NBA Player News

Like Cam Whitmore, it’s time to ask if Sheppard needs to play anymore during summer league. The rookie guard has looked ready for the moment, finding his spots offensively and adequately navigating the balance of scoring and setting up teammates. Sheppard has also defended very well, which is no surprise given how well he attacked passing lanes during his lone season at Kentucky. The Rockets got themselves a good one with the third overall pick.

Wagner tore his ACL in December, and he’ll miss time to start the 2025-26 season. Before suffering the injury, he averaged career highs in points (12.9), rebounds (4.9) and three-point percentage (36) in just 18.8 minutes per game. Once he returns, he’ll likely take on a similar role as a microwave scorer and spacer off the bench.

Harris appeared in 36 games for the Magic during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, averaging 4.0 points and 2.0 rebounds in 12.9 minutes. While he did not play in the NBA last season, the 6-foot-6 wing flourished in the G League, averaging 19.8 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. Harris is unlikely to impact fantasy basketball in Houston as a two-way contract player due to the Rockets’ depth.

Selected by the Rockets with the 59th overall pick in last month’s draft, Mashack was initially headed to Memphis via trade. Now he’s headed to Golden State as part of a trade that included an NBA-record seven teams. Given his reputation as a rugged defender and “glue guy,” Mashack will look to earn an opportunity with the Warriors, who could use a low-cost contributor due to their current salary cap situation.

To get a player of Walker’s experience level on a two-way contract is a shrewd piece of business by the 76ers. The 57th overall pick in the 2022 draft, Walker appeared in 60 games last season, averaging 5.2 points and 3.5 rebounds in 12.5 minutes. During the 2023-24 campaign, Walker started 23 of the 72 games he played, averaging 8.9 points and 7.1 rebounds in 23.6 minutes. With a healthy Joel Embiid and Andre Drummond, Walker’s minutes will likely be limited next season, but he’ll have some value on nights when Philadelphia is shorthanded in the post.

Hayes appeared in 56 games for the Lakers last season, making 35 starts. However, his role will be different in 2025-26, as Deandre Ayton has agreed to a two-year deal and will be the starting center. Hayes finished last season with averages of 6.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 0.9 blocks on 19.5 minutes per game. He did not provide consistent fantasy value as a starter, which should remain the case now that Hayes will be coming off the bench.

Beal’s time in Phoenix has not been what anyone hoped it would be, due to the combination of injuries and underwhelming production. He’s been the focus of trade rumors in the past, but as one of two players in the league with a no-trade clause (LeBron James is the other), Beal has been incredibly difficult to move. Regarding a buyout, there are multiple issues at play. Accepting the deal would include Beal losing his no-trade clause, but he would be an unrestricted free agent once he clears waivers. The more significant issue is that Phoenix has already waived and stretched Nassir Little and E.J. Liddell, so they will need Beal to leave some money on the table. Per league rules, the amount of salary stretched cannot exceed 15 percent of the salary cap.

While Alexander put up gaudy numbers for the Nuggets’ G League affiliate last season, that did not prevent the team from parting ways with him in late June. He’s found a new home with the Pelicans, where he’ll aim to earn opportunities with the “big club” while plying his trade for the Birmingham Squadron. Unless New Orleans is again decimated by injuries, Alexander will not impact fantasy basketball in 2025-26.

Reeves, the 47th overall pick in the 2024 draft, appeared in 44 games for the Pelicans. He was most productive when New Orleans was down multiple rotation players due to injury. Over the team’s final 12 games, Reeves averaged 14.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 2.3 three-pointers in 26.6 minutes, shooting 49.6 percent from the field and 77.3 percent from the foul line. Reeves’ exit from New Orleans will not impact fantasy basketball, but his finish to the 2024-25 season should get him a look in summer league from another team.

Reportedly acquired from the Kings in exchange for Dario Šarić, it’s reportedly possible that Valančiūnas will not suit up for the Nuggets in 2025-26. According to BasketNews, Greek power Panathinaikos has offered the veteran center a three-year, €12 million contract. Should he remain in the NBA, Valančiūnas will make nearly $10.4 million with the Nuggets, but the final year of his deal (2026-27) is not guaranteed. The Nuggets appeared to have shored up their backup center position with the Valančiūnas trade, but they’ll be forced to return to the drawing board if he decides to return to Europe to continue his career.

Landale’s contract included a guarantee date of July 7. The 29-year-old center had no rotation spot on the Rockets roster any longer with the team re-signing Steven Adams and bringing in Clint Capela. Landale is expected to sign with his preferred destination, according to Charania, though it’s unclear where he’s headed to just yet.