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Ramp to Camp: What is Brad Stevens' next big Celtics move? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Maybe you’ve spent the better part of the past three months wondering why Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens elected to trade Jaylen Brown to an in-division rival. Maybe you refuse to worship at the altar of Optionality. But the arrival of a new season demands that we all stop obsessing about what happened, and shift the focus to what comes next.

While many panned Boston’s decision to trade Brown, fresh off a top six finish in MVP voting, for 36-year-old Paul George and a pair of future first-round picks, the reality is that the trade can’t fully be judged until we see what Stevens does with the assets acquired in the swap.

To kick off the third and final week of our annual Ramp to Camp series, we asked our panel to predict Stevens’ next big move.

Trading Brown certainly highlighted the roster reshuffling the Celtics have embarked upon in the aftermath of Banner 18. But it’s still very much a work in progress. Entering the 2026-27 season, Boston is banking that a healthier Jayson Tatum, coupled with increased opportunity for players like Derrick White and Payton Pritchard, along with the arrival of newcomers Paul George and Mitchell Robinson is enough to keep the Celtics competitive near the top of the East.

But the team’s ability to truly chase Banner 19 might hinge heavily on what Stevens does next.

Stevens hasn’t been bashful in admitting there’s risk involved in a deal of this magnitude. He’s suggested that, even after finishing second in the East last year, the team simply didn’t feel it was truly positioned to chase another title. Boston struggled against the league’s elite then fumbled away a 3-1 series lead to the same 76ers team that they’d eventually deal Brown.

“At the end of the day, you just have to do what you think is the best thing for the organization. And it’s not always gonna be the popular thing,” Stevens said during an appearance on Sirius XM last week. “And it may be right, it may be wrong, who knows, right?

“But I think that, ultimately, we were really lucky. We had Jaylen Brown here for 10 years. And 10 years is a long run in the NBA. And 10 years with that kind of success, and the experience that he brought to the table, and all of his teammates around him brought to the table, and what they were able to do collectively, was a heck of a run. And we’re just trying to sustain this now, so that we can be sustainably in the mix moving forward.”

The Celtics essentially decided that their best path forward was to reshape the core around Tatum. With the pieces acquired in the Brown trade, Boston can now at least get in the conversation for any player that lands on the trade market. Couple that with the potential to reset pesky repeater tax penalties if Boston spends another season below the tax line, and there are multiple pathways to adding impact talent moving forward.

The question is who would be the sort of player that they’d cash in their optionality to pry away and could pair best with Tatum.

The safe answer here is the next disgruntled star. Maybe that’s Nikola Jokic pondering his future if things go sideways for Denver. Maybe that’s Anthony Edwards if the LaMelo Ball experiment fizzles in Minnesota. Or maybe there’s a non-max player that Stevens believes best complements Tatum, while preserving the cap flexibility that didn’t exist with Tatum and Brown commanding such monster slices of the cap.

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

With George soon to be an expiring contract, and with two attractive future picks acquired in the Brown swap, the Celtics can kick around a bunch of possibilities that didn’t exist before the trade. We get it: Optionality isn’t a whole lot of fun until there’s a tangible return. Tom Petty told us the waiting is the hardest part.

The next big name available on the open market might be a surprise; the fact that someone lands there shouldn’t be. It happens every year, but we act surprised when a Luka Doncic or a Jaylen Brown get dealt. Especially now in the apron era, teams are going to be forced to make tough roster decisions and pivoting even faster than ever.

The Celtics clearly entertained some big-name hunting this summer with the Giannis Antetokounmpo flirtation. It’s hard to see any of the NBA’s biggest names seeking new homes now, but things change fast in the association. A bad start, some roster drama — it doesn’t take much to ignite the next trade rumors.

What sort of timeline might the Celtics operate on? Again, that might depend on the player that becomes available. If a megastar hits the market before the end of the 2026-27 season, the Celtics have to at least kick it around. George is probably easier to move once he’s truly an expiring contract but, again, the Celtics have options moving forward.

Our guess would be Boston hunts the big swing, knowing that competing with teams like Oklahoma City and San Antonio in the near term is going to require the most talent possible. But it’s also possible that the pathway to the deepest team possible involves pondering options outside the top 20 players in the NBA.

If the Magic don’t ever figure things out, can we rule out someone like Paolo Banchero becoming available? The Thompson twins just signed big-money extensions but this armchair GM would be tripping all over himself if one of them eventually got disgruntled. There’s some very intriguing pathways to building the deepest roster possible alongside Tatum, all while not getting sucked into the two max-contract vortex again.

The better question on this pathway is maybe who does Stevens believe is the next Derrick White? Can Stevens and Co. hunt another All-Star-level contributor who doesn’t make All-NBA money?

Stevens’ next move feels especially important. It could dictate whether this team is truly capable of competing for titles through Tatum’s prime. When you make the bold decisions to move off Brown, you better have faith in your plan to get back to a spot where you’re a legitimate championship contender.

Josh Canu: Editor

Steph Curry or Nikola Jokic If you want to try to win again in Jayson Tatum’s prime these are the two names that come to mind. Both are on aging teams that appear far away from contention and both players could be looking for one last run at a championship. The Paul George contract will be very valuable next season being a large expiring deal and could be used to land either Curry or Jokic.

Justin Leger: Producer, Multi-Platform Content

BIG move? Let’s have fun with this one. Stevens and the C’s send a package headlined by Paul George and draft capital to New Orleans in exchange for Trey Murphy, who was heavily linked to Boston throughout the offseason. Mark it down as my official trade deadline prediction.

Nick Goss: Producer, Multi-Platform Content

Trading for a disgruntled superstar in 2027 when the Celtics have more roster/salary cap flexibility.

Michael Hurley: Producer, Multi-Platform Content

What are you new here? You think I, or anybody on this planet, can predict anything Brad Stevens is going to do? I’m not answering this question. I know what I don’t know.

Kevin Miller: Vice President, Content Creation & Strategy

It seems like it will be centered around the 2028 pick they got in the Jaylen Brown trade. Obviously, they don’t control exactly what that pick becomes but I think it will become a very important chip for whatever the next big move is. And that may include using it in the draft for a top 5 player, or moving it as part of a trade package.

Jason Levine: Executive Producer, Content Integrations

It’s the obvious move: Package Paul George and other assets next summer for the next star that wants to be traded. Anthony Edwards? Devin Booker? Does San Antonio see the cap trouble coming for them fast and move Stephon Castle? J-Dub? It’s going to be fascinating to see who it will be.

The preseason is approaching fast, but it sounds like the roster for the upcoming season is still fluid.

Atlanta has signed and waived four names (Devon Higgs, Keyshawn Bryant, Lamont Butler, and Will Baker) in recent days — names that will likely end up on the roster of the College Park Skyhawks.

But even the 15 standard NBA contract spots are up in the air. Earlier this offseason, the team made the curious decision to guarantee Buddy Hield’s full $9.7 million or so salary as opposed to eating $3 million to waive him. But with his 2027-28 salary partially unguaranteed ($3 million again), he becomes an interesting trade chip going forward.

Now, Jake L. Fischer of both Yahoo and the Marc Stein substack reports that the Hawks have had discussions with the Hornets on a swap for Dorian Finney-Smith

The Toronto Raptors and Kawhi Leonard have held advanced discussions and are nearing an agreement on a contract extension, according to league sources. Leonard is eligible to sign for upwards of two years, $126 million.

More NBA from @TheSteinLine: https://t.co/DA9iabgPaL

— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) September 17, 2026

The Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets both have moves to make to get into regular season roster compliance next month. That hasn’t stopped the two teams from discussing a trade of veteran players who are on the roster bubble.

Atlanta and Charlotte have discussed swapping Buddy Hield for Dorian Finney-Smith. The Hawks could be acquiring Finney-Smith with the idea of adding another defensive-minded player to the roster. Finney-Smith’s contract for the 2027-28 season is non-guaranteed. That means it would have no impact on Atlanta’s plans for cap space next summer.

Hield’s contract is partially guaranteed for just over $3 million for the 2027-28 season. It’s unlikely that Hield would make the Hornets regular season roster, as Charlotte is currently carrying 16 fully guaranteed contracts.

Finney-Smith, an aging 3-and-D forward, is coming off an injury-riddled last season after signing with the Rockets on a four-year, approximately $52.7 million contract. He is owed about $14.2 million this season, then north of $13.3 million unguaranteed the next two with the final year a player option per Spotrac.

It’s possible the Hawks can think they can get a bounce back season from Finney-Smith for cheap return while also shedding $3 million in future salary.

---

What do you think? Would this be a good move for the Hawks?

February 11, 2027. The NBA trade deadline. Between now and then, contenders will emerge, sellers will reveal themselves and new names will hit the market. In this February Forecast, we’re identifying potential Celtics targets before the deadline picture comes into focus. First up: Ryan Rollins.

Who?

Rollins is a 24-year-old, do-it-all guard with good size who has steadily worked his way up the NBA ladder. Drafted 44th overall in 2022 by the Golden State Warriors, he spent his rookie season struggling to crack a championship-calibre rotation before the team from the Bay moved on from him ahead of year two.

Without the cachet that comes with being picked in the lottery, it can be easy to fade into G League obscurity as a second-rounder. Before his second NBA season had even finished, Rollins had already donned two more jerseys. A short stint in Washington was cut short by legal trouble before the 6-foot-3 point guard eventually found his way to Milwaukee.

With the Bucks thinner than Ariana Grande on a press tour, opportunity finally arrived. Rollins played just under 15 minutes per game in his third NBA season, but he began to pop up in some of the nerdier corners of NBA Twitter. He knocked down shots, generated steals and shot well from the charity stripe. The buzz wasn’t mainstream, but Milwaukee’s coaching staff liked what they saw.

In 2025-26, Milwaukee’s depth chart bordered on translucent. With Damian Lillard waived (still can’t believe I’m saying that) and resources invested in the frontcourt, Rollins earned a spot in the starting lineup and hasn’t looked back. In 32.1 minutes per game, the former Toledo guard’s production exploded:

17.3 PTS | 4.6 REB | 5.6 AST | 1.5 STL
2.7 TOV | 47.2 FG% | 40.6 3P% | 6.1 3PA

Forty percent from deep. A 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Thirteenth in steals. In a desert of an NBA season for the Bucks, Rollins was one of the few springs of hope in an otherwise desolate year. Despite an unorthodox path, Rollins is entering year five of his NBA career as one of the more well-rounded backcourt players in basketball.

As the Bucks look to rebuild in a post-Giannis world, one might think Rollins would be at the center of their plans, but I’m not so sure. Here’s the case for why he’ll be available in February and why Boston should pull the trigger.

Why he’ll be available:

Rollins is on an expiring deal and set to become a UFA in the summer of 2027. I don’t know about you, but if I were a 24-year-old who had just enjoyed the best season of his career, I wouldn’t necessarily look at Milwaukee as the place to be as I enter my prime. To keep Rollins, the Bucks would have to pay him handsomely. Conventional wisdom dictates that rebuilding teams should latch onto whatever young talent is already in the building in the wake of a mega-trade, not move it on, so perhaps Milwaukee will fork out the big bucks. I’m just not convinced that would be the smartest use of their resources.

In pulling the trigger and relinquishing franchise legend Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat, the Bucks acquired not one but two guards in return for their star. One-time All-Star and Milwaukee native Tyler Herro made up the bulk of the salary in that transaction and, while some may view him as little more than salary matching, there’s a good case to be made that he can be this season’s billboard player. A spaced-out paint and increased touches could give Herro the platform to re-enter the All-Star conversation, secure his next big payday or perhaps rehabilitate enough value to net Milwaukee something meaningful in a deadline deal further down the line.

The major sticking point in the negotiations was 20-year-old Lithuanian-born Kasparas Jakucionis. Jakucionis was projected as a lottery-level talent for much of the 2025 draft cycle and, while his counting stats weren’t earning him All-Rookie plaudits, his 42.3% three-point shooting and defensive resilience offered signs of encouragement. That development contrasted with his freshman season at Illinois, where he profiled far more clearly as an on-ball creator than a useful off-ball player. Add Milwaukee’s No. 9 pick, Brayden Burries, another guard who was incredibly exciting in his Summer League showings, and the Bucks suddenly have a very crowded backcourt.

Yes, Herro could be moved instead of Rollins, but he doesn’t have first-round-pick value at the moment. While Milwaukee acquired as many picks as it could from Miami in the Giannis trade, three firsts and a swap, they’re still roughly pick-neutral over the next seven years. A small-market team looking to create another title contender needs to operate from a position of pick superiority. More bites at the apple, particularly in a league with flattened lottery odds, represent Milwaukee’s clearest route back to relevance without an all-time great already in the building. Their route to becoming pick-positive runs through trading current members of the roster for future assets, or taking on bad salary as their financial flexibility increases.

Right now, Rollins is the player on the roster who could bring in picks. Any contender can realistically find a way to acquire his $4 million salary, while paying him in the coming offseason would eat into the flexibility Milwaukee should be trying to create. He is simultaneously cheap enough to be accessible to almost every contender, productive enough to attract real interest and young enough for the Bucks to justify demanding meaningful draft compensation. For that reason, I expect that, much like Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu with the Bulls last year, Rollins will be available at the deadline.

The Fit:

Much like his contract is easy to fit into a trade, Rollins’ skill set is easy to fit into just about any roster in the association. As mentioned above, he’s a capable defender with on-ball talent, a great spacer and a player who, over the last two seasons, has flourished with increased on-ball responsibility. Teams could look at Rollins as a Swiss Army knife-type player who can play off stars, or bet on him as something more, with untapped on-ball upside in a different situation.

I think that with Neemias Queta and Mitchell Robinson as Boston’s primary options at center this season, the Celtics will be less reliant on Derrick White’s unique rim-protection ability at the guard spot. With less switching versatility from those two at the five than Boston enjoyed with, say, Al Horford in past seasons, the need for point-of-attack defense increases, and that’s where Rollins could really come into his own. Milwaukee was five points per 100 possessions better defensively with Rollins on the court this year.

Rollins is a great halfway house between Pritchard and White. A better defender than Pritchard, a more dynamic self-creator than White and the kind of guard who would thrive playing in an offense focused on Jayson Tatum, while also carrying second units when he sits. Want proof of concept? Just check out his numbers last year depending on whether or not he shared the court with Giannis in Milwaukee:

WITH GIANNIS: 18.0 USG% | 15.0 PTS | 5.7 AST | 5.2 REB | 59.0 TS% | 40.3 3P%
WITHOUT GIANNIS: 27.3 USG% | 22.4 PTS | 6.8 AST | 5.3 REB | 58.0 TS% | 40.7 3P%

The jump in usage with Antetokounmpo off the court, coupled with the stability of his efficiency, indicates that Rollins really may be a late bloomer with star upside still in the tank.

Some of that star upside can be seen down below in Rollins’ career night against the Dubs last year:

The Cost:

Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu arguably set the market for players in the Rollins archetype with a year left on their contracts, but he’s a better player than both former Bulls on an even cheaper deal. I expect that, if Rollins were made available at the deadline, he’d attract interest from multiple teams and be particularly valuable to those dealing with apron or tax issues.

Any of Houston, Toronto, Atlanta, Detroit, Charlotte or Denver could pounce, with all of those teams a little short in the backcourt and possessing the picks to acquire Rollins if they want to strengthen prior to the postseason. With that healthy market and Rollins’ talent, I expect it would take more than a singular first-round pick to get Milwaukee’s attention. I’d suggest the following trade makes sense:

Boston Celtics receive:
Ryan Rollins

Milwaukee Bucks receive:
Jordan Walsh
Boston’s 2027 first-round pick
The less favorable of Boston’s two potential 2028 first-round picks, lottery protected

If the 2028 first does not convey, Milwaukee instead receives the less favorable of Boston’s two 2031 first-round picks, top-eight protected. If the 2031 first also fails to convey, the obligation converts to three future second-round picks.

This move would take advantage of Boston’s surplus on the wing, give Milwaukee another entry into the first round of the 2027 draft and maintain the upside of the Philadelphia trade for Boston. It’s a high price to pay, but one I think is worth paying.

The Verdict:

If Boston wants to build the next great Celtics team sustainably, they’ll have to make smart moves rather than simply going all-in on sure things. Trading for Rollins isn’t the kind of star move that breaks social media, but it reminds me of the Derrick White trade Brad Stevens made in 2022. Both were analytics darlings languishing on rebuilding teams, with the potential to ascend to another level in a winning context.

Trading for Rollins isn’t without risk, but it’s a move that strengthens the Celtics for next season while preserving financial flexibility. It’s a move that could soften the sting of Derrick White’s expected decline over the next few seasons. It’s a move that would still allow Boston to use its full mid-level exception next offseason, utilizing Rollins’ $7.6 million cap hold.

If I were in Brad Stevens’ shoes, I’d be looking to bring Rollins in. What do you think?

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As far as NBA offseasons go, this was a wild one.

There were blockbuster trades — with Giannis Antetokounmpo heading to the Miami Heat and Jaylen Brown going from the Boston Celtics to their Atlantic Division-rivals, the Philadelphia 76ers.

There were culture-swinging free agency decisions — most notably NBA icon LeBron James, the league’s leading scorer, opting to break away from the Los Angeles Lakers to join Brown in Philadelphia. 

There were coaching changes and players re-signing max extensions, and there was — finally — the resolution to the Kawhi Leonard saga with the Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors.

Yet, all that said, everyone is chasing the New York Knicks, who went on a historic postseason run in June to snap a 53-year championship drought. Fans in New York celebrated the Knicks all summer long, and players have said the right things about not being satisfied with one title and wanting another. The core remains in place, but the reality is no team has repeated as NBA champions in eight seasons, since the Golden State Warriors did so in 2018.

The runner-up San Antonio Spurs will come out hungry, and the Oklahoma City Thunder remain a powerhouse. The 76ers, Heat, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers are also all candidates to emerge out East.

But the real work starts now, with NBA training camps set to open in late September.

The NBA crew at USA TODAY Sports prepared season previews for every team. Six will be published each day beginning Monday, Sept. 21 through Friday, Sept. 25. This page will be updated daily with links to new previews. Clink the link on each team's name below to be taken to the preview page and check back for updates.

Eastern Conference

Atlantic division

• Boston Celtics
• Brooklyn Nets
• New York Knicks
• Philadelphia 76ers
• Toronto Raptors

Central division

• Chicago Bulls
• Cleveland Cavaliers
• Detroit Pistons
• Indiana Pacers
• Milwaukee Bucks

Southeast division

• Atlanta Hawks
• Charlotte Hornets
• Miami Heat
• Orlando Magic
• Washington Wizards

Western Conference

Northwest division

• Denver Nuggets
• Minnesota Timberwolves
• Oklahoma City Thunder
• Portland Trail Blazers
• Utah Jazz

Pacific division

• Golden State Warriors
• Los Angeles Clippers
• Los Angeles Lakers
• Phoenix Suns
• Sacramento Kings

Southwest division

• Dallas Mavericks
• Houston Rockets
• Memphis Grizzlies
• New Orleans Pelicans
• San Antonio Spurs

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Previewing each NBA team as 2026-27 season approaches

Coach Tyronn Lue and the Los Angeles Clippers could struggle to make a significant run during the 2026-27 season.

The organization has fallen from playoff contention to a team likely dropping near the bottom of the Western Conference as a result of its offseason.

The NBA announced disciplinary action against the team on Sept. 2 after an external law firm completed enough of its investigation and shared its findings with league commissioner Adam Silver.

The Clippers were fined $30 million and were told to forfeit five first-round draft picks (2029–2033). Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and two of the team’s executives were also suspended.

The Clippers also used the offseason to create a younger roster. The team traded Kawhi Leonard, who is 35 years old, and moved on from Nicolas Batum (37) in free agency while adding players such as Brandon Ingram (29) and Gradey Dick (22). The Clippers were one of the oldest teams in the league, with an average age of 33.2 years last season.

The team will have signs of inexperience, but it could create an opportunity for players such as first-round pick Keaton Wagler to get significant playing time early and often.

Here's a breakdown of the Los Angeles Clippers' offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:

LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS SCHEDULE: Dates, times and opponents for 2026-27 season

Los Angeles Clippers offseason review

• Record last season: 42-40 (9th in Western Conference)
• Playoff finish: Did not qualify
• Coach: Tyronn Lue (seventh season)
• 2026-27 title odds: +75000 (per BetMGM)
• Projected record : 31-51
• Offseason grade : C+

Key roster additions

• G Keaton Wagler (draft pick)
• F Baba Miller (draft pick)
• F Rui Hachimura (free agency)
• G Max Strus (traded)
• F Nick Martinelli (traded)
• F Johni Broome (traded)

Key roster losses

• F Kawhi Leonard (traded)
• F Nicolas Batum (free agency)
• G Bogdan Bogdanović (free agency)
• F/C John Collins (free agency)

Biggest question entering training camp

Who will step up as the Clippers' top player?

• The Clippers traded Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors, officially ending a chapter in the organization's history. The Clippers will start the season without a bona fide star player and MVP contender on its roster. Newly acquired Brandon Ingram will have an opportunity to fill the role, but he will have to show he can be durable, which was something that worked against Leonard at times as well. Leonard did play 65 or more games in two of the last three seasons, but was limited to just 37 games played during the 2024-25 season. Ingram did take a step forward, playing in 77 games for the Raptors last season, just two games shy of his career-high during his rookie season. The forward was limited to just 18 games played with the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2024-25 season.

Projected starting lineup and rotation

Starters

• G Darius Garland
• G Keaton Wagler
• F Brandon Ingram
• F Rui Hachimura
• C Brook Lopez

Rotation players

• C Yanic Konan Niederhauser
• C Isaiah Jackson
• G Kris Dunn
• G Max Strus
• G Bradley Beal
• G Gradey Dick
• G Kobe Sanders
• F Derrick Jones Jr.
• F Jordan Miller
• F Baba Miller

What to expect in 2026-27 season

Expectations won’t be high for the Clippers for the upcoming season. The Clippers already took a step back with a 42-40 record last season after making the playoffs in 2025. The Clippers are likely to take another step back. The team is projected to win just 31 games this season.

The team had championship expectations after acquiring Leonard and Paul George in 2019. Both players are now back in the Eastern Conference, while Los Angeles will battle for a chance at the play-in tournament.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Los Angeles Clippers season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

Information in this article was imported automatically into a template written and reviewed by a USA TODAY Sports editor. You can send feedback using this form.

With training camp about to begin, our 2026-2027 Houston Rockets Players Previews kick off with their trio of two-way contracts. These are some new names among the two-way group this year, so pay keep your eye on these three this preseason.

Quadir Copeland

Copeland is a 23-year-old 6’6” guard who came over to the team after being undrafted this summer. He averaged 13.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 6.5 assists as a senior last year at NC State. He also shot 49.4 percent from the field and 39.7 percent from deep. Copeland is an Ime Udoka special — a defense-first guard that can control games with his size and athleticism. He’s not a bad shooter, but is not a volume shooter, and while his size allows him to see over defenses when running point, he also averaged 2.8 turnovers per game his senior season, meaning he can be prone to turnovers. Still, his size and athleticism make him an intruguing prospect for the Rockets.

Sean Pedulla

Pedulla went undrafted in 2025 NBA Draft, but the 6’1” point guard linked up first with the Portland Trail Blazers last season, then spent some time with the L.A. Clippers and the Minnesota Timberwolves. With the Wolves, Pedulla earned G League Rookie of the Year honors, averaging 23.6 points, 6.7 assists, 5 rebounds and 1.6 steals with Minny’s G League affiliate. The 23-year-old now links up with the Rockets on a two-way deal. He’s a solid shooter who shot 39.2 percent from deep his senior season and replicated that by shooting 39.6 percent last year in the G League. He also has some good playmaking chops, though his size has him struggling some as a defender. Not exactly the way to get on the floor for Udoka.

Rafael Castro

Castro is a 23-year-old, 6’10” center, finalizing a complete overhaul of Houston’s two-way deals. Castro went undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft after averaging 15.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in his senior season for George Washington. He is smart, athletic and fast, and he plays that way, with plenty of rim running and pick-and-roll action. Despite averaging just 1.7 assists per game his senior year, he is well-regarded as a passer, but he is mostly a traditional big man without shooting range. He’s also slight, at just 224 pounds, which could be an issue until he puts on his big boy muscle with an NBA strength program, but Castro is an intruging prospect you’ll want to keep an eye on.

Year one with Kevin Durant didn't go as the Houston Rockets hoped. The 2026-27 NBA season is shaping up as a basketball do-over.

The Rockets will largely run it back with their roster mostly intact after a disappointing first-round playoff exit in the wake of their much-hyped Durant acquisition. Houston is hopeful the return of veteran point guard Fred VanVleet, who missed all of last season with a knee injury, can unlock a talented core that never seemed to fit together consistently without an established primary ballhandler.

The Rockets have locked up young stars Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson to long-term deals in recent offseasons, but this may be their last chance to maximize the Durant era in Houston. The 37-year-old has a player option in his contract for next year. There's enough talent for the Rockets to contend with the best teams in the Western Conference if they've sorted out the chemistry issues with Durant a season later than expected.

Here's a breakdown of the Houston Rockets' offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:

KEVIN DURANT: Says best team he ever played for 'on paper' was not Golden State Warriors

HOUSTON ROCKETS SCHEDULE: Dates, times and opponents for 2026-27 season

Houston Rockets offseason review

• Record last season: 52-30 (5th in Western Conference)
• Playoff finish: Lost to Lakers in 1st round (4-3)
• Coach: J.J. Redick (3rd season)
• 2026-27 title odds: +5000 (per BetMGM)
• Projected record: 55-27
• Offseason grade: C-

Key roster additions

• G Marcus Smart (free agent signing)
• G Bogdan Bogdanovic (free agent signing)
• G Bruce Thornton (No. 31 pick in 2026 NBA draft)
• F/C Oscar Tshiebwe (free agent signing)

Key roster losses

• G Josh Okogie (free agent)
• F Dorian Finney-Smith (trade)

Biggest question entering training camp

Can the return of Fred VanVleet solve the Rockets' point guard woes?

• The Rockets never actually settled on a full-time replacement for VanVleet last season, turning to 2024 first-round pick Reed Sheppard and 23-year-old Amen Thompson at point guard while embracing oversized lineups and a bully ball approach. The strategy fizzled in the most important games of the season, particularly after a season-ending ankle injury suffered by center Steven Adams. VanVleet expects to be ready for the start of the 2026-27 season, and the Rockets added veteran Marcus Smart and rookie Bruce Thornton to bolster their backcourt depth. But this team's ceiling will depend on how VanVleet looks at age 32 coming back from a torn ACL.

Projected starting lineup and rotation

Starters

• G Fred VanVleet
• G Amen Thompson
• F Jabari Smith Jr.
• F Kevin Durant
• C Alperen Sengun

Rotation players

• G Reed Sheppard
• G Marcus Smart
• G Bogdan Bogdanovic
• F Tari Eason
• C Steven Adams
• C Clint Capela

What to expect in 2026-27 season

The Rockets theoretically have the roster best-positioned to challenge the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder among the next tier of Western Conference contenders. If VanVleet is still capable of being a major contributor at point guard, it should facilitate better offense in crunch time where placing the burden completely on Durant is too much at this point in his career. Expect the Rockets to eclipse 50 wins again and make a deeper playoff run than they did a year ago.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Houston Rockets season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

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The Dallas Mavericks are in the process of reinventing themselves after the disastrous Luka Doncic trade, and the past few months have reshaped the franchise ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season.

Former Toronto Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri was hired this offseason to be the Mavericks' new team president, and former ESPN NBA draft analyst Mike Schmitz, most recently an assistant GM with the Portland Trail Blazers, was tabbed to be the new Dallas GM. They then made a huge splash by hiring Dusty May as the franchise's new coach after he led Michigan to the 2026 national championship in college basketball.

On the court, Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II are expected to return from lengthy injury absences, and they're set to play alongside reigning NBA rookie of the year Cooper Flagg. They'll be surrounded by a mixture of reliable veterans and an intriguing collection of newcomers, including four drafted rookies, that could force May into some tough (and awkward) lineup decisions.

There's enough talent to return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2024 NBA Finals but also a lot of variables to overcome.

Here's a breakdown of the Dallas Mavericks offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:

DALLAS MAVERICKS SCHEDULE: Dates, times and opponents for 2026-27 season

Dallas Mavericks offseason review

• Record last season: 26-56 (12th in Western Conference)
• Playoff finish: Did not qualify
• Coach: Dusty May (1st season)
• 2026-27 title odds: +20000 (per BetMGM)
• Projected record: 32-50
• Offseason grade: B

Key roster additions

• F Zaccharie Risacher (trade)
• F Santi Aldama (trade)
• F Tarik Biberovic (trade)
• G Marcus Sasser (trade)
• F Morez Johnson Jr. (No. 9 pick, 2026 NBA Draft)
• G Sergio de Larrea (No. 25 pick, 2026 NBA Draft)
• F Tobi Lawal (No. 48 pick, 2026 NBA Draft)
• G Vsevolod Ishchenko (No. 56 pick, 2026 NBA Draft)

Key roster losses

• G Klay Thompson (contract buyout)
• G Khris Middleton (trade)
• G Ryan Nembhard (trade)
• G A.J. Johnson (trade)
• G Brandon Williams (free agent)
• F Marvin Bagley (free agent)

Biggest question entering training camp

How will Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II perform coming back from major injuries?

• Though the Mavericks are building around Flagg for the long term, their ability to exceed expectations during the 2026-27 season could hinge on the effectiveness of Irving and Lively. Both were key starters when Dallas went to the NBA Finals in 2024, but injuries have largely sidelined them since. Lively has played in just 43 games since then (including only seven appearances last season) due to a foot injury, while Irving missed the entire 2025-26 campaign recovering from a torn ACL. Their health, and Irving's partnership with Flagg, will be a focal point early on this season.

Projected starting lineup and rotation

Starters

• G Kyrie Irving
• G Max Christie
• F Cooper Flagg
• F P.J. Washington
• C Dereck Lively II

Rotation players

• G Marcus Sasser
• F Naji Marshall
• F Santi Aldama
• F Zaccharie Risacher
• F Morez Johnson Jr.
• C Daniel Gafford

What to expect in 2026-27 season

If Irving and Lively can return close to the form they showed before being derailed by injuries over the past year, and Flagg builds upon his intriguing rookie campaign, the Mavericks are positioned to be a dangerous team that should compete for a play-in tournament spot and finish with a much better record than a season ago. But a first-time NBA head coach, health concerns and several newcomers with uncertain roster fits behind Flagg make Dallas a risky team to trust as a legitimate contender this year.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dallas Mavericks season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

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Pat Riley has been hunting a superstar since LeBron James left in 2016. On the eve of the 2026 NBA Draft, he got one, sending Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kasparas Jakucionis to Milwaukee for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis.

That was the easy part.

Miami then let Norman Powell, its only All-Star last season, sign with Chicago then filled in its roster with veterans on short money.

Tim Hardaway Jr., a Sixth Man of the Year finalist in Denver last season, took one year and $6 million. Klay Thompson arrived in late August after a buyout in Dallas. Nick Richards signed a few days later. The Heat still have one roster spot open with camp weeks away.

All of it follows a season that ended in a 127-126 overtime loss to Charlotte in a play-in elimination game, Miami's first missed postseason since 2019.

Here's a breakdown of the Miami Heat's offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:

MIAMI HEAT SCHEDULE: Dates, times and opponents for 2026-27 season

Miami Heat offseason review

• Record last season: 43-39 (10th in Eastern Conference)
• Playoff finish: Missed playoffs (lost to Hornets in play-in tournament)
• Coach: Erik Spoelstra (19th season)
• 2026-27 title odds: +3000 (per BetMGM)
• Projected record : 49-33
• Offseason grade : A-

Key roster additions

• F Giannis Antetokounmpo (trade)
• G Klay Thompson (free agent signing)
• F Bobby Portis (trade)
• G Tim Hardaway Jr. (free agent signing)
• C Nick Richards (free agent signing)

Key roster losses

• G Tyler Herro (trade)
• G Norman Powell (free agency)
• C Kel'el Ware (trade)
• G Kasparas Jakucionis
• F Jaime Jaquez Jr. (trade)

Biggest question entering training camp

Who brings the ball up?

Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo will smother people, but the offense is the puzzle. Davion Mitchell is the nominal point guard, Thompson is 36, Hardaway is 34, and behind Antetokounmpo there is almost no one who can create a shot out of nothing. Spoelstra will likely stagger Antetokounmpo and Adebayo so one of them is always at center, with Portis covering the rest.

Miami is also short on size. That was the argument for Richards, and it may not be the last move.

Projected starting lineup and rotation

Starters

• G Davion Mitchell
• G Klay Thompson
• F Andrew Wiggins
• F Giannis Antetokounmpo
• C Bam Adebayo

Rotation players

• G Tim Hardaway Hr.
• G Dru Smith
• F. Pelle Larsson
• Simone Fontecchio
• F Nikola Jovic
• C Bobby Portis

What to expect in 2026-27 season

Miami is the division favorite and nobody is arguing. BetMGM lists the Heat at +160 to win the Southeast, with Orlando next at +250.

The Heat scored 120.9 points per game last season, most in the division, and gave up 118.5, worst among the four teams that competed for anything. Antetokounmpo and Adebayo should erase a good deal of that second number by themselves. Whether Miami can survive a seven-game series against Philadelphia or Toronto depends on health and on finding one more creator, probably at the deadline.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Miami Heat season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

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This was a team that finished with the third-worst record in the NBA and one that has won just 78 of 246 games (.317) over its last three seasons.

The problem for the Brooklyn Nets is that the short-term future doesn’t look all that much better.

Since the team’s experiment with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden imploded, the Nets have struggled to find any semblance of competitiveness. The big move of the offseason was a trade that brought in three-time All-Star Julius Randle – taking on his contract – and shipped out center Nic Claxton. Will that be enough for Brooklyn to finally course correct?

Here's a breakdown of the Brooklyn Nets' offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:

BROOKLYN NETS SCHEDULE: Dates, times and opponents for 2026-27 season

Brooklyn Nets offseason review

• Record last season: 20-62 (13th in Eastern Conference)
• Playoff finish: Did not qualify
• Coach: Jordi Fernández (third season)
• 2026-27 title odds: +100000 (per BetMGM)
• Projected record : 20-62
• Offseason grade : C+

Key roster additions

• F Julius Randle (trade)
• G Keon Ellis (free agent signing)
• F Moritz Wagner (free agent signing)
• G Mikel Brown Jr. (NBA draft)
• F Tyler Bilodeau (NBA draft)

Key roster losses

• C Nic Claxton (trade)
• F Ziaire Williams (free agency)

Biggest question entering training camp

Can their veterans lead this young team to relevance?

• With Michael Porter Jr., who played his first season in Brooklyn last year, and Julius Randle, acquired in a three-team trade with the Timberwolves and Bulls, the Nets now have a pair of veterans who are expected to carry the offense. But this is a team that has failed to make the postseason in the last three years and one that remains in a rebuild. At a certain point, at least some of the young players on this roster — Egor Dëmin, rookie Mikel Brown Jr., Ben Saraf, Noah Clowney and Danny Wolf chief among them — will need to take considerable leaps forward for the Nets to be relevant.

Projected starting lineup and rotation

Starters

• G Mikel Brown Jr.
• G Egor Dëmin
• F Michael Porter Jr.
• F Julius Randle
• C Day’Ron Sharpe

Rotation players

• G Ben Saraf
• G Keon Ellis
• F Noah Clowney
• C Danny Wolf
• F Moritz Wagner
• G Drake Powell
• G Nolan Traore
• G Terance Mann
• F Josh Minott

What to expect in 2026-27 season

Honestly, this looks like a roster that continues to be a season or two away from competing. Randle is a fine addition, but his best days are behind him. Porter took a step forward and showed his efficiency numbers could remain solidly respectable despite a far higher usage. But unless the Nets solve their shooting woes — Brooklyn tied for dead last in 3-point percentage (34%) last season — it’s hard to see the Nets being contenders for even the play-in picture. Brooklyn had amassed draft capital for its rebuild. The Nets still need a legitimate star (or two). Making matters worse, they saw the entire city of New York celebrate the Knicks, even outside of the Barclays Center, the home venue where the Nets play.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Brooklyn Nets season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

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The Eastern Conference became notably deeper and more talented this offseason, and the Toronto Raptors are very much one of the reasons why.

Toronto made a splash with its acquisition of seven-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard. It has the potential to be a franchise-altering move, even though it had remained pending for more than a month, as the NBA wrapped up its investigation into Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers over salary cap circumvention.

But with that now resolved, the Raptors can move forward and plan for what looks to be an intriguing season.

Here's a breakdown of the Toronto Raptors' offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:

WINNERS AND LOSERS: As Kawhi Leonard trade to Raptors becomes official

TORONTO RAPTORS SCHEDULE: Dates, times and opponents for 2026-27 season

Toronto Raptors offseason review

• Record last season: 46-36 (5th in Eastern Conference)
• Playoff finish: Eliminated in first round (3-4, against Cavaliers)
• Coach: Darko Rajaković (fourth season)
• 2026-27 title odds: +3000 (per BetMGM)
• Projected record : 44-38
• Offseason grade : B+

Key roster additions

• F Kawhi Leonard (trade)
• F Kyle Anderson (free agent signing)
• F Allen Graves (draft)
• G Jaden Bradley (draft)

Key roster losses

• G Gradey Dick (trade)
• F Brandon Ingram (trade)
• F/C Sandro Mamukelashvili (free agency)

Biggest question entering training camp

Can Kawhi Leonard once again carry the Raptors to a title, and how will he gel with his new teammates?

• Toronto was one of the bigger surprises last year, posting a 16-win improvement over the prior season. Some of the team’s younger players were starting to develop. Yet, after failing to get past the first round, the Raptors clearly felt they needed to take a big swing in the offseason to take the next step. In comes Kawhi Leonard, who helped lead Toronto to a championship in 2019. And though he’s several years older, Leonard remains a superb two-way threat when healthy. He scores with efficiency and continues to be a defensive stopper. And now that the investigation about salary cap circumvention has been completed and Leonard was able to get off somewhat unscathed, he can focus on basketball. For the Raptors, that’s excellent news.

Projected starting lineup and rotation

Starters

• G Immanuel Quickley
• G RJ Barrett
• F Kawhi Leonard
• F Scottie Barnes
• C Jakob Poeltl

Rotation players

• G Jamal Shead
• G Ja’Kobe Walter
• F Allen Graves
• F Collin Murray-Boyles
• F Jamison Battle
• C Trayce Jackson-Davis

What to expect in 2026-27 season

The Raptors exceeded expectations last season. They can do so once more, but the Eastern Conference suddenly became quite crowded with an offseason full of player movement. The Raptors, though, have a very solid starting five, though their depth is something of an issue — especially if injuries or foul trouble crop up. A duo of Leonard and Barnes is intriguing, particularly because of their defensive versatility. Toronto tied for fifth last season in defensive rating, allowing 112.1 points per 100 possessions. With Leonard in the fold, that figure should only improve. And they’ll need it, too; the East figures to have plenty of difficult, high-potency offenses.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Toronto Raptors season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

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Similar to what the Phoenix Suns did with point guard David Stockton, the Los Angeles Lakers signed forward Anton Watson to a training camp deal on Thursday, Sept. 17, but later waived the former Gonzaga Bulldog on Friday, Sept. 18. He will most likely join the G League’s Coachella Valley Lakers.

Lakers announce they have signed Meechie Johnson and Chase Ross while waiving Anton Watson. These are more training camp moves for LA pic.twitter.com/jFmWdVifN7

— Trevor Lane (@TrevorLane) September 19, 2026

Over the course of seven games with the Lakers in the California Classic in San Francisco, California, and NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Nevada, Watson averaged 7.6 points on a shooting split of 34.0 field goal percentage/19.2 three-point percentage/100 free throw percentage, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists across 20.7 minutes per contest.

The Spokane, Washington native was drafted with the No. 54 overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. In March of 2025, Watson was claimed off waivers by the New York Knicks on a two-way contract. In nine appearances for New York, he averaged 0.9 points, 0.3 rebounds, and 0.2 assists per game.

After the conclusion of the 2025 season, Watson was signed by Los Angeles in September of 2025.

Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on X @a_cravalho

If any Gonzaga Bulldog deserves this opportunity in the NBA, it’s forward/center Graham Ike, after going undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft and grinding on an Exhibit 10 contract over the summer.

According to Luca Evans of the San Francisco Chronicle, the Golden State Warriors have signed the former big man on campus to their third and final two-way contract. The agreement is expected to be a two-year deal. Ike will split his time with the big club and their G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors.

Across nine contests in the month of July, his strong post presence, toughness, and leadership value helped push Golden State to an NBA Summer League title in Las Vegas, Nevada. For the duration of the California Classic at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California, plus his time spent in Sin City, Ike averaged 10.0 points on a shooting split of 48.4 field goal percentage/25.0 three-point percentage/78.9 free throw percentage, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 21.2 minutes per game.

The Warriors’ training camp in the Bay Area will begin on Sept. 29.

As of right now, 11 Gonzaga alums will be in the NBA at the start of the 2026-27 season.

In hopes of making an opening-day roster, shooting guard Malachi Smith signed a non-guaranteed Exhibit 10 training camp contract with the Toronto Raptors through the work of his agent, Michael Lelchitski of SIG Sports. He was previously waived by the Brooklyn Nets after spending the tail end of the 2025-26 campaign with the organization.

Forward/center Drew Timme, who was on a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers this past season, wasn’t picked for the open roster spot before the 2026 NBA Playoffs. He’s still searching for his next professional destination as Los Angeles has all three of their two-way spots filled.

Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on X @a_cravalho

First and foremost, I want to start today’s session by saying that I like the acquisition of Duop Reath. It shows that Brian Gregory consistently looks for ways to create competition throughout the roster, and that’s a good thing. Iron sharpens iron, as they say in blacksmith houses.

I like that Reath brings the archetype of a stretch five, something the Suns don’t necessarily have right now, although I believe Khaman Maluach can eventually develop into that kind of player. I also like the potential mentorship aspect with Maluach. Both are Sudanese and have taken their own journeys to reach the NBA. And guess what? Maluach’s developmental timeline got bumped up pretty significantly following the injury to Mark Williams. That comes with added responsibility. Having somebody around, even at the front end of this journey, who can provide some mentorship is an astute way to utilize the roster while helping the young kid navigate what’s ahead.

All of that is good. But everybody needs to drink some settle-down juice when it comes to Duop Reath.

We have to remember who and what he is as a player. He’s 30 years old, so developmentally, his best years are most likely behind him. And truth be told, he really has one transferable NBA skill that everyone seems to be salivating over. He can shoot.

When I say everyone, I’m talking about what I’m seeing on social media. We’re essentially getting tribute videos breaking down the 23 total three-pointers he made last season. People are excited because he chose Phoenix over the Knicks.

Duop Reath chose the Suns over the Knicks😤 pic.twitter.com/UiW8K7zt9T

— Gabe Guerrero (@GabeGuerrero03) September 17, 2026

We gotta stop this. We can’t fall in love with players simply because they bat their eyes at us. We did that with Bradley Beal, remember? How did that work out? Simply because somebody chooses Phoenix doesn’t mean they instantly need to become a fan favorite or somebody we have undying loyalty to. Of course Reath chose Phoenix. Phoenix has the lower ceiling of those two teams. There’s more opportunity for him here, so why wouldn’t he choose us?

At the end of the day, he’s being brought in to generate competition at the back of the roster. Best-case scenario, he makes the roster. That most likely means the Suns move off either Haywood Highsmith or Jamaree Bouyea, and I’d much rather have either of them. Middle case scenario: Reath takes a two-way contract. That would most likely mean CJ Huntley or Koby Brea is no longer occupying one of those spots. Again, I’d rather have the younger players with more developmental upside. Worst-case scenario, Reath doesn’t make the team. He’s this year’s Jared Butler, the player brought in during training camp who the fan base latches onto before he ultimately fades into the abyss, never to be seen again.

So again, I like the idea of Duop Reath with the Phoenix Suns. What I don’t understand is losing our minds over an unbelievably one-dimensional player. He isn’t a good rebounder for a big. He’s undersized. He can’t defend the perimeter particularly well. He’s average at defending the interior. He isn’t a playmaker or distributor. He can stroke a few three-pointers. That has value. It doesn’t mean we have to be obtuse about everything else. We can recognize what the Suns are trying to accomplish by bringing Reath in. We can respect the process and appreciate the competition it creates. We don’t need to fall in love with him simply because he chose us.

Maybe he shoots his way onto the roster and becomes useful when Phoenix needs to stretch the floor. Maybe his presence helps Maluach navigate an unexpectedly accelerated developmental timeline. Or maybe we forget he was ever here by Christmas. All of those outcomes are possible. Appreciate what Reath could provide, but save the love affair for someone who actually earns it.

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