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Southwest Notes: Morant, Jones, Sengun, Flagg
Ja Morant returns to Memphis as the Trail Blazers, 3‑0 this season, visit the Grizzlies on Thursday. Morant says he holds no grudges and aims for a championship, while coach Tuomas Iisalo stresses their past good relationship. Meanwhile, New Orleans’ Herbert Jones sees a career‑low 17 minutes per game but remains untouchable in trade talks, Houston’s Alperen Sengun deals with a back issue that could sideline him, and Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg bursts out with 25 points, 6.3 assists and 3.7 steals per game, eyeing a spot on the 2028 Team USA roster.
Northwest Notes: Edwards, Holiday, DeRozan, Brazile
Anthony Edwards faces at least two months out after a “cleanup” knee surgery, confirmed by Timberwolves president Tim Connelly, ending a hot LaMelo Ball/Edwards start; Edwards had 45 points in the season opener despite lingering pain. Meanwhile, veteran Jrue Holiday embraces a bench role with the Trail Blazers, praising clear coaching expectations as Portland’s depth fuels its early success. Former Chicago star DeMar DeRozan, now a reserve for the Nuggets, posted 21 points in his first bench outing and is adapting to the new role. Rookie forward Trevon Brazile is emerging as a versatile Nuggets reserve, even starting at small forward amid Cameron Johnson’s absence.
Celtics Notes: Carter, Pritchard, Tatum, Brown
The Celtics welcome Devin Carter back after a mononucleosis setback, signing him to a two-way deal, though he remains sidelined while recovering. Payton Pritchard emerges as Boston’s new "iso king," leading the league in isolation eFG% and earning praise from Allen Iverson, a boost as the team adjusts to Jaylen Brown’s departure. Jayson Tatum marks a milestone return, scoring 40 points and hitting a buzzer‑beater against the Nets, his first 40‑point outing since rupturing his Achilles in the 2025 playoffs. Meanwhile, Brown’s exit fuels ongoing trade‑rumor debates, with his camp denying any demand.
Jalen Williams Undergoes Surgery, Will Be Reevaluated Before Season Ends
The Oklahoma City Thunder confirm that forward Jalen Williams has had successful surgery to repair a fractured left fibula and dislocated ankle, with ligament reconstruction completed. The injury occurred in the fourth quarter of the Thunder's 112-108 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, and he will be re‑evaluated after the 2026‑27 regular season. With Williams sidelined and perimeter defender Cason Wallace out indefinitely due to a torn labrum, Oklahoma City relied on Ajay Mitchell and Jared McCain, who started in Monday's victory over the Phoenix Suns.
Mavericks Exercise Team Option On Zaccharie Risacher
The Dallas Mavericks have exercised the $17.4 million fourth‑year option on 21‑year‑old forward Zaccharie Risacher, confirming his stay for the 2027 season. Acquired in the three‑team deal that sent Luguentz Dort to Atlanta, Risacher has posted 8.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals in 30 minutes over four games, though his shooting is uneven (17.6% from three, 30.8% overall). He set a franchise debut record with five steals against the Rockets. Mavericks president Masai Ujiri, GM Mike Schmitz and coach Dusty May praise his defensive impact and hustle as he finds his role alongside stars Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving.
Southeast Notes: Isaac, Knox, Jovic, Miller
Jonathan Isaac remains sidelined for the Orlando Magic, still rehabbing a left‑knee sprain and nerve issue from a March injury and is not expected to return this season. The veteran, who re‑signed on a minimum deal after being waived, still has $8 million guaranteed from his $14.5 million contract and appeared in 52 games last year. Meanwhile, Miami’s Nikola Jovic, fresh off a four‑year, $64.2 million extension, is adapting to an undefined role as Coach Spoelstra seeks his spot. Former Magic forward Kevin Knox, waived in camp, is negotiating a move to Spain after a G‑League stint, and Brandon Miller just secured a five‑year, $208.8 million extension, cementing his status as the Charlotte Hornets’ leader.
Tyrese Haliburton To Miss Time With Hamstring Strain
Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton suffers a left hamstring strain and will miss an undetermined amount of time, according to ESPN sources. Coach Rick Carlisle says Haliburton will meet with doctors and a hamstring specialist later today, hoping the issue isn’t serious. The injury follows Haliburton’s comeback last week after missing the entire 2025‑26 season with a right Achilles tear, during which he posted 21.8 points, 9.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game. Backup T.J. McConnell also sits with a hamstring strain, and Andrew Nembhard is questionable with neck soreness, leaving the Pacers thin at guard.
Lakers To Add Lovering On Two-Way Deal, Waive Okereke
The Los Angeles Lakers sign 7-foot center Lawson Lovering to a two‑way contract, waiving forward AK Okereke to clear a roster spot. Lovering, a 23‑year‑old undrafted Utah product, was released by Memphis after a training‑camp deal and spent last season with the G League’s Memphis Hustle, posting 7.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 30 games. He also appeared in two NBA games with the Grizzlies on a 10‑day contract. Okereke, a 6‑7 wing who went undrafted in July, never debuted for the Lakers before being cut.
Mavs CEO Rick Welts To Retire; Casson Chosen To Succeed Him
Mavericks CEO Rick Welts announces his retirement at the end of 2026, handing the reins to President Ethan Casson as the team's new CEO and alternate governor. Welts, a Hall of Famer who returned in 2024 after stints with the Suns, Warriors and the NBA, has overseen a major organizational overhaul. Casson, who joined Dallas in 2025 after leading the Timberwolves/Lynx and serving as COO of the 49ers, brings 20+ years of sports‑business experience to guide the franchise into its next chapter.
Wizards’ Justin Champagnie Undergoes Foot Surgery
Wizards wing Justin Champagnie undergoes surgery Wednesday to fix a fractured right foot suffered in the first quarter of Monday's game in Charlotte. The team hopes he returns by the All-Star break. Champagnie, in Washington since the 2023‑24 season, posted a double‑double (11 points, 14 rebounds) against Chicago last week and averaged 8.7 points and 5.6 rebounds over 69 games last season. His $2.67 million salary becomes fully guaranteed on Jan. 10, with a $3 million option for 2027‑28. The procedure coincides with top pick AJ Dybantsa’s debut, but the Wizards remain deep with Anthony Davis, Bilal Coulibaly, Khris Middleton and Will Riley.
Hoops Rumors Chat Transcript: 10/28/2026
Hoops Rumors hosted a live chat today at 1:00 pm Central time (2:00 pm Eastern). Click here to read the transcript.
Southwest Notes: Risacher, Sengun, Yurtseven, Jerome
The Mavericks face a deadline to decide on exercising Zaccharie Rischer’s $17.4 million rookie option, with the former No. 1 pick battling a 30.8% field‑goal rate but leading the league in “stocks” (steals + blocks) at 16 in four games. Coach Dusty May praises his defensive impact despite missed shots. Meanwhile, Rockets center Alperen Şengün deals with a mild back strain that could sideline him for several games, while former NBA big man Omer Yurtseven joins the Rio Grande Valley Vipers’ training camp. In Memphis, Ty Jerome rebounds from a calf injury, posting 29.8 points and 6.3 assists in a 4‑0 start and earning Player of the Week honors.
Wizards’ AJ Dybantsa To Make Debut On Wednesday
Wizards No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa is cleared to debut on Wednesday in Cleveland after missing the first four games with a left ankle sprain. The 19‑year‑old forward, who averaged 25.5 points at BYU and posted a 50‑point outing in the Las Vegas Summer League, was upgraded from questionable to available. Dybantsa could replace Bilal Coulibaly in the rotation, boosting a Washington offense that sits 16th in rating (111.2) after two early wins. He may not start immediately and will face a minutes restriction, while the team also adjusts to Justin Champagnie’s foot injury.
Central Notes: Thomas, Hezonja, Pistons, Pacers, Miller
Cavaliers rookie guard Meleek Thomas bursts onto the NBA scene, scoring 16 points in 19 minutes off the bench during an overtime win over Minnesota, prompting coach J.B. Atkinson to consider him above fellow backups Craig Porter Jr. and Tyrese Proctor. The 34th overall pick averaged 27.2 points in Summer League and 10.3 points in preseason. Meanwhile, former top‑five pick Mario Hezonja revives his career with Cleveland, posting 7.3 points and 3.7 rebounds in 17.7 minutes. The Pistons stumble in their first loss after Jalen Duren’s hamstring strain, while the Pacers grapple with multiple injuries ahead of the Philly game. Leonard Miller emerges as a key rotational forward for the Bulls, nearing unrestricted free agency in July.
Warriors Notes: Porzingis, Curry, Green, Lendeborg
Warriors insiders say Kristaps Porzingis is unlikely to suit up again this season as the team shifts his injury status to “not with team,” opening a costly ‘failure to render services’ option that could cut his $31 million cap hit. Yet Golden State prefers a Melton‑style approach—tacking pick incentives onto his deal—while waiting for trade interest. Meanwhile, the Warriors notch a 134‑114 win in Denver, with Stephen Curry’s perfect 8‑of‑8 shooting and rookie Yaxel Lendeborg exploding for 31 points, 12 rebounds and six assists, sparking hopes he could be a new core piece. Coach Steve Kerr praises the team’s depth and the Curry‑Green partnership as they navigate the “second timeline” plan.
Active Game Limits For Two-Way Players In 2026/27
Hoops Rumors explains the 2026/27 two‑way contract active‑game limits: a player signed before the season can be active for up to 50 games, but signing mid‑season prorates the limit based on days left. For example, Enrique Freeman, who joined the Timberwolves on Oct. 27, can play 48 games. The article includes a detailed chart showing game limits for each signing window, notes the March 4 deadline, and clarifies that teams with fewer than 15 standard‑roster players can only allocate 90 total active games among their two‑way players.
Wolves Re-Sign Enrique Freeman To Two-Way Deal
Ten days after being waived, former 2024 first‑round pick Enrique Freeman returns to Minnesota on a two‑way contract. The 26‑year‑old forward, who logged just four NBA games (13 points, 10 rebounds) last season, spent most of 2025‑26 with the Iowa Wolves, posting 16.5 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists over 39 G‑League games while shooting .542/.326/.728. Familiar with Chris Finch’s system and well‑liked in the organization, Freeman re‑joins the Wolves’ two‑way roster alongside center Rocco Zikarsky and guard Zyon Pullin, and will likely report to Iowa pending official paperwork.
New York Notes: Brown, Demin, Jent, Knicks Stocks
Brooklyn passed on a potential trade for All‑Star forward Jaylen Brown, fearing the distraction his close friendship with Kyrie Irving could cause, despite the Celtics' interest and rumored offers involving Michael Porter Jr., Day’Ron Sharpe and draft picks. Meanwhile, Nets guard Egor Demin exits early with a leg contusion after logging two points and two assists in a loss to Boston. Knicks assistant/associate head coach Chris Jent is out for personal reasons, with T.J. Saint stepping in, and the Knicks have been spun off into a separate publicly traded entity (MSG Knickerbockers Corp.) with shares near $300, while the Rangers form a distinct MSG Rangers Corp.
Anthony Edwards Needs Knee Surgery, Could Miss Two Months
Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, sidelining him for up to two months and likely keeping him out until December. The move follows a brutal opening week that has already sidelined stars like Jalen Williams, Paolo Banchero, and Kawhi Leonard. Edwards, who entered the season averaging 33.3 points and posted a 47‑point overtime effort against Cleveland, has been battling knee soreness and a lingering limp. His absence opens chances for LaMelo Ball, Ayo Dosunmu, Terrence Shannon Jr. and Isaiah Evans to see more minutes.
Heat Notes: Adebayo, Hardaway Jr., Jovic, Fontecchio
Bam Adeboudy, who’s shouldering criticism for Miami’s 0‑4 start, sees his numbers dip to 11.8 PPG on 40% shooting, down from last season’s 20.1 PPG. He’s just eight points in a loss to Dallas and is seven rebounds shy of Udonis Haslem’s franchise record. New signing Tim Hardaway Jr. struggles, hitting only 5‑of‑25 in four games after a $6.5 M deal. Giannis Antetokounmpo, at 28.5 PPG and 9.5 RPG, still seeks his first win with the Heat. Injuries loom as Simone Fontecchio is doubtful with illness and Pelle Larsson remains a prob‑able ankle sprain.
Pistons Notes: Robinson, Collins, Reed, Thompson, Joe
Duncan Robinson’s $16 million salary becomes fully guaranteed on Jan. 10, but his spot on the Pistons is secure as he leads the team with 19.7 points per game in a 3‑0 start. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff praises Robinson’s shot creation and how defenses must collapse on him, opening opportunities for teammates, while Cade Cunningham calls him “the top in the world at it.” Off‑season signing power forward John Collins adds 15 points and 7.7 rebounds, showing versatile, 40% 3‑point shooting. With Jalen Duren sidelined, Paul Reed steps up with 11 points, 8.3 rebounds and a fully guaranteed $5.6 million salary in January. Ausar Thompson returns after missing the Philadelphia win, and Isaiah Joe sits out with a hip contusion.
Northwest Notes: Jokic, Edwards, Holmgren, Caruso, Boozer, Peterson
Nikola Jokic lashes out at Nuggets fans who booed the team after an overtime win over New Orleans, declaring the detractors “not real fans” and unwelcome. Denver then drops a 20‑point loss to Golden State, but Jokic stands firm. In the Northwest, Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards battles right‑knee soreness but remains doubtful for Sunday’s game vs. Golden State. Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren misses his second straight game with patellar tendinitis, and Alex Caruso sits out with an ankle sprain. Meanwhile, former NBA star Carlos Boozer comments on Utah’s draft of Darryn Peterson over his son Cameron, praising the pick’s fit for the Jazz.
Hornets To Retire Muggsy Bogues’ No. 1 Jersey On Feb. 11
The Charlotte Hornets will retire Muggsy Bogues’ No. 1 jersey on Feb. 11 during halftime of the home game vs. the Milwaukee Bucks, making him the franchise’s third player honored alongside Dell Curry and Bobby Phills. A 14‑year NBA veteran and the league’s shortest player at 5‑foot‑3, Bogues logged 8.8 points, 8.8 assists and 1.7 steals per game over 632 games, helping turn the expansion club into a playoff contender in the mid‑1990s. The ceremony also highlights his long‑standing community work and role as an NBA ambassador.
And-Ones: Tanking, Maxey, Edwards, LaVine, Billups, More
John Hollinger praises the NBA’s new anti‑tanking lottery but warns that loopholes still let teams like the Brooklyn Nets benefit from finishing in the bottom three, especially with Houston’s option to swap first‑round picks. ESPN’s Bobby Marks highlights Tyrese Maxey, Anthony Edwards and Zach LaVine as contract watch‑outs, noting Maxey and Edwards could qualify for super‑max deals by making an All‑NBA team, while LaVine’s $49 MM contract may spark trade talk. A federal case involving former Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups sees his alleged insider tips denied by his attorney. The league’s opening‑roster data shows 276 of 519 players have G‑League experience. Senators Merkley and Blackburn urge the NBA to reassess its partnership with Rwanda amid shifting geopolitical policy.
Jaren Jackson Jr. To Miss 6-8 Weeks Due To Torn MCL
Jazz forward Jaren Jackson Jr. suffers a torn right‑knee MCL and will miss six to eight weeks, sources say. The injury occurred early in the second quarter of Monday’s 112‑106 loss to Memphis after a collision with guard Ty Jerome. Jackson, who averages 19.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks over three games for Utah, avoids surgery but is sidelined just four games into the 2026‑27 season. The Jazz, already hampered by Lauri Markkanen’s wrist issue, Jusuf Nurkic’s toe injury and Jaxson Hayes’ shoulder soreness, now face a depleted frontcourt as role players like Mo Bamba and Josh Green see expanded minutes.
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