutes across 15 NBA appearances, but his shooting remains a concern after hitting 19.4 percent from three and 64.0 percent at the line. With Coby White, Dennis Schroder, and Kon Knueppel already in Charlotte's guard rotation, Mbeng faced a tough path to minutes. His steals remain intriguing, but he needs another NBA opportunity before entering the fantasy conversation.
Source: Charlotte Hornets PR
Source: Charlotte Hornets PR
Graham Ike Lands Two-Way Deal with Warriors
The Golden State Warriors are signing forward/center Graham Ike to a two-year, two-way contract, according to Luca Evans of the San Francisco Chronicle. The former Gonzaga big man averaged 10.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 21.2 minutes across nine Summer League games while helping Golden State win the Las Vegas title. Ike is set to take the Warriors' final two-way spot alongside LJ Cryer and Malevy Leons. His physical interior game gives Golden State another developmental option up front, but much of his playing time should come with Santa Cruz unless injuries open NBA minutes.
Source: Luca Evans
Source: Luca Evans
Zach LaVine Eyes Bounce-Back Season with Kings
Sacramento Kings guard/forward Zach LaVine (hand) is looking for a bounce-back season after undergoing surgery on his right pinky finger in February. LaVine told Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints that his standards remain "extremely high" while acknowledging that his exact role is still taking shape. The 31-year-old averaged 19.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists across 39 games last season while shooting 39.0 percent from three. No. 7 pick Darius Acuff Jr. adds another ballhandler to Sacramento's mix, so LaVine's usage is worth watching in camp. His scoring and efficiency should remain useful if he keeps a prominent offensive role.
Source: Tomer Azarly
Source: Tomer Azarly
