2 years agoChicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic may receive an offer to remain with the team for a few more seasons. The veteran is entering the final year of his current deal. However, despite his obvious talent, he's coming off one of his worst seasons in recent memory, finishing 2021-22 by averaging 17.6 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.0 blocks. Vucevic has been considered one of the most skilled offensive big men in the league over the years, and he's seemingly always a double-double threat. Still, his defensive inefficiency could keep him off the floor unless he gets back on track, and his 31.4% shooting from deep last season was a detriment for category managers. Nevertheless, if Vucevic can turn things around and stay healthy in 2022-23, he has top-10 potential at the center position, even if he ends up surrendering minutes to Andre Drummond.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Joe Cowley

2 years agoCharlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward has received interest from the Heat, according to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Miami hasn't been successful in acquiring Kevin Durant or Donovan Mitchell, so the team is reportedly looking to bring in Hayward to bolster its roster. However, with the veteran owed more than $61 million over the next two seasons, making a deal for his services difficult. The 32-year-old regressed from a statistical standpoint last season, finishing with averages of 15.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.0 steals. While Hayward's shooting percentages from deep have stayed consistent during the last few seasons, he's had issues staying on the floor, most recently dealing with a foot injury. Wherever he ends up, he'll need to stay healthy for any fantasy manager to benefit from his presence on their roster.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Ira Winderman

2 years agoNew York Knicks forward Cam Reddish has not experienced an easy journey in the NBA. He has struggled to find consistent playing time in both Atlanta and New York. It's uncertain if Reddish is currently in the Knicks plans for next season. The Los Angeles Lakers had interest in Reddish around the trade deadline. Possibly, the two sides can work out a deal this offseason. A change of scenery to a veteran team like the Lakers could be good for Reddish. The Lakers need younger player that they can develop. Also, the Knicks could save some cap space by trading away Reddish. Maybe, Reddish could carve out some fantasy value in Los Angeles, but fantasy managers will have to wait and see what happens.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: HoopsHype

2 years agoBrooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant might end up being stuck with the organization despite his trade request. Ian Begley reported that no other organization wants to get involved and help out the Nets. It would take a ridiculous amount of assets to obtain Durant in a trade. That being said, there would likely need to be three or possibly four teams involved. As of right now, it doesn't sound like any organizations want to get involved in this mess. Durant might end up sticking with the Nets unless something changes soon. It's unclear if he'll suit up for Brooklyn or sit out until a trade happens. Fantasy managers will have to wait until closer to the season before more information is known.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Ian Begley

2 years agoPhiladelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey has made huge strides in his game since joining the league. Head coach Doc Rivers went as far as to say Maxey is the most impressive young player that he's had during his career coaching. Once James Harden joined the team, Maxey's game went to another level. The expectation is that Maxey will continue to succeed and get better. Last season, Maxey provided fifth-round value in 9-cat leagues. Honestly, it could be higher than that this upcoming season with a full year of Maxey and Harden together.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: NBC Philadelphia

2 years agoNew York Knicks guard Quentin Grimes recently said that he wants to have an expanded role on the team next season. He put together a fantastic performance during the Summer League. Grimes has been mainly playing off the ball, but is ready for more responsibility. The 22-year-old could very well compete for playing time with veteran Evan Fournier. Fantasy managers shouldn't be shocked if Grimes actually surpasses Fournier on the depth chart. Grimes has plenty of potential and should be someone worth keeping an eye on as draft season rolls around.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: New York Post

2 years agoThe Los Angeles Lakers and star LeBron James had contract-extension talks Thursday, per Rich Paul, the CEO of Klutch Sports Group. The uniqueness of James' looming free agency is multifold; due to the NBA's collective bargaining agreement, the 18-time All-Star is capped to signing a two-year extension, but the looming possibility of his son, Bronny, entering the NBA may give him a desire to keep his options open. While the 2022-23 season was a flop for L.A., James looked resurgent, averaging 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game, all while shooting 52.4 percent overall. While injuries have slowed James during his Lakers tenure, his otherworldly talent continues to be on display.--Jesse BorekSource: Dave McMenamin

2 years agoCenter Mike Muscala will be returning to the Oklahoma City Thunder for the 2022-23 season, the team announced Thursday. Muscala had his team option declined back in June, but the two sides were able to come to a new agreement. The 31-year-old will be entering his fourth season with the Thunder, having previously averaged 7.3 points and three rebounds per outing across 125 contests. Known for his sharpshooting ability from the frontcourt, Muscala has knocked down an average of 1.5 threes per game, all while shooting at a 39.2 percent clip from deep during his Oklahoma City tenure. Minutes will likely not be plentiful for the veteran, but he will be a name to eye if injuries slow the Thunder big men.--Jesse BorekSource: Oklahoma City Thunder

2 years agoThe Minnesota Timberwolves made a sizable splash this offseason when acquiring four-time All-NBA performer Rudy Gobert in a blockbuster deal with the Jazz, giving the team a formidable frontcourt alongside Karl-Anthony Towns. Point guard D'Angelo Russell sees the duo fitting well together, citing past experiences where both acclimated their play. After winning 46 games and making the postseason last year, Minnesota is seeking to go further in 2022-23, bolstered by its revamped group of talent. "It's exciting -- it's like the first day of school," Russell said in an interview with Dane Moore, who covers T-Wolves hoops.--Jesse BorekSource: Dane Moore

2 years agoNew York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson returned to his Philadelphia roots and dropped 28 points during the first night of the Rumph Classic on Thursday. While much of the Brunson discussion of late has been focused on a potential league investigation into whether tampering was involved prior to his acquisition, the 25-year-old is continuing to expand his offensive arsenal, as clips from the game showcase. Brunson is set to begin the 2022-23 year as the Knicks' unquestioned ballhandling option after inking a four-year, $104 million deal. After averaging 16.3 points and 4.8 assists in a breakout year for Dallas last season, the southpaw's role can only be expected to increase in Year 1 with New York.--Jesse BorekSource: NBA

2 years agoDetroit Pistons forward Isaiah Livers appears to have a chance at earning a starting spot next season. As of right now, Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Saddiq Bey, and Isaiah Stewart are expected to be four of the starters. However, the final spot could very well come down to Livers and Marvin Bagley III. This could be an interesting positional battle, but Livers might have a slight edge. He played well in the Summer League and defends well for a player at his position. Regardless, Livers should get consistent playing time whether he's a starter or not. He could be someone worth thinking about in deep leagues.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic

2 years agoWashington Wizards forward Will Barton has the inside track to the starting gig, according to Josh Robbins of The Athletic. Barton was acquired by Washington alongside Monte Morris earlier this offseason. As of right now, Bradley Beal, Kyle Kuzma, and Kristaps Porzingis are penciled in as starters. Both Barton and Morris are expected to battle for starting spots next season. The biggest competition for Barton will be Deni Avdija. Honestly, Avdija might be a better fantasy option even if he does lose the positional battle. He has improved on offense and is an excellent defensive player. Barton might be a starter, but he'll be a shaky late-round option in fantasy leagues.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Josh Robbins

2 years agoBrooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving is reportedly in a good place with the organization, according to Ian Begley. The Los Angeles Lakers appear to be the top designation for Irving. Outside of that, there doesn't seem to be much movement on the trade front for the All-Star guard. There is a chance that Irving remains with the organization and plays out his final season in Brooklyn. The Nets are still attempting to move superstar forward Kevin Durant. Irving would be asked to be the top option in Brooklyn, assuming the Nets do move Durant. Fantasy managers will have to wait and see what happens over the next few months.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: SNY

2 years agoWashington Wizards guard Monte Morris could emerge in the starting five right away with his new team. Morris and Will Barton were traded to Washington as part of a trade with the Denver Nuggets earlier this offseason. The Wizards do have Delon Wright, but it sounds like Morris has the edge over Wright. Wizards coach Wes Unseld Jr. is familiar with Morris, so that could help him in his positional battle. It's also worth noting that Morris did start for the injured Jamal Murray last season. On paper, Morris does appear to have the higher long term upside.. The winner of this positional battle should be able to provide late-round value.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic

2 years agoLos Angeles Lakers guard Kendrick Nunn (knee) is expected to take the court to begin the 2022-2023 season. He missed all of last season due to a lingering knee issue. However, Nunn has accepted his player option and will remain with the Lakers for at least one more season. When healthy, Nunn averaged nearly 15 points per game and 2.1 triples during his first two seasons with the Miami Heat. There is no doubt that Nunn could be a legitimate asset to the Lakers rotation. First, Nunn must get clearance for 5-on-5 drills with contact. Although, it sounds like Nunn could be ready by the beginning of training camp.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic