Aaron Wiggins starts, scores 10 points vs. Spurs

Consistently contending for an NBA championship gets expensive, especially in the current era. Oklahoma City holds team options on Isaiah Hartenstein, Luguentz Dort and Kenrich Williams, and the franchise also has to account for the extensions for Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren that will go into effect. Moving the remainder of Wiggins’ five-year, $45 million contract frees up some money, while the Hawks add a versatile forward whose opportunities decreased during the postseason. Wiggins had his moments of fantasy relevance with the Thunder, usually when the team was shorthanded. His fantasy outlook in Atlanta depends partially on what happens with Jonathan Kuminga, who has a team option for next season. To consummate the deal, Oklahoma City received Atlanta’s 2030 second-round pick and the least favorable of Atlanta or the Lakers’ 2032 second-round pick.

Jay Dub will be out for at least a week as the Thunder head to Phoenix. His absence means that Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso and Aaron Wiggins could all see additional run.

Dort, who needs to play in one more game to be eligible for postseason honors, is the lone starter available for Friday’s game. Of the four replacements, McCain and Wiggins offer the highest ceilings for those in active fantasy leagues.

Hartenstein is back after a one-game absence, but the Thunder remain without Luguentz Dort. Mitchell and Wallace remain with the starters, while Hartenstein’s return pushes Aaron Wiggins to the bench.

With Luguentz Dort and Isaiah Hartenstein sidelined, Wiggins and Cason Wallace moved into the starting lineup on Wednesday. Wiggins had a good night shooting the basketball, making three of his seven attempts from beyond the arc while recording a stat line that only lacked a blocked shot. While Wallace wasn’t as productive offensively, his final line included three steals and two blocks. The fantasy upsides of Wiggins and Wallace depend on the availability of the Thunder starters; both are worthwhile streamers when the team is shorthanded, albeit for different reasons.

The Thunder won’t have Luguentz Dort or Isaiah Hartenstein for Wednesday’s game, opening up two spots in the starting lineup. Wiggins and Wallace move into the starting five, making both players worthwhile streaming options in some 12-team leagues, given the matchup.

Caruso will miss a second straight game while tending to a hip injury, and guys like Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins could be in line for extra minutes against Denver. Brooks Barnhizer is also in the mix for increased playing time, but he’s not on the fantasy radar.

Caruso, who was injured during Wednesday’s win over the Knicks, did not play in Saturday’s win over the Warriors. Brooks Barnhizer played 12 minutes off the bench, but Caruso’s absence was more impactful for Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins, who played 35 and 29 minutes, respectively.

Williams, who has not appeared in a game since before the All-Star break, is due to have his strained hamstring re-evaluated soon. Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe have taken on added importance in Williams’ absence.

Caruso and Hartenstein suffered their injuries during the second half of Wednesday’s game and were ruled out late in the fourth quarter. Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins have seen their minutes increase in crunch time. Caruso finished with three points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals and one three-pointer, with Hartenstein going scoreless with five rebounds and two assists.