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
August 23, 2025
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Golden State Warriors have "refused this summer to even entertain sign-and-trade scenarios" involving guard/forward
Moses Moody. Trading or coming to terms on a new deal for
Jonathan Kuminga remains the front office's top priority. Still, it's apparent the team isn't willing to include Moody in a trade, even if it means finally getting Kuminga off the roster while getting something in return. As far as Moody is concerned, he is coming off the best season of his career. He averaged 9.8 points and 2.6 rebounds throughout the 2024 campaign while shooting a career-high 37.4% from downtown. The 23-year-old is in line to start this season, so it's reasonable to assume he may be heading into his best season to date. However, that could change if the Warriors can orchestrate a trade for
LeBron James or
Giannis Antetokounmpo, two players that are on Golden State's radar.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Marc Stein
August 23, 2025
According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the Houston Rockets and forward
Kevin Durant have had discussions regarding a new contract. The multi-time All-Star was traded to the Rockets during the offseason. There were those who believed a deal would get done immediately upon his arrival in Houston, although that hasn't happened. Windhorst reported that "there is belief they will come to terms." However, Windhorst added that KD may need to settle for less than a max contract. The 36-year-old is coming off a disappointing stretch with the Suns. Yet, despite the team's struggles, he averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 boards while shooting 43.0% from behind the arc. Durant logged only 62 games in 2024 due to injury. With that in mind, he's still projected to be a top option in any fantasy format, even if he misses some time throughout the 2025 campaign. As of now, Durant is in line to make nearly $55 million this season. If a new agreement isn't reached, he'll be an unrestricted free agent next summer.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Don Fanelli
August 23, 2025
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Warriors and Spurs have expressed interest in New Orleans Pelicans forward
Trey Murphy III (shoulder). Of course, it would be a win-win scenario for Golden State, considering the club has been desperately trying to move forward
Jonathan Kuminga, who remains a restricted free agent. Without a doubt, Murphy has plenty to offer clubs around the National Basketball Association. He is coming off the best year of his career, finishing the 2024 campaign by averaging 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn labrum and rotator cuff in his right shoulder back in March, prematurely ending his season. It appears it would take a lot for the Pelicans to trade him. However, Murphy's stock continues to grow, and it's not expected to fall even if he gets traded moving ahead. The 25-year-old agreed to a four-year extension with the Pels in October 2024 and might be ready to go come opening night.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Jake Fischer
August 22, 2025
According to Ian Begley of SNY, the Knicks (among other teams) are reportedly interested in free-agent guard
Malik Beasley. The 2016 No. 19 overall pick has bounced around the league over the years. He most recently logged 82 games for the Pistons last season, averaging 16.3 points and shooting 41.6% from downtown. As a result, Beasley was expected to be a coveted free agent entering the offseason. However, that all changed when it was revealed in June that he was the target of a federal investigation for gambling on NBA contests. On Friday, it was announced that Beasley was no longer being investigated. With the news, teams are now seemingly interested in acquiring his services, although there aren't many clubs in the National Basketball Association that can offer him what he would have received from the Pistons. With that in mind, Beasley still has some hurdles to clear before he is cleared to get back on the court. Still, it appears there's a good chance he'll be on a roster come opening night, with his draft stock predicted to surge if more positive updates are released moving forward.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Ian Begley
August 21, 2025
Miami Heat shooting guard
Dru Smith (Achilles) appears to be on track to be healthy for the start of the season. Speaking to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, Smith said his rehab has been "going really well" and that he's "been on a great trajectory." The 27-year-old, who tore his Achilles in December, has his sights set on being ready for training camp. "I think the goal, obviously, is to be ready by camp," Smith said. "And I think that as of right now, with no setback, that's kind of what we're looking at." Before getting hurt, Smith posted 6.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in 19.1 minutes per game last season. He'll aim to re-establish himself as a regular in the rotation when the season kicks off.
--Taavi PailkSource: Anthony Chiang
August 21, 2025
Boston Celtics forward
Jayson Tatum (Achilles) has provided a fresh update on his rehab. "Rehab is tedious, man," Tatum said. "It's six days a week. I'm starting to get a little bit better. I'm out of the boot now. Better days ahead, but just trying to take it one day at a time. You gotta be resilient. The first six weeks of this was probably the toughest six weeks of any point in my life." Tatum still doesn't have an official timeline for his comeback, but he's eager to return. "Just have to accept it and realize it happened. And now I have to do everything in my power to get back to who I was and get back to playing," he added.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA
August 21, 2025
Toronto Raptors guard/forward
RJ Barrett might be leaving Canada soon. "RJ Barrett is certainly a name that I would tell you and tell Raptors fans to be on the lookout as a potential trade candidate going out the door with his $30 million in salary," NBA insider Fischer said on Wednesday. Fischer also mentioned that the Raptors already had discussions about moving Barrett with the New Orleans Pelicans in the
Brandon Ingram trade. "Barrett's representation is fully aware that he could be discussed in trade moving forward for the Raptors," he added. Barrett has become a solid player and should attract significant interest on the market. The 25-year-old led Toronto in scoring last season, averaging 21.1 points per game, and posted 6.3 rebounds along with a career-high 5.4 assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: Jake Fischer
August 21, 2025
Forward/center
Al Horford remains a target for the Golden State Warriors, with the team confident that it can eventually get him under a contract. "I can tell you that the Warriors still remain very confident that Al Horford is waiting for whatever finality will come to
Jonathan Kuminga's restricted free agency with Golden State," NBA insider Jake Fischer reported on Wednesday. Since becoming an unrestricted free agent, Horford has really only been linked with the Warriors and seems certain to end up in San Francisco. The veteran big man is preparing for Year 19 in the NBA. Even at 39 years old, Horford could still offer some fantasy value if he becomes a regular starter with the Warriors.
--Taavi PailkSource: Jake Fischer
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