NBA Notes: Wizards, Cam Whitmore, Lakers, Austin Reaves, Hawks

Wizards

The Wizards have ruled out forward Cam Whitmore indefinitely after he was diagnosed with upper-extremity deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.

The Wizards confirmed the diagnosis Monday, stating that Whitmore’s recovery will be monitored and his status updated as appropriate.

Whitmore hasn’t played since December 4. He was initially a DNP-CD for four straight games before being added to the injury report with right shoulder soreness. Further testing revealed the blood clot, Charania reported.

Selected 20th overall in the 2023 draft by Houston, Whitmore was once viewed as a potential top-five pick.

He showed flashes in two seasons with the Rockets before being dealt to Washington for two second-round picks last offseason. Through 21 games with the Wizards, he averaged 9.2 points per game.

There’s no indication at this point that the condition threatens Whitmore’s career. Several current NBA players, including Victor Wembanyama and Brandon Ingram, have returned successfully after similar diagnoses.

Lakers

Lakers guard Austin Reaves has been upgraded to available for Tuesday’s game against Phoenix, the team confirmed.

Reaves missed nearly two weeks with a left calf strain but sat out just three games due to a light mid-December schedule. The Lakers went 2-1 during his absence.

The 27-year-old is in the midst of a career season, averaging 27.8 points, 6.7 assists and 5.6 rebounds through 21 starts. He remains on track to meet the 65-game threshold for postseason awards and is well-positioned heading into a contract year, with a player option looming for 2026–27.

Hawks

The Hawks agreed to a two-way contract with center Malik Williams, sources told Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.

Williams has been productive with College Park, averaging 16.2 points and 10.4 rebounds in the G League. A former Louisville standout, he appeared in seven NBA games with Toronto late in the 2023–24 season.

Atlanta’s move comes amid a wave of frontcourt injuries, including season-ending setbacks to Jacob Toppin and N’Faly Dante. Williams will be eligible to appear in up to 32 games on his new two-way deal.