NBA News

Jalen Green • SG • Rockets

Jalen Green Focused On Winning

Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green is eligible for a contract extension. While there hasn't been an update regarding a potential deal, the 22-year-old doesn't seem too concerned. "My main focus is the season ahead of me with the players that we have," said Green in an interview. "Thats the main focus right now, and everything will work itself out." The 22-year-old has had his share of struggles since entering the league in 2021. However, he has still been productive for fantasy managers, most recently finishing the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 19.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. Without question, he has All-Star potential, and his durability is a bonus for fantasy managers despite his underwhelming accuracy from behind the arc. Green and the Rockets have until October 21 to come to terms on a new deal. If that doesn't happen, the 2021 No. 2 overall pick will be a restricted free agent next offseason.

15 hours ago

Christian Koloko • C • Lakers

Christian Koloko Joining The Lakers

According to NBA insider Shams Charania, free-agent center Christian Koloko agreed to an undisclosed contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. The 24-year-old was selected by the Toronto Raptors in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft. He appeared in 58 games for the club, averaging 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks. Unfortunately, he began suffering from a blood-clotting issue, putting his career in jeopardy. But now that Koloko has a clean bill of health, he'll have a chance to earn a spot in the Lakers' rotation. While he's a long way away from being relevant from a fantasy standpoint, he's worth monitoring in case he earns routine minutes.

Yesterday

Landry Shamet • SG • Knicks

Landry Shamet Joining The Knicks On A One-Year Deal

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, free-agent guard Landry Shamet agreed to a one-year, non-guaranteed deal with the New York Knicks. The 27-year-old has bounced around the National Basketball Association over the years, making stops in Philadelphia, Los Angeles (Clippers), Brooklyn, Phoenix, and most recently, Washington. He appeared in 348 regular-season games for those clubs, averaging 8.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. The Knicks' roster is loaded with talent, so Shamet will likely spend most of his time on the bench, assuming he makes the team. As a result, he won't find his way onto many fantasy rosters in any format ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

Yesterday

Isaac Okoro • SF • Cavaliers

Isaac Okoro, Cavs Agree To A Three-Year Deal

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, restricted free-agent forward Isaac Okoro agreed to a three-year, $38 million deal to remain with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Both sides have been at a stalemate regarding a new contract for months. However, things finally worked out, meaning the Cavs will retain a capable defender. Okoro has spent his entire four-year career in Cleveland. He's appeared in 279 regular-season contests for the club, averaging 8.5 points and 2.9 rebounds. With that in mind, the Cavs have Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen doing most of the heavy lifting offensively, so there's little room for anyone else to get involved. As a result, Okoro likely won't see much attention from fantasy managers heading into the 2024-25 campaign. On the other hand, there could be streaming potential at some point during the season.

Yesterday

Jarrett Culver • SG • Magic |

Jalen Slawson • PF • Magic

Jalen Slawson, Jarrett Culver Sign Exhibit 10 Deals With Magic

Free agent forwards Jalen Slawson and Jarrett Culver have both signed Exhibit 10 contracts with the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. The Magic have two more two-way contracts open so it looks like they'll bring in a few people to see if they can play their way into one of those spots. Culver was originally drafted in 2019 and played for the Minnesota Timberwolves in his first three seasons and the Atlanta Hawks in his fourth. Last year, he spent the season in the G League where he averaged 20.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. Slawson spent his time on a two-way deal with the Sacramento Kings and appeared in 12 NBA games where he totaled eight points and seven rebounds.

3 days ago

Jimmy Butler • SF • Heat

Warriors "Have Interest" In Jimmy Butler

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler has been looking for an extension in Miami but hasn't received anything just yet. He's entering the final year of his deal this coming season but still has a player option that he could opt into for one more year. According to Sam Amick, the Golden State Warriors are looking at this scenario and they "have interest" in Butler after clearing a lot of cap space when they moved on from Klay Thompson and Chris Paul. After putting together a couple more contracts in a potential deal for Butler, they could remain in a favorable tax position. There have already been multiple reports about Butler interested in other teams or vice versa, so it remains to be seen if a team actually decides to pull the trigger on an offer.

3 days ago

AJ Griffin • SF • Rockets

AJ Griffin May Step Away From Basketball

Houston Rockets forward AJ Griffin is giving serious consideration to stepping away from the game of basketball altogether. According to Shams Charania and Kelly Iko, the former 16th overall pick is mulling the decision to move on from the game and focus on his life outside of the NBA. Griffin was traded to the Rockets this offseason from the Atlanta Hawks and the team is already preparing for Griffin to step away. The 21-year-old spent two seasons with the Hawks and averaged 7.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game while shooting .447/.372/.898. Nothing is set in stone at this time, so Griffin may still return or take a short leave. Either way, he's made it known that his mental health and life come first.

3 days ago

Jaime Jaquez Jr. • SF • Heat

Jaime Jaquez Jr. Focused On Improving

Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. is focused on improving his game, with shooting from behind the arc being his primary concern. "My three-point shooting, that's an area that I really wanted to improve," Jaquez said in an interview with Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald. "I feel like I needed to improve if we want to, as a team, make the strides and jumps that we need to try to win a championship." Jaquez's stock continues to increase after he finished the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 11.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.0 steals. Without question, the 21-year-old should be better in his second year in the NBA, especially since he's expected to retain a consistent spot in the rotation. With Jimmy Butler's future in Miami not set in stone and Tyler Herro historically having issues staying healthy, the sky is the limit for Jaquez in the years ahead.

3 days ago

Moses Moody • SG • Warriors

Moses Moody, Warriors Not Close On Contract Extension

According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the Warriors and guard Moses Moody aren't close to agreeing on a contract extension. Like Jonathan Kuminga, an agreement on a new deal must be finalized by October 21. If talks aren't successful by then, Moody will hit restricted free agency next offseason. The 22-year-old averaged a career-high 8.1 points and 3.0 rebounds in 66 games last season. However, Moody will have a difficult time improving those numbers during the 2024-25 campaign, considering the Warriors have Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, and Andrew Wiggins on the roster. The team also added Buddy Hield, De'Anthony Melton, and Kyle Anderson this offseason.

3 days ago

Jonathan Kuminga • PF • Warriors

Jonathan Kuminga Extension Not Imminent

According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, "significant progress" in contract talks between the Golden State Warriors and forward Jonathan Kuminga has not been made. The 2021 No. 7 overall pick is entering the final season of his rookie contract. While the Warriors dismissed trade inquiries this offseason from other teams, it doesn't appear both sides are close to securing an extension. Kuminga finished last season by averaging a career-high 16.1 points and 4.8 rebounds. However, with Klay Thompson now in Dallas, the expectations are higher for the 21-year-old. His shooting percentage from deep needs to improve. But Kuminga will be a consistent member of the Warriors' rotation in 2024-25, giving him value in all fantasy setups. Both sides have until October 21 to agree on a new deal. If it isn't finalized by then, Kuminga will be a restricted free agent next summer.

3 days ago

Montrezl Harrell • C

Montrezl Harrell Agrees Deal With Australian Team

Forward/center Montrezl Harrell has agreed to join the Adelaide 36ers in Australia, according to ESPN sources. The 2020 NBA Sixth Man of the Year will initially be on a short-term deal as an injury replacement. This will mark Harrell's return to competitive action for the first time since 2022-23. He missed the 2023-24 NBA season after suffering an ACL and meniscus tear. The 30-year-old has been a solid producer throughout his career, averaging 12.1 points and 5.0 rebounds in 20.5 minutes across 515 NBA regular-season games. Before signing a deal with the 36ers, Harrell reportedly participated in NBA minicamps ahead of the new campaign.

5 days ago

Jae Crowder • PF

Jae Crowder To Work Out With Kings This Week

Free-agent forward Jae Crowder is scheduled to have a workout with the Sacramento Kings this week, per Sean Cunningham of Fox 40. The Kings have also recently worked out Isaiah Thomas, Tony Bradley, Juan Toscano-Anderson, and Lonnie Walker IV. Crowder is a free agent after playing out two seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks. As a veteran of over 800 regular-season games, he would bring a wealth of experience to a Kings team that's looking to become a contender in the West. But fantasy-wise, the best days are clearly behind Crowder. He posted 6.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 23.1 minutes last season.

5 days ago

Zach LaVine • SG • Bulls

Bulls Looking To "Mend" Relationship With Zach LaVine

Chicago Bulls guard/forward Zach LaVine looks set to remain in the Windy City for the start of 2024-25 despite being one of the biggest names in trade rumors this offseason. No deal to move LaVine has materialized, and Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times has now reported that the Bulls are "working on mending their relationship" with LaVine. The two-time All-Star will look to produce a bounce-back campaign this season after averaging fewer than 20 points for the first time in six years last term. He looks well-placed to get back to his best, with DeMar DeRozan moving to Sacramento, which should allow LaVine to play a bigger role offensively.

5 days ago

Robert Williams III • C • Trail Blazers

Robert Williams III "Very Tradable"

Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (knee) is "very tradable," according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst. Portland has Deandre Ayton, who Windhorst implied isn't in high demand, while drafting UConn's Donovan Clingan during the 2024 NBA Draft. As a result, there's not much room for others. With teams around the National Basketball Association strapped for cash, William's $12.4 million price tag for the 2024-25 campaign makes him an ideal candidate to be moved. Without question, the 26-year-old has plenty of talent, averaging 7.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks throughout his career. Unfortunately, his history of bilateral knee surgeries has kept him from reaching his maximum potential. Williams' days as a starter are likely over. However, he has proven to be a reliable fantasy asset, even when coming off the bench.

5 days ago

Cedi Osman • SF

Lakers Did Not Invite Cedi Osman To Camp

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, small forward Cedi Osman did not receive a training camp invite from the Los Angeles Lakers. The Turkish forward reportedly had an offer on the table from the Lakers before agreeing to a one-year deal with Greek team Panathinaikos. However, sources have told Stein that the Lakers didn't extend an offer to the 29-year-old, despite LeBron James' well-known fondness for Osman, dating back to their days as teammates in Cleveland. Osman spent seven years in the NBA before moving to Greece for the upcoming campaign.

6 days ago

Cameron Johnson • PF • Nets

Cameron Johnson Has High Asking Price

Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson has been in trade rumors all offseason, but the team has failed to find a deal to move him because the Nets reportedly have high trade demands for Johnson. The 28-year-old has played out a couple of solid campaigns in Brooklyn, but he doesn't appear to fit the team's long-term plans. Last season, Johnson notched 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 27.6 minutes. Following Mikal Bridges' exit, Johnson could have a bigger part to play with the Nets if he remains with the team.

6 days ago

Christian Wood • PF • Lakers

Christian Wood Ruled Out For Eight Weeks Following Knee Surgery

Los Angeles Lakers forward/center Christian Wood (knee) will be unavailable for at least eight weeks after undergoing surgery on his left knee. Wood missed the last two months of last season with a left knee injury, and unfortunately, he won't be available for the start of the new campaign either. The 28-year-old big man averaged 6.9 points and 5.1 rebounds in 17.4 minutes with the Lakers last term. Wood is capable of putting up good numbers occasionally, but he doesn't see many minutes in Los Angeles, limiting his fantasy appeal.

6 days ago

Cedi Osman • SF

Cedi Osman Rejects Lakers To Return To Europe

Veteran forward Cedi Osman reportedly had an offer on the table from the Los Angeles Lakers before inking a deal with reigning EuroLeague champion Panathinaikos. Osman has landed in Greece on a one-year contract despite previously being in advanced talks with Real Madrid. According to Eurohoops, the 29-year-old also had an opportunity to join the Lakers for training camp before opting to link up with Panathinaikos, which also brought in Omer Yurtseven from the NBA this offseason. Osman spent the 2023-24 campaign with the San Antonio Spurs, averaging 6.8 points and 2.5 rebounds in 17.6 minutes. He has posted 9.3 points and 3.0 rebounds for his entire 476-game NBA career.

7 days ago

Davis Bertans • PF

Davis Bertans Skips Warriors Workout To Move To Dubai

Free-agent forward Davis Bertans looks set to end his NBA stay after spending eight seasons in the league. Bertans appeared to be working towards earning a contract for a ninth campaign in the Association and was scheduled to have a workout with the Golden State Warriors, but he will now move to Dubai instead. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Bertans has received a multi-year offer from Dubai BC. His deal with the team reportedly includes an "out" clause, which allows Bertans to return to the NBA down the road. The 31-year-old Latvian has averaged 7.7 points and 2.4 rebounds with 39.6 percent three-point shooting for his 475-game NBA career.

7 days ago

EJ Liddell • PF • Bulls

EJ Liddell Joins Bulls

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, power forward EJ Liddell has agreed a deal with the Chicago Bulls. The 23-year-old Illinois native moves to Chicago after being released by the Phoenix Suns. The Suns waived Liddell two weeks ago after acquiring him in an offseason trade from the New Orleans Pelicans. After going 41st in the 2022 draft, Liddell tore his right ACL, delaying his NBA debut. He made his first eight appearances in the league last season with the Pelicans, averaging 2.9 minutes. The young forward has done very little in the Association, but he showed off good ability with the Birmingham Squadron in the G League, notching 17.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in 2023-24.

7 days ago

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