Chicago Bulls forward Al-Farouq Aminu is expected to exercise his $10.2 million player option for next season. This is a no-brainer for Aminu since he won't get anywhere near that salary in free agency. He was acquired by Chicago from the Orlando Magic in the trade that sent Nikola Vucevic to the Bulls. Aminu averaged 1.5 points in 11.2 minutes during his time with the Bulls. Fantasy managers shouldn't assume Aminu will have any fantasy value in Chicago next season.
The Chicago Bulls have made a huge trade on deadline day, shipping center Wendell Carter Jr., forward Otto Porter Jr., and a pair of first-rounders to the Orlando Magic in exchange for All-Star center Nikola Vucevic and forward Al-Farouq Aminu. While Aminu's 5.5 points and 5.4 rebounds per game won't change much in Chicago, Vucevic is a huge acquisition for a Bulls team that sits 10th in the Eastern Conference right now. Vucevic, who is averaging 24.5 points and 11.8 rebounds per game while also draining 2.7 threes per contest, will slide into the starting lineup in Chicago, sending either Thaddeus Young or Lauri Markkanen to the bench. Vucevic's numbers should remain around where they were in Orlando aside from a potentially small drop in scoring as he cedes some possessions to Zach LaVine. The biggest impact here is that Markkanen will see a drop in attempts, making him a fantasy faller after the deadline.
Orlando Magic forward Al-Farouq Aminu will start on Sunday against Detroit. The veteran has appeared in only three games this year, having recently logged just 13 minutes the other night against the Golden State Warriors. With the 30-year-old in the starting rotation, Khem Birch and Gary Clark will likely see a decrease in minutes from the bench. However, Aminu should still be classified as a DFS dart throw as he probably won't see the floor enough to make a difference on the fantasy end.
Evan Fournier And Al-Farouq Aminu Available Wednesday
Orlando Magic guard/forward Evan Fournier (back) and forward Al-Farouq Aminu (knee) are both available to play Wednesday against the New York Knicks. Fournier has been dealing with back issues for almost the entirety of this season, but was making strides in practice ahead of Wednesday. Aminu has been plagued by knee injuries for over a year now and is not on the fantasy radar right now, but it is good to see him make his way back onto the court. With Fournier's return, Terrence Ross will most likely return to his bench role, but he usually thrives here. Dwayne Bacon may also see some less opportunities.
James Ennis And Al-Farouq Aminu Questionable Against Knicks
Orlando Magic forwards James Ennis (groin) and Al-Farouq Aminu (knee) are both questionable to play Wednesday against the New York Knicks. Ennis suffered a groin strain over the weekend and missed Sunday's game while Aminu has played just five minutes in over a year. Aminu is making strides for his availability as he went through a full non-contact practice on Tuesday, but Ennis could be in line for multiple absences. Terrence Ross got the start on Sunday for Ennis and had 23 points, six rebounds, five assists and three three-pointers.
Orlando Magic forward Al-Farouq Aminu (knee) is out again Sunday against the Phoenix Suns. Aminu has had over a year of rehabbing his knee and made his return last Tuesday, but played just five minutes and has not played since. Aminu has been well off the fantasy radar for awhile now and does not appear to be in a fantasy relevant role any time soon. Dwayne Bacon will continue to start with Evan Fournier (back) out as well.
Evan Fournier, Al-Farouq Aminu Questionable For Thursday
Orlando Magic shooting guard/small forward Evan Fournier (back) and power forward Al-Farouq Aminu (knee) have been deemed questionable to suit up for Thursday's contest versus Golden State. Fournier continues to work through back spasms, which have derailed his production and allowed Dwayne Bacon to take on a starting role. Aminu returned for the first time in 14 months to play Tuesday, but logged just five minutes before departing. Fournier's presence will be paramount to Orlando's wing rotations Thursday, so fantasy managers will want to check back to get the final word on his status. Aminu is too early in his return to action to move the needle from a fantasy perspective.
Orlando Magic forward Al-Farouq Aminu (knee) is officially off the injury report ahead of Tuesday's game against Portland. While it looks like Aminu will be able to make his season debut, we'd expect to see the Magic bring him along slowly. Once he's back in the rotation, the defensive-minded Aminu would take minutes away from Gary Clark and Chuma Okeke, limiting their DFS appeal, though Aminu himself is likely to be a low-upside play most nights.
Al-Farouq Aminu Returns To Practice, Could Play Tuesday
Orlando Magic power forward Al-Farouq Aminu (knee) was able to suit up for practice Monday, with head coach Steve Clifford leaving the door open for a return to game action Tuesday against Portland. Aminu, who underwent knee surgery, last took the floor Nov. 29, 2019. With Aaron Gordon (ankle) sidelined, Aminu's return could give the Magic a much-needed injection of production in the frontcourt. Known primarily for his defensive abilities, Aminu isn't likely to be much of a season-long fantasy asset, especially as he works his way back into game speed. Check back prior to tip-off Tuesday to confirm his final status, but primarily as a means of gauging Chuma Okeke and Gary Clark's DFS appeal.
Orlando Magic forward Al-Farouq Aminu (knee) is without a timetable after he underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee on Wednesday. He suffered a setback during his recovery from a right meniscus surgery back in January. The organization is not sure when Aminu will be able to get back on the court this season. He won't be on the fantasy radar and can be ignored on draft day. Chuma Okeke will get a boost in fantasy value and should have a solid path to playing time in Orlando.