Toumani Camara Gets Four-Year Contract Extension from Portland
Toumani Camara agreed to a four-year, $82 million extension with the team. He averaged a career-high 11.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.5 steals in 2024. Without question, the Blazers see something in the 25-year-old, who has emerged as a reliable two-way player since entering the league in 2023. Camara might be even more productive throughout the 2025 campaign, especially since Anfernee Simons is no longer on the roster. He's also logged at least 70 games in his last two seasons, so his durability could go a long way in helping fantasy managers. However, outside of Camara's defensive acumen, he likely won't be as consistent in other statistical areas.
Source: Shams Charania
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Portland Trail Blazers forward Source: Shams Charania
Shaedon Sharpe, Blazers Agree on a Contract Extension
Shaedon Sharpe agreed to a four-year, $90 million contract extension with the club. The 2022 No. 7 overall pick is coming off his best season, averaging a career-high 18.5 points during the 2024 campaign. With the Blazers dealing Anfernee Simons to the Boston Celtics in the offseason, Sharpe has an excellent chance of emerging as the top scorer in Portland. Assuming the 22-year-old stays on the floor this season, he's expected to be a consistent points-producer for fantasy managers throughout the year. However, he's struggled shooting the ball, so that will need to improve before earning more attention from category participants.
Source: Shams Charania
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Portland Trail Blazers guard Source: Shams Charania
Kevin Durant Lands Two-Year Contract Extension with Houston
Kevin Durant agreed to a two-year, $90 million contract extension with the team. He was eligible for more. However, the 37-year-old was willing to take less. Durant was traded to the Rockets in July after spending the last few seasons with the Phoenix Suns, most recently averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks while shooting 43.0% from downtown throughout the 2024 campaign. He's closing in on two decades of service in the National Basketball Association, so his production is expected to decline in the coming years. Still, Durant is anticipated to remain in the All-Star conversation for at least a few more seasons, giving him plenty of upside for fantasy managers in all formats. Of course, he will need to stay healthy, something that's been an issue at times throughout his career.
Source: Shams Charania
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Houston Rockets forward Source: Shams Charania
Domantas Sabonis to Miss at Least a Few Games, Will be Re-Evaluated in One Week
Domantas Sabonis (hamstring) won't play in the opener versus the Phoenix Suns. He'll also be sidelined for the October 24 matchup with the Utah Jazz. The 29-year-old was injured during the October 15 preseason meeting with the Los Angeles Clippers and was diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain. He will be re-evaluated in a week, so there's a chance he may be out longer. Sabonis has repeatedly been in the All-Star conversation over the years, most recently finishing the 2024 campaign by averaging 19.1 points, 13.9 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 41.7% shooting from behind the arc. The Kings will also be without Keegan Murray (thumb) for a few months, meaning guys like Drew Eubanks, Malik Monk, and Russell Westbrook could benefit from a production standpoint. As far as Sabonis is concerned, he should still be viewed as a top-10 fantasy option in any format, considering the his most recent ailment shouldn't keep him out too long.
Source: The Associated Press
Sacramento Kings center Source: The Associated Press
Timberwolves Exercise Team Option on Rob Dillingham
Rob Dillingham, the team announced in a press release on Saturday. The 20-year-old didn't do much in his first season in the league in 2024, averaging only 4.5 points and 1.0 rebounds. Still, with Mike Conley not getting any younger and Nickeil Alexander-Walker no longer on the roster, there could be a path to playing time for Dillingham at some point during the 2025 campaign. As of now, he's not worth rostering in redraft formats. However, that could change in the months ahead, so Dillingham may see attention from fantasy managers if he carves out a routine role in the rotation.
Source: NBA.com
The Minnesota Timberwolves exercised the team option on guard Source: NBA.com
Scotty Pippen Jr. to Undergo Surgery, Out at Least 12 Weeks
Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe) will undergo surgery on his left big toe and will be re-evaluated in 12 weeks. The 24-year-old averaged 9.9 points, 4.4 assists, and 1.3 steals in 79 appearances last season. While he wasn't a day-to-day producer, he played considerably better in his 21 starts by averaging 14.2 points, 5.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 steals while shooting 46.1% from behind the arc. At this point, it's realistic to assume Pippen may not be back on the court until around the All-Star break, making him virtually irrelevant for redraft participants. However, his absence should at least open the door for increased production from Ty Jerome, with the former Cleveland Cavalier benefiting even more if Ja Morant, who has battled injuries over the years, misses time this season.
Source: Shams Charania
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Memphis Grizzlies guard Source: Shams Charania
Knicks Cut Ties with Garrison Mathews
Garrison Mathews. The 28-year-old bounced around the league before agreeing to a deal with the Knicks heading into training camp. He played relatively well in four preseason games, averaging 6.8 points while shooting 41.2% from behind the three-point line. However, New York is strapped for cash, so the club made the move to cut ties to avoid luxury tax ramifications. With that said, Mathews will likely find a new home due to his shooting prowess, although he won't be a useful fantasy option in any format until he carves out a routine role with a team.
Source: Stefan Bondy
According to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, the Knicks waived guard Source: Stefan Bondy
Dalano Banton Waived by the Mavericks
Dalano Banton, the team announced on Friday. The 2021 No. 46 overall pick signed a non-guaranteed deal heading into training camp. However, most assumed he was a long shot to make the opening night roster, so the latest isn't much of a surprise. Banton has spent time with various clubs around the National Basketball Association throughout his career, most recently appearing in 67 games for the Portland Trail Blazers throughout the 2024 campaign. Although he didn't see consistent playing time, he still looked good in his seven starts, averaging 16.0 points, 4.7 assists, and 1.0 blocks. There's a chance Banton may suit up for the Texas Legends, Dallas' G League squad. Still, Banton isn't a practical fantasy option at the moment, although that may change if he ends up getting some starts for a team during the year.
Source: Mavs PR
The Mavericks waived guard/forward Source: Mavs PR
Precious Achiuwa Waived by Miami
Precious Achiuwa. The 26-year-old most recently suited up for the Knicks during the 2024 campaign. Although he wasn't a consistent producer, he averaged 12.9 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 10 appearances in the starting lineup. Achiuwa inked a non-guaranteed deal heading into training camp. However, the Heat made the move before opening night to avoid operating above the luxury tax line. Deep-league dynasty managers with room to spare can keep him stashed on the roster, especially since there may be more than a few teams calling for his services throughout the season. On the other hand, Achiuwa won't see much attention from redraft participants until he signs with a club and carves out a consistent role.
Source: Ira Winderman
According to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, the Heat waived forward/center Source: Ira Winderman
Mavericks Waive Dennis Smith Jr.
Dennis Smith Jr., the team announced on Friday. The veteran began his career with the Mavs in 2017 and has bounced around the league ever since. He most recently suited up for the Brooklyn Nets, where he averaged 6.6 points, 3.6 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. Smith was on a non-guaranteed deal, so cutting ties with him makes sense from a financial standpoint. Due to his defensive prowess, there's a chance he'll sign with a new club. However, Smith's minutes would presumably be limited wherever he lands, meaning he likely won't offer much value to fantasy managers.
Source: Mavs PR
The Mavericks waived guard Source: Mavs PR
Bradley Beal Set to Make Clippers Debut in Preseason Finale
Bradley Beal (knee) is expected to make his preseason debut on Friday against the Golden State Warriors. After battling injuries in recent seasons, the 32-year-old veteran will look to reestablish himself as one of the league's most efficient scorers in a revamped Clippers offense. Beal joins a star-studded lineup alongside James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, giving Los Angeles one of the most dynamic perimeter trios in the NBA. While his health remains a concern, Beal's proven ability to create his own shot and contribute in assists and steals makes him a worthwhile late-round target in fantasy drafts. If he can stay on the floor, Beal could provide strong mid-tier production and deliver solid value as a complementary scorer and secondary playmaker for the Clippers.
Source: Clippers Brasil
Los Angeles Clippers shooting guard Source: Clippers Brasil
VJ Edgecombe Set to Return for Preseason Finale
VJ Edgecombe (hip) is expected to return for the team's preseason finale on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Edgecombe last appeared on October 4th against the New York Knicks before missing time due to a minor hip issue. The third overall pick in this year's NBA Draft is projected to start on opening night when the Sixers face the Boston Celtics. The former Baylor standout impressed with his defensive instincts, athleticism, and perimeter shooting during the preseason, showcasing the versatility that made him a top prospect. His ability to stretch the floor and complement superstar Joel Embiid should earn him a prominent role early in his rookie campaign. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should keep an eye on Edgecombe as a potential sleeper with upside in steals and three-point production.
Source: Jacob Moreno
Philadelphia 76ers rookie guard Source: Jacob Moreno
Jeremy Sochan Won't Play in Season Opener
Jeremy Sochan (wrist) was cleared from his calf injury a couple of weeks ago, but a new injury will keep him out of the season opener. According to ESPN, the fourth-year forward is dealing with a sprained left wrist that he suffered during a 5-on-5 drill while coming back from his calf injury. He's had a number of health issues over his first three seasons as he's only played more than 56 games in one of them. Last year, he played in 54 games and averaged 11.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.6 turnovers per game. Sochan hasn't exactly found the best role for his playstyle yet, so it has equated to some wildly inconsistent numbers game to game. He's currently best suited for a streamer-type of role in all fantasy formats.
Source: ESPN
San Antonio Spurs forward Source: ESPN
AJ Green, Bucks Agree to Contract Extension
AJ Green has agreed to his first extension with the team on Thursday. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Green and the Bucks agreed to a four-year extension worth $45 million, which is fully guaranteed. The 26-year-old went from 35 appearances and 9.9 minutes per contest in his rookie season to 73 games played and 22.7 minutes per game just last year. He also averaged 7.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2.1 threes per game. With Damian Lillard gone, the guard rotation will likely have a lot of movement throughout the season. Green should play a prominent role after his extension, but they also have Cole Anthony, Gary Trent Jr., Kevin Porter Jr., Ryan Rollins, Andre Jackson Jr., Gary Harris, and Amir Coffey. Green may serve as a sleeper pick in category leagues if he cracks the starting lineup, though.
Source: Shams Charania
Milwaukee Bucks guard Source: Shams Charania
Jaylen Brown Considered Day-to-Day with Hamstring Tightness
Jaylen Brown (hamstring) tweaked his hamstring during Wednesday's preseason game against the Toronto Raptors. He hasn't fully returned to practice yet, but it seems like he's trending in the right direction. Head coach Joe Mazzulla called his status day-to-day, and Brown was able to participate in everything but the live portion. The Celtics' season opener is October 22 against the Philadelphia 76ers, so it gives Brown a bit of time to get right again. With no Jayson Tatum (Achilles), Brown has to step into the number-one role, but if he can't suit up, Derrick White and Anfernee Simons should see big boosts in minutes.
Source: Souichi Terada
Boston Celtics guard
Source: Souichi Terada