Marshall will draw an opportunity to earn a roster spot but is likely headed to the G League for the upcoming 2026-27 season. He averaged 8.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 steals over 33 games (13 starts) a year ago during his final college season at George Washington.
Levin played for the G League's Stockton Kings last year, so Sacramento is likely re-acquiring his G League rights. He figures to be waived at some point prior to the season.
Elmore will join the Spurs for training camp but is unlikely to clinch a roster spot. He appeared strictly in the G League a season ago, averaging 12.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.2 steals in 49 games with Stockton.
After waiving Miles Barnstable earlier Thursday, San Antonio looks to be loading up their G League roster. Williams hasn't appeared in the NBA since 2023-24 with the Raptors and figures to be eventually be waived and sent to the Austin Spurs.
Barnstable was brought in on a training camp deal a few days earlier, and he'll now head to waivers. There's a strong change he'll end up playing for San Antonio's G League affiliate, the Austin Spurs, to open the 2026-27 season.
Key will get an opportunity to compete for a roster spot during training camp. If he's unable to secure a slot, he'll presumably suit up in the G League for Raptors 905 to begin the 2026-27 campaign.
Broome was dealt from the 76ers to the Clippers in late July for cash considerations, and he'll now search for an opportunity elsewhere. He appeared in 26 games in the G League a season ago, averaging 21.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.5 blocks for the Delaware Blue Coats, and he could be destined for a similar fate this year.
Although Joe is penciled in for a reserve role, it's not out of the question he'll challenge Duncan Robinson for the top spot at shooting guard at times this season. In any event, Joe's presence on the perimeter as a catch-and-shoot threat should help make space on the floor for Cade Cunningham to operate when they're playing alongside one another. The 27-year-old three-point specialist is opening the year as a late-round flier in fantasy leagues.
Collins is replacing Tobias Harris, who left for San Antonio this summer, in the starting lineup this year. The veteran power forward is a strong lob threat and pick-and-roll big man, which could play well with Cade Cunningham running the show at point guard. Collins got off to a rough start last season but experienced a second-half turnaround from Jan. 1 onward, averaging 14.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 three-pointers per game while shooting 58.1 percent from the floor and 45.2 percent from downtown over his final 38 regular-season appearances.
Tyson started a career-high 42 games last regular season, but that could change with Watson in the fold. Sam Merrill is also in the mix, offering the Cavaliers the opportunity to take a hot-hand approach between the three at small forward on a game-to-game basis. Tyson is just a late-round flier in fantasy leagues this fall.
Tatum is healthy ahead of training camp, and the hope is that he'll be able to revert back to form before his 2025 Achilles injury. The superstar forward is Boston's definitive top scoring option, now that Jaylen Brown is with the 76ers, and Tatum will be looking for improved efficiency after shooting a career-low 41.1 percent from the field and 32.9 percent from deep last regular season.
Philadelphia made obvious waves for the signing of LeBron James and acquisition of Jaylen Brown this summer, but the team made several other moves to fortify the second unit. They drafted Labaron Philon in the first round of the draft, also signing Anfernee Simons, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Dean Wade. That likely leaves Edwards in need of an impressive training camp in order to stitch up an Opening Night reserve role.
The Magic made no significant additions or subtractions to the team this offseason that would noticeably impact Banchero's outlook. That sets him up as one of the club's top playmakers along with Franz Wagner and Desmond Bane, but Banchero continues to carry concerns in category-based fantasy leagues for his high turnover rate and dodgy shooting efficiency. The star forward has averaged at least 22 points, six rebounds, four assists and nearly one steal in three consecutive years, but he's also averaged at least three turnovers during that time and has never shot at least 46 percent from the floor or 78 percent from the free-throw line in his career.
The gap in negotiations between the two sides has been well-documented this offseason. With the preseason looming, the two parties are running out of time to reach a compromise at this point. As it stands, Duren is a restricted free agent but would be primed for a big role at center if he accepts the qualifying offer or lands an extension and stays with a Pistons team that shipped out Isaiah Stewart over the summer.
Hart is under contract for 2026-27 ahead of a 2027-28 team option. The Knicks have plenty of other mouths to feed, as Karl-Anthony Towns is already extension eligible while Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby will be next offseason, so it remains to be seen how New York will prioritize its contract talks. Hart opened last year as a reserve before assuming a full-time starting role in late November, and he's locked into the first unit to open this season in the wake of Mitchell Robinson's exit.
With Haliburton working his way back from the torn Achilles he suffered in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, this is a notable checkpoint ahead of the 2026-27 season. A full clearance for camp suggests Indiana's star guard should enter the preseason without formal restrictions, though his workload to begin the regular season could still be monitored after such a lengthy absence.
Towns is under team control for 2026-27 before having a player option for 2027-28. Jalen Brunson is eligible for an extension next year, so Towns may have to settle for a discount in order for New York to maintain its championship core in the future. The star big man appears to be a pretty safe second-round pick in fantasy drafts this year, having averaged at least 20 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and nearly one steal while shooting at least 50 percent from the floor and 82 percent from the charity stripe in back-to-back seasons for the Knicks.
Running mate Jalen Williams was limited to a career-low 33 regular-season appearances in 2025-26, but his presence on the floor could help Gilgeous-Alexander spend more time off the ball in 2026-27. Gilgeous-Alexander remains a cinch pick early in the first rounds of fantasy drafts regardless of his role, having averaged at least 30 points, four rebounds, five assists, one steal and nearly one block while shooting at least 51 percent from the field and 87 percent from the foul line in each of his past four seasons.
Wallace started 58 regular-season games in 2025-26, averaging 9.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.1 steals in 27.7 minutes per game in those contests. With Dort no longer in Oklahoma City, Wallace appears positioned for an increased role and could become a full-time starter in 2026-27.
The league has reportedly hired national investigations law firm Hecker Fink to examine the fully guaranteed deal, while both Milwaukee and Trent's agency, Klutch Sports Group, are cooperating with the investigation. The NBA is looking into whether Trent's previous team-friendly contracts with the Bucks were connected to an understanding that he would receive a more lucrative deal once Milwaukee acquired his Early Bird rights. There is currently no indication of when the investigation will conclude, and no finding of wrongdoing has been announced.
Mitchell appears to be a candidate for an expanded role in Oklahoma City's rotation after showing promise in a limited capacity last season. The team lost Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins and Luguentz Dort this offseason, making Mitchell an obvious player to watch ahead of fantasy drafts. His exact place in the rotation will become clearer during training camp and the preseason.
Presti added that there's "a lot more" to McCain's game than his ability to knock down three-pointers. The comments suggest Oklahoma City values the 22-year-old's broader skill set and could look to utilize him in multiple ways during his first season with the Thunder. There will certainly be more opportunities following some key departures in the wing rotation.
Webster added that spending time at home helped Poeltl reset ahead of the upcoming campaign. The positive update suggests the veteran center is in good shape entering camp, though his workload and status will be worth monitoring as Toronto begins preseason preparations. Injuries limited Poeltl to 46 regular-season appearances in 2025-26.
Davis was limited to only 20 regular-season appearances with Dallas last season due to health issues, but Dawkins said the 10-time All-Star is currently in a "great frame of mind." Washington also views Davis as a starting-caliber center in a revamped frontcourt featuring Alex Sarr and Deandre Ayton. Davis and the Wizards reportedly postponed contract extension discussions earlier this offseason, but Dawkins declined to specifically address those talks Thursday.
Vanderbilt's defensive versatility, size and rebounding make him a theoretical fit for what Los Angeles wants from the role, but Buha is skeptical that he'll win the competition after playing a modest role last season. Jake LaRavia and Ziaire Williams appear to have the inside track entering camp, so Vanderbilt may need a strong preseason to move up the pecking order.
Buha questioned whether a lineup featuring Luka Doncic, Mamukelashvili and Walker Kessler would have sufficient quickness and athleticism defensively. Mamukelashvili should nevertheless get an opportunity to compete for the job during camp and the preseason, though Jake LaRavia and Ziaire Williams appear to be the more likely candidates entering the competition.
Grimes is expected to join Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler as four established members of the starting five, leaving only one position unsettled. The offseason addition should complement Doncic and Reaves with his perimeter defense and ability to operate away from the ball, putting Grimes in line for a substantial role in his first season with Los Angeles.
The Lakers would ideally like their fifth starter to provide positional versatility, rebounding and off-ball production alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Williams has the size to fit that profile, and his performance during camp and the preseason should determine whether he can separate himself from LaRavia and the other candidates.
Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Quentin Grimes and Walker Kessler are expected to occupy the other four spots, leaving Los Angeles in search of a versatile forward to round out the first unit. LaRavia's size, rebounding and ability to contribute without the ball could make him a strong fit alongside the Lakers' established starters, but the competition with Williams remains unsettled entering camp.
The 23-year-old forward spent the latter portion of the 2025-26 campaign with Washington, averaging 11.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.4 steals in 30.9 minutes across 13 regular-season appearances, including 10 starts. Look for him to spend a lot of time with New Orleans' G League affiliate.
The young center underwent a minor arthroscopic procedure on his right knee in early July after missing the 2025-26 campaign while recovering from a torn ACL in the same knee. Sorber had initially been expected to return to full basketball activities roughly four weeks after the procedure, so his workload will be worth monitoring as camp progresses.
General manager Sam Presti announced the restriction Thursday, and Topic is currently dealing with a back issue stemming from offseason surgery. The 21-year-old guard's participation level will be worth monitoring throughout camp as Oklahoma City prepares for the preseason.
General manager Will Dawkins said Thursday that Sarr is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season, so the limited workload to begin camp appears precautionary. Sarr underwent surgery in mid-June, and his progress during the preseason will be worth monitoring, but there currently doesn't appear to be significant concern about his availability for Opening Night.
Diallo most recently played for the G League's Westchester Knicks during the 2025-26 campaign. In 20 regular-season games for Westchester, the 26-year-old averaged 3.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocks over 13.4 minutes per contest.
The exact terms of the deal are unclear, though Richmond could compete for a spot on the Cavaliers' regular-season roster in training camp. Over 36 G League appearances with the Capital City Go-Go last season, he averaged 10.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.6 blocks in 25.7 minutes per game.
Lively underwent right foot surgery in December after appearing in just seven regular-season games (four starts), during which he averaged 4.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.6 blocks and 0.6 steals across 16.4 minutes per contest. MacMahon notes that Lively has not suffered a setback. However, the big man is still in jeopardy of missing time to begin the 2026-27 regular season, and it wouldn't be surprising if he operates under a heavy minutes restriction upon his return. If the 22-year-old misses an extended period, Daniel Gafford, Santi Aldama (knee) and Morez Johnson would be candidates for increased burn.
Since going undrafted in 2024, McGlothan has been trying to land a spot on an NBA roster. He most recently appeared in five games for the Pacers during the 2026 Las Vegas Summer League, averaging 8.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.6 steals over 17.8 minutes per contest.
After signing Council to an Exhibit 10 contract Wednesday, Orlando waived him the same day, meaning he's likely to suit up for the Osceola Magic during the 2026-27 campaign. The 24-year-old most recently appeared in five regular-season games for the G League's Rio Grande Valley Vipers in 2025-26, averaging 12.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists over 27.4 minutes per contest.
The ninth overall pick in the 2018 Draft, Knox is set to compete for a spot on Orlando's regular-season roster during training camp. The 27-year-old forward appeared in 39 games with the G League's Windy City Bulls in 2025-26, averaging 21.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2 combined steals-plus-blocks in 35.0 minutes per contest.
Baldwin signed an Exhibit 10 pact with Orlando before being waived the same day. The organization still owns his G League rights, so he's expected to return to the Osceola Magic for the 2026-27 campaign. Over 28 appearances with Osceola last season, he averaged 1.5 points and 1.0 assists in just 7.9 minutes per game.
Cumberland signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Magic before being waived the same day. However, the organization still owns his G League rights, so he's expected to report to the Osceola Magic. Over 45 G League appearances between Osceola and the South Bay Lakers last season, he averaged 5.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists across 18.7 minutes per contest.
The Magic signed and waived Toney on Wednesday to acquire his G League rights, so he's now expected to report to the team's affiliate, the Osceola Magic. Over 32 outings with the G League's Noblesville Boom in 2025-26, the 26-year-old averaged 12.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.1 steals in 30.0 minutes per showing.
The Magic now own Baldwin's G League rights, so it's possible he'll be waived before camp begins. Still, he could compete for a spot on the regular-season roster. The 25-year-old point guard played in 28 G League outings with the Osceola Magic in 2025-26, averaging 1.5 points and 1.0 assists across 7.9 minutes per tilt.
The exact terms of the deal are unknown, though it wouldn't be surprising to see Jones compete for a spot on the regular-season roster during training camp. He appeared in 10 regular-season games with Denver while on a two-way pact last season, averaging 2.9 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 8.8 minutes per contest.
Council went undrafted in 2023 but managed to suit up for the 76ers in 2023-24 and 2024-25. In 105 regular-season appearances (12 starts) with Philadelphia, he averaged 6.7 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists over 14.7 minutes per contest. Council has NBA experience, so he could be in the mix for a spot on Orlando's roster heading into the 2026-27 campaign. However, he likely wouldn't have a prominent role if he does make the team.
Austin presumably signed with the Cavaliers for training camp, meaning the club owns his G League rights and could waive him at any time. Over 20 G League appearances with the Oklahoma City Blue in 2025-26, he averaged 12.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, 1.2 assists and 0.9 steals in 27.5 minutes per contest.
Santos appeared in 27 regular-season games (five starts) for the G League's Iowa Wolves in 2025-26, averaging 10.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.0 assists over 24.8 minutes per contest. The 24-year-old could compete for a spot on the regular-season roster, though he'll likely return to Iowa for the 2026-27 campaign.
The Magic now own Cumberland's G League rights, so it's possible they'll waive him before training camp begins. Over 45 G League outings between the Osceola Magic and South Bay Lakers last season, he averaged 5.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists across 18.7 minutes per showing.
Sandfort could compete for a spot on Minnesota's regular-season roster, though it's possible he'll be waived before training camp begins since the organization now owns his G League rights. The 24-year-old appeared in 25 outings with the G League's Oklahoma City Blue in 2025-26, averaging 10.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.6 blocks in 27.4 minutes per showing.
