NBA Player News

Another game, another double-double for Ayton, who has recorded one in six straight games. Some teams may have shut down Ayton by now, but Portland is shorthanded due to injuries. That may protect his value for the final two games of the season. And it will be two more opportunities to improve his chemistry with Scoot Henderson, who hit double digits in assists for the second straight game. Henderson finished with 18 points, three rebounds, 12 assists, two steals, and two 3-pointers in 40 minutes. The turnovers (nine) will be an issue; hopefully, that doesn’t carry over into 2024-25.

Selected by the Pelicans with the 41st overall pick in the 2022 draft, Liddell has yet to get his NBA career off the ground. An ACL tear suffered during summer league play robbed him of the 2022-23 campaign, and he was limited to eight appearances with the Pelicans this past season. Liddell was traded twice during the summer, first to Atlanta as part of the Dejounte Murray deal and then to Phoenix in exchange for David Roddy. The Suns waived Liddell on August 21. With Liddell likely on an Exhibit 10 contract and the Bulls having 14 players on guaranteed deals, he faces long odds to make the opening night roster.

Osman was an unrestricted free agent after finishing last season in San Antonio. While the seven-year NBA veteran did say “a couple” teams expressed interest in signing him, Osman ultimately decided that heading back to Europe for a guaranteed contract was a better move for his career. Cedi offered limited fantasy value (at best) last season, which would likely be the case this season had he remained in the NBA.

They were reportedly close on an extension back in June, but they didn’t get anything done until over two months after. Murray will remain in Denver through the end of the 2028-29 season, which will keep their star duo of Murray and Nikola Jokic on the Nuggets for the foreseeable future. Despite the injury issues that Murray has dealt with in recent years, they will continue to be a contending team for years to come.

A previous report from Stein indicated that Berans would work out fo rthe Warriors this past week, but he is expected to head overseas instead. There is a clause that will allow him to return to the NBA in the future, but he’s past his days of impacting fantasy basketball.

Fudge, who began last season with the Lakers and was waived on January 6, inked a two-way contract with the Mavericks in early March. However, Dallas waived him on August 8, with the Lakers signing the 6-foot-9 forward to an Exhibit 10 contract on Thursday. One day late, he’s been waived by the Lakers for a second time, likely meaning Fudge will be with the team’s G League affiliate if another NBA team doesn’t claim his rights. This transaction will not impact fantasy basketball.

Thompson got a chance to become a regular rotation player for small stints last year because of injuries. He averaged 3.3 points an 3.6 rebounds per contest. He likely won’t be a key piece when the Cavs are healthy.

Draft Express first reported Dennis’ signing on June 27, and the move was made official on Friday. He made stops at Boise State, Toledo, and Baylor during a five-year collegiate career, most recently making 35 starts for the Bears in 2023-24. An All-Big 12 selection, Dennis averaged 13.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.1 3-pointers per game for Baylor last season. Look for him to spend most of his time with the Clippers’ G League affiliate.

Brownridge was waived one day after being signed to an Exhibit 10 contract. He was expected to return to the Delaware Blue Coats for another season, so Wednesday’s transaction is unsurprising. Due to the move, Brownridge can earn a bonus of $77,500 if he remains with the Blue Coats for at least 60 days.

After spending the last two seasons in Utah, the Chicago native is reportedly headed home. Horton-Tucker appeared in 51 games for the Jazz last season, averaging 10.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.2 3-pointers in 19.8 minutes. THT made 11 starts for Utah, and he’ll likely take on a reserve role if he can lock down a roster spot with the Bulls. Horton-Tucker is not a player fantasy managers should plan on drafting, especially with Josh Giddey, Coby White, and Ayo Dosunmu on the roster.

For the second consecutive fall, McClung will go through training camp with the Magic. However, unlike last year, his contract will be partially guaranteed. While known primarily for his dunk contest prowess, McClung has made strides as a player. Playing for the Osceola Magic, he won G League MVP honors last season. In 27 games, he averaged 25.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.3 steals in 35.4 minutes, shooting 50.9% from the field. McClung’s unlikely to impact fantasy basketball next season, but he’ll have another opportunity to earn an NBA roster spot.