NBA Player News

LaVine (hand) is projected to have a new backcourt partner after the Kings selected Darius Acuff with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

LaVine primarily worked alongside Russell Westbrook in 2024-25, the latter of whom is an unrestricted free agent this offseason. LaVine, on the other hand, has a player option worth over $48 million for 2026-27 and figures to exercise it after averaging 19.2 points per game over 39 regular-season appearances last year, his lowest output since 2017-18. Assuming he remains with the Kings, LaVine should have a good chance of having a bounce-back season.

Kalkbrenner could face increased competition for frontcourt minutes after Charlotte acquired Naz Reid as part of the LaMelo Ball trade, according to Cholo Magsino of Yahoo Sports.

The second-year center enters a rotation that already includes Reid, Moussa Diabate and other young big men competing for reserve roles, including 2026 lottery pick Hannes Steinbach. While Kalkbrenner's rim protection and interior defense should help him earn opportunities, his playing time could be volatile based on matchups. His long-term outlook remains promising, but consistent minutes may not be as straightforward as originally thought.

Diabate could face a more crowded path to playing time after Charlotte acquired additional frontcourt talent in the LaMelo Ball trade, Cholo Magsino of Yahoo Sports reports.

The young big man showed flashes as an energy player and rebounder last season, but the additions of Naz Reid and Hannes Steinbach, plus internal improvement of second-year center Ryan Kalkbrenner may create increased competition for minutes. Diabate's defensive activity and athleticism should still give him an opportunity to earn a role, though his playing time may be less secure entering 2026-27.

Bridges could take on additional offensive responsibilities after Charlotte traded LaMelo Ball, according to Cholo Magsino of Yahoo Sports.

The veteran forward remains one of the Hornets' most experienced scorers and playmakers, which may increase his importance as the team integrates younger players into larger roles. The addition of Naz Reid could push Bridges to small forward at times, and his long-term future could still depend on whether Charlotte pursues additional roster changes this offseason. Plus, he may lose out on some easy lobs that Ball was known for generating.

Tillman signed a deal overseas with a Turkish Club on Wednesday, John Karalis of BostonSportsJournal.com reports.

The forward made a combined 30 regular-season appearances between the Hornets and Celtics last season for an average of 6.1 minutes per contest. Still only 27, a return to the NBA could be on the table down the road.

Miller (shoulder) appears poised to become Charlotte's primary offensive focal point following LaMelo Ball's departure, according to Cholo Magsino of Yahoo Sports.

The Hornets are expected to build around Miller and Kon Knueppel as they enter a new phase of the franchise. Increased usage could boost Miller's counting statistics, although opposing defenses may focus greater attention on him without Ball creating opportunities. Miller is expected to be 100 percent ahead of training camp following his shoulder surgery in May.

LaMelo Ball's departure accelerates Charlotte's transition toward building around Knueppel and Brandon Miller, according to Cholo Magsino of Yahoo Sports.

The second-year wing could see increased offensive responsibilities immediately, particularly if the Hornets hand more playmaking duties to their young perimeter players. Knueppel's shooting and offensive versatility should make him a key part of Charlotte's long-term plans. Across 81 regular-season games in 2025-26, Knueppel averaged 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists on 47.5 percent shooting from the field.

Gobert should benefit from sharing the floor with one of the league's best passers in LaMelo Ball, according to Cholo Magsino of Yahoo Sports.

Minnesota's lack of a traditional point guard had occasionally limited Gobert's offensive opportunities, and Ball's pick-and-roll ability could help maximize the veteran center's efficiency. However, the departures of Naz Reid and Julius Randle may place additional frontcourt responsibilities on Gobert entering his age-34 season, as Jaden McDaniels is now expected to start at power forward.

McDaniels appears positioned for an even larger role after Minnesota acquired LaMelo Ball while retaining its defensive core, according to Cholo Magsino of Yahoo Sports.

The versatile forward was reportedly considered off-limits in trade discussions and remains one of the organization's foundational pieces alongside Edwards. Ball's playmaking ability could create more scoring opportunities for McDaniels, particularly as a cutter and transition threat. His defensive responsibilities should remain substantial.

The Timberwolves' acquisition of LaMelo Ball gives Edwards the star playmaker Minnesota has long sought alongside him, according to Cholo Magsino of Yahoo Sports.

Edwards should benefit from reduced creation responsibilities after frequently serving as the team's primary offensive initiator in recent seasons. The addition of Ball could improve Edwards' efficiency while allowing him to focus more heavily on scoring and defense. Edwards still projects as Minnesota's franchise centerpiece entering 2026-27.