New Orleans enters 2025-26 with Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones healthy and ready to anchor a potent Pelicans core. The addition of Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey adds burst and shooting, while Kevon Looney brings in-the-paint defense and rebounding. Draft picks Yves Missi and Derik Queen offer upside, and Jose Alvarado provides energy off the bench. If the health trend holds, New Orleans can again contend for a playoff spot in a deep West.

But health remains the variable. An Opening Night absence for Dejounte Murray and a tough early schedule could delay chemistry-building and push the team into a rugged early patch. If the roster stays cohesive and Poole/Bey translate into efficient offense, the Pelicans could reclaim momentum in November and push for a late-season run, despite the absence of a 2026 first-round pick complicating long-term assets.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are gearing up for the NBA 2K26 Summer League, showcasing a roster brimming with young talent eager to demonstrate their worth. Among the notable players returning from last season’s squad are Rob Dillingham, Terrence Shannon Jr., Jaylen Clark, and Leonard Miller. Each seeks to solidify their roles in the upcoming season while competing against 10 other hopefuls in Las Vegas.

Rookie center Joan Beringer, the team's first-round draft pick, has caught the attention of his peers, particularly Dillingham, who praised Beringer’s skills during practice. Beringer, hailing from Cedevita Olimpija in the Slovenia League, possesses impressive metrics including a 7-foot-3 wingspan. Though still raw, there are high hopes he could eventually fill the shoes of veteran Rudy Gobert.

The Los Angeles Lakers are actively seeking to solidify their center position ahead of the upcoming NBA season. Despite a slow start in free agency, they have shifted their focus to the trade market, exploring several potential options. Reports indicate that the Lakers have engaged in discussions with the Phoenix Suns regarding Nick Richards, and have also shown interest in Yves Missi and Robert Williams III from the New Orleans Pelicans and Portland Trail Blazers, respectively.

In addition, the Orlando Magic are a target for the Lakers, as they inquire about Wendell Carter Jr. and Goga Bitadze. While these players may not be star names, each could provide a significant upgrade to the Lakers' current roster. Missi stands out as a promising choice, being the 21st overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft with impressive rookie statistics, suggesting he has the potential to complement stars like LeBron James and Luka Dončić effectively.

The Los Angeles Lakers are actively searching for solutions to fill their center position, which has become a pressing need following the loss of Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets. With limited moves so far in free agency, names like Deandre Ayton and Nick Richards are surfacing as potential trade targets. Ayton's buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers has raised interest, while Nick Richards of the Phoenix Suns is also on the Lakers' radar.

Another promising option is Yves Missi of the New Orleans Pelicans, who had a solid rookie season, averaging 9.1 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. The Lakers are also exploring trades with the Orlando Magic for Wendell Carter Jr. and Goga Bitadze. Robert Williams III of the Trail Blazers, whose price may have dropped following Ayton's departure, has also been discussed. Any of these moves could significantly impact the Lakers' frontcourt depth.

The Phoenix Suns are bracing for a pivotal offseason as rumors swirl around the potential trade of Kevin Durant. Speculation suggests that the New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs, and Houston Rockets are among the teams interested in acquiring the superstar before the 2025 NBA Draft. A notable four-team mock trade proposed by Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale envisions Durant moving to the Knicks. In this scenario, the Suns would receive Dejounte Murray, Yves Missi, Kelly Olynyk, and five first-round picks in exchange for Durant. This trade could significantly bolster the Suns' roster, providing much-needed talent while enhancing their future draft capital.

The addition of Murray would pair well with Devin Booker, filling a crucial gap at the point guard position. Meanwhile, Missi and Olynyk would address the frontcourt's weaknesses, particularly following the team's struggles last season despite previous acquisitions. However, doubts linger regarding the feasibility of such a trade package, especially with New Orleans potentially hesitant to part with Murray or Missi. This offseason could redefine the Suns' trajectory, shaping them into serious contenders.