NBA Player News

Christopher and Todd were sent to Memphis in the deals that sent out Dillon Brooks and Tyus Jones. They were longshots to be part of the Grizzlies’ rotation, and they’ll now have the chance to sign two-ways for different teams. Mulder and Hurt’s deals weren’t disclosed by the team, but they are likely just training camp invites on Exhibit 10 deals. Both will likely end up with the Memphis Hustle.

Bullock was sent from Dallas to the Spurs this summer as part of the deal that allowed the Mavs to bring in Grant Williams. Bullock will be able to join a contender and be a solid role player, but he isn’t a player to target in fantasy basketball.

Dumas’ tweet says that they’ll find out more information on Monday, so the timeline may be different for Green’s return. However, if it’s accurate, Draymond may miss opening night. If that’s the case, both Chris Paul and Kevon Looney would likely start, with Jonathan Kuminga playing an increased role off the bench. Even if Draymond is back, he may not be in ideal playing shape, so Kuminga could play a few extra minutes off the bench.

Dallas will open its preseason slate Thursday in Ab Dhabi with a game against the Timberwolves, representing the first opportunity for Kidd to tinker with his rotation. And he plans on starting Lively and Prosper alongside Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Grant Williams. “Excited to see how they handle it...,” Kidd said. “At the end of the day, both of them are doing the work, and if you ask the rest of the guys, they’re fine with it.” While Lively has been compared to former Mavericks center Tyson Chandler by some, the hope for Prosper is that he fills the role that has been vacant since Dallas sent Dorian Finney-Smith to Brooklyn in the Irving trade. Of the two rookies, Lively offers a bit more in the way of fantasy potential, especially for managers needing blocks production.

Per Charania, the Hornets have decided to keep Jones away from the team indefinitely as training camp approaches. How long the absence will be is undetermined, but communication between the team and Jones remains constant. Averaging 12.0 minutes per game in 46 appearances last season, Jones faced a difficult fight for rotation minutes in training camp. Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer reported last week that Jones’ comments on social media criticizing some teammates and absence from voluntary workouts had drawn attention within the franchise. Jones’ future with the team is up in the air, even with his contract for this season being guaranteed.

Tatum, who had the best season of his NBA career in 2022-23, went into the offseason believing he could have to undergo surgery on his non-shooting wrist. However, after consulting with multiple specialists, the star forward decided against undergoing a procedure. According to Shelburne, Tatum received a cortisone shot, and he’s feeling “comfortable” regarding his health and potentially enhanced offensive role. With Marcus Smart now in Memphis, Tatum will have more opportunities to initiate the offense, even with Derrick White now serving as the starting point guard. After averaging a career-high 4.6 helpers per game last season, don’t be surprised if Tatum increases that number. He’s worthy of consideration on the back end of the top 5 in all drafts.

There’s nothing surprising about this report, as Holiday’s career timeline does not mesh with his new team’s. According to Charania, the veteran point guard could be moved as soon as Monday, with Philadelphia being one team reportedly interested in making something happen. Holiday will offer fantasy value wherever he lands; the question is, “How much?” He last finished a season ranked outside the top 50 in 9-cat, per-game value in 2016-17, and Holiday’s rookie year (2009-10) is the only one in which he’s failed to crack the top 100.

After spending last season with the Suns, Payton will get the opportunity to be a depth piece for the Pacers. With Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell in front of him, it’s unlikely that Payton plays much of a role.

Maledon played for Charlotte on a two-way contract last season, so not much is changing for him. Unless the Hornets catch the injury bug again this year, Maledon will spend most of the year in the G-League.

Sumner was waived by the Nets on July 15, and he’ll look to provide needed PG depth for Charlotte behind LaMelo Ball. Sumner posted 7.1 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.6 triples across 13.9 minutes per game in 53 appearances for Brooklyn in 2022-23. He’s off the fantasy radar in 2023-24.