Stein: Clippers return for Beal not ruled out

For the deal to be finalized, Thompson’s departure frees up a two-way contract for the Pacers. That gives the team, which is hard-capped at the first apron, another possible avenue to sign second-round pick Braden Smith. While he could also be signed to a deal paying the rookie minimum, Smith on a two-way deal would give the Pacers a little more financial flexibility.

After spending four seasons in Miami, Highsmith was dealt to Brooklyn ahead of last season. They waived him in February, though he never appeared in a game for the Nets. Phoenix signed him after that, and he suited up seven times for them before last season ended. The 29-year-old will enter free agency following an injury-riddled season, which stemmed from a knee surgery that he underwent last August.

The 2022 first-round pick spent the last four seasons in the NBA, most recently on a two-way deal with the 76ers. However, his career will continue internationally, though the 25-year-old may make a return to the NBA in the future.

Trimble’s college career appeared to be over after he completed four seasons of eligibility at North Carolina. However, a recent court ruling that has given Class of 2022 athletes a fifth season of eligibility has opened the door for many to go back to school. Trimble, who agreed to an Exhibit 10 contract with the Wizards last month, will take advantage of the opportunity, playing his fifth season at Louisville. However, the NCAA has said that it will not provide blanket eligibility waivers. As a result, he will need the US Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit to uphold the injunction to be assured of playing college basketball next season. Trimble’s decision won’t affect fantasy basketball, and there’s even less reason for managers in deep dynasty leagues to consider adding him.

Despite multiple rumors of where Westbrook may play basketball next season, the former MVP has decided to call it a career. Drafted in 2008, Russ was the first draft pick Thunder history after they made the move from Seattle. He spent the first 11 years of his career with OKC, which included his MVP season and an NBA Finals appearance. Westbrook bounced around after that, playing for six teams in seven seasons, including the Rockets, Wizards, Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets and Kings. After 18 years in the NBA, Westbrook should be a lock for the Hall of Fame.

Less than one year after Mark Walter purchased a controlling share of the Lakers from the Buss family for $10 billion, the storied franchise is on the verge of changing hands again. Kushner and Iger were initially involved in the expansion process in Las Vegas, so it remains to be seen what Wednesday’s news means for that bid (and, by extension, a possible expansion team in Seattle). The transaction still requires league approval to go through, and if it does, Kushner will have to give up his minority share of the Miami Heat.

Watson remains a restricted free agent, and the Cavaliers are reportedly exploring ways to create enough salary-cap space to offer him a four-year deal. According to Stein, Cleveland has considered trade scenarios involving guards Dennis Schroder and Max Strus to shed salary. Watson is seeking a deal worth more than $25 million annually, but could also accept his $6.5 million qualifying offer from the Nuggets and become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Whether he remains in Denver or heads elsewhere, Watson has the skill set needed to offer reliable fantasy value. That said, an opportunity to start would raise his ceiling, and that may not be possible in Denver next season.

The Warriors have roster spots to fill, but not much cap space to do it. Due to a left foot injury, Niang did not play at all in 2025-26, beginning his year with the Jazz before being sent to Memphis as part of the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade. As for Williams, he appeared in 66 games for the Mavericks last season, averaging 13.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 0.9 steals in 22.2 minutes. While he did record career-best averages, Williams’ increased opportunities came as a result of Kyrie Irving missing the entire season with a torn ACL. He and Niang are capable contributors if they were to land with the Warriors, but neither qualifies as a must-draft player in most leagues.

Beal’s first season with the Clippers did not go as planned, as he appeared in just six games before a fractured hip required season-ending surgery. The veteran guard opted out of the final year of his contract to become an unrestricted free agent, and he’s yet to find a new home. Miami has been mentioned as a possible destination for Beal, but various reports have the team’s priority being Dallas wing Klay Thompson. The Clippers are in a state of flux right now because Toronto has put the Kawhi Leonard trade on hold while the NBA continues its investigation into the contract he and Los Angeles agreed to years ago. While a healthy Beal can offer tangible fantasy value, his inability to stay healthy in recent years makes him a risky draft pick in standard leagues.

Leonard was traded to Toronto in late June, with the Clippers receiving Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and future draft capital. However, the ongoing investigation into Leonard’s Clippers contract led the Raptors to pause the deal, as potential penalties could affect Toronto. Despite new information about an undisclosed sponsorship with Daktronics reported by Pablo Torre, Leonard is going through his offseason expecting to be a Raptor by the time training camp opens in late September. When available, Leonard is one of the best players to have rostered in fantasy basketball. However, the injury history combined with this investigation will give managers something to think about at draft time.