The Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks each made key roster updates on Monday, affecting player availability for the coming weeks.
Wizards rule out Cam Whitmore indefinitely
The Wizards announced forward Cam Whitmore is out indefinitely after doctors diagnosed an upper-extremity deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. The team said his recovery will be closely monitored and status updates will be provided “as appropriate.”
Whitmore, 20, has not played since Dec. 4. He received four consecutive DNP-CD designations before landing on the injury report with right shoulder soreness; subsequent testing revealed the blood clot. Selected 20th overall by Houston in the 2023 draft, the former projected top-five pick was traded to Washington last offseason for two second-round choices. He is averaging 9.2 points through 21 games. The Wizards indicated there is no current sign the condition will threaten his career, noting other NBA players have successfully returned from similar issues.
Austin Reaves back for Lakers
Austin Reaves has been upgraded to available for the Lakers’ home meeting with the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. The 27-year-old guard missed nearly two weeks with a left calf strain but sat out only three contests because of a light mid-December schedule; Los Angeles went 2-1 in that span.
Reaves is producing career-best numbers, averaging 27.8 points, 6.7 assists and 5.6 rebounds across 21 starts. Barring setbacks, he remains on pace to reach the 65-game minimum for postseason award consideration and is approaching a potential player option for the 2026-27 season.
Hawks sign Malik Williams to two-way contract
The Hawks have reached a two-way agreement with center Malik Williams, according to multiple reports. Williams, 25, is averaging 16.2 points and 10.4 rebounds for the College Park Skyhawks in the G League. The former Louisville standout appeared in seven NBA games with Toronto late in the 2023-24 season.
Atlanta’s frontcourt has been hit hard by injuries, including season-ending setbacks to Jacob Toppin and N’Faly Dante. Under the terms of his two-way deal, Williams can be active for up to 32 NBA games this season.
Source: Hoops Wire
