Danilo Gallinari Out Indefinitely
2 years agoBoston Celtics forward Danilo Gallinari (knee) was diagnosed with a torn left ACL and will undergo surgery once the swelling subsides. As a result, Gallinari is out indefinitely, although he hopes to return before the end of the season. The 34-year-old, who suffered the injury during a FIBA World Cup qualifying game, was traded to the C's in the offseason. However, instead of being a reliable depth piece for the reigning Eastern Conference Champions, Gallinari will now need to focus on his recovery. Nevertheless, Grant Williams should see plenty of minutes off the bench in 2022-23. Sam Hauser may also receive extra work, potentially giving him some value in deeper formats.Source: Adam Himmelsbach
Lonzo Ball Still Dealing With Knee Pain And Discomfort
2 years agoChicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (knee) continues to deal with "lingering pain and soreness" in his left knee. The 24-year-old tore his meniscus last season, resulting in surgery back in January. It was a tough blow for the team, primarily since Ball had been averaging 13.0 points, 5.8 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.2 steals before going down. Even more impressive, he was shooting a career-high 42.3% from deep. Unfortunately, Ball is expected to miss training camp. He's also doubtful to be ready for the start of the 2022-23 campaign, opening the door for Goran Dragic, Alex Caruso, Ayo Dosunmu, and Coby White to potentially earn additional minutes out of the gate.Source: Jamal Collief, Ramona Shelburn
Ochai Agbaji Dealt To Utah On Thursday
2 years agoThe Cavaliers are sending forward Ochai Agbaji, along with Collin Sexton and Lauri Markkanen, to Utah in exchange for Donovan Mitchell. Agbaji, who was selected with the No. 14 pick of the 2022 NBA Draft, is now on his way to a rebuilding franchise. While the former Jayhawk shouldn't see consistent minutes initially, there's a chance he could carve out a more prominent role throughout the 2022-23 campaign.Source: Shams Charania
Lauri Markkanen Traded To The Jazz
2 years agoThe Jazz acquired forward Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, and rookie Ochai Agbaji from the Cavaliers on Thursday in exchange for Donovan Mitchell. Also included in the deal, Utah will receive three unprotected first-round selections and two pick swaps. Markkanen began his career with the Bulls before spending last season in Cleveland, averaging 14.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. He will likely spend plenty of minutes as a starter this season. However, the 25-year-old has missed his share of games due to injuries since entering the league, something for fantasy managers to consider. His career 36.4% shooting from deep also won't do much to benefit category participants.Source: Shams Charania
Collin Sexton On The Way To Utah
2 years agoThe Cavs traded guard Collin Sexton to Utah in exchange for superstar Donovan Mitchell. The Jazz will also receive Lauri Markkanen, 2022 first-round pick Ochai Agbaji, and three unprotected first-round selections (along with two pick swaps). Sexton, who also received a four-year, $72 million contract, played his first four years in Cleveland, averaging 20.0 points, 3.3 assists, and 3.0 boards while shooting a sufficient 37.8% from deep. He appeared in only 11 games in 2021-22 due to a knee injury. However, the 23-year-old should be good to go come October, and he could be in store for his best offensive year to date, although his inability to stay on the floor is something managers should consider before drafting him.Source: Shams Charania
Donovan Mitchell Traded To Cleveland
2 years agoThe Jazz traded guard Donovan Mitchell to the Cavaliers on Thursday. In exchange, Utah will receive Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, 2022 first-round pick Ochai Agbaji, and three unprotected first-round draft picks (along with two pick swaps). Mitchell now will head to Cleveland to begin the next chapter of his career after spending his first five years in Utah. During that time, the 25-year-old averaged 23.9 points, 4.5 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.3 steals. While his points per game average may take a dip now that he's paired with Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley, it may allow him to get better looks at the basket, benefitting category managers. Either way, Mitchell should be a top-25 fantasy option, although he has a small chance to slide into the top 10.Source: Shams Charania
Lakers Showing Interest In Cam Reddish
2 years agoNew York Knicks guard Cam Reddish might not be with the team for much longer. The organization appears to be seeking a trade partner for Reddish this offseason. The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly interested in acquiring Reddish. This isn't the first time that we've heard the Lakers are interested in Reddish. The 23-year-old still has plenty of potential and the Lakers could certainly use some younger players on their roster. On paper, a move to Los Angeles could be good for Reddish's fantasy value.Source: New York Post
Grant Williams Could See More Minutes
2 years agoBoston Celtics forward Grant Williams could see an uptick in playing time to begin the season. Fellow forward Danilo Gallinari (knee) could miss some time, which means Williams is in line for more minutes. There's a chance that the Celtics move Williams over to the five spot more often next season. The team considers Williams very versatile and there should be more minutes available with Gallinari banged up. Despite that, Williams is more of a deep league option,Source: NBC Sports
Jerome Robinson Signs Deal With Warriors
2 years agoThe Golden State Warriors have reached an agreement on a training camp deal with guard Jerome Robinson. The former 13th overall pick will get a chance to compete for a bench spot in camp. Last season, Robinson spent his time with the Warriors G League affiliate in Santa Cruz. He never really lived up to expectations throughout his time in the NBA. Possibly, Robinson can contribute off the bench, but he's not on the fantasy radar.Source: Adam Schefter
Chet Holmgren Has Successful Surgery
2 years agoOklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (foot) underwent successful surgery. The rookie recently suffered a Lisfranc injury during a Pro-Am game in Seattle while attempting to block a dunk from LeBron James. Instead, Holmgren will now miss the entire 2022-23 campaign. However, his status beyond that is up in the air.Source: NBA.com
Markieff Morris Heading To Brooklyn
2 years agoFree-agent forward Markieff Morris is heading to the Nets on a one-year deal. The 32-year-old averaged 7.6 points and 2.6 boards with the Heat last season, although he played only 17 games due to injury. While the veteran shouldn't be a routine fantasy contributor, he has a chance to earn a meaningful role in the rotation. Morris should also get a few starts at times during the year, so his name may pop up in waiver wire columns.Source: ESPN
RJ Barrett Receives Contract Extension
2 years agoNew York Knicks forward RJ Barrett agreed to a four-year, $107 million extension with the team on Tuesday. With incentives, he could earn as much as $120 million. Last season, the 22-year-old averaged a career-high 20.0 points while adding 5.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists. Barrett's new deal is somewhat surprising, primarily since the Jazz had expressed interest in him during trade discussions surrounding superstar guard Donovan Mitchell. Although a move may still happen down the line, the extension will certainly make things challenging. Nevertheless, the 2019 No. 3 overall can be a viable fantasy option no matter where he's suiting up. However, his lack of consistency has been a burden for fantasy managers. His three-point shooting has improved, but there is also work to be done in that area as well.Source: Adrian Wojnarowski
Russell Westbrook Would Have Meaningful Role If Not Dealt
2 years agoLos Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook could be traded ahead of the 2022-23 season. The team recently acquired Patrick Beverley from Utah, fueling further speculation about Westbrook's future in L.A. However, NBA insider Marc Stein revealed that if the 2017 MVP isn't moved, new head coach Darvin Ham is committed to finding a meaningful role for him. The 33-year-old had a down year last season, averaging 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 1.0 steals. With that said, Westbrook has been a consistent fantasy contributor over the years despite his poor shooting percentages. That shouldn't change, no matter where he suits up this season.Source: Marc Stein
Nets, Markieff Morris Moving Forward In Talks
2 years agoThe Nets and free-agent forward Markieff Morris have "moved into advanced discussions." Brooklyn has the veteran on the radar, especially with the team looking to add depth underneath the basket. The 32-year-old has averaged 10.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists throughout his career. While Morris probably won't be a consistent fantasy contributor if he inks a deal with the Nets, he could receive some minutes as a starter this season, considering how often Brooklyn modified the starting lineup in 2021-22.Source: Marc Stein
Christian Koloko Signs With Toronto
2 years agoCenter Christian Koloko agreed to a three-year, $5.24 million contract with Toronto. The team selected the 22-year-old in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft after suiting up for the Arizona Wildcats at the collegiate level. The Raptors lack quality depth underneath the rim, so if Koloko plays his cards right, he could work his way into the rotation. While his redraft value is low, managers in dynasty formats should consider stashing him, although it may take him a few years to do anything meaningful on the fantasy end.Source: Ezra Amacher