Bruce Thornton drops seven dimes vs. Memphis

This timeline has Sharpe returning after the All-Star break, though some sort of ramp-up period should be expected, meaning he likely won’t play a significant role until at least March. Sharpe was likely going to be a big contributor off the bench this season, which will likely force Portland to turn to smaller lineups, featuring two of Ja Morant, Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson, more often. The wings that may take on more minutes in Sharpe’s absence are Vít Krejčí and Sidy Cissoko, though it is unlikely either plays enough to be worth taking a chance on late in your fantasy draft.

Coming off the most productive season of his NBA career, Duren appeared to be in line for a significant payday this summer. However, a subpar showing in the postseason cast doubt on whether the center was worth the max contract that he hopes to land. With Duren a restricted free agent and few teams having the cap space to meet his asking price, the Pistons held the leverage when free agency began in late June. Rumors suggested the Lakers and Kings were interested in a sign-and-trade, but the former added Walker Kessler and the latter has not moved Domantas Sabonis. So, the staring contest between Duren and the Pistons continues, and it’s fair to wonder if the nature of the negotiations will affect the center’s production in 2026-27. As he showed last season, Duren has top-50 value in fantasy basketball, but he has to agree to a deal first.

Thompson’s departure from the Mavericks comes with a price. However, the veteran sharpshooter will now move on to the next chapter of his career, which will reportedly be with the Miami Heat. In joining the Heat, Thompson would likely come off the bench and play an important floor-spacing role for a team that could use all the three-point shooting possible. Thompson averaged 11.7 points and shot 38.3 percent from deep last season with Dallas.

DeRozan was waived by the Kings in early July, and he has now found a new home for his 18th NBA season. He spent the last two in Sacramento and will remain in the West, though on a more competitive team. DeRozan will have a chance to start, but it is more likely that he is used in a reserve capacity. DeRozan has only come off the bench 12 times in his career, all during his rookie season. He’ll likely take another hit in production due to a minutes decrease next season.

Shortly after NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Thompson had reached a buyout agreement with Dallas, Shams dropped the news that Thompson was headed to South Beach. Thompson’s final season in Dallas was forgettable, but he’s still an elite shooter, which is exactly what the Heat need to build this team around Giannis Antetokounmpo. There is a chance that Thompson starts alongside Davion Mitchell, Andrew Wiggins, Giannis and Bam Adebayo, though he should play a significant role regardless. Pelle Larsson may take on a smaller role than anticipated with Thompson in town.

In an interview with Cyro Asseo, Garland revealed that he had torn ligaments in his foot but is now fully healthy after a full offseason of recovery. He should play a significant role for the new-look Clippers and, if his health holds, remain a strong fantasy option as one of the team’s primary playmakers.

Whitmore was dealt to Cleveland as part of the Peyton Watson trade, but it doesn’t seem like the Cavs are interested in keeping him around. Stretching his $5.4 million contract over a few seasons will give them more flexibility to build out this team with players that are more ready to help win now. It isn’t official yet, but it seems likely that Whitmore won’t be playing in Cleveland next season.

Harden’s new deal includes a trade kicker and a player option, so he’ll retain some form of control over his future. The superstar guard was traded from the Clippers midseason, and Cleveland made the Eastern Conference Finals. The team will look to continue its upward trajectory with the pairing of Harden and Donovan Mitchell, and the former is still a reliable fantasy option heading into his 18th season.

Reese was added in to facilitate the Peyton Watson trade to Cleveland, though Denver had no intention to keep him around. Reese ended last season on a two-way deal with Washington and will look to find a new home for next season.

Whitmore was added in to facilitate the Peyton Watson trade, and he’ll end up as a young depth piece in Cleveland. However, there are likely too many players in front of him on the depth chart on a team that is trying to compete in the East for him to get much of an opportunity next season.