NBA Player News

George could be in line for a larger workload after Philadelphia lost both Kelly Oubre and Quentin Grimes this offseason, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks.

With two key wing contributors no longer on the roster, the veteran forward should be asked to shoulder more of the scoring and playmaking responsibilities alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Assuming he stays healthy, George could be positioned for a bounce-back fantasy campaign with an expanded role on the wing.

Carter's outlook becomes more uncertain following Orlando's acquisition of Nikola Vucevic.

While Carter has served as the Magic's starting center in recent seasons, Vucevic's return could cut into his playing time and potentially shift him into a reduced role depending on how Orlando structures its frontcourt rotation. Carter is likely to remain with the first unit, but his fantasy value may take a hit if the two centers split minutes consistently.

Nurkic (nose) is projected as Utah's top starting center for the 2026-27 season after the Jazz lost Walker Kessler to the Lakers this offseason, Jared Koch of SI.com reports.

Nurkic was highly productive when available for the Jazz, averaging 10.9 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.3 steals in 26.4 minutes per game across 41 regular-season games (36 starts) last year. The veteran big man will have a new partner in the frontcourt with Jaren Jackson now in the fold, so it'll be interesting to see how the two big men mesh in 2026-27. Nurkic should be ready for the start of training camp after undergoing season-ending nose surgery in February.

Oubre agreed to a two-year deal worth nearly $17 million to sign with the Pacers on Wednesday, per Shams Charania of ESPN.

After spending the past three years with the 76ers, Oubre is heading to Indiana for his 11th NBA season. The veteran swingman averaged 14.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.7 three-pointers in 31.5 minutes per tilt over 50 games during the regular season, shooting a career-high 36.0 percent from deep for Philadelphia in 2025-26. All signs point toward Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) being ready for the start of the new year, which could mean Oubre will have to settle for a reserve role.

Doncic (hamstring) is positioned to take on an even larger offensive role after LeBron James' departure from Los Angeles, Dan Woike of The Athletic opines.

The additions of Quentin Grimes, Walker Kessler and Sandro Mamukelashvili should give the Lakers more shooting, defense and frontcourt balance, but none of the newcomers will replace James' playmaking responsibilities. Doncic should remain the clear engine of the Lakers' offense entering 2026-27, with his usage and assist opportunities likely staying near elite levels.

Watkins and the Wizards agreed to a two-way contract Wednesday.

The Wizards previously declined Watkins' $2.5 million player option, but there was mutual interest in a reunion. During the 2025-26 regular season, Watkins averaged 7.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.1 steals in 20.6 minutes per contest.

Martin agreed to a two-year, $4.8 million deal to return to the Raptors on Wednesday, per Shams Charania of ESPN.

The 2025 second-rounder is set for his second season with Toronto. Martin, however, was limited to 6.3 minutes per game over 23 regular-season appearances for the Raptors a year ago, so his pathway to fantasy relevance in 2026-27 appears murky at best.

Melton will sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Warriors, Shams Charania of ESPN reports Wednesday.

Melton previously declined his $3.45 million player option after rebuilding his market value with a strong 2025-26 campaign. He averaged a career-high 12.3 points along with 3.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.6 steals in 23.0 minutes per contest across 49 regular-season games (24 starts). Look for him to play a similar role moving forward, though the Warriors are expected to be very busy this offseason.

Grimes agreed to a four-year, $60 million deal with the Lakers on Wednesday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

The Lakers continue to add some firepower to their roster after acquiring Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Collin Sexton. Grimes will likely be a key part of the second unit in Los Angeles with his ability to play multiple positions. During the 2025-26 regular season, Grimes averaged 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 0.9 steals in 29.4 minutes per contest.

Sexton agreed to a two-year, $19 million contract with the Lakers on Wednesday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

LeBron James is leaving Los Angeles, and the Lakers are retooling via free agency. After re-signing Austin Reaves to a massive extension, the Lakers have signed Sexton, Quentin Grimes and Sandro Mamukelashvili, while pulling off a sign-and-trade for Walker Kessler. As things stand, Sexton appears set for a backup role behind Luka Doncic and Reaves in 2026-27.