NBA Roundup: Haliburton Details Achilles Rehab, Orlando Adds Castleton, Atlanta Finalizes Dante Deal
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INDIANAPOLIS – Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton said he has begun walking in a protective boot as he recovers from the torn Achilles tendon suffered in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
“I’m walking now in my boot, getting closer to walking full-time in my shoe,” the two-time All-Star told reporters. “It’s a new benchmark, a new achievement. I have good days and bad days.”
Haliburton, 25, has been ruled out for the entire 2025-26 season. He emphasized that reaching full strength is more important than an accelerated return. “The team has already ruled me out for the year, so I’m in no rush,” he said. “I don’t want to come back at 85 or 90 percent.”
The Pacers standout added that he has leaned on Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark, who is rehabbing a groin injury. The two often lift weights together at the team facility, providing mutual support during their recoveries.
Magic Sign Castleton to Exhibit 10 Contract
ORLANDO – The Magic signed free-agent center Colin Castleton to an Exhibit 10 deal, according to the NBA’s transaction log. The non-guaranteed agreement allows the 25-year-old to earn up to an $85,000 bonus if he is waived and then spends time with the G League’s Osceola Magic.
Castleton went undrafted in 2023, spent his rookie season on a two-way contract with the Lakers, and appeared in 26 NBA games last year with the Grizzlies, Raptors, and 76ers, averaging 4.7 points and 4.7 rebounds in 16.6 minutes. Orlando now holds his G League rights as he heads to training camp seeking a standard roster spot.
Details Emerge on Hawks’ Deal for N’Faly Dante
ATLANTA – ESPN’s Bobby Marks reported that the Hawks’ two-year, $4.4 million offer sheet to center N’Faly Dante includes only an $85,300 partial guarantee in the first season—the same amount he would have received by accepting Houston’s two-way qualifying offer.
The structure made matching essentially risk-free for the Rockets, but hard-cap limitations prevented them from retaining the 24-year-old. Dante will occupy a two-way slot with Atlanta after displaying promise during G League stints last season.
Source: Hoops Wire
