NBA Player News

While he was cleared for Sunday’s game against the Timberwolves, Watford was held out of Tuesday’s loss against Memphis. His absence led to Kevin Knox moving into the starting lineup, but he’s also questionable for Thursday’s game. Should both sit, John Butler would likely be the next man up, with Justin Minaya’s minutes increasing as well.

Martin appeared in 16 games between Brooklyn and Washington last season, with the Wizards signing him to a two-way deal just after the February trade deadline. In 13 appearances for Washington, the 6-foot-6 wing averaged 5.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 0.7 steals in 18.0 minutes. With their decision to waive Martin, the Wizards have freed up a two-way contract slot. Tristan Vukcevic and second-round pick Jamir Watkins are currently on two-way deals.

In a development that did not make headlines following the end of the Celtics’ season, Queta underwent surgery to address issues with his left knee that had been present for a few years. Cleared to return to the court in July, the Celtics’ reserve center is preparing to play for Portugal at EuroBasket next month. While Queta’s role was not consistent enough to make him a viable fantasy option last season, more opportunities will be available in 2025-26. Boston’s frontcourt rotation took significant hits this summer, with Kristaps Porzingis being traded to Atlanta, Luke Kornet signing with San Antonio in free agency, and Al Horford expected to sign with the Warriors after Golden State addresses Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free agency.

According to Monday’s report, Fox, who was traded from Sacramento to San Antonio just before the February deadline, has secured his future with the Spurs. He appeared in 17 games for the Spurs before being shut down in mid-March to undergo pinkie surgery, averaging 19.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.5 three-pointers in 34.0 minutes. It’s worth noting that Fox recorded those numbers alongside fellow point guard Chris Paul, who is now with the Clippers, and Victor Wembanyama only played five games before being shut down after the All-Star break with a blood clot in his shoulder. Fantasy managers hoping to derive some value from selecting lottery pick Dylan Harper in drafts may be in a difficult spot, however, as the Spurs’ perimeter rotation includes Fox, Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, and veterans Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson, to name four expected contributors.

Boston, the 51st overall pick in the 2021 draft, played his first three NBA seasons with the Clippers before joining the Pelicans on a two-way deal last October. Converted to a standard deal in February due to the Pelicans’ many injuries, Boston appeared in 42 games last season, averaging 10.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.2 three-pointers in 23.6 minutes. He underwent left ankle surgery in late April but will be ready when Fenerbahçe begins its season.

The 2024-25 season was Dowtin’s best from a productivity standpoint, as he appeared in 41 games with the 76ers as a two-way player. In those outings, the veteran guard averaged 7.0 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 0.7 three-pointers in 15.1 minutes. Moving overseas will allow Dowtin to run a team without being tethered to a two-way contract.

Jenkins, who spent last season on a two-way deal with Detroit, will return to the team on another two-way contract after shining during summer league. Jenkins only appeared in seven games last season and will likely spend most of next year in the G League once again.

While Saturday was the first day Dončić was eligible to agree to an extension worth up to $222 million over four seasons, he reportedly decided to take a deal with one less year. The three-year extension, which includes a player option, grants the star guard added flexibility for the future. After three seasons, Dončić would be eligible for a max contract that would pay him 35 percent of the salary cap instead of 30 percent. LeBron James remains on the Lakers roster, but the 40-year-old is headed into the final season of his current contract. Dončić is the unquestioned cornerstone moving forward, and future moves made by the Lakers will have this in mind. Regarding fantasy basketball, he should be no worse than a top-5 pick in most league drafts.

Freeman-Liberty spent the 2024-25 season with the Bulls’ G League affiliate before playing for Chicago in the NBA 2K26 Summer League. His only official NBA action occurred during the 2023-24 season, when the 6-foot-4 guard appeared in six games with the Raptors.

Nnaji, the 31st overall pick in the 2023 draft, had his draft rights traded to the Knicks last fall as part of the deal headlined by Karl-Anthony Towns. After a season on loan with Girona, the 6-foot-10 center played with the Knicks at summer league last month. New York has three open standard contract slots and has yet to fill any two-way contract slots. Due to the team’s salary cap situation, there will likely be a need to fill out the roster with at least one low-cost player whose rights the team already holds, and Nnaji would fit the mold.

Council IV saw his playing time nearly double in Year 2 as he logged 17.1 minutes across 73 appearances in 2024-25. In 12 starts, the Arkansas product averaged 12.9 points and 6.2 rebounds. He could see meaningful rotation minutes for Brooklyn during the upcoming campaign.