Ish Wainwright Agrees To Two-Way Contract
2 years agoPhoenix Suns forward Ish Wainwright has reportedly agreed to a two-way contract to return with the organization. He appeared in 45 games last season, but only averaged eight minutes per contest. There is some upside in his game, but he'll basically serve as extra depth off the bench. They promoted him last season, so Wainwright was eligible to play in the postseason. Clearly, the Suns have faith that Wainwright can be a reliable player. Despite that, fantasy managers shouldn't expect Wainwright to carry fantasy value with the Suns healthy.Source: Shams Charania
Pascal Siakam Looks Fantastic
2 years agoToronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam has looked absolutely spectacular, according to head coach Nick Nurse. Siakam is coming off third-round fantasy value with the Raptors last season. "His athleticism is electric, his focus, his shot is smooth and soft. He looks great," said Nurse. There is a chance that Siakam does lose some touches to Scottie Barnes. Regardless, it sounds like Siakam is looking solid, so he shouldn't slip past the third round in fantasy drafts.Source: Josh Lewenberg
Warriors Won't Rush Andre Iguodala
2 years agoFree-agent forward Andre Iguodala still hasn't decided whether or not he'll return next season. Despite that, the Warriors say they have no plans of rushing Iggy to make a decision. They still have one fully guaranteed spot, which belongs to Iguodala, assuming he decides to return. At this point, the Warriors are going to leave Iguodala alone and let him make up his mind. His decision could drag into training camp, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect a decision anytime soon. Regardless, it's unlikely that Iguodala is going to be relevant in fantasy leagues next season.Source: The Athletic
Milwaukee Waives Rayjon Tucker
2 years agoShooting guard/small forward Rayjon Tucker saw his tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks come to an end Tuesday. Tucker appeared in two games off the bench with the Bucks last season and combined for 15 points; he also got minutes in three outings with the Nuggets, albeit in a more limited fashion. The 24-year-old from Little Rock went undrafted in the 2019 NBA Draft and has also appeared with Utah and Philadelphia during his career, although much of his professional time has come in the G League. Tucker will head to Australia for the upcoming '22-23 season, where he will play for Melbourne United.Source: NBA.com
Jared Rhoden Inks One-Year Deal With Portland
2 years agoGuard Jared Rhoden has signed a one-year pact to join the Portland Trail Blazers ahead of the 2022-23 season, in hopes of securing a roster spot during training camp. Rhoden appeared during Summer League with Sacramento and now looks to earn a reserve role as an undrafted free agent. The Long Island native averaged 15.5 PPG as a senior at Seton Hall last season, averaging 6.7 boards per outing each of the past two years. Competition figures to be stout behind presumed backcourt starters Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons, with rookie Shaedon Sharpe and free-agent signee Gary Payton II among those likely to garner significant minutes.Source: Shams Charania
Goran Dragic Officially Signs With Chicago
2 years agoFree-agent guard Goran Dragic officially signed a one-year, $2.9 million contract with Chicago on Tuesday, nearly a month after reaching an agreement to join the team. The veteran has been in the league since 2008 and last suited up for the Nets in 2021-22, averaging 7.3 points, 4.8 assists, 3.2 boards, and 1.0 steals throughout 16 appearances. The Bulls have plenty of depth in the backcourt, albeit young and unproven, to fill in for Lonzo Ball (knee), who may not be ready for training camp. However, considering Dragic's experience, he may earn plenty of minutes early in 2022-23, potentially even holding things down in the starting lineup until Ball is healthy enough to return.Source: NBA.com
Rodney McGruder Re-Ups With Pistons
2 years agoDetroit Pistons guard Rodney McGruder has agreed to a one-year deal to return to the team. The 31-year-old appeared in 51 games for Detroit last season, averaging 5.4 points and 2.2 boards while shooting 39.7% from deep. McGruder has a way to go before becoming relevant in any fantasy league. However, he may make an occasional start this season, so there could be some streaming potential for the taking.Source: NBA.com
CJ Elleby Signs Exhibit 10 Deal With Timberwolves
2 years agoFree-agent guard CJ Elleby signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Timberwolves. The 2020 second-round pick out of Washington State will battle throughout training camp for a spot on the regular season roster. He's played for the Trail Blazers during the last two seasons, averaging 4.6 points and 2.9 rebounds during that span. Unquestionably, Elleby is a quality depth piece for any professional club. However, that won't mean much for fantasy managers even if the 22-year-old makes the team, especially since he isn't expected to receive enough minutes to make a dent on the fantasy end.Source: Michael Scotto
Duane Washington Jr. Signs Two-Way Deal With Suns
2 years agoFree-agent guard Duane Washington Jr. inked a two-way contract with the Suns on Tuesday. The 22-year-old appeared in 48 games for the Pacers last season, averaging 9.9 points, including 12.9 throughout seven starts, 1.8 assists, and 1.7 rebounds while shooting 37.7% from deep. There's a good chance he'll get called up to the big club at some point this season. However, Washington likely won't see the floor much, making him irrelevant in all fantasy formats.Source: Adrian Wojnarowski
Kevin Durant Expected To Meet With Joe Tsai
2 years agoBrooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant is expected to meet with team governor Joe Tsai in the coming days. It's unknown what will be discussed or what will come from it. However, not only could it determine Durant's future in Brooklyn, but it could have ramifications for Kyrie Irving as well. The 33-year-old is coming off an MVP-caliber season, averaging 29.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 6.4 assists. He also shot 38.3% from deep while draining 91.0% of his free throws. Without a doubt, Durant is the complete package and is capable of being a top-five fantasy producer in any format, no matter what uniform he wears in 2022-23. He does have trouble staying healthy, though, which is his only downfall as far as fantasy managers are concerned.Source: Steve Bulpett
Noah Vonleh Signs With Celtics
2 years agoFree-agent forward Noah Vonleh signed a training camp deal with the Celtics. The 26-year-old has suited up for seven teams since being selected as the No. 9 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, averaging 5.1 boards and 4.9 points. Even if he makes the team, he'll likely have to scratch and claw to see the floor. However, if Robert Williams III, Al Horford, or Grant Williams goes down with an injury in 2022-23, Vonleh may earn a few minutes here and there. Still, it probably won't be enough to make a difference for fantasy managers.Source: Adrian Wojnarowski
NBA Has Begun Tampering Investigation Against Knicks
2 years agoThe NBA has begun its investigation of the New York Knicks for supposed tampering surrounding the four-year, $104 million signing of free-agent point guard Jalen Brunson. The league will dive into the details of New York's coveted offseason acquisition of the 25-year-old, specifically to see if the team had been in contact with him before the start of free agency. The hiring of Brunson's dad, Rick Brunson, as an assistant coach will also be looked into further. If found guilty, the Knicks may be forced to pay a hefty fine, or even worse, forfeit a draft pick. However, Brunson likely won't face any consequences, so fantasy managers can add him to their rosters without trepidation.Source: Marc Stein
Keldon Johnson Not Taking New Deal Lightly
2 years agoSan Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson isn't looking to tone things down after signing a four-year, $80 million extension. "I was in the gym the next day," Johnson said, "I'm in the best shape of my life, the strongest I have been in my life." The 22-year-old has averaged 14.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists since entering the league in 2019. He will have a lot on his plate this season, primarily after the Spurs traded superstar Dejounte Murray to the Hawks. As a result, Johnson has more upside than ever and may end up in the All-Star conversation. His shooting percentages have also improved, so his stock in category formats is trending in the right direction.Source: Tom Orsborn
Brandon Clarke May Come Off The Bench This Season
2 years agoMemphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke is the favorite to hold things down at the four spot until Jaren Jackson Jr. (foot) can return. However, considering head coach Taylor Jenkins values the boost the 25-year-old has provided off the bench since he entered the league in 2019, he may retain that role in 2022-23. Yet, with the Grizzlies lacking experience, Clarke may still end up with the job by default. The former Gonzaga Bulldog has been a reliable producer for the club over the years, averaging 10.9 points and 5.6 rebounds throughout 181 games. If Clarke doesn't start this year, he'll probably get his fair share of minutes, making him an effective fantasy option in all formats.Source: Damichael Cole
Bruno Caboclo Agrees To Camp Deal
2 years agoFree-agent forward Bruno Caboclo agreed to a training camp deal with the Celtics on Monday. The 26-year-old was selected with the 20th overall pick of the 2014 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors. He has averaged only 4.2 points and 2.6 points since then, suiting up for several teams along the way while also spending time in the G League and overseas. If Caboclo does make the team, he probably won't receive much work this season, making him unworthy of a draft selection in any fantasy format.Source: Shams Charania