July 20, 2025
The Chicago Bulls have signed guard
Yuki Kawamura to a two-way deal over the weekend. This doesn't come as a shock given how well Kawamura has been playing in the summer league. In five summer league contests, Kawamura averaged 10.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists in 23.9 minutes per game. The 24-year-old saw limited action during his rookie season with the Memphis Grizzlies last year. He averaged 1.6 points, 0.5 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 4.2 minutes per game in 22 games. Honestly, it wasn't enough playing time to give Kawamura a fair assessment. It's unclear how much he'll actually play in Chicago, but he has earned a chance to show what he can do.
--Andy WebbSource: Shams Charania
July 20, 2025
According to Shams Charania, guard
Marcus Smart is expected to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers after agreeing to a buyout with the Washington Wizards. The two sides are reportedly set to agree on a two-year, $11 million deal that includes a player option for the 2026 season. Smart has spent most of his career with the Boston Celtics. However, he spent each of the last two seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards. He saw his numbers take a dip in 2024, but a move to a competitive Lakers roster should help his fantasy value. Smart is a solid player on both sides of the ball and has a clear path to playing time in Los Angeles. There should certainly be daily fantasy value from Smart this upcoming season, assuming he does join the Lakers.
--Andy WebbSource: Shams Charania
July 20, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers guard
Shake Milton was waived by the organization on Sunday. The Lakers were forced to make a decision with Milton's $3 million salary set to be guaranteed on Sunday. Now, Milton becomes a cap casualty as the Lakers clear some space to likely add
Marcus Smart. Last season, Milton averaged 5.5 points and 1.8 assists across 14.7 minutes in 57 games between the Lakers and Nets. Milton figures to draw some interest once he clears waivers. He's a solid rotational player that could help a number of teams, but is unlikely to have daily fantasy value.
--Andy WebbSource: Shams Charania
July 20, 2025
According to Los Angeles Clippers president of basketball operations, Lawrence Frank, the team is reportedly contemplating signing free-agent guard
Chris Paul. "What I'd say about Chris is he's a great player," said Frank. "He's a great Clipper. Of course, we're strongly considering him." The 40-year-old has been in the National Basketball Association for two decades. Throughout his time in the league, he's suited up for the Pelicans, Rockets, Thunder, Suns, Warriors, and Spurs. Paul also spent time with the Clippers, where he arguably had the best stretch of his career. Paul, who averaged 8.8 points, 7.4 assists, and 1.3 steals with San Antonio in 2024, appears to have some gas left in the tank. While he could have more than a few strong fantasy showings during the 2025 campaign, his All-Star days are presumably well behind him. That won't change regardless of where he signs this offseason.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Law Murray
July 20, 2025
Restricted free-agent guard
Josh Giddey and the Chicago Bulls remain far apart on a new, long-term contract. The 2021 No. 6 overall pick is seeking around $30 million annually. Yet, the Bulls are looking to retain him at roughly $20 million per year. Giddey spent his first three seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder before being traded to Chicago in the deal for
Alex Caruso. Giddey played well in 2024, appearing in 70 games while averaging 14.6 points. He also amassed career-highs in rebounds (8.1), assists (7.2), steals (1.2), and three-point shooting (37.8%). The Bulls need to get this situation sorted out or things may take a turn for the worse. With that in mind, Giddey's fantasy value may be at its highest in Chicago, where he's expected to stay the No. 1 option offensively, giving him All-Star upside for fantasy managers for years to come. However, that could change if he ends up going elsewhere.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Marc Stein
July 20, 2025
Restricted free-agent forward
Jonathan Kuminga remains without a new contract. The 22-year-old received an offer sheet from the Golden State Warriors a few weeks ago. However, he's seeking a long-term deal that pays him roughly $25 million per year. Kuminga's agent has had conversations with Dubs' officials in Las Vegas during Summer League, although it's unknown how productive talks were. He averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists last season. Unfortunately, he was limited to only 47 games, a career-low, mostly due to a sprained right ankle. Kuminga also struggled shooting the ball, going 45.4% from the field and 30.5% from deep. It appears the Warriors aren't looking to keep the 2021 No. 7 overall pick on the roster, at least at that price tag. If anything, he may begin the 2025 campaign with Golden State and potentially be traded later on. With that in mind, Kuminga may benefit from a fresh start with a new club, especially if he suits up for a team where he'll get more chances on the offensive end and consistent playing time.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Marc Stein
July 19, 2025
New Orleans Pelicans center
Derik Queen (wrist) underwent surgery to repair a torn scapholunate ligament, an injury he picked up during Summer League play. He will be re-evaluated in 12 weeks. The rookie appeared in three contests in Las Vegas, averaging 14.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.0 blocks. Unfortunately, Queen will now miss most (if not all) of training camp. He's also expected to be sidelined to begin the 2025 campaign. While this shouldn't impact his dynasty value, his redraft stock will likely take a hit, even more so if he needs more time to rehab. It's unknown how Queen will fit into the rotation upon his return, although it appears
Karlo Matkovic and
Kevon Looney could benefit by getting more minutes behind
Yves Missi.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Associated Press
July 17, 2025
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, free-agent guard
Damian Lillard (Achilles) agreed to a three-year, $42 million contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers. Lillard, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, spent 11 seasons with the Blazers before being traded to Milwaukee in September 2023. Unfortunately, he wasn't nearly as productive with the Bucks, most recently averaging 24.9 points throughout the 2024 campaign, 7.3 points fewer than he has in his final year in Portland. Lillard also battled numerous health issues last season, including a blood clot in his calf and a torn Achilles sustained during the postseason. After the Bucks waived him this offseason, it was reported Lillard wasn't in a rush to sign with a team. However, he will now rehab before once again suiting up for the Blazers, where he'll have a chance to revive his career.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Shams Charania
July 17, 2025
On Wednesday, Oklahoma City Thunder forward
Brooks Barnhizer logged 19 points (8-of-12 on field goals, 3-of-6 on free throws), nine rebounds, one assist, one steal, and two blocks during a 95-81 Summer League win over New Orleans Pelicans. The 23-year-old had a team-high nine boards and 19 points across 24 minutes. Drafted 44th in the NBA Draft last month, Barnhizer has impressed at Summer League, posting averages of 12.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists across 25.3 minutes over the previous four contests in Vegas.
--Andrew LennoxSource: ESPN
July 17, 2025
New Orleans Pelicans guard
Jeremiah Fears posted 22 points, six rebounds, and six assists across 30 minutes on the floor in Wednesday's 95-81 Summer League loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite an impressive outing, Fears struggled from beyond the arc, shooting 1-for-5. Drafted with the No. 7 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Fears' play has been inconsistent so far this summer. The Oklahoma product averaged 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.6 steals across 34 games during his only collegiate season in 2024-25.
--Andrew LennoxSource: ESPN
July 17, 2025
Utah Jazz guard
Isaiah Collier collected 17 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals across 32 minutes in a 86-76 Summer League win over the Wizards on Wednesday. Collier continues to produce during Summer League as he posted a double-double in Monday's matchup against the Spurs. The 29th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft will look to battle for an expanded role on a young Jazz team after averaging 8.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists across 71 contests during the 2024-25 campaign.
--Andrew LennoxSource: ESPN
July 17, 2025
According to Michael Scotto of USA Today, free agent guard/forward
Caleb Houstan and the Atlanta Hawks have agreed to a one-year deal on Thursday. Houstan landed on the open market after the Magic declined his team option. Last season, the 22-year-old averaged 4.1 points and 1.3 rebounds in 13.6 minutes per contest across 58 games. After the All-Star break, he shot 50.7 percent from beyond the arc. He could grab a regular role at the bottom of the Hawks' rotation, but he will likely not make an impact in fantasy during the upcoming season.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Michael Scotto
July 17, 2025
Washington Wizards guard
AJ Johnson finished with 25 points, five rebounds and three assists across 35 minutes in an 86-76 Summer League loss to the Utah Jazz on Wednesday. Johnson has strung together two impressive outings after collecting 20 points during Tuesday's Summer League action against the 76ers. This upcoming NBA season will be Johnson's second, and at 20 years old, he will likely struggle to establish a regular spot in the Wizards' rotation.
--Andrew LennoxSource: ESPN
July 17, 2025
Washington Wizards forward
Leaky Black finished with 10 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, four blocks, and two steals in over 33 minutes in an 86-76 win over the Jazz during Summer League action on Wednesday. Black's 11 rebounds and four blocks were game highs in the contest. Despite a solid Summer League outing, the 26-year-old is not a player that should be on fantasy managers' radar. He hasn't played in an NBA game since the 2023-24 regular season.
--Andrew LennoxSource: ESPN
July 17, 2025
New Orleans Pelicans shooting guard
Trey Alexander totaled a game-high 25 points in Wednesday's 95-81 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, impressing with a 5-for-9 effort from downtown and shooting 7-for-13 overall from the field. Additionally, Alexander had a perfect record with his six free throws. His line also included four rebounds, three assists, and a couple of steals. Last season, Alexander was named the 2025 G League Rookie of the Year while playing for the Denver Nuggets-affiliated Grand Rapids Gold, and the Pelicans signed him to a two-way contract earlier this month. Things started poorly for him in Vegas as Alexander scored only five points in his first two games. He will get another chance to impress on Friday against the Indiana Pacers.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
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