RADIO
Zach LaVine Optimistic About Kings' Season
Sacramento Kings guard/forward Zach LaVine said his offseason is going well and that he is excited about the team's younger group, according to Logan Struck of Sports Illustrated. LaVine also touched on his leadership role, saying he already texted rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. and plans to connect with more of Sacramento's young players closer to camp. The two-time All-Star picked up his $49 million player option this summer after hand surgery ended his season at 39 games. LaVine averaged 19.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 47.9 percent from the field and 39.0 percent from three. He should have scoring volume if healthy, but Acuff's arrival and Domantas Sabonis' playmaking keep LaVine more valuable for points and threes than assists.
Source: Logan Struck
Source: Logan Struck
Davion Mitchell Enters Camp with a Clear Path to Starter Minutes
Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell is deserving of the starting point guard job, but Miami's depth behind him remains a question, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel wrote in his latest mailbag. Dru Smith projects as the backup, while two-way rookie Tre Donaldson is the next internal option if injuries hit. That setup helps Mitchell's minutes outlook after he started all 70 of his appearances last season, averaging 9.3 points, 6.5 assists, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in 28.6 minutes while shooting 49.0 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from three. He will not carry fantasy teams with scoring, but the assists, steals, and secure role keep him useful if Miami does not add another veteran guard.
Source: Ira Winderman
Source: Ira Winderman
Darius Garland Set to Run Clippers Offense
Los Angeles Clippers guard Darius Garland enters 2026-27 positioned to run the offense for a full season, with Yahoo Sports' Kelly Iko writing that whatever optimism remains around the team starts there. Garland was still managing a lingering toe issue when he arrived from Cleveland in February, but he averaged 19.9 points and 6.4 assists in 19 games while helping L.A. reach the play-in tournament. Kawhi Leonard's expected move to Toronto leaves Garland with a clearer on-ball role, though Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick are expected back in the deal. Iko noted the Clippers ranked 23rd in three-point attempts last season, so Garland's creation should help shooters like Max Strus and Dick. If the toe cooperates, Garland has a strong fantasy setup built around points, assists, and threes.
Source: Kelly Iko
Source: Kelly Iko
Collin Sexton Cites Winning in Lakers Free-Agent Decision
Los Angeles Lakers guard Collin Sexton said the chance to win and make an impact on a big stage drove his free-agent decision, according to ESPN LA. "I feel like I just fit right in," the former No. 8 pick said. Sexton signed a two-year, $19 million deal with a player option after averaging 17.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals in 26 games with Chicago last season while shooting 48.2 percent from the field and 41.0 percent from three. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves still control the offense, leaving Sexton as a bench scorer whose fantasy value depends on minutes, efficiency, and whether his defensive stats hold.
Source: ESPN LA
Source: ESPN LA
Ben Simmons Open to Long-Term Stay in Sacramento
Sacramento Kings guard/forward Ben Simmons could be open to staying beyond his one-year deal if the fit works, ESPN's Marc J. Spears told Sactown Sports 1140. Spears described Simmons as a loyal player and said, "I think he'd want to stay" if both sides are happy after this season. Simmons agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract Friday after sitting out all of 2025-26 while working back from chronic back issues. He last played in 2024-25, averaging 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 0.7 steals in 22.0 minutes across 51 games with Brooklyn and the Clippers. His fantasy value depends on whether Doug Christie gives him real second-unit ball-handling work behind Darius Acuff Jr. The assists, rebounds, and steals still help, but the absent jumper and year away keep the risk high.
Source: Sactown Sports 1140
Source: Sactown Sports 1140
Yaxel Lendeborg Could Start for Warriors
Golden State Warriors forward Yaxel Lendeborg is in the mix for a starting spot entering training camp, head coach Steve Kerr told NBC Sports Bay Area's Monte Poole. Kerr floated the idea of Lendeborg playing the three next to Draymond Green, with Kristaps Porzingis or Al Horford at center. The No. 11 pick earned the conversation after winning Summer League MVP while averaging 14.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. He also posted 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists at Michigan, giving Golden State a ready-made connector on the wing. With Jimmy Butler III (knee) and Moses Moody (knee) working back from major injuries, Lendeborg has a clearer early path than most rookies.
Source: NBC Sports
Source: NBC Sports
Stephen Curry Faces Lingering Knee Concern
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (knee) still has some lingering concern around the injury that cost him a long stretch last season, Monte Poole said on NBC Sports Bay Area's Dubs Talk podcast. Poole said the issue can be managed and that Curry and his trainers have built ways to work around it. The 38-year-old missed 27 straight games with patellofemoral pain syndrome, finishing with 43 appearances while averaging 26.6 points, 4.7 assists, 3.6 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 4.4 threes in 30.9 minutes. Curry recently became extension-eligible, but the fantasy issue is health, not his contract. With Jimmy Butler III (knee) and Moses Moody (knee) also working back from major injuries, Curry's workload still looks heavy if he is cleared for his usual role. His 70-game target is possible, but managers should price in real games-played risk.
Source: NBC Sports
Source: NBC Sports
Bruce Brown Lands on Knicks' Radar
Free-agent guard/forward Bruce Brown could be an option for the New York Knicks before training camp, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, via Ryan Anderson of the New York Post. Brown remains one of the more proven veterans left on the market, and his defensive versatility and connector skill set would fit a Knicks team looking to round out its final roster spots. The 30-year-old averaged 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.0 steal in 24.4 minutes with Denver last season while shooting 47.5 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from three. New York already has Josh Hart, Landry Shamet, and Jordan Clarkson in its perimeter mix, so a Knicks deal would likely leave Brown fighting for bench minutes rather than fantasy relevance. The Lakers have also been mentioned, but New York looks like the cleaner fit.
Source: Ryan Anderson
Source: Ryan Anderson
Christian Braun Brushes off Doubt Ahead of Camp
Denver Nuggets guard/forward Christian Braun pushed back on doubts about Denver's offseason, telling Sean Keeler of The Denver Post that the Nuggets still have "everything we need" as long as Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon are in place. Braun tore ligaments in his left ankle last November and never fully regained his 2024-25 form, finishing last season with 12.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 31.8 minutes across 44 games while shooting 30.1 percent from three. Peyton Watson's sign-and-trade to Cleveland keeps Braun in a major role, but DeMar DeRozan's reported arrival gives Denver another late-game scorer. Braun's fantasy value comes down to health, minutes, and whether his jumper rebounds.
Source: Sean Keeler
Source: Sean Keeler
Jalen Green Could Land on Trade Block
Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green could land on the trade block with a slow start or another early playoff exit, Donnie Druin of Sports Illustrated writes, citing Blake Silverman's analysis. The former No. 2 overall pick has a $36 million player option for 2027-28, leaving Phoenix to decide how much it wants to commit to him as Devin Booker's long-term running mate. Green was limited to 32 games last season by a right hamstring issue, averaging 17.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 2.2 threes in 25.9 minutes. Miles Bridges adds another scorer next to Booker and Dillon Brooks, so Green's fantasy value depends on shot volume, health, and whether he can hold off Collin Gillespie for key guard minutes. He still helps mainly in points and made threes, but the role risk is higher than usual.
Source: Donnie Druin
Source: Donnie Druin
Kyrie Irving Draws Strong Praise From Dusty May
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (knee) has impressed new head coach Dusty May during summer workouts as he works back from the torn ACL that cost him all of last season. May told 105.3 The Fan's K&C Masterpiece that he has watched Irving work out and play pickup, adding that he has been "blown away" by Irving's preparation, attention to detail, and feel. The nine-time All-Star last played in 2024-25, averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.3 steals in 50 games. His return should lift a Dallas offense that ranked 27th last season and take creation pressure off reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg. The ceiling is still high, but managers need to account for the long layoff.
Source: Grant Afseth
Source: Grant Afseth
Josh Giddey Says Consistency is the Bulls' Missing Piece
Chicago Bulls guard/forward Josh Giddey believes the roster has enough talent to reach the playoffs, but he told DJ Siddiqi of ClutchPoints that consistency will decide whether Chicago climbs the Eastern Conference. "I think it's a matter of doing it every night," Giddey said. The 23-year-old is coming off a career-best season, averaging 17.0 points, 9.1 assists, and 8.3 rebounds in 32.1 minutes across 54 games. He also underwent right ankle surgery in May but has since been cleared for 5-on-5 work with no restrictions. Norman Powell gives Chicago another scorer, while Nicolas Claxton and No. 4 pick Caleb Wilson should give Giddey more finishing targets. The missed games still matter, but his assists, rebounds, and role under Tiago Splitter keep the fantasy ceiling high.
Source: DJ Siddiqi
Source: DJ Siddiqi
Kelly Olynyk Works Out with Spurs
Free-agent forward/center Kelly Olynyk could return to the San Antonio Spurs as they weigh their 15th roster spot, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. Olynyk has spent time in San Antonio and worked out with former Spurs teammates this offseason, but tax concerns could push any deal into the season. The Spurs sit about $2.15 million below the luxury-tax line, while a veteran-minimum deal would carry a cap hit around $2.45 million. The 35-year-old played a limited role with San Antonio last season, averaging 3.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 8.6 minutes. Even if he signs, Victor Wembanyama, Luke Kornet, Tarris Reed Jr., and Jayden Quaintance (knee) leave Olynyk off fantasy radars.
Source: Brett Siegel
Source: Brett Siegel
Kevin Love Could Return to Minnesota as Veteran Depth
Free-agent forward/center Kevin Love is open to returning to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the interest is mutual, according to The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski. Love spent his first six NBA seasons in Minnesota before being traded to Cleveland in 2014, so this would be more of a full-circle depth move than a fantasy-relevant signing. The veteran turns 38 this month and averaged 6.7 points and 5.8 rebounds in 37 games with Utah last season. Minnesota has room for another veteran voice after signing Jonathan Kuminga, but Rudy Gobert, Joan Beringer, and Trey Lyles already cover the frontcourt depth chart. Love would bring shooting, rebounding, and locker-room value, not a role worth chasing in fantasy.
Source: Jon Krawczynski
Source: Jon Krawczynski
Bucks Bring Back John Butler Jr. on a Camp Deal
The Milwaukee Bucks signed forward/center John Butler Jr. to a non-guaranteed training camp deal, according to Eric Nehm of The Athletic. It is the second straight fall the 7-footer has landed a preseason look with Milwaukee after spending last season with the Wisconsin Herd. Butler averaged 9.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in 28.6 minutes across 49 G-League games while shooting 36.3 percent from three. Milwaukee does have one two-way slot open, so a strong camp isn't a wasted exercise for him. Even so, Myles Turner, Kel'el Ware, and Jericho Sims have the center rotation locked down under Taylor Jenkins, which keeps Butler off fantasy radars in every format.
Source: Eric Nehm
Source: Eric Nehm
