August 28, 2025
Los Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard must be held back from playing on consecutive nights, head coach Tyronn Lue revealed. "Even though he wants to do it, sometimes you've got to protect him from himself," Lue said on the Club Shay Shay podcast. In April, Leonard played his first back-to-back in 13 months, logging 49 total minutes over two home games against the Dallas Mavericks. Despite seeing limited time on the court, he was highly productive, averaging a point per minute. The Clippers' pursuit of a higher playoff seed likely influenced the team's decision to allow Leonard to play in both games. It would be great to see him on the court in back-to-back situations regularly, but given his injury history, that's unlikely. As a result, Leonard's fantasy value suffers.
--Taavi PailkSource: Club Shay Shay
August 28, 2025
Dallas Mavericks forward
Olivier-Maxence Prosper is on the trade block, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. The Mavericks are seeking a new home for Prosper in order to complete the signing of
Dante Exum. Prosper, who was a first-round pick in 2023, has struggled to make an impact so far in the Association, averaging 3.5 points and 2.2 rebounds in 10.0 minutes per game. A fresh start with a new team could benefit the 23-year-old Montreal native, especially if he lands on a team that's willing to give him regular playing time. Prosper's 2024-25 campaign was cut short in March due to wrist surgery, but he's expected to be fully healthy when the new season starts.
--Taavi PailkSource: Marc Stein
August 28, 2025
Indiana Pacers point guard
Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) expects to be back playing next season. "I think it'll be 15 months until I play my next game," Haliburton said during an appearance on the Impaulsive podcast. The Pacers already ruled out Haliburton for the entire 2025-26 campaign after he had offseason surgery on his right Achilles tendon. Recently, Haliburton revealed that he is no longer using a scooter or crutches, marking another step forward in his recovery. Halliburton's absence will give
Andrew Nembhard an increased offensive role this season, and
Bennedict Mathurin has an opportunity to show what he can do as a regular starter.
--Taavi PailkSource: Impaulsive
August 27, 2025
Brooklyn Nets guard
Terance Mann hopes to take on a bigger role next season with his new team. "I'm excited for the challenge and I feel like I was built for this," Mann told Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe. "I'm in my prime right now and ready to show the world what I've really got outside this role I've been playing for the last six seasons." Mann has only had limited responsibilities on the floor so far in his NBA career, averaging 8.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 22.1 minutes. On a rebuilding Nets squad, Mann could take on a much larger role and even become one of the primary scoring options. This would significantly boost his fantasy stock.
--Taavi PailkSource: Gary Washburn
August 27, 2025
Atlanta Hawks forward
Zaccharie Risacher is focused on becoming a better ball-handler in his sophomore year. "I want to get more comfortable with the ball," Risacher said in an interview with Athletiko in Greece. "That's another area I want to improve my game in. Being able to find my spots on the floor and be effective with the ball in my hands is something I want to do. I don't have to wait to get the ball in my hands. I want to be able to create for myself and score. That's going to be the next level for me, being able to get more comfortable with the ball in my hands." Risacher had a solid rookie season as the top pick of the 2024 draft, but he can definitely be more impactful. Last season, the 20-year-old averaged 12.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 24.6 minutes on the floor.
--Taavi PailkSource: Athletiko
August 27, 2025
Shooting guard
Malik Beasley reportedly has two more suitors seeking his signature. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves have joined the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers in the race for Beasley. Beasley had an incredible year with the Pistons in 2024-25, ranking second in the NBA with 319 total three-pointers made and averaging 16.3 points. He also enjoyed a successful stint with the Timberwolves in 2020-2022, posting 15.1 points per game over 130 contests. The 28-year-old appears to be a good fit for both teams and could be poised for another productive fantasy campaign in 2025-26.
--Taavi PailkSource: Michael Scotto
August 27, 2025
Shooting guard
John Tonje has agreed to a two-way deal with the Utah Jazz. The 24-year-old was the 53rd pick in this year's draft by the Jazz. Tonje showcased impressive scoring ability with the Wisconsin Badgers last season, averaging 19.6 points per game. Additionally, he averaged 5.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists. With the Jazz in a rebuilding phase, Tonje might not have to wait long for a chance to make his NBA debut. However, it seems likely that he will primarily play in the G League with the Salt Lake City Stars during the upcoming campaign.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA.com
August 27, 2025
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward
Max Strus (foot) has undergone surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his left foot and is expected to miss 3-4 months. The veteran sharpshooter suffered the injury during recent offseason workouts. Strus can't catch a break regarding injuries, having missed over 30 games last season due to health issues. As a result of his absence, we will likely see
De'Andre Hunter join the first unit at the start of the season. Hunter was one of the most productive bench players in the league last term, but a more consistent role will improve his fantasy value.
Sam Merrill and
Dean Wade may also see additional time on the court.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
August 26, 2025
Miami Heat forward
Nikola Jovic remains highly regarded by head coach Erik Spoelstra. "We expect great things from him in the future," Spoelstra said about Jovic in an interview in his native Serbia. Jovic is set to start the EuroBasket 2025 tournament this week with the Serbian national team. While Jovic continued to mostly come off the bench for Miami in 2024-25, he is expected to be one of the leaders of the Serbian squad. Outstanding play at EuroBasket could also earn Jovic a larger role with the Heat this season. At 22 years old, he's still a very young player with upside, and fantasy managers should keep an eye on Jovic.
--Taavi PailkSource: Anthony Chiang
August 26, 2025
Guard/forward
Cody Martin has been linked with the Golden State Warriors. "We've reported previously that
Seth Curry and
Malcolm Brogdon are candidates for a Warriors roster spot after Kuminga's situation is resolved and the above three signings are completed," NBA insider Jack Fischer wrote. "Another name on the Warriors' list of bench targets, sources say, is Cody Martin." Martin has dealt with health issues throughout his six-year NBA career, but he has provided quality minutes off the bench when healthy. Last season, Martin averaged 6.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.1 steals per game in 53 contests with the Charlotte Hornets and Phoenix Suns. The 29-year-old seems like a good fit for the Warriors, but fantasy managers probably won't see enough production from him if he lands in San Francisco. Fischer mentioned that Martin also has interest from "numerous" other playoff teams.
--Taavi PailkSource: Jake Fischer
August 26, 2025
Guard
Bones Hyland could be back on the Minnesota Timberwolves roster in 2025-26. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Timberwolves are interested in a reunion with Hyland, who played four games with the team last season. Early in his career, Hyland made an impact as a microwave scorer off the bench, but he has struggled to maintain a regular rotation spot in recent seasons. During the 2024-25 campaign, Hyland made only 24 total appearances with the Timberwolves and Los Angeles Clippers, posting 6.2 points in 10.0 minutes per game. It's a compliment to Hyland that he still has interest from the NBA, but his role probably won't change if he returns to Minnesota.
--Taavi PailkSource: Jake Fischer
August 26, 2025
The Los Angeles Lakers have signed center
Kylor Kelley ahead of training camp. Kelley was also picked up by the Lakers a year ago but was waived before the start of the season. However, he did make his NBA debut during the season, logging 11 appearances with the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans. Kelley even started a couple of games and averaged 3.1 points with 3.5 rebounds. The Logan, Utah native averaged 11.1 points and 6.8 rebounds in the G League with the South Bay Lakers. Although the Lakers are lacking depth at the center position, it's unlikely that Kelley will play a significant role on the team.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA.com
August 26, 2025
The Orlando Magic and center
Colin Castleton have agreed to a deal, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. The 25-year-old big man will compete for a roster spot in training camp. Castleton won the NBA Cup in his rookie year with the Los Angeles Lakers and has already suited up for four teams in two seasons. While Castleton appeared in only 26 games last season, he posted some decent numbers as a backup, averaging 4.7 points and 4.7 rebounds in 16.6 minutes. If he makes the team, Castleton will add more frontcourt depth for Orlando but won't impact fantasy basketball unless the team faces an injury crisis.
--Taavi PailkSource: Michael Scotto
August 25, 2025
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Sacramento Kings "are not actively engaged" in trade discussions involving guard
Malik Monk. Earlier this summer, Sacramento explored "various trade scenarios" surrounding Monk. However, it appears the team is set on having him on the roster come opening night. The 27-year-old averaged a career-high 17.2 points last season. Unfortunately, he was limited to 65 games due to injury. With that in mind, Monk should be considered a starting option in any fantasy setup, even if he comes off the bench for the Kings throughout the 2025 campaign. Of course, his 32.5% shooting from deep last season will need to improve before he earns more attention from category managers.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Marc Stein
August 25, 2025
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Dallas Mavericks are expected to offer a contract extension to forward
P.J. Washington. The 27-year-old becomes eligible for the extension on Friday, with Stein adding he could be in line to earn nearly $90 million over a four-year span. He averaged 14.7 points last season, the second-highest mark of his career, while amassing 7.8 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, 1.1 steals and 38.1% shooting from behind the arc. There's a chance Washington won't remain as productive throughout the 2025 campaign, especially since he may not be a routine starter for the Mavs. His expected salary after the extension may also make him an attractive trade target for many teams around the National Basketball Association, assuming league rules allow him to be moved during the year. All things considered, Washington deserves a spot on most fantasy rosters, although his ceiling will change depending on where he sits in the rotation. The 2019 No. 12 overall pick is currently on tap to earn $14 million before hitting unrestricted free agency next summer. Of course, that's assuming a deal isn't done well before then.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Marc Stein
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