Dallas Mavericks forward Kristaps Porzingis was frustrated with his role with the team last season. Still, new head coach Jason Kidd said that Porzingis is a "perfect fit" while adding that he wants him to be "more aggressive." The 25-year-old averaged 20.1 points and 8.9 boards during the 2020-21 campaign but continues to be plagued by consistent knee issues. He has plenty of talent, especially from deep, and if he can remain healthy, he has the potential to be a top-25 fantasy option, if not higher.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Eric Bledsoe could be on the move ahead of the 2021 NBA Draft. Bledsoe's name has been brought up during recent trade discussions with the Grizzlies, who could offer a deal to bring the veteran to Memphis. Moving the 31-year-old would undoubtedly give the Pelicans some financial freedom while allowing the Grizzlies to add much-needed depth. The 12-year veteran averaged 12.2 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.4 boards during the 2020-21 campaign. While it would appear that Bledsoe's best days are behind him, he could see an increase in production if given more chances on the offensive end.
Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (shoulder) is reportedly on the Golden State Warriors' wish list. Siakam's s name has been mentioned in trade rumblings recently, and with the team looking at a potential rebuild, moving the big man could be on the horizon, possibly as early as Thursday's NBA Draft. The 27-year-old was a solid contributor for fantasy managers during the 2020-21 campaign, finishing the season by averaging 21.4 points, 7.2 boards, and 1.1 steals before succumbing to a torn labrum. While he likely won't be healthy enough to see the floor in October, he still has plenty of value for fantasy managers in category formats.
Free-agent forward Blake Griffin is expected to remain in Brooklyn next season. After reaching a buyout agreement with the Detroit Pistons during the year, the 32-year-old signed with the Nets. Griffin had spurts of productivity during his brief tenure in the Big Apple and averaged 10 points and 4.7 boards throughout 26 games. Although his best days are likely behind him, he has late-round value in upcoming fantasy drafts in deeper formats.
Free Agent guard Kyle Lowry continues to draw plenty of interest from multiple teams throughout the league. With the veteran already having a championship on his resume, he is looking to land a lucrative deal, which the Toronto Raptors may not be willing to offer. The 35-year-old averaged 17.2 points during the 2020-21 season but battled injuries that relegated him to only 46 games. However, with teams like the Pelicans, Sixers, Mavericks, Lakers, and Heat looking for an experienced guard, he should have no problem securing a deal. Nonetheless, he should be labeled as a risky option for fantasy managers, primarily because of his age and inability to remain healthy over the years.
Sacramento Kings guard Buddy Hield could be on the move. Hield has been the subject of trade discussions and has recently been linked to the Sixers and Lakers as potential destinations. The 28-year-old was vocal about his displeasure with the organization during the year, but he was a solid contributor, finishing the 2020-21 campaign by averaging 16.6 points while shooting 39 percent from deep. If Hield lands in Los Angeles or Philadelphia, he may routinely start or at least get consistent minutes as a bench option. Regardless, he is a capable scorer who has the potential to smash his fantasy expectations if given a chance.
Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal may request a trade ahead of Thursday's NBA Draft. Beal's name has been wrapped up in trade rumblings for a while, so it wouldn't be surprising if he weren't in Washington when the season begins in October. The 28-year-old is in his prime and is coming off a 2020-21 campaign where he averaged 31.3 points. He was a solid contributor in the scoring column for managers in category leagues, and regardless of where the veteran lands, he should remain a top-25 fantasy option.
Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins received a $7.7 million qualifying offer from the team on Thursday, making him a restricted free agent. Collins played relatively well last season and was instrumental in helping the team reach the Eastern Conference Finals, where he averaged 13.8 points and 9.5 boards throughout the six games against Milwaukee. The 23-year-old rejected an extension during the year, and it's probable he receives plenty of offers moving ahead. While he isn't a consistent scorer, he usually has no issues getting it done on the glass, which is something for managers in category formats to consider.
Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal has been a hot commodity for virtually every team throughout the league. With Beal entering the potential final year of his most recent contract, Golden State has emerged as a potential destination. If a deal were to happen before the start of the new year, the Warriors would undoubtedly have to give up both of its 2021 first-round draft picks, and then some, while offloading the salaries of Andrew Wiggins and James Wiseman. Nonetheless, despite being relegated to just 60 games due to injury last season, the 28-year-old averaged a career-high 31.3 points. If paired with Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry, Beal would probably see a reduction on the scoring end, although not enough to severely impact his fantasy stock.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (calf) is expected to be moved before the start of the 2021-22 campaign, or at least the team hopes. With the Cavs entering an anticipated rebuilding phase, trading the 32-year-old veteran and his hefty salary is a logical option. Although packaging Love alongside Collin Sexton may be needed to get a deal done, it is evident that he has likely already played his final game with the franchise. The 13-year professional logged 12.2 points and 7.4 boards throughout just 25 contests last season due to a nagging right calf injury. However, depending on where Love ends up, he still may have a few more years of quality production moving ahead, especially if he gets some minutes and can remain healthy.
