NBA Player News

Sheppard showed flashes of becoming a long-term rotation piece during his second NBA season, demonstrating his ability to stretch the floor and handle secondary playmaking duties when called upon.

Although Houston's veteran core limits his offensive opportunities, the organization continues to value his shooting and decision-making. Sheppard should once again compete for consistent backcourt minutes while continuing his development behind the Rockets' established starters. However, his upside may not be as high with the return of Fred VanVleet (knee).

Thompson established himself as one of the NBA's best young two-way players, earning recognition for his elite perimeter defense while continuing to expand his offensive game in 2025-26.

Thompson's athleticism and versatility allowed him to impact virtually every category on a nightly basis, making him one of Houston's most valuable players beyond the box score. The Rockets' quiet offseason should allow Thompson to continue developing in a featured role alongside Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun.

Sengun continued his ascent as one of the league's premier offensive centers during the 2025-26 campaign, serving as Houston's primary facilitator in the frontcourt while forming an elite partnership with Kevin Durant.

Sengun's combination of interior scoring, rebounding and passing remained the foundation of the Rockets' halfcourt offense throughout the regular season. With Houston returning most of its rotation, Sengun's role should remain virtually unchanged entering 2026-27.

Pickett and the Clippers agreed to a two-way contract Wednesday, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.com reports.

The Nuggets declined their team option for Pickett on June 29, but he lands in a pretty good spot with the Clippers in the early stages of a rebuild. Pickett figures to get plenty of G League reps to open the 2026-27 campaign.

Durant (ankle) averaged 26.0 points per game during his first season with Houston and continued to cement his place among the NBA's all-time great scorers, moving into the top five on the league's career 30-point games list.

Durant led the Rockets to a 52-30 record and a playoff berth despite battling injuries late in the year. Houston made no major changes to its core during the offseason, so Durant should once again operate as the club's primary scoring option while chasing another deep postseason run.

Jackson agreed to a training-camp deal with the Raptors on Tuesday, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.com reports.

Jackson was unable to land a guaranteed contract, but he'll have a chance to prove himself during training camp in hopes of earning a roster spot with the Raptors. The wing spent the first three seasons of his career with the Bucks. Appearing in 48 regular-season games (one start) during the 2025-26 campaign, Jackson averaged 2.4 points and 1.5 rebounds in 8.5 minutes per contest.

Doncic (hamstring) recently stated he is "100% healthy again," Dan Woike of The Athletic reports.

Doncic suffered a hamstring strain on April 2, forcing him to miss the remainder of the 2025-2026 regular season and the postseason. However, after taking a "real break from basketball" to rehab, the multi-time All-Star reports he is ready to go. Doncic came as close as ever to capturing his first MVP in 2025-26, averaging 33.5 points, 8.3 assists, 7.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals across 35.8 minutes in 64 regular-season appearances. With LeBron James now in Philadelphia, Doncic could be just as productive this season, though durability has been an issue throughout his career.

Marshall (hip) signed a three-year, $52.2 million extension with the Mavericks on Sunday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

Marshall signed a three-year pact with Dallas in July 2024 and is now set to remain with the team for the foreseeable future. The 28-year-old wing is coming off a career-best year in 2025-26, during which he averaged 15.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 51.0 percent from the floor in 29.5 minutes per game across 74 regular-season appearances (47 starts).

Sochan agreed to a one-year contract with the Trail Blazers on Saturday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

Sochan will join the Trail Blazers on a one-year pact after splitting time between the Spurs and Knicks during the 2025-26 campaign. The Baylor product appeared in 44 regular-season games between the two clubs, averaging 3.6 points, 2.4 rebounds and 0.9 assists in 10.7 minutes per contest after averaging double-digit scoring marks in each of his first three NBA seasons. The 23-year-old forward will look to carve out a role off the bench and rediscover his form in Portland.

Payton agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million deal with the Warriors on Saturday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

Payton lingered on the open market, but he'll ultimately return to Golden State for his 11th NBA season. In 73 regular-season games last season, the 33-year-old averaged 7.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 15.6 minutes per contest. Payton isn't likely to see significant usage during the 2026-27 campaign but will provide valuable veteran depth in the Warriors' backcourt.