2 years agoThe New York Knicks have recently resumed discussions regarding a potential trade for Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell. The Knicks are still the front-runners to acquire his talents. However, according to sources, a deal isn't imminent. Both clubs have had several talks throughout the offseason already, although "hurdles remain." Nevertheless, it's clear Mitchell is one of the most talented fantasy options going. That shouldn't change if he lands in New York or somewhere else, for that matter.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Shams Charania

2 years agoChicago Bulls forward Justin Lewis (knee) will miss time after tearing his right ACL, according to an official release from the team. He will undergo surgery within the coming weeks and is out indefinitely. The 20-year-old played for Marquette over the last two years, averaging 13.2 points and 6.9 rebounds throughout 53 games. However, after going undrafted in 2022, he signed a two-way deal with the Bulls and was forecasted to see minutes in the G League this season. While Lewis isn't expected to get a shot at consistently suiting up at the professional level for at least a few years, he is someone to consider stashing in deep dynasty formats.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Chicago Bulls

2 years agoMemphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (foot) is expected to miss a significant amount of time to begin the season. The 22-year-old underwent surgery in June to repair a stress fracture in his right foot. However, according to Dr. Kenneth Jung, a foot and ankle specialist, Jackson should be 100% after completing rehab. The No. 4 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft played a career-high 78 games in 2021 after playing 58 or less throughout his previous three seasons, including suiting up for only 11 contests in 2020-21 due to a knee injury. Unquestionably, Jackson has plenty of talent. But his inability to remain healthy will cause his fantasy stock to plummet heading into October. Nevertheless, with Memphis anticipated to be without Jackson for a while, Brandon Clarke may be the primary beneficiary, whether as a starter or off the bench.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Damichael Cole

2 years agoMiami Heat guard Tyler Herro isn't concerned about being traded, a sentiment he echoed to reporters while appearing for his foundation. The reigning Sixth Man of the Year is projected to make $5.7 million this season in the final year of his rookie deal. He is eligible to sign a lucrative extension. However, doing so would make it challenging to trade him before the 2023 offseason. The 22-year-old is coming off a fantastic season, averaging a career-high 20.7 points while adding 5.0 boards, 4.0 assists, and shooting 39.9% from deep. Herro needs to improve on the defensive side of the ball. He also hasn't played more than 66 games in any of his three seasons, which may continue to be an issue for all fantasy managers heading into the 2022-23 campaign, no matter where he is playing.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Anthony Chiang

2 years agoBoston Celtics guard Juhann Begarin will remain with Paris Basketball for the 2022-23 campaign. The 20-year-old made a name for himself overseas before he was selected by the C's with the No. 45 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. He averaged 18.2 points and 5.6 rebounds throughout five Summer League appearances in July. Although Begarin is still a work in progress, dynasty managers with room to spare can consider stashing him while he attempts to hone his craft on the international stage.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Adam Himmelsbach

2 years agoFree-agent forward Udonis Haslem isn't sure if he'll return for his 20th season. Haslem, who turned 42 in June, has been in Miami since 2003. Throughout his career, he's averaged 7.5 points and 6.6 rebounds, although he has played sparingly over recent years. While there's still a chance the veteran re-ups with the Heat, he isn't expected to contribute much of anything for fantasy managers during the 2022-23 campaign.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Ira Winderman

2 years agoFree-agent guard Alex Morales agreed to an Exhibit 10 deal with Orlando on Monday. The 24-year-old averaged 15.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.5 steals throughout his time at Wagner. However, after going undrafted, he went on to log 5.0 points per game during five Summer League appearances for the Golden State Warriors. While it's unknown how things will play out for Morales with the Magic, it's nearly guaranteed he won't provide anything for fantasy managers in any format this season.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Adam Zagoria

2 years agoBrooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant announced on Twitter that he's not retiring. Durant's name has been in the news throughout most of the offseason, so the latest rumor shouldn't come as a surprise. While it's confirmed the multi-time All-Star isn't calling it quits, his future in Brooklyn still remains a mystery. However, no matter what uniform he's wearing, he has a strong chance to finish the year as a top-five fantasy option in all formats, assuming he stays healthy.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Kevin Durant

2 years agoBrooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving opted into his player option for the 2022-23 campaign. However, according to Ric Bucher of FS1, the multi-time All-Star had some interesting demands while attempting to negotiate a new deal with the team, including ensuring he wouldn't be required to play more than 60 games during any given season. He was also reportedly looking for a guarantee he could sit during back-to-back contests. The 30-year-old has been a proven contributor over the years. Yet, he has a reputation for missing time, failing to suit up for an entire season since entering the league in 2011. Although he's not guaranteed to stay in Brooklyn moving forward, fantasy managers in all formats must be cautious before selecting him in drafts heading into October, regardless of where he's playing.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Ric Bucher

2 years agoUtah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell may have already played his final game for the club. While there are some teams throughout the league capable of making a deal for the All-Star, the Knicks reportedly remain the frontrunners to acquire his services. The 25-year-old has been one of the best fantasy contributors since arriving in the NBA in 2017, averaging 23.9 points, 4.5 assists, 4.2 boards, and 1.3 steals. He could be in line to have his highest producing season to date during the 2022-23 campaign, primarily with the Jazz lacking consistent offensive options. Yet, if he ends up in New York, he'll have to split scoring chances with Jalen Brunson. Even then, he should remain a top-25 fantasy option.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Fred Katz

2 years agoBoston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown wants to remain with the team. Although the franchise enjoyed a trip to the NBA Finals with the 25-year-old on the roster, he could be traded if it meant landing Nets superstar Kevin Durant. Still, the C's aren't actively shopping Brown, so if a deal with Brooklyn doesn't come to fruition, he would almost be guaranteed to stay in Boston. It's clear Jayson Tatum is the primary offensive option for the Celtics. However, Brown has been fantastic over the years, averaging at least 20 points in each of the last three seasons. His statistical contributions may rise if he is dealt to Brooklyn, especially on the scoring end, even more so if Kyrie Irving is also moved. Yet, his health needs to improve regardless of who signs his checks moving ahead, as he has played 58 games or less in two of his previous three seasons.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Shams Charania

2 years agoThe Lakers will reportedly use the start of training camp as a "soft deadline" on a decision surrounding a Russell Westbrook move. While Westbrook's name continues to be involved in potential trade scenarios, Los Angeles may continue to be unwilling to package some of its coveted first-round future draft picks. As a result, there's a chance the multi-time All-Star will stay in L.A. for the 2022-23 campaign. However, the team could look to move him, especially with Westbrook ready to enter the final year of his current contract. A buyout is also still on the table. Despite getting older, he remains one of the most potent fantasy contributors, regardless of his decline in production last season. Westbrook's shooting percentages from deep aren't the best, something for category managers to consider, but he has rarely missed time throughout his career. That shouldn't change, no matter where he's playing come October, although his statistical contributions could improve on a new team away from LeBron James and Anthony Davis.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Jovan Buha

2 years agoThe Christmas Day schedule has become something of a rite of passage for many players and fans of NBA teams alike. Marc Stein reports that two games are already tentatively scheduled: Lakers vs. Mavericks and Grizzlies vs. Warriors. The first collision provides ample star power, as LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook clash with Luka Doncic, who is coming off having led his team to the Western Conference Finals. The other game delivers a scintillating rematch of a hotly contested playoff series that Golden State eventually won en route to claiming a championship. There are three games still to be announced, but the rollout of games for both Opening Night and Christmas Day is an indicator of how close the season is to getting underway.--Jesse BorekSource: Marc Stein

2 years agoPhiladelphia 76ers point guard De'Anthony Melton had it all working during the Drew League playoffs Saturday, as he compiled 26 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals to lead the Hometown Favorites to victory. Melton is coming off having averaged a career-high 10.8 PPG last season for the Grizzlies, where he played in 73 games (15 starts). The 24-year-old's role appeared to be on a straight trajectory upward before he was dealt to Philly, complicating how the team's backcourt minutes will shake out. With a group consisting of James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, Matisse Thybulle, Shake Milton and Furkan Korkmaz, Melton may be blocked from blossoming into a redraft league option, even as he'll be a name to monitor in his new situation.--Jesse BorekSource: NBA

2 years agoPoint guard McKinley Wright IV and forward Mouhamadou Gueye have been brought aboard by the Dallas Mavericks to compete for roster spots during the team's upcoming training camp, per Shams Charania of The Athletic. Wright made his NBA debut last year, appearing in five games off the bench for Minnesota, yet compiled just 19 total minutes. Gueye is an undrafted rookie who spent his final collegiate year averaging 9.8 points and 6.3 rebounds for Pittsburgh, having previously spent two seasons at Stony Brook. Wright would appear to have an outside shot at cracking Dallas' backcourt rotation, although the decision to keep Frank Ntilikina and to draft Jaden Hardy makes it an uphill battle to garner minutes.--Jesse BorekSource: Shams Charania