Damian Lillard Drawing Interest from the Celtics
Damian Lillard (Achilles) is apparently drawing interest from the Boston Celtics. The 34-year-old, who was released by the Milwaukee Bucks this offseason, is not in a rush to sign with a team. However, Jayson Tatum (Achilles) has reportedly spearheaded efforts to lure him to Boston. Lillard wasn't nearly as productive in Milwaukee after being traded by the Trail Blazers, most recently averaging 24.9 points during the 2024 campaign, 7.3 points fewer than he had in his final season in Portland. He also dealt with a blood clot in his calf before eventually tearing his Achilles during the postseason. The C's are willing to give him a multi-year contract. He also may sign for less due to the Bucks still on the hook for $112.6 million. With that in mind, Lillard could certainly benefit from a move to the Celtics, so he's worth stashing on dynasty rosters until he's back on the floor.Source: Gary Washburn
Free-agent guard Daniel Gafford Agrees to Contract Extension with Dallas
Daniel Gafford agreed to a multi-year contract extension with the team. The terms of the deal weren't officially made public. The 26-year-old had a solid 2024 campaign, averaging a career-high 12.3 points with 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks. However, he appeared in only 57 games due to injury. He may not be the Mavs' full-time starter at the five spot in 2025, although Dereck Lively II has struggled to stay healthy over the years. Either way, Gafford should still get his minutes. While he isn't a consistent scoring option, his abilities on the glass along with his shot-blocking prowess give him added value for category managers.Source: Mavs PR
Dallas Mavericks center Cooper Flagg Shut Down for Rest of Summer League
Cooper Flagg will be shut down for the remainder of Summer League. The former Duke Blue Devil, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, had two solid games this summer, averaging 20.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.0 blocks. While there is still room for improvement, the Mavs appear to feel confident he's received enough action during his time in Las Vegas. With Luka Doncic getting traded to the Lakers ahead of last season's deadline, Flagg will have some big shoes to fill as Dallas' new franchise player. Without question, he has Rookie of the Year potential, so he should have plenty to offer fantasy managers throughout the 2025 campaign.Source: Marc Stein
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Dallas Mavericks forward LeBron James Hasn't Requested a Trade
LeBron James hasn't asked to be traded, as relayed by Rich Paul, his agent. Paul added that while there have been teams who have inquired about a possible trade, James hasn't discussed things with the front office. The 40-year-old averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds last season. He also shot 37.6% from deep while amassing 1.5 steals. Although he isn't as productive as he once was, James should remain a viable fantasy option for the 2025 campaign. There are some who have speculated that this could be his final season before calling it quits. However, it's reasonable to assume James has at least a few more productive years on the horizon if he decides to continue playing.Source: Dave McMenamin
According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, Los Angeles Lakers forward Cole Anthony, Grizzlies Agree to Contract Buyout
Cole Anthony and the Memphis Grizzlies agreed to a contract buyout. Charania added that Anthony plans to sign with the Milwaukee Bucks after he clears waivers. The 25-year-old was traded to the Grizzlies this offseason in the deal that sent Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic. Anthony is coming off his worst year in the National Basketball Association, averaging only 9.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. With a crowded backcourt in Memphis, Anthony would have had a tough time getting consistent work. However, his anticipated move to Milwaukee could mean he has a legitimate chance of starting, although he should still get plenty of minutes even if Kevin Porter Jr. rolls with the first five during the 2025 campaign.Source: Shams Charania
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, guard Alexandre Sarr Plays Well in Summer League Loss to Phoenix
Alexandre Sarr had 15 points in the Summer League loss to the Phoenix Suns. He added four boards, three blocks, and one steal. Sarr had issues taking care of the ball on Friday night, committing four turnovers. However, the 20-year-old made up for it with his contributions on the defensive end. He also shot the ball well, going 5-for-10 from the field and 1-for-3 from deep while draining all four of his attempts from the free throw line. Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, had a good inaugural campaign, averaging 13.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks, good enough for an NBA All-Rookie First Team selection. He's expected to build on those numbers in 2025. While Sarr may not be an All-Star this season, that could happen at some point during his career, which is something dynasty managers should keep in mind.Source: ESPN
Washington Wizards center Yang Hansen Looks Good on Friday Night
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Kon Knueppel Struggles in Summer League Win
Kon Knueppel finished with only five points in Friday's Summer League win over the Utah Jazz. The 2025 No. 4 overall pick didn't play the best on Friday night, amassing three turnovers while going 1-for-8 from the field and 0-for-5 from behind the arc. He averaged 14.4 points and shot 40.6% from deep in his only season with the Duke Blue Devils, so his percentages should improve throughout the remainder of Summer League. With that said, Knueppel has a chance to earn a routine spot in Charlotte's rotation during the 2025 campaign. However, it may take him some time to find his footing as a rookie. It might also be difficult for the 19-year-old to get consistent offensive opportunities as long as LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, and Brandon Miller are healthy. Still, Knueppel will make a fine addition to any dynasty roster for any manager who is willing to be patient.Source: ESPN
Charlotte Hornets forward Walter Clayton Jr. Plays Well on Friday Night
Walter Clayton Jr. finished with 21 points in Friday's Summer League loss to the Hornets. He added six boards, three assists, and one block. Kyle Filipowski led the way by scoring a game-high 32 points. However, Clayton still played well enough to draw attention from fantasy managers, even more so since he went 4-for-10 from behind the arc. The 2025 No. 18 overall pick averaged 18.3 points and 1.2 steals in his final collegiate season with the Florida Gators. With that in mind, he has a shot to crack the starting lineup during his inaugural campaign. While that might not happen immediately, Clayton may earn a consistent spot in the rotation right away, meaning he should be considered early in rookie drafts and late in redraft formats.Source: ESPN
Utah Jazz guard Cody Williams Scores 21 Points in Summer League Loss
Cody Williams scored 21 points in the Summer League loss to the Charlotte Hornets. The 20-year-old had trouble shooting the ball on Friday night, going 8-for-19 from the field and 3-for-11 from deep. He also didn't do much outside of his contributions on the scoring end. Williams finished his inaugural year by averaging only 4.6 points. While he's shown some signs of growth this summer, he has more work to do before earning a consistent spot in Utah's rotation, including improving his 25.9% shooting from behind the three-point line as a rookie. As of now, Williams isn't worth selecting in any fantasy format heading into the 2025 campaign, although there could be some streaming opportunities if guys like Ace Bailey and Lauri Markkanen get hurt.Source: ESPN
Utah Jazz forward Kyle Filipowski Leads the Way on Friday Night
Kyle Filipowski scored a game-high 32 points in Friday's Summer League loss to the Charlotte Hornets. He added six rebounds, five assists, and shot 3-for-7 from deep. The 21-year-old played well in the Salt Lake City version of Summer League, with that trend continuing on Friday night. Filipowski averaged 9.6 points and 6.1 rebounds in 72 games in his first season in the National Basketball Association. He wasn't a consistent fantasy performer, although he managed to amass 14.0 points and 8.6 rebounds in his 27 starts during the 2024 campaign. The Jazz are loaded with young talent, meaning it may be difficult for Filipowski to get routine playing time in his second season in the league. However, he may get some meaningful minutes as the year progresses, especially if he improves on the defensive end.Source: ESPN
Utah Jazz forward/center Isaiah Jackson Signs Three-Year Extension
Isaiah Jackson has signed a new deal with the organization on Friday. According to Shams Charania, Jackson has agreed to a three-year, $21 million deal with the Pacers. Jackson only appeared in five games last season before suffering a torn right Achilles tendon. Through four seasons, Jackson is averaging 7.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 0.7 assists across 15.0 minutes per game in 162 contests. The 23-year-old now has a clear path to playing time with Myles Turner departing this offseason. It's worth noting that Jackson hasn't played more than 16.8 minutes per game in a single season. It's unclear how he'll perform with such a high increase in playing time, but his fantasy value should be on the rise without Turner in the mix.Source: Shams Charania
Indiana Pacers center Marvin Bagley III Joining the Wizards
Marvin Bagley III to a one-year deal on Thursday, according to Shams Charania. Bagley has put together an underwhelming career since being drafted No. 2 overall by the Sacramento Kings in 2018. He has bounced around quite a bit during his career, including one and a half seasons with the Wizards. During his career, Bagley is averaging 12.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 22.4 minutes per game in 289 contests. He didn't see much of the court last season and figures to be a role player in Washington this upcoming season.Source: Shams Charania
The Washington Wizards have signed free-agent forward Herbert Jones Signing Extension with Pelicans
Herbert Jones (shoulder) has signed a new deal with the organization on Thursday. According to Shams Charania, Jones has reached a three-year, $68 million extension with New Orleans. Jones will now be under contract for the next five years with a player option for the 2029-2030 season. He's currently rehabbing from shoulder surgery, but is expected to be ready for the beginning of the regular season. Before going down, Jones averaged 10.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists across 32.4 minutes per game in 20 games with New Orleans last season. He figures to be a significant part of the future in New Orleans.Source: Shams Charania
New Orleans Pelicans forward Jacob Toppin Returning to Hawks
Jacob Toppin to a one-year, two-way contract on Thursday. Toppin is back with the Hawks after finishing out last season with the organization. Before that, Toppin played a minor role in the New York Knicks rotation. He averaged 0.4 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.2 assists across 3.1 minutes per game in 16 games with the Knicks. He played much better in the G-League, averaging 19.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in eight games. He's unlikely to have a role in the regular rotation, but he could be a depth option if someone gets injured.Source: Michael Scotto
The Atlanta Hawks have signed forward