RADIO
Quentin Grimes Eyes Key Lakers Perimeter Role
Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Quentin Grimes has a chance to fill the perimeter role Los Angeles needs after signing a four-year, $60 million deal, with Jovan Buha of Buha's Block and Tony Jones previewing his fit. The 26-year-old should be asked to defend tough perimeter matchups while spacing the floor around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, a role that leans more on defense and off-ball shooting than shot creation. That keeps his fantasy ceiling in check, especially after he shot 33.4 percent from three with Philadelphia last season. Still, his 21.9-point surge after joining the 76ers in 2024-25 showed he can pop when touches open, leaving his value tied to minutes, steals, and whether the Lakers trust him in closing groups.
Source: Jovan Buha
Source: Jovan Buha
Nikola Vucevic Downplays Celtics Rift
Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic pointed to Boston's expensive roster structure, not locker-room tension, when discussing the Celtics' offseason shake-up. Speaking to SKWEEK, Vucevic said the contracts for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, combined with the NBA's new financial rules, made it difficult for Boston to keep enough depth around its stars. He also said he sensed no issues between Tatum and Brown before Boston traded Brown to Philadelphia for Paul George and multiple picks. The fantasy fallout is more about Boston than Vucevic, who returns to a crowded Orlando frontcourt. George should see cleaner usage next to Tatum, while Vucevic will need steady minutes before becoming more than a fringe fantasy name.
Source: Sportando
Source: Sportando
Jaden Hardy Being Discussed in Sign-and-Trade Talks
According to Evan Sidery, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly using guard Jaden Hardy in sign-and-trade discussions with the Atlanta Hawks. The two teams have been talking sign-and-trade this summer involving forward Jonathan Kuminga. It sounds like Lakers' guard Jaden Hardy or forward Jared Vanderbilt could be part of that deal, if it ever happens. It doesn't sound like the discussions got too far because the Hawks don't want to add payroll and actually need to make cuts with 17 players on their roster right now. A move elsewhere would probably help Hardy's fantasy value, but he's staying in Los Angeles right now.
Source: Evan Sidery
Source: Evan Sidery
Shaedon Sharpe Suffers Torn Meniscus
According to Shams Charania, Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe (knee) has suffered a torn meniscus and will be sidelined for the next six months. This is unfortunate news for the Blazers, considering Sharpe was likely going to play a significant role this upcoming season. Now, Sharpe isn't expected back until around the All-Star break. The loss of Sharpe means that Ja Morant, Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday, and Scoot Henderson will all see an uptick in playing time. It's unclear how the Blazers plan to split up the minutes, but this is a situation fantasy managers should continue to watch. Henderson and Morant might end up benefiting the most out of everyone.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Simone Fontecchio Explains Why He Stayed with Heat
Miami Heat forward Simone Fontecchio re-signed on a reported one-year minimum deal this summer, and he said returning to Europe was never part of the plan. "We didn't even consider the idea of returning to Europe this summer," Fontecchio told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "When this opportunity in Miami came along, I just accepted it." The 30-year-old also valued keeping his family settled, describing Miami as the place where he feels "wanted and appreciated." Fontecchio averaged 8.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting 37.5 percent from three across 70 games last season. His shooting should help space the floor around Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo, but a crowded wing rotation keeps him off fantasy radars unless injuries open steady minutes.
Source: Alessandro Luigi Maggi
Source: Alessandro Luigi Maggi
Chaney Johnson Eyes Standard Contract with Nets
Brooklyn Nets guard/forward Chaney Johnson is working to turn his two-way contract into a standard NBA deal, according to Sharif Phillips-Keaton of Nets Wire. Johnson told NetsDaily's Connor Long on The Brooklyn Boys Show that he is focused on buying into whatever development plan the coaching staff has for him, and his Summer League production helped his case. The 24-year-old undrafted Auburn product averaged 13.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 2.5 steals across six games between the California Classic and Las Vegas Summer League while shooting 66.7 percent from the field and 50.0 percent from three. Still, his two-way role points more toward Long Island Nets minutes than a steady NBA run, leaving him off fantasy radars unless injuries open a path.
Source: Sharif Phillips-Keaton
Source: Sharif Phillips-Keaton
Dejounte Murray Declares Himself Healthy
New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray says he is healthy and ready to show a better version of himself in 2026-27, he told HoopsHype's Cyro Asseo. Murray said his Achilles rehab was mentally harder than his earlier ACL recovery, but his 14-game return last season was not just a late-year cameo. The 29-year-old averaged 16.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.6 steals in 27.8 minutes over that stretch after tearing his right Achilles on Jan. 31, 2025. A full runway puts Murray back in New Orleans' starting backcourt under Jamahl Mosley, which should trim Jeremiah Fears' on-ball ceiling while giving Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, and Derik Queen a steadier table-setter.
Source: Cyro Asseo
Source: Cyro Asseo
Klay Thompson Praised by Pat Riley After Heat Signing
Miami Heat guard/forward Klay Thompson drew strong praise from team president Pat Riley after signing with Miami following his Dallas Mavericks buyout. Riley called Thompson "one of the most iconic players to ever suit up in the NBA" and pointed to his value as an all-around player, not just a shooter. The 36-year-old five-time All-Star is coming off a reduced role in Dallas, where he averaged 11.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 21.7 minutes across 69 games while shooting 38.3 percent from three. Thompson's fantasy value should still lean heavily on triples, and Miami's crowded rotation caps his counting-stat ceiling despite the cleaner spacing next to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
Source: Anthony Chiang
Source: Anthony Chiang
Jimmy Butler III Has No Firm Timeline for Return
Golden State Warriors guard/forward Jimmy Butler III (knee) remains without a firm return timeline after undergoing ACL surgery in February, with Danny Emerman of The San Francisco Standard noting that it is too early to read much into a target date. Emerman floated a broad Christmas-to-March window, which fits the uncertainty around a long ACL recovery. Butler tore his right ACL on Jan. 19 after averaging 20.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.4 steals over 38 games. Until he returns, Gui Santos should have the cleanest path to extra wing minutes, while Brandin Podziemski carries more secondary creation next to Stephen Curry. Butler remains a stash with real age and rehab risk.
Source: Danny Emerman
Source: Danny Emerman
Payton Pritchard Wants to Improve at Drawing Fouls
Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard recently talked about his goals for the upcoming season. Pritchard mentioned that he'd like to get better at drawing fouls. He made it clear that he doesn't want to flop, but instead improve on his technique and learn when to draw the foul. He has been working on his footwork as well because he wants to become a more efficient finisher. Last season, Pritchard averaged 17.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.2 assists across 32.4 minutes per game in 79 contests. The departure of Jaylen Brown could mean that Pritchard takes on a larger role offensively. It sounds like his value should be on the rise heading into the 2026 season.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
Dennis Schroder Wants to Play 2-4 More Years
Charlotte Hornets guard Dennis Schroder would like to play in the NBA for 2-4 more years, according to heavy.com. Schroder has been playing in the league for 13 years, but he still feels that he has a few more years left in him. His main reason to keep playing is that he wants to make it to 2028 when the salary cap rises. Schroder has been all around the league, playing for 11 different organizations since joining the league in 2013. He was most recently traded to Charlotte, so we'll see what kind of role he has on the rebuilding Hornets. This past season, Schroder averaged 10.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in 70 games between the Sacramento Kings and Cleveland Cavaliers. The 32-year-old feels like he could play at least four more seasons, so we'll see if that's true.
Source: heavy.com
Source: heavy.com
Klay Thompson Signs Two-Year Deal with Heat
According to Shams Charania, veteran guard Klay Thompson is finalizing a two-year, $13 million deal with the Miami Heat. It's a two-year deal, but the second year is a player option. Thompson must wait until he officially clears waivers following a buyout from the Dallas Mavericks. After two bad years in Dallas, it's unclear if Thompson is going to start on the Heat. This past season, Thompson averaged 11.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists across 21.7 minutes per game in 69 contests. His shooting percentages have taken a hit in recent years, but Thompson can still be a decent contributor, whether it's on the bench or in the starting five. Pelle Larsson will likely see a reduced role with Thompson now headed to South Beach.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Oso Ighodaro is Working on his Three-Point Game
Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro is working on improving his game this offseason. He sat down with Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic to discuss his goals and the overall outlook of his team for the upcoming season. Ighodaro is young, but he wants to keep stepping into a leadership role on the team. He wants to work on his offensive game, knowing his defense is his strong suit at the moment. During the offseason, Ighodaro has been working on his free throws and shooting from beyond the arc. Both areas could use improvement, so it's nice to see him focusing on that. Last season, Ighodaro averaged 6.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in 22.0 minutes per game in 82 contests. His value should be on the rise if he can improve his game offensively.
Source: Azcentral.com
Source: Azcentral.com
Dalano Banton Draws EuroLeague Interest
Free-agent guard/forward Dalano Banton has drawn EuroLeague interest from Partizan, Olympiacos, and Valencia, according to overseas reporting from Encestando, BeBasket, and 5th Quarter. The Boston Celtics waived the 26-year-old in July to shed his non-guaranteed $2.8 million salary, leaving him to weigh NBA and overseas options. Banton was productive in the G-League last season, averaging 25.0 points, 6.8 assists, and 3.7 rebounds across 30 starts for the Texas Legends. His NBA track record is thinner, with 6.6 points in 14.4 minutes across 222 games. A EuroLeague move would wipe out any NBA fantasy value, while another 10-day path would keep him on the fringe.
Source: Matteo Andreani
Source: Matteo Andreani
Bruce Brown Linked to Cavaliers in Free Agency
Free-agent guard/forward Bruce Brown has been linked to the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to Zach Weiss of SI, who cited Cleveland.com's Terry Pluto. Brown spent last season back with the Denver Nuggets, averaging 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.0 steals in 24.4 minutes across 82 games while shooting 47.5 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from three. Cleveland could have a roster spot to fill if it waives or trades Cam Whitmore, and Brown would bring low-usage wing depth with past ties to James Harden and Jarrett Allen from Brooklyn. The fantasy appeal would be limited, though, with Brown likely ticketed for a bench role behind Cleveland's established rotation unless injuries open steady minutes.
Source: Zach Weiss
Source: Zach Weiss
