August 19, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers forward
Rui Hachimura is not expected to get a contract extension from the team before the season starts. "With the current intel I have, I do not expect Rui to be extended by the Lakers in the next six weeks," Lakers insider Jovan Buha reported on Buha's Block. "It's certainly possible that something happens, but I would say most of what's been out there is them wanting to keep the books clean and wanting to see whether he starts or whether he's their sixth man and how the pieces fit this year." Hachimura is entering the last season of a three-year, $51 million deal and has been eligible for an extension since July 6. Since Hachimura is likely to be playing for his Lakers future in 2025-26, managers might get some extra fantasy value from the Japanese forward.
--Taavi PailkSource: Jovan Buha
August 19, 2025
Miami Heat guard/forward
Jaime Jaquez Jr. had a miserable sophomore campaign and wants to get back on track in 2025-26. After being one of the standout rookies in 2023-24, Jaquez Jr. lost a regular rotation spot last season and logged only 19 total minutes in the playoffs. "Just going back and watching some film," Jaquez told Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald. "I think that's a big one. Just remembering what it was that put me on the floor, what it was that got me to this position. Just kind of leaning into my strengths, as well as working on things that I need to work on like shooting and defense. And just bringing it all together as a whole, I think is one of the biggest things for me this offseason." As a versatile player, Jaquez Jr. can help fantasy teams in multiple ways, but he needs to be on the floor to make a difference.
--Taavi PailkSource: Anthony Chiang
August 19, 2025
Golden State Warriors point guard
Stephen Curry is healthy and ready to go for the new season. Curry missed the end of the 2025 playoffs due to a hamstring injury, but he's now feeling "great" and is nearing the end of his offseason training. "Pacing myself nice," Curry told reporters at his Under Armour Camp. "Ready to finish the summer strong. ... When you see me whenever Media Day is, should be primed and ready to go." Curry is gearing up for Year 17 in the Association. He might no longer be an MVP candidate, but the 37-year-old is still very capable of making an impact in fantasy basketball. Last season, Curry averaged 24.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.1 steals, shooting 39.7 percent from downtown.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sam Gordon
August 19, 2025
Shooting guard
Lester Quinones has signed a deal with the Orlando Magic to join the team for training camp, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Quinones has made 54 career appearances in the NBA and suited up 11 times last season with the Philadelphia 76ers and New Orleans Pelicans. He had some good performances in New Orleans, averaging 8.6 points and 2.6 assists in 18.4 minutes. While in the G League, Quinones crushed it as a member of the Pelicans-affiliated Birmingham Squadron, notching 21.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. The 24-year-old has struggled to find a consistent role in the NBA and will probably have to mainly settle for G League minutes again in 2025-26.
--Taavi PailkSource: Michael Scotto
August 18, 2025
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Los Angeles Lakers guard
Luka Doncic (knee) will play on Tuesday night versus Great Britain. The 26-year-old was injured during Slovenia's EuroBasket exhibition against Latvia on Saturday. Fortunately, he only sustained a contusion and was able to practice on Monday. He appeared in 28 games for the Lakers last season after being traded by the Dallas Mavericks. He played well, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 1.6 steals. Doncic is reportedly in excellent shape, so the increased focus on his diet and conditioning this offseason could go a long way in keeping him healthy for most of the 2025 campaign.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Marc Stein
August 18, 2025
Shams Charania of ESPN reports that the New Orleans Pelicans and free agent forward
Jalen McDaniels have agreed to a deal on Monday. McDaniels has posted averages of 3.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 0.7 steals while shooting 44.9 percent from the field. He's recorded 252 career regular-season outings during six NBA seasons spent with Charlotte, Philadelphia, Toronto, and, most recently, with Washington last season. The 27-year-old is not a player that should be on fantasy managers' radar going into the upcoming campaign.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Shams Charania
August 18, 2025
Michael Scotto of USA Today reports that restricted free-agent center
N'Faly Dante and the Atlanta Hawks agreed to a two-way deal worth $4.5 million for two seasons. The 23-year-old made four appearances last season for the Rockets, posting averages of 6.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per contest. He also shot 76.9 percent from the field during 12.8 minutes. Dante spent the majority of the 2024-25 campaign in the G League with Rio Grande Valley, leading the team with 2.2 blocks per contest.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Michael Scotto
August 18, 2025
According to Michael Scotto of USA Today, point guard
Dru Smith (Achilles) agreed to a three-year, $7.9 million deal with the Miami Heat. Smith has played in 28 regular-season games across three NBA campaigns, mostly with Miami. In 2023-24, his season was cut short due to a torn ACL after just nine outings. His injury woes continued into last season as he had surgery to repair a ruptured left Achilles tendon. The 27-year-old played in 14 games, averaging 6.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.5 steals during 19.1 minutes per contest before suffering the injury. Once available to suit up, Smith will likely make a minimal impact on fantasy as he will have to battle for minutes with
Davion Mitchell,
Terry Rozier, and rookie
Kasparas Jakucionis.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Michael Scotto
August 17, 2025
According to Ashish Mathur of Dallas Hoops Journal, "multiple teams" have attempted to acquire Chicago Bulls guard
Coby White. However, Chicago has "shot down all inquiries." The Bulls have made several moves in the last few seasons that indicates the club is heading in a new direction. Still, it appears the front office isn't looking to move White, who is entering the final season of the three-year deal he signed back in 2023. He is coming off a productive year, averaging a career-high 20.4 points, adding 4.5 assists and 3.7 rebounds. With that in mind, White is expected to improve even more moving ahead, making him an even bigger asset for fantasy managers. He's also an excellent free throw shooter and has improved his shot from deep, which is a plus for category participants.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Ashish Mathur
August 17, 2025
Dallas Mavericks center
Dereck Lively II (foot) underwent surgery in July to remove bone spurs in his right foot. It was the same foot he injured back in January, resulting in a lengthy stint on the shelf. Fortunately, the 21-year-old is expected to be ready for training camp. He averaged 8.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks last season. However, despite Lively's production, the Mavs have plenty of depth in the middle, so he mave have trouble being a consistent fantasy producer during the 2025 campaign. He's also been limited to 91 regular-season games in his first two seasons, which is another reason his fantasy ceiling isn't as high. To make matters worse, Lively isn't the best free throw shooter, sinking only 56.5% of his attempts throughout his career.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Grant Afseth
August 16, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers guard
Luka Doncic (knee) was injured during Saturday's EuroBasket exhibition versus Latvia after a Slovenian teammate fell on his right knee. Fortunately, the injury "is not believed to be serious," with NBA insider Marc Stein reporting Doncic was diagnosed with a contusion. The 26-year-old was moved to the Lakers ahead of last season's trade deadline after spending his entire career with the Dallas Mavericks. He appeared in 28 regular-season contests for Los Angeles, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 1.6 steals. With that in mind, he is arguably the top fantasy option in any format heading into the 2025 campaign, especially after he focused on his diet and conditioning this offseason. As far as his immediate future is concerned, he should be considered day-to-day, so there's a good chance he'll be ready to go when Slovenia faces Poland on August 28.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Marc Stein
August 16, 2025
Indiana Pacers guard
Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) is making progress toward an eventual return to the court. The 25-year-old suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during the Game 7 NBA Finals loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, resulting in surgery. He will miss the entire 2025 campaign. However, there is some good news, with Haliburton recently revealing that he's no longer using a scooter or crutches. Instead, he's been able to walk in a boot. The 2020 No. 12 overall pick averaged 18.6 points, 9.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 38.8% shooting from behind the arc last season. He won't receive any attention in redraft formats heading into the new season due to the injury. Still, managers in dynasty leagues shouldn't consider any low-ball offers, especially since Haliburton is predicted to remain in the All-Star conversation for many years moving ahead. While he's off the floor,
Andrew Nembhard could see a bump in usage at the one.
Bennedict Mathurin should also be in line for an increase in fantasy production, considering he's slotted to move into the starting lineup.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Kyle Malzhan
August 15, 2025
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Miami Heat traded forward
Haywood Highsmith and a 2032 second-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets for a protected 2026 second-round pick on Friday. Highsmith will get a fresh start in Brooklyn after he recovers from a torn meniscus in his right knee, which he suffered while training recently. He underwent surgery last week and is expected to be sidelined for at least eight weeks. The 28-year-old started in 42 games for the Heat throughout the 2024-25 campaign. However, he wasn't a reliable contributor on the fantasy end overall, averaging 6.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 74 regular-season contests. Highsmith is considered questionable to open the season and will likely come off the bench for the Nets when he is available.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Shams Charania
August 15, 2025
On Thursday, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Milwaukee Bucks signed free agent forward
Amir Coffey to a one-year contract. Coffey joins the Bucks after spending his first six NBA seasons in Los Angeles with the Clippers. In 2024-25, the 28-year-old appeared in 72 regular-season contests, posting averages of 9.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists during 24.3 minutes per game. He had been a helpful piece in the rotation for the Clippers most recently and could benefit from a fresh start in Milwaukee.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Shams Charania
August 14, 2025
According to NBA insider Grant Afseth, Boston Celtics guard
Payton Pritchard is expected to move into the starting lineup this season, with
Anfernee Simons anticipated to be used as a "high-scoring option off the bench." The Celtics are projected to take a step back, with superstar
Jayson Tatum (Achilles) in line to miss the entire season. The team also traded
Kristaps Porzingis and
Jrue Holiday during the offseason. As a result, Pritchard appears to be getting a chance to roll with the first five moving ahead. The 27-year-old averaged a career-high 14.3 points throughout the 2025 campaign, earning him a Sixth Man of the Year award. He also amassed 21.7 points in three starts. All things considered, Pritchard might very well be entering what could be the best year of his career. He's an excellent shooter from behind the arc, and he's only missed two games in the last two seasons. Pritchard's ceiling should rise even more if
Jaylen Brown, who has struggled with injuries over the years, misses time.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Grant Afseth
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