Two Boomers bigs have been touted as potential trade chips. Plus a 19-year old is getting more comfortable with extra opportunities.

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Catch up on all the latest surrounding the Aussies in the NBA!

BEN SIMMONS (Brooklyn Nets)

Simmons last week left Brooklyn’s game against Orlando with a knee contusion and didn’t return.

Even though the Aussie only missed one contest, any time Simmons sustains any sort of injury, you get nervous.

He also revealed after the loss to Orlando he’d been dealing with a knee problem for the past 18 months … yikes.

“I was just trying to see if I could go on and it was just getting too much so I made the decision (to leave the game),” Simmons told reporters post-match.

“It’s been something I’ve been dealing with for the last year and a half, so just to monitor it.”

Along with an ongoing back injury, the injuries have clearly been stacking up for Simmons and contributed to his downtick since his All-Star days.

After starting in 13 games this season, the 28-year old has returned to the second unit the last two contests with Nic Claxton back in the starting line-up.

Simmons produced arguably his best game for the Nets in a November 28 win over Phoenix, flirting with a triple-double with 14 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.

He also filled up the box score in one his best defensive and well-rounded performances against Indiana on Thursday, tallying seven points, seven rebounds, nine assists, two steals and three blocks as a +20 plus/minus in only 21 minutes off the bench.

“Just seeing the game, this is what I do, I see the floor and try to get my teammates involved and make the right play,” Simmons said after the win over the Pacers.

But we’ve only seen his best – or something close to – in patches, partly due to his minutes remaining in the mid-to-low 20s.

It comes in a crucial contract season for the Aussie, set to become a free agent at the end of his campaign when his $40 million deal with Brooklyn expires.

There’s even potential for Simmons to be in another uniform by next February’s trade deadline, with a source telling ESPN’s Brian Windhorst “just about everyone” on the Nets roster is available for trade.

JOSH GIDDEY (Chicago Bulls)

The Aussie himself admitted his first season for the Bulls has been “up and down,” though there’s clearly a higher standard for the former Pick 6 to live up to compared to some of his other countrymen.

Giddey’s minutes and general play had been tracking in the wrong direction prior to a bounce-back triple-double performance against Brooklyn this week he needed – his 12th career triple-double.

While Giddey has set career highs in assists per game (6.9) and 3-point percentage (33.8), it’s been neutralised by his defensive struggles and personal low free throw percentage (69.6).

“Up and down,” Giddey said of his play this season, per The Athletic.

“But anytime you come into a new situation, it takes time to get adjusted. You can’t get too worried about bad games or too high on good games. I just try to stay even-keeled, just come in every day, do my work and find out ways to fit into this group as best I can.”

Teams continue to attack Giddey as a defender and expose him on that end of the floor to the extent that Bulls coach Billy Donovan has been forced to turn to other options in crunch time.

On the other end of the floor, Giddey admitted one of his big focuses is “eliminating the bad threes” and “not get too caught up on the misses and makes.”

The next three quarters of the NBA season are particularly crucial for Giddey, playing for his first big-money deal in restricted free agency after the Bulls opted against signing him to an extension beyond his rookie contract.

But his focuses remain on keeping his focuses narrowed for how he can help this Bulls team after the big off-season trade from Oklahoma City.

“Anytime you get traded for a player like (Alex Caruso), I mean, there was a lot of talk about it, whether it was a good trade or a bad trade,” Giddey said.

“I don’t buy too much into that. I’m confident in myself and what I can do. These guys make it easy for me to play. I’m not trying to come in here and be anything more than myself. Find ways I can fit in and make this group better.”

He was listed as questionable to face San Antonio on Friday due to a sprained right ankle but is good to go.

JOSH GREEN (Charlotte Hornets)

With LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges sidelined for Charlotte, Green, now over his own Achilles issue, has taken on a larger offensive role for Charles Lee’s team.

The Aussie last week scored 15 points against New York followed by season-best 17 points against Atlanta help fill that offensive void, with Green hitting career highs in 3-point makes (1.5) and 3-point percentage (48.3).

Those personal best returns beyond the arc are significant given it’s effectively the most important part of Green’s game – a 3-and-D player best optimised offensively standing in the corner for the likes of Ball and Brandon Miller to kick out to.

If he can continue to shoot the 3-ball as efficiently, he’ll be a valuable piece for Charlotte when it gets healthy, for Green isn’t suited to doing much more on the offensive end.

It comes amid a six-game losing streak for the 6-15 Hornets that’s seen them drop two games below the Eastern Conference’s last play-in seed.

Despite their current struggles, Green was encouraged by Charlotte’s fighting spirit, suggesting his side was learning valuable lessons through the growing pains.

“We can look at the negatives as much as we want, but we’re putting ourselves in every position every game we need to be,” Green said after the loss to Atlanta.

“The fact we’re a young team, I trust all the other 14 guys. When it comes down to it and we get used to it and know each other, we’ll be able to come through in those situations.

“It’s unfortunate, but at the end of the day we need to go through it and see the losing side of it for us to grow as a team.

“I’m just happy the guys don’t give up. We’ve been down in these games by 15 and 10 and these guys don’t give up and they’re fighters. I’d rather go out fighting every single time and being able to learn than sitting back and not doing anything, so I’m very happy with the team.”

DYSON DANIELS (Atlanta Hawks)

Daniels’ remarkable defensive season was recognised this week, claiming the Eastern Conference Player of the Month honours alongside San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama in the West.

The Aussie gem continues to lead the NBA in steals per game (3.1) and deflections (six) by some margin, having a big impact for the 12-11 Hawks by guarding the best opposition star every game and helping transform Atlanta’s identity.

Atlanta has improved from having the 27th-best defensive rating last season to 16th currently, having won five-straight games to climb into the East’s six seed.

It has Daniels on track to not only have a spot in the NBA’s All-Defence First Team, but also a legitimate chance of winning Defensive Player of the Year, of which Wembanyama is the hot favourite.

Daniels was also ranked 23rd in ESPN’s NBA 25 under 25 list in further proof of his growing reputation.

So effective on defence as one of the best players in the NBA already on that end of the floor, Daniels is still developing on the offensive end.

He’s averaged a career-best 13.8 points on 44.3 per cent shooting from the field with three assists, but is going at just 28.9 per cent beyond the arc and 64.5 per cent from the free throw line in clear areas he can improve.

“The shot hasn’t been falling the last couple of games, so got to get back in the gym and work on that. But I’m confident in it,” he told media.

“For me it’s about staying aggressive, trying to get downhill and trying to get to the free throw line and continue to play my game.”

Josh Green recently praised his Boomers teammate after Charlotte’s December 1 clash with Hawks.

“He is a good NBA player, I think he’s already there. He has a lot of potential and will keep growing as a player,’ Green said.

“I love Dyson, he’s my guy. It started in the Australia camp, you could tell, he’s really worked on his game and improved his game. Plays hard, picks up full court.

“He’s made a big impact in Atlanta this season and I’m super happy for him.”

JOE INGLES (Minnesota Timberwolves)

The Aussie veteran hasn’t logged a minute since Minnesota’s win over Phoenix on November 18, when Ingles assisted Julius Randle’s game-winning 3-pointer on an inbounds pass.

While the 36-year old fell out of Chris Finch’s rotation, Ingles has been unavailable in recent games due to a left soleus strain.

It’s unclear when Ingles will next be eligible to return, but when that happens, he’s not expected to have a meaningful on-court role for the Timberwolves.

That’d likely only change if Minnesota gets hit with injuries in its backcourt, but Ingles is very much a low-minute role player at this stage of his career and more recognised for his leadership and locker room voice.

PATTY MILLS (Utah Jazz)

Another beloved Aussie veteran who’s on-court role has diminished.

Mills hasn’t played since a November meeting with his former side San Antonio as Utah coach Will Hardy has started to prioritise younger players.

It’s hard to see that dynamic significantly shifting giving the 4-17 Jazz is in rebuild/tank mode, but there’s scope for Mills to play in short bursts.

For what it’s worth, Mills needs to hit one more 3-pointer to climb into 47th place all-time ahead of Nick Van Exel with 1,428 triples.

DANTE EXUM (Dallas Mavericks)

Still no timeline on Exum’s return after he underwent pre-season wrist surgery expected to sideline him for three months.

Based on that prognosis, the 29-year old should be back on the court in January, so hopefully we get an update soon that he’s ramping up towards practice.

Being a wrist injury, that should make his overall rehab and conditioning process to getting back on the court more seamless.

When he’s available, he’ll be competing with the likes of Spencer Dinwiddie, Jaden Hady and Quentin Grimes for reserve guard minutes on a Mavs team that’s running hot with five-straight wins to climb into the West’s three seed.

JOHNNY FURPHY (Indiana Pacers)

You should always be prepared for when an opportunity comes.

Furphy is playing more minutes in his rookie season than expected due to the injury-hit Pacers missing several rotation pieces.

It included the 19-year old guard producing his best NBA performance yet against Ben Simmons and the Nets on Thursday, with Furphy notching career highs across the board in points (12), 3-pointers (four), rebounds (seven) and minutes (25).

Furphy even starting the second half and showed off his outside stroke with three triples in the third quarter alone.

While Furphy’s extra run could be put down to Indiana’s injuries, it’s also a good sign that Pacers coach Rick Carlisle trusts the Pick 35 draftee out of Kansas.

He’s looing more comfortable with each minute on the court, which could result in a bigger role when the team gets back to full strength.

Carlisle was full of praise for how Furphy stepped up with added responsibilities against Brooklyn.

“We’ve liked him all along. We thought he was in the top 14 in the draft. He slipped into the second round for unknown reasons, probably because he looks like he is a middle-schooler,” Carlisle said.

“His young looks belie his toughness. He is a tough kid. He is solid, smart, knows how to play the game, a ball-mover and energy-giver. He did a lot of good things in this game, and we needed it.

“We were looking for a spark wherever we could get it. He’s a kid that played four in college and in the second half we had starting at two. So that shows the versatility that he has, too.”

Opals star Bec Allen recently spoke about the need for Furphy, who himself has been battle an ankle issue, to be ready when his name is called for the wounded Pacers.

“I think he’s just gotten that opportunity, he’s in an Indiana Pacers (team) that have been riddled with injury this whole season, so he finally got his opportunity, and now he’s been hit with an ankle injury,” Allen told NBA Australia’s Courtside Huddle.

“I feel for him in that, that plays into the whirlwind of emotion, so it’s just trying not to get too high or too low, and going through that process and journey.

“Obviously for him to be getting those minutes prior, it means that there’s a bit of trust given to him from the coaching staff, and he has to hold on to that and just know his time’s going to come again.”

MATISSE THYBULLE (Portland Trail Blazers)

Frustrating first quarter of the season for Thybulle, who isn’t close to making his season debut after suffering an injury setback.

The 27-year old suffered a right ankle sprain while ramping up from a right knee injury. An MRI confirmed a grade two sprain expected to sideline him for an additional three to six weeks, the Blazers said.

It means it’s unlikely we’ll see Thybulle until the new year.

The defensive specialist, who was sensationally cut from the Boomers’ Paris Olympics squad, last season averaged 22.9 minutes in 65 games — including 19 starts — with Portland.

He has a $11.5 million player option with Portland for next season, or he can opt out and become a free agent.

DUOP REATH (Portland Trail Blazers)

Unfortunately not much has changed in recent weeks for Reath, buried in Portland’s deep centre rotation behind Robert Williams III, Deandre Ayton and rookie Donovan Clingan.

The Boomers big has hit the court just once in December, playing six minutes in garbage time in Portland’s blowout loss to the LA Clippers.

Reath is reportedly of interest around the NBA though given his budget $2 million contract could appeal to teams in tight salary positions, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer via Marc Stein’s Substack, with one Western Conference executive calling the Aussie “really interesting.”

“Teams can also trade for any player whose salary comes in below this season’s two years of service minimum contract value of $2.0875 million,” Fischer wrote regarding the new CBA restrictions.

“It’s why I’ve been told that Portland has received early trade calls on reserve centre Duop Reath.

“Reath is behind three big men in the Trail Blazers’ rotation … but Reath could realistically provide backup minutes elsewhere.

“He’s making $2.048 million this season and is on Portland’s books for 2025-26 at $2.2 million. Is there a world where some rival front office, limited in ways to improve their team, values Reath’s potential contribution enough to offer the Blazers multiple second-round picks? We’re going to find out.”

JACK MCVEIGH (Houston Rockets)

McVeigh made his G League last Sunday, but his shot wasn’t dropping.

The sharpshooter scored eight points on 2-of-14 shooting from the field — including 1-of-10 from downtown — with six rebounds and two assists as a 27-minute starter.

He was recalled to Houston’s main roster the following day, but hasn’t played NBA minutes since a November 23 game against Portland.

Signed to a two-way deal with the Rockets, McVeigh is expected to spend the majority of his time with their G League team, Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

Houston has been one of the big improvers, sitting a game and a half behind the West’s No. 1 seeded OKC.

JOCK LANDALE (Houston Rockets)

The starting Boomers centre has drawn DNPs in three-straight games for Houston and is averaging just 11.1 minutes per contest — the lowest since his 2021/22 rookie season for San Antonio.

As good as Houston is going, you have to question if this is the best spot for the 29-year old to be playing in what should be the prime of his basketball career.

Steven Adams has eaten into his backup centre minutes, while the Rockets at times play smaller with Tari Eason and Jabari Smith at the five.

Eason has entered concussion protocols to potentially open up frontcourt opportunities, but there’s no telling if Landale will benefit.

HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto named Landale as one of the top trade candidates, saying the Aussie’s non-guaranteed $8 million deal for next season as well as the expiring contracts of Adams, Jeff Green and Jae’Sean Tate could all be used as “salary filler” in talks with other teams.

In other words, Landale could be packaged into a deal to make the salaries match.

Houston is on trade watch to potentially bundle its exciting young players to go all-in for a superstar, having been linked to the likes of Giannis Antetokounmp, Kevin Durant ad Jimmy Butler.

For now at least, reports have indicated the Rockets want to stand put and see how far they can go with this team, meaning Landale’s situation is unlikely to change.

ALEX DUCAS (Oklahoma City Thunder)

Ducas left a G League game early with a left Achilles injury issue two weeks ago and hasn’t played since.

The two-way forward has played four G League games for Oklahoma City Blue, averaging six points, 1.3 triples and three rebounds in 23.6 minutes — numbers partly affected by him playing only seven minutes in his last injury-affected outing.

While he’s played four NBA games, it’s clearly going to be tough goings for Ducas to get opportunities on this stacked Thunder team that sits first in the West, so he’ll likely continue to ply his trade in the G League upon returning.

LUKE TRAVERS (Cleveland Cavaliers)

The makings of a bright future.

Travers has excelled in the G League, averaging 20.3 points per game, 10 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.3 steals in 33.2 minutes across four games for Cleveland Charge.

A shoulder injury has unfortunately held the two-way guard out of the last two G League Games.

It’s worth noting Travers is more ready-made than typical rookies at 23 years of age, so hopefully he can add to his five NBA games for the Cavaliers.

But carving out a consistent role for Cleveland team with the NBA’s best record at 19-3 would be no easy feat.