New York Knicks guard/forward Josh Hart said the defending champions still view themselves as the hunters entering 2026-27, according to Adam Zagoria of NJ.com. "I don't think we have a big target because I don't think anyone's picking us to win again," Hart said. "We're using it as fuel; we're still the hunters. We're not satisfied with one." The 31-year-old averaged 12.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in 66 regular-season games, then remained a key connector during New York's title run. The Knicks brought back most of their core under Mike Brown, so Hart's role should stay built around rebounding, passing, defense, and low-usage offense. Mitchell Robinson's move to Boston leaves Andre Drummond as the main backup behind Karl-Anthony Towns, but Hart's fantasy value still comes from boards and across-the-board production rather than scoring volume.

Free-agent guard Nick Smith Jr. has agreed to a one-year deal with Real Madrid, according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. The 22-year-old reached the open market in late June when the Lakers declined their team option, and Scotto reports that he will serve as Real Madrid's lead guard. Smith averaged 7.6 points in 17.5 minutes across three NBA seasons with Charlotte and Los Angeles, with his best stretch coming in 2024-25, when he posted 9.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists for the Hornets. His Lakers stint never gained much traction, though he still averaged 6.2 points in 12.5 minutes across 30 games while shooting 39.5 percent from three. A move to Spain takes him off fantasy boards for 2026-27, and Los Angeles already has Jaden Hardy and Bronny James buried behind Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Quentin Grimes, and Collin Sexton.

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry can choose his own extension path, with Spotrac's Keith Smith outlining a one-year max, a two-year max worth roughly $136.7 million, or a wait until 2027 free agency, when a three-year deal could become possible. Curry has already said there is "no question" he wants to finish his career with Golden State, so this update is more about timeline than destination. The fantasy read is workload. If 2026-27 is not setting up as a farewell season, the Warriors have reason to manage the 38-year-old after knee trouble limited him to 43 games last season. Curry still averaged 26.6 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.4 threes, but rest nights could push more possessions toward Brandin Podziemski, Gui Santos, and Yaxel Lendeborg while Jimmy Butler III (knee) and Moses Moody (knee) continue rehabbing.

Restricted free-agent center Jalen Duren has turned down a five-year offer in the $190 million range from the Detroit Pistons and is seriously considering his $9.6 million qualifying offer, according to The Athletic's Sam Amick and Hunter Patterson. Taking that route would put the 22-year-old on track for unrestricted free agency in 2027, with Sacramento reportedly among three serious suitors. Duren is still expected to open as Detroit's starting center if he returns, and the fantasy case remains strong after he averaged 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks on 65.0 percent shooting in 28.2 minutes last season. He earned All-Star and All-NBA Third Team honors, and Isaiah Stewart's move to Memphis leaves Paul Reed as the main backup center. A qualifying-offer season would add trade-deadline risk, but Duren's boards, efficiency, and expanded-minute upside remain strong.