Felix Okpara finishes defeat with 12 points

Contract negotiations between Duren and the Pistons have dragged into September, just weeks before the team is scheduled to begin training camp. According to MacMahon, Detroit has offered the All-NBA center a five-year contract with an average annual salary of $35 million, while Duren is seeking an AAV of over $40 million. While he is coming off the best season of his NBA career, the 6-foot-10 center struggled in both of Detroit’s playoff series, which has likely factored into the contract negotiations. Also, the Pistons already have Cade Cunningham on a max deal, and they’re negotiating with Ausar Thompson as he enters the final year of his rookie deal. Duren is a top-50 fantasy player, but it’s fair to wonder how the contract talks will affect his performance in 2026-27 if the hard feelings linger.

Not selected in the 2026 draft, Mitchell agreed to an Exhibit 10 deal with the Nuggets shortly thereafter. However, a recent court injunction giving Class of 2022 athletes a fifth season of eligibility opened the door for athletes like Mitchell to return to school. The 6-foot-9 forward/center initially committed to Kentucky but has since decided to return to Missouri for another season. If the court ruling is upheld, Mitchell will be a Tiger next season. However, if the NCAA’s appeal is upheld, he and many other players will be in a tough spot regarding where they’ll play next season.

Despite an injured left wrist, Brunson led the Knicks to their first NBA title since 1973 this past spring. Now focused on retaining the crown for another season, the star point guard is in a good place health-wise after undergoing surgery on his left wrist earlier this summer. Brunson told the New York Post that he “feels good,” and he’s expected to be ready when training camp opens in late September. Given the timeline, fantasy managers should not have any concerns about Brunson’s availability. He should be either a second- or third-round pick in standard league drafts.

Israel had already been eliminated from contention for a FIBA World Cup spot, but there was still hope that Avdija would play in the nation’s most recent qualifiers. However, according to him, the Trail Blazers did not clear him to play because of the back injury he initially suffered in mid-January. Avdija said via social media that, while he wanted to play, the Trail Blazers weren’t willing to take that risk. With Damian Lillard and Ja Morant entering the rotation, Avdija’s usage is likely to take a hit in 2026-27. Hopefully, Portland’s decision to keep him out of FIBA qualifier competition was more precautionary than anything else.

Hours after it was reported that the Timberwolves planned to waive the recently acquired Konchar, the team made the news official. He was acquired as part of a deal with Utah that gave Minnesota the cap space needed to make its signing of Jonathan Kuminga official. Konchar’s skill set can be a positive asset in fantasy basketball, but last season was the first in which he averaged more than 25 minutes per game. Until he’s on a team with a clearly defined role, there’s no need for managers to invest in him.

This was rumored after he was sent to Cleveland as part of the Peyton Watson trade, and now it’s official. The 2023 first-round pick will be looking for a new home after suiting up in 21 games for the Wizards last season prior to suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in December.

Sent to Minnesota along with Cody Williams in exchange for Josh Green, Konchar will not play a game for the Timberwolves. Limited to 26 games last season due to injuries, Konchar averaged 5.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocks in 26.2 minutes. Depending on whether he can sign with another NBA team, Konchar can provide value at various points in a season in category leagues. However, that isn’t enough to make him a player worth drafting in most leagues.

The Timberwolves made this deal to free up cap space, likely to sign a veteran who’s a good locker-room presence. The tenth overall pick in the 2024 draft, Williams struggled to carve out a role for himself as a rookie but did show signs of improvement last season. Starting 41 of the 67 games he appeared in, the 6-foot-7 wing averaged 8.8 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 24.3 minutes in 2025-26. Adding Williams gives the Timberwolves a little more depth on the wing, but it will be challenging for him to land a role that will make him fantasy-relevant.

Acquired from the Hornets as part of the LaMelo Ball trade, Green never got to actually suit up for the Timberwolves. He appeared in 58 games for the Hornets last season, averaging 4.3 points in 15.7 minutes. While Green can be a capable perimeter defender for the Jazz, his game won’t impact fantasy basketball. Trading Green’s contract gives the Timberwolves the room needed to make Jonathan Kuminga’s signing official.

At the time of his injury, Furphy was emerging as one of the few bright spots in the Pacers’ 2025-26 campaign, having started 18 straight games and producing at a higher level. Unfortunately, the injury ended the former second-round pick’s season. Furphy, who has added strength according to Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan, said recently that he’s in a good place with his rehab, but he still hasn’t been cleared to resume 5-on-5 activities. When asked for a potential timeline for that clearance, the 6-foot-9 wing was unsure. With Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) available, Furphy is one of the players who would benefit from the point guard’s return once he’s allowed to play. However, only dynasty league managers should be considering Furphy in drafts this fall.