Wizards Sign Skal Labissiere, Waive Akoldah Gak
The Wizards have signed Skal Labissiere to an Exhibit 10 contract, the team announced (via Twitter). Forward Akoldah Gak was waived to make room on the training camp roster.
Labissiere’s expected signing was first reported in August, and Washington’s G League affiliate, the Capital City Go-Go, acquired his rights later that month in a four-team trade.
The 29-year-old big man spent more than four full seasons away from the NBA before signing a 10-day contract with Sacramento in early March. He saw limited playing time in four games while the Kings were short on frontcourt depth and wasn’t re-signed to a second 10-day deal.
Labissiere played the past two years with the G League’s Stockton Kings and averaged 16.1 points and 7.9 rebounds in 28 games last season. In July, he joined Orlando’s squad at the Las Vegas Summer League, hoping it would help him land another NBA opportunity.
The Wizards already have 16 players with standard contracts, and Labissiere isn’t eligible for a two-way slot because he has more than four years of NBA experience. He’ll likely be heading back to the G League, where the Exhibit 10 contract will enable him to earn a bonus worth up to $85,300 if he spends at least 60 days with Capital City.
Gak, a 6’11” forward, signed an Exhibit 10 deal with Washington last week. Like Labissiere, the Australian big man is expected to play for the Go-Go.
Warriors Notes: Horford, Curry, Green, Butler
Al Horford provided a glimpse of what he can offer the Warriors as he made his preseason debut in Sunday’s win over the Lakers, writes Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area. The 39-year-old big man posted three points, four rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one steal in 14 minutes, and Golden State was +13 in his time on the court. Horford looks like a seamless addition, and his teammates are excited to have him in the lineup.
“Obviously has a high IQ,” Stephen Curry said. “An experienced, championship-caliber player that can fit with any lineup out there. He gives us space. He gives us presence on the defensive end. You saw the pass he made to me out of the corner on the give-and-go. There’s just an unspoken chemistry that will continue to get better. He’s multidimensional as a five-man. Excited to see what that looks like for me, for Jimmy (Butler), for (Jonathan Kuminga) and Draymond (Green). Any lineup, you can throw him out there at the five and he lifts the group.”
Horford wasn’t used as a starter on Sunday, but he entered the game quickly after Moses Moody picked up three early fouls. Poole states that he still projects as the team’s starting center and will almost certainly be in the closing lineup. The Celtics took a cautious approach with Horford last season, limiting him to 60 games and not using him both nights of back-to-backs, and Warriors coach Steve Kerr plans to handle him the same way.
“We have to preserve all our older guys as best we can to have them ready for the playoffs. That’s the idea,” Kerr said. “But no question, he’s still got it. He’s incredible player. Great fit for us.”
There’s more on the Warriors:
- Kerr gave limited playing time to his veterans in the preseason opener, notes Sam Gordon of The San Francisco Chronicle. Curry, Green, Butler and Horford all played 15 minutes or less and were out of the game by halftime. Curry looked to be in midseason form already, scoring 14 points while shooting 5-of-7 from the field and sinking three three-pointers.
- Kerr began the game with a small lineup using Green at center, but he told reporters that may not be the plan for the regular season (Twitter video link from Anthony Slater of ESPN). “It doesn’t mean Draymond is going to be logging heavy minutes at the five,” Kerr said.
- Butler was thrown into the fire of a playoff race when the Warriors traded for him in February, states Ann Killion of The San Francisco Chronicle. He expects to benefit from having the offseason and a full training camp with the team. “I get to do this thing from day one,” he said. “Be with the guys from day one and do what we started out to do. … I’m super hyped and I’m super excited. We’re going to have to go out there and produce and get it done. We know that. But we are just so joyful. We’re so happy to be able to compete with one another, and do what we set out to do. Do what I want to do for the first time — win a championship. I smile knowing that it’s a really great chance for us.”
Atlantic Notes: Saraf, Powell, Martin, Edgecombe
The Nets had their preseason opener on Saturday, routing Hapoel Jerusalem by a score of 123-88. Despite the less-than-dramatic result, there were interesting takeaways for Nets fans, especially in regards to who got the nod at starting point guard, writes Brian Lewis of the New York Post.
With 2025 top-10 pick Egor Demin recovering from a plantar fascia tear, rookie Ben Saraf, the 26th pick this summer, took the reins and delivered a very encouraging performance, finishing with nine points and six assists versus one turnover.
“He plays like a vet. He was good with the ball taking care of the ball, which at times in camp it was something he hasn’t been as good at,” said head coach Jordi Fernandez. “With five fouls, that’s the thing that he’s going to clean up a little bit more. But I was very, very happy even though he had those fouls early in the game, his mind was in the game and he kept playing and he was not really affected by it. So it tells you who he is, how mature he is at his age. He’s just going to keep getting better.”
While it’s unclear whether Saraf will continue to hold onto the role once Demin returns, it’s notable that he was given the keys over Nolan Traore – who was selected ahead of him at No. 19 in the 2025 draft – and recently acquired third-year guard Kobe Bufkin.
We have more notes from around the Atlantic Division:
- In the same article, Lewis notes that Drake Powell, the 22nd pick in the 2025 draft, will soon be able to see his first action for the Nets. According to Fernandez, Powell is expected to take the floor next week during one of the two games Brooklyn will play against the Suns in China. Powell has been doing full-contact practices on his way back from the knee tendinopathy that forced him to miss not only the start of training camp, but also his first Summer League.
- One player who has drawn rave reviews in Nets training camp is Tyrese Martin, writes C.J. Holmes for the New York Daily News. “Tyrese has really been probably the most impressive player that I’ve seen on the team so far,” Michael Porter Jr. said. “He’s been consistently killing through scrimmages, through open runs. He’s a player that can slide in that point guard place but can also play the two. He can pass the ball. He’s been really impressive.” Ziaire Williams and Fernandez both praised Martin’s performance as well. While Martin, who is on a non-guaranteed contract, has no assurances for the coming season, he’s enjoying his time with the team. “I love these guys, I feel like they love me the same way,” he said. “It’s fun being here. This is the first coach and team that actually gave me an opportunity, and I feel like I’ve held up my end, and didn’t make them look crazy for giving me an opportunity. So, it would be fun to stay here and make this my home, for sure.”
- VJ Edgecombe was drafted to a Sixers team with talented guards such as Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, and, for now, Quentin Grimes, due to his athleticism, shooting flashes, and defensive potential. In Philadelphia’s opening two games of preseason, that defensive ability has shone through, writes DJ Siddiqi of RG. Head coach Nick Nurse offered praise for the rookie’s defensive efforts, saying he caused havoc, especially in the passing lanes. “I pride myself on defense,” said Edgecombe. “I’m definitely looking forward to all matchups, just because I know every night I’m going to have to guard a lot of great players, future Hall of Famers. I’m excited for every matchup to be honest.”
Magic Notes: Richardson, Banchero, Bane, Wagner
The Magic played their preseason opener on Saturday, picking up a 126-118 win over the Heat. While preseason action can only tell you so much, Orlando was able to get some valuable information on some of their new guys, as well as seeing their roster mainstays in action.
One of the standouts of the game was rookie guard Jase Richardson, writes Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel (subscriber link).
The 25th pick in the 2025 draft, Richardson came out of the gate cold and later admitted to feeling the nerves in his first real NBA action, but he quickly settled into the rhythm of the game. He finished with a team-high 13 points on 5-of-11 shooting, including 3-of-3 from three, along with four rebounds, two assists, and a steal.
“There’s just a level of confidence that he possesses reading the game, recognizing what guys are doing and how they’re playing him,” said head coach Jamahl Mosley. “His speed is such a big advantage for him, but then the other side of it is we talked all the time about how inquisitive he is and how he wants to know what to do in any situation.”
While the backup point guard spot will likely be primarily manned by Tyus Jones once Jalen Suggs recovers from injury, Richardson’s ability to function as an on- or off-ball player could help him carve out a role sooner rather than later if he’s able to maintain his aggression and shooting efficiency.
We have more from the Magic:
- Paolo Banchero is known as an offensive star, but his biggest impact against the Heat came on the defensive end. Beede writes that it wasn’t simply the three blocks in 13 minutes that were encouraging, but also the manner in which they came: one in isolation, another as a weak side rotation, and finally a chase-down block in transition. “That’s what it’s going to take for us to win at the highest level,” Mosely said. “If he plays with that energy and effort each and every single night defensively, it’s going to be a long night for a lot of people.”
- The trade to acquire sharp-shooting guard Desmond Bane was clearly made to bring more shooting to the Magic’s offense, which has struggled with efficiency in recent years. In his first action with the team, Bane provided more than floor spacing, according to Beede, who says Orlando’s new wing also helped push the pace in transition and opened up looks for teammates with his ability to catch and attack with the ball. Beede adds that the chemistry between former teammates Bane and Jones was immediately noticeable. Given his gravity as a shooter, that ability should help generate offense for a team that, at times, got bogged down in mid-range-heavy isolation play last season.
- Franz Wagner, Banchero’s co-star, missed the preseason opener, but according to Beede, this wasn’t due to an injury, but rather was an assigned rest following his run to the gold medal with Germany at EuroBasket.
Raptors Notes: Ingram, Murray-Boyles, Rotations, Chomche
After three straight years of playing at- or below-.500 basketball, the Raptors are entering this season with a chip on their shoulder, writes Eric Koreen for The Athletic.
According to Koreen, that’s especially true of newcomer Brandon Ingram, who was named an All-Star and Most Improved Player in the 2019/20 season, but has struggled to gain recognition for his impact in the years that followed due to both injuries and an underperforming Pelicans team. It’s not only Ingram who feels that way, according to veteran Garrett Temple.
“Scottie (Barnes) was the No. 4 pick, but everyone was like, ‘Why are they picking you No. 4?’ RJ (Barrett) and (Immanuel Quickley): Toronto wanted you, but New York obviously traded you,” Temple told Koreen. “BI, New Orleans traded you. Ochai (Agbaji) got traded after (in his second season). You can look guys down the line: ‘Gradey (Dick), are you really good enough to play in the NBA, or is it just show?’ You can look at a lot of our players, and there’s a reason to have a chip on the shoulder. I think that’s what brings a lot of people together.”
While some Raptors may be using that history as motivation this season, Ingram is wary of letting that feeling drive him.
“I think when you go try to prove yourself to other people, it never works out,” he said on Monday. “If you look too far and try to impress people, you’ll take failures more.”
We have more notes from the Raptors:
- In a recap of the Raptors’ yearly end-of-camp open scrimmage, Michael Grange of Sportsnet writes that Ingram showed how he can bring a skill set as a scorer that Toronto hasn’t had in years, whether on or off the ball.
- In the same piece, Grange notes that Collin Murray-Boyles has been a standout. While Murray-Boyles was drafted in large part on the strength of his defense, he displayed some intriguing offensive potential during the team’s scrimmage, including hitting a three-pointer. Grange writes that the rookie’s shooting development will be a major factor in his ceiling as an NBA player. Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic was also impressed by the young big man’s performance. “He’s been doing a really, really good job,” Rajakovic said. “He’s not afraid of anything or anybody.”
- Another noteworthy detail from the scrimmage, according to Grange, was how the rotations shook out. Quickley, Barrett, and Ingram were joined by Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl, as was expected. The second unit was where it got more interesting, as Rajakovic used a lineup of Jamal Shead, Gradey Dick, Ochai Agbaji, Murray-Boyles, and Sandro Mamukelashvili. This left Ja’Kobe Walter, the 19th pick in the 2024 draft, on the outside looking in, along with Jamison Battle and Jonathan Mogbo. All three of those players averaged at least 17 minutes per game last season, but with the additions of Ingram and Murray-Boyles, plus hopefully a healthy season from Quickley, there will likely be fewer end-of-bench minutes to go around this year.
- Finally, Grange provides an update on two-way player Ulrich Chomche, who has been held out of practice for much of training camp and will be getting medical imaging done on Monday. Grange notes that he jogged out during the game to greet his teammates, which would seem to indicate that the injury limiting him is not something severe.
Magic Sign Johnell Davis, Waive Justin Minaya
The Magic have signed Johnell Davis to an Exhibit 10 deal, reports Jason Beede for the Orlando Sentinel (via Twitter). In order to do so, they have waived Justin Minaya, who was also on an Exhibit 10 contract.
Orlando formally put out a press release confirming the transactions.
Davis, who was not selected during the 2025 draft, played five years in college — four at Florida Atlantic University, and his final season at Arkansas, where he averaged 12.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.4 steals. The 6’4″ guard played three games for the Magic during Summer League, scoring 4.3 points and adding 2.3 assists in 17.9 minutes per game.
Minaya spent three seasons with the Trail Blazers for a total of 57 games, but struggled to find real minutes. He is now eligible to earn a bonus of up to $85,300 if he stays with the Magic’s G League affiliate, the Osceola Magic, for at least 60 days. The same will be true of Davis, should he be waived before the end of training camp.
Players Seeking Paydays This Season
While some players are still hoping to finalize rookie scale extensions before the season begins, the majority of contract situations around the league have been settled at this point. But business never sleeps in the world of the NBA, and many players will enter this season hoping to impress executives and land their next big payday.
Zach Harper of The Athletic details the top names playing for new deals this season, excluding the aforementioned rookie scale extension seekers.
One player not on a rookie-scale deal but still extension-eligible is Michael Porter Jr., whom the Nets recently acquired to add some scoring pop to the starting lineup. Porter’s deal runs for two more seasons and will pay him $38.3MM this year and $40.8MM in 2026/27.
The Nets’ roster remains a major work in progress, making future projections tricky, but at just 27 years old, Porter is in position to have a big year in Brooklyn and boost his stock entering a contract year next summer. The biggest question, according to Harper, is whether Porter’s next deal would remain in the range of the $40MM+ he’ll earn in 2026/27 or if he would take a modest pay cut to secure a longer-term contract.
Harper takes a look at three big men who could hit the open market next summer: Kristaps Porzingis, the Hawks‘ new starting center, longtime Bulls veteran Nikola Vucevic, and the Knicks‘ on-and-off starter Mitchell Robinson. All three have question marks surrounding them — for Porzingis and Robinson, those questions center around health, though Robinson could also be a cap casualty on New York’s increasingly pricey roster.
Vucevic has been in trade rumors for years, and with the Bulls taking more steps to embrace a youth movement than they have in the past, his time in Chicago could be coming to an end. Harper predicts an annual value of around $21MM for Vucevic on his next deal, which is about what he’ll earn in 2025/26.
Another group of players Harper looks at is a trio of high-scoring guards who will be free agents in 2026: Anfernee Simons and Norman Powell, who were acquired this summer by the Celtics and Heat, respectively, and Coby White, who has grown into a talented combo guard over his six seasons with the Bulls. Harper predicts a deal around $20MM annually for Simons, $75MM over three years for White, and a two-year, $50MM contract for Powell.
The 2026 free agency class will also be impacted by the decisions made by veterans with player options, such as Zach LaVine (Kings), Bradley Beal (Clippers), and Austin Reaves (Lakers). Cam Thomas (Nets) and Quentin Grimes (Sixers) will also reach unrestricted free agency after accepting their respective qualifying offers and will be looking to recoup the money they passed on this offseason.
Finally, Harper singles out four role players who could be coveted next season, depending on their performance this season: Rui Hachimura (Lakers), Tyus Jones (Magic), Keon Ellis (Kings), and Georges Niang (Jazz). The 25-year-old Ellis has broken out over the last two seasons and could command his first real payday of his career if he has a strong season off the bench in Sacramento. Harper speculates he could be in line for a deal similar to the three-year, $27.6MM contract Ty Jerome signed with the Grizzlies this summer.
NBA 2025 Offseason Check-In: Memphis Grizzlies
Hoops Rumors is checking in on the 2025 offseason for all 30 NBA teams, recapping the summer’s free agent signings, trades, draft picks, departures, and more. We’ll take a look at each team’s offseason moves and consider what might still be coming before the regular season begins. Today, we’re focusing on the Memphis Grizzlies.
Free agent signings
Santi Aldama: Three years, $52,500,000. Third-year team option. Re-signed using Bird rights.- Ty Jerome: Three years, $27,660,150. Third-year player option. Trade kicker (15%). Signed using room exception.
- Cam Spencer: Four years, $10,396,518. Fourth-year team option. Re-signed using cap room.
- Jock Landale: One year, minimum salary. Signed using minimum salary exception.
- Tyler Burton: One year, minimum salary. Non-guaranteed (Exhibit 10). Signed using minimum salary exception.
- Braxton Key: One year, minimum salary. Non-guaranteed (Exhibit 10). Signed using minimum salary exception.
- Lawson Lovering: One year, minimum salary. Non-guaranteed (Exhibit 10). Signed using minimum salary exception.
Trades
- Acquired Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, the No. 16 pick in the 2025 draft, the Magic’s 2026 first-round pick (with swap rights; details below), the Magic’s 2028 first-round pick, the Magic’s 2030 first-round pick, and the right to swap first-round picks with the Magic in 2029 (top-two protected) from the Magic in exchange for Desmond Bane.
- Note: The Grizzlies will have the ability to swap the Magic’s 2026 first-round pick for the Suns’ 2026 pick (if the Wizards’ first-rounder lands outside of the top eight) or for the least favorable of the Suns’ and Wizards’ 2026 picks (if the Wizards’ first-rounder lands in the top eight).
- Note: Anthony was subsequently bought out.
- Acquired the draft rights to Cedric Coward (No. 11 pick) from the Trail Blazers in exchange for the draft rights to Yang Hansen (No. 16 pick), the Magic’s 2028 first-round pick, the Hawks’ 2027 second-round pick, and the Kings’ 2028 second-round pick.
- Acquired the Trail Blazers’ 2029 second-round pick and the right to swap their 2031 second-round pick for either the Pacers’ or Heat’s 2031 second-round pick (whichever is least favorable) from the Pacers in exchange for Jay Huff.
- Acquired the draft rights to Jahmai Mashack (No. 59 pick), the Warriors’ 2032 second-round pick (top-50 protected), and the draft rights to Justinian Jessup from the Warriors in exchange for the draft rights to Will Richard (No. 56 pick).
Draft picks
- 1-11: Cedric Coward
- Signed to rookie scale contract (four years, $26,345,863).
- 2-48: Javon Small
- Signed to two-way contract.
- 2-59: Jahmai Mashack
- Will play in G League.
Two-way signings
- PJ Hall
- One year, $85,300 partial guarantee (will increase to $318,218 at start of regular season).
- Olivier-Maxence Prosper
- One year, $85,300 partial guarantee (will increase to $318,218 at start of regular season).
- Javon Small
- Two years, $85,300 partial guarantee (will increase to $318,218 at start of regular season); second year partially guaranteed for maximum two-way protection amount (will increase to 50% at start of regular season).
Departed/unsigned free agents
- Marvin Bagley III (Wizards)
- Yuki Kawamura (Bulls)
- Luke Kennard (Hawks)
- Lamar Stevens (Paris Basketball)
Other roster moves
- Renegotiated Jaren Jackson Jr.‘s 2025/26 salary (from $23,413,395 to $35,000,000) and gave him a four-year, $205,000,000 veteran contract extension that begins in 2026/27. Includes fourth-year player option.
- Bought out and stretched Cole Anthony (gave up $2,000,000 of $13,100,000 salary).
- Waived Zyon Pullin (two-way contract).
Salary cap situation
- Operating over the cap ($154.6MM) and below the luxury tax line ($187.9MM).
- Carrying approximately $171.5MM in salary.
- Hard-capped at $195,945,000.
The offseason so far
It has been a fascinating few years in Memphis, where the Grizzlies looked like one of the NBA’s best up-and-coming young teams as they won 56 games in 2021/22 and 51 more a year later. Ja Morant‘s off-court behavior and a series of injuries derailed the 2023/24 season, but the team seemed well on its way to picking up where it left off in ’24/25, running out to a 35-16 start and holding the No. 2 seed in the West at the trade deadline.
However, a 13-18 finish resulted in a late-season coaching change – Tuomas Iisalo replaced Taylor Jenkins – and some pretty significant offseason roster moves, creating some uncertainty about what exactly this team’s ceiling looks like going forward.
Let’s start with what, in some ways, was the most important decision of the Grizzlies’ offseason — with former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. entering a contract year and Memphis unable to offer him a market-value deal via a standard veteran extension, the team opted to dip under the cap in order to renegotiate his contract. Using that newly created cap room, the team was able to give Jackson an immediate raise of nearly $12MM for 2025/26, then extend him off his new $35MM salary. The end result was nearly $217MM in new money for Jackson, who is now locked up through at least the 2028/29 season, with a player option for ’29/30.
The Grizzlies made it clear with their actions that Jackson is one of the cornerstones they intend to build around for years to come. And they essentially confirmed that Morant – despite some poor off-court decisions a couple years ago and some nagging health issues since then – still falls into that category as well when they dealt Desmond Bane to Orlando in one of the biggest trades of the NBA offseason.
As I observed when I previewed Memphis’ offseason in early June, as good as Bane is, he had become a logical trade candidate as long as he was the third-most important player on this roster. His near-max deal was going to make it difficult for the Grizzlies to build a quality supporting cast around Morant and Jackson, especially with Jackson and some of the team’s younger players about to get more expensive.
I suggested at the time that it might make sense from a roster-building perspective for the Grizzlies to split up Bane’s salary slot into two or three players, which is essentially what the team did. The package Memphis got from the Magic was heavy on draft picks, and one of the two players sent to the Grizzlies in the trade (Cole Anthony) was bought out a few weeks later. But Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is a logical (albeit older and less dynamic) replacement for Bane in the lineup, and the Grizzlies used a couple of the first-round picks they acquired from Orlando to trade up in this June’s draft to nab forward Cedric Coward.
It’s a major roll of the dice for the Grizzlies, who paid a significant price (an unprotected future first-rounder and two second-rounders) to move up from No. 16 to No. 11 for Coward after he was limited to just six games in his senior college season due to a shoulder injury.
Coward, who spent his freshman year at Willamette University in Oregon and then played two seasons for Eastern Washington before transferring to Washington State, didn’t have a huge body of work against high-level college competition, but he was reportedly a standout during the pre-draft process — and, at age 22, he could be more ready than most first-rounders to contribute right away at the NBA level.
It would be misguided to believe that Coward is capable of immediately giving the Grizzlies what last year’s version of Bane did, but the front office clearly has high hopes for what the rookie can become. He’ll also be on a very team-friendly contract for at least the next four seasons, giving the team the flexibility to invest more heavily in some other role players who will complement Morant and Jackson.
One of those players is big man Santi Aldama, a notable 2025 restricted free agent who didn’t have to wait multiple months for a new deal. The Grizzlies and Aldama agreed to terms early in the summer on a three-year, $52.5MM contract that includes a third-year team option. It looks like a pretty good arrangement for both sides after Aldama enjoyed the best season of his career in 2025/26. He gets a nice payday after earning just $10.2MM in his first four NBA seasons, while Memphis has an out after just two years in case the 24-year-old doesn’t continue improving.
The Grizzlies also worked out a new multiyear agreement with Cam Spencer, who spent his rookie season on a two-way contract with the club. Spencer’s numbers – 4.2 points and 1.4 assists per game in 25 appearances – certainly don’t jump off the page, but he gave Memphis solid minutes when given the opportunity, and the front office hasn’t been shy about investing in longer-term, team-friendly deals for young players who show some promise. Spencer’s new four-year contract is fully guaranteed for three years, but is worth just $10.4MM overall, so it’s quite low-risk.
With Jackson and Spencer signed using cap room and Aldama’s Bird rights used to eventually complete his deal, the Grizzlies had the opportunity to use the $8.78MM room exception to go shopping for an outside free agent. They ultimately used that entire exception to land Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome, signing him to a three-year, $27.66MM contract. While the deal includes player-friendly terms like a third-year player option and a 15% trade kicker, it’s still a nice get for Memphis, given that Jerome was widely viewed as a strong candidate for a mid-level type contract in the neighborhood of $12-14MM per year.
The combined cap hits for Jerome, Caldwell-Pope, and Coward in 2025/26 are almost exactly equivalent to what Bane will earn in Orlando, and the Grizzlies will hope that the various skills those three players bring to the table can help fill the significant hole created by Bane’s exit. Jerome has his limitations, especially on the defensive end, but he showed last season that he can be a valuable scorer, shooter, and secondary play-maker.
Finally, it’s worth highlighting one more minor move made by the Grizzlies. As part of their efforts to clear cap room for Jackson’s renegotiation, they sent center Jay Huff to Indiana in exchange for a second-round pick and a second-round swap. Huff, a rim-protecting big man who can stretch the floor on offense, had flashed some upside in limited minutes in Memphis and could be primed for a larger role in Indiana.
While I certainly don’t expect Huff to become a star, it’s possible that move could backfire to some extent on a Grizzlies team that will likely start the season without Jackson, Zach Edey, and Brandon Clarke available in the frontcourt due to injuries. Minimum-salary free agent addition Jock Landale took Huff’s spot on the roster and could become the team’s opening night starting center by default.
Up next
The Grizzlies have 15 players on guaranteed salaries and three on two-way deals, so their regular season roster looks pretty much set. Two-way moves are always a possibility during the preseason, but Javon Small was a 2025 second-round pick who signed a two-year contract, Olivier-Maxence Prosper is a former first-rounder who could play his way into Memphis’ rotation, and PJ Hall could provide valuable frontcourt depth early in the season until the Grizzlies gets healthier.
As for potential preseason contract extensions, the Grizzlies have no players eligible for rookie scale extensions, but there are a few who could theoretically get veteran deals, starting with Morant.
While I do view the Bane trade as a vote of confidence in Morant, I’d be shocked if an extension happened this year. The former No. 2 overall pick is coming off a down year and still has three seasons left on his current deal. If the coming season goes well, the two sides could open negotiations in earnest during the 2026 offseason.
Clarke and John Konchar are also extension-eligible until October 20, but neither one looks like a legitimate extension candidate at this point. Clarke just underwent a procedure on his knee, while Konchar’s role declined significantly last season. Both players have two years left on their current contracts and seem more likely to be traded than extended at this point — that could change if they play well in 2025/26.
Western Notes: Topic, Rockets, Podziemski, Suns
The rotation the Thunder use this fall will look awfully similar to the one that won a championship earlier in the year, but there could be one notable new addition. Nikola Topic, the 2024 lottery pick who missed his entire rookie season due to a torn ACL, has impressed his teammates in training camp as he makes a bid for regular playing time, writes Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman (subscription required).
“It really stands out the way he sees the game,” Chet Holmgren said of the Serbian point guard. “Even without the ball in his hands, the way he cuts and finds open space. Sees plays up ahead of him and gets the ball out of his hands early. It’s impressive for a young guy, but that’s what got him noticed in the first place is his ability to see and read the game.”
Teammate Jaylin Williams also expressed admiration for Topic’s court vision and awareness: “You can see he really reads the game. Great passer, great facilitator out there.”
All 12 players who averaged at least 16 minutes per game for the Thunder last season are still on the roster, and all 12 except for Kenrich Williams (knee surgery) are healthy, so it remains to be seen whether Topic will be able to crack the regular season rotation.
However, he should get plenty of opportunities to show what he can do during Oklahoma City’s preseason schedule, which tips off on Sunday, Mussatto notes. According to head coach Mark Daigneault (Twitter video link via Rod Boone of The Charlotte Observer), several of the Thunder’s top players didn’t travel to South Carolina for Sunday’s preseason opener, the first game in a back-to-back set.
We have more from around the Western Conference:
- The Rockets will likely deploy different starting lineups during the preseason as head coach Ime Udoka gets a feel for how certain groups look in game settings, according to Danielle Lerner of The Houston Chronicle (subscription required). Udoka also said that forward Tari Eason and center Steven Adams will sit out Wednesday’s game vs. Utah after playing on Monday vs. Atlanta for precautionary reasons. Both players returned last season from major injuries.
- Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski spoke to Mark Medina of Sportskeeda about a variety of topics, including how he’d evaluate his 2024/25 season, what he focused on this offseason, and why he thinks incorporating newcomers like Al Horford will make for a “seamless transition.”
- Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic shares his key takeaways from the Suns‘ victory over the Lakers in their preseason opener on Friday, including the fact that second-year wing Ryan Dunn started as the team’s de facto power forward.
Heat Notes: Wiggins, Jovic, Ware, Smith
In the wake of the trade sending him from Golden State to Miami last winter, Andrew Wiggins struggled to get acclimated to his new NBA home, dealing with a series of minor injuries down the stretch as the Heat adjusted to life without Jimmy Butler. According to Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald, Wiggins brought his family to live with him in Miami this offseason and spent the summer getting more comfortable in South Florida — now he’s hoping that comfort level translates to the court.
“When I first got here, it was more so just trying to get situated,” Wiggins said. “I’m in a new situation, new players, new coaches, new systems. Just trying to find my spots and get situated within the team. Now, just getting a summer under my belt, being at the facility almost every day, being with the team, the coaches, any chance to build up that chemistry and be comfortable with the team and with what we have going on.
“… My family definitely makes me a happier person,” he added. “I love being around them. Just being here in Miami with my family has been the perfect spot for me.”
As Chiang writes, Wiggins had a strong training camp and got off to a good start in the Heat’s preseason opener vs. Orlando on Saturday, scoring 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting in 12 minutes of action. Head coach Erik Spoelstra is optimistic about what the former No. 1 overall pick will be able to bring to the Heat after spending the full offseason with the team.
“I do like this opportunity that he’s had in late July, August, September to really prepare,” Spoelstra said. “He was in the gym, so we were able to see him a whole lot more, get to know each other more. He’s in very good shape. He’s feeling comfortable with what we’re trying to do. He has an opportunity to be such an impactful two-way player, both ends of the court.”
Here’s more on the Heat:
- Nikola Jovic earned the start alongside Bam Adebayo in the Heat’s frontcourt on Saturday, with Kel’el Ware coming off the bench. That was a notable decision, Chiang observes for The Herald, since Ware started in 36 of his final 38 regular season games in 2024/25, plus all four of Miami’s playoff games. As Chiang points out, lineups featuring Ware and Adebayo outscored opponents by 4.6 points per 100 possessions last season, whereas Jovic was removed from the starting lineup early in the season due to underwhelming results.
- Jovic, who signed a rookie scale extension ahead of Miami’s preseason opener, played well on Saturday, scoring 10 points in 12 minutes while also chipping in three rebounds, a pair of assists, and a block. Spoelstra expressed enthusiasm about Jovic’s potential to continue establishing himself as a long-term building block for the club. “We’re really excited for Niko,” the Heat coach said, per Chiang. “It’s been a fun process to see his maturation and improvement, learning how to become a professional. We drafted him at such a young age and then you’re seeing him grow and mature right before your eyes. He’s earned this. He’s put in a great deal of work.”
- Roughly nine-and-a-half months after tearing his left Achilles, Dru Smith was back on the court for the Heat on Saturday vs. Orlando, notes Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel (subscription required). It’s typically an injury that requires upwards of a full calendar year of recovery time, but Smith showed no ill effects in his return, registering a team-high +11 mark in 10 minutes on the court. He’s “very much in the mix” for a regular season rotation role, says Winderman.