NBA Player News

Gobert’s matchup with Victor Wembanyama was the challenge that many expected it to be before the series began, but Game 6 was brutal. In addition to missing all four of his shot attempts, the veteran center grabbed just three rebounds and did not block a shot. The matchup at the start of the game didn’t help, either, as Gobert was assigned to guard Stephon Castle. Castle knocked down shots, scoring 14 of his game-high 32 points in the first quarter. As effective as he was in the first round, Gobert will head into the offseason with a bad taste in his mouth. Looking to 2026-27, the 7-foot-1 pivot has top-100 fantasy potential, and he can be even more valuable in roster builds that punt free-throw percentage.

Not selected in the 2026 draft, Mitchell agreed to an Exhibit 10 deal with the Nuggets shortly thereafter. However, a recent court injunction giving Class of 2022 athletes a fifth season of eligibility opened the door for athletes like Mitchell to return to school. The 6-foot-9 forward/center initially committed to Kentucky but has since decided to return to Missouri for another season. If the court ruling is upheld, Mitchell will be a Tiger next season. However, if the NCAA’s appeal is upheld, he and many other players will be in a tough spot regarding where they’ll play next season.

Despite an injured left wrist, Brunson led the Knicks to their first NBA title since 1973 this past spring. Now focused on retaining the crown for another season, the star point guard is in a good place health-wise after undergoing surgery on his left wrist earlier this summer. Brunson told the New York Post that he “feels good,” and he’s expected to be ready when training camp opens in late September. Given the timeline, fantasy managers should not have any concerns about Brunson’s availability. He should be either a second- or third-round pick in standard league drafts.

Israel had already been eliminated from contention for a FIBA World Cup spot, but there was still hope that Avdija would play in the nation’s most recent qualifiers. However, according to him, the Trail Blazers did not clear him to play because of the back injury he initially suffered in mid-January. Avdija said via social media that, while he wanted to play, the Trail Blazers weren’t willing to take that risk. With Damian Lillard and Ja Morant entering the rotation, Avdija’s usage is likely to take a hit in 2026-27. Hopefully, Portland’s decision to keep him out of FIBA qualifier competition was more precautionary than anything else.

Hours after it was reported that the Timberwolves planned to waive the recently acquired Konchar, the team made the news official. He was acquired as part of a deal with Utah that gave Minnesota the cap space needed to make its signing of Jonathan Kuminga official. Konchar’s skill set can be a positive asset in fantasy basketball, but last season was the first in which he averaged more than 25 minutes per game. Until he’s on a team with a clearly defined role, there’s no need for managers to invest in him.

This was rumored after he was sent to Cleveland as part of the Peyton Watson trade, and now it’s official. The 2023 first-round pick will be looking for a new home after suiting up in 21 games for the Wizards last season prior to suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in December.

Sent to Minnesota along with Cody Williams in exchange for Josh Green, Konchar will not play a game for the Timberwolves. Limited to 26 games last season due to injuries, Konchar averaged 5.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocks in 26.2 minutes. Depending on whether he can sign with another NBA team, Konchar can provide value at various points in a season in category leagues. However, that isn’t enough to make him a player worth drafting in most leagues.

The Timberwolves made this deal to free up cap space, likely to sign a veteran who’s a good locker-room presence. The tenth overall pick in the 2024 draft, Williams struggled to carve out a role for himself as a rookie but did show signs of improvement last season. Starting 41 of the 67 games he appeared in, the 6-foot-7 wing averaged 8.8 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 24.3 minutes in 2025-26. Adding Williams gives the Timberwolves a little more depth on the wing, but it will be challenging for him to land a role that will make him fantasy-relevant.

Acquired from the Hornets as part of the LaMelo Ball trade, Green never got to actually suit up for the Timberwolves. He appeared in 58 games for the Hornets last season, averaging 4.3 points in 15.7 minutes. While Green can be a capable perimeter defender for the Jazz, his game won’t impact fantasy basketball. Trading Green’s contract gives the Timberwolves the room needed to make Jonathan Kuminga’s signing official.

At the time of his injury, Furphy was emerging as one of the few bright spots in the Pacers’ 2025-26 campaign, having started 18 straight games and producing at a higher level. Unfortunately, the injury ended the former second-round pick’s season. Furphy, who has added strength according to Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan, said recently that he’s in a good place with his rehab, but he still hasn’t been cleared to resume 5-on-5 activities. When asked for a potential timeline for that clearance, the 6-foot-9 wing was unsure. With Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) available, Furphy is one of the players who would benefit from the point guard’s return once he’s allowed to play. However, only dynasty league managers should be considering Furphy in drafts this fall.

Miller, who missed 13 games early last season after suffering a subluxation of his left shoulder, underwent surgery in May to address instability in the area. While he still has not been fully cleared to resume basketball activities, the 6-foot-7 wing is making strides in his recovery. “It’s going good, going good,” Miller told the Charlotte Observer. “I’m getting stronger. That’s all I can ask for. The stronger I get, the more mobile I am with the shoulder and that is the most important thing.” With the Hornets moving on from LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges this summer, Miller’s role will expand next season, raising his fantasy ceiling.