NBA Player News

The continued absences of Mann and Minott free up additional minutes for Jalen Wilson and Malachi Smith. The latter started Friday’s loss to the Bucks and played 43 minutes, while Wilson logged 34 minutes off the bench.

Gardner sprained his left ankle during Miami’s first California Classic game on Friday and has since been sent back to Miami to undergo further treatment. The 6-foot-6 wing appeared in 45 games as a rookie, averaging 3.6 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 9.1 minutes. While Gardner is unlikely to be in a position to impact fantasy basketball next season, the Heat saw their depth take a hit with the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade. As a result, there may be a few more opportunities for Gardner to contribute.

While there is mutual interest between the Lakers and Kuminga, who is an unrestricted free agent after the Hawks declined his option, the two sides are reportedly far apart on a deal. With the Lakers’ activity at the start of free agency, they’re limited in how much money they can spend to fill their remaining roster spot. In fact, the Lakers would have to shed $20 million to pay Kuminga $10 million annually, and that price tag won’t get the job done. As a result, it’s been reported that the Lakers are interested in a sign-and-trade that would send Jarred Vanderbilt and a 2032 first-round pick to Atlanta. While Vanderbilt offers limited offensive production at best, he is a solid defender. However, his contract combined with a future first-round pick may not be all that appealing to the Hawks. Cleveland is also reportedly interested in Kuminga, but the chase for LeBron James takes priority for the Cavaliers.

The sixth overall pick in the 2018 draft, Bamba is still looking to cement himself as a pro after an inconsistent run in Orlando to begin his NBA career. He’s appeared in 36 NBA games over the last two seasons, including four in 2025-26. Signed to a 10-day deal by the Jazz in March, Bamba played two games for Utah, corralling 20 rebounds. He made a good enough impression to earn a contract from Utah, but Bamba’s return is unlikely to affect fantasy basketball.

News of the Pacers’ decision to move on from Potter came to light shortly after the team’s reported signing of veteran forward/center Larry Nance Jr. In his lone season with the Pacers, Potter started seven of the 47 games he appeared in, averaging 9.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.5 three-pointers in 19.3 minutes. While Wednesday’s reported transaction does not affect fantasy basketball, Potter was productive enough last season to land elsewhere as a backup for the 2026-27 campaign.

The Nuggets had until the end of Wednesday to decide whether to fully guarantee Valančiūnas’ $10 million contract for next season. The veteran center had a $2 million partial guarantee before July 9; Wednesday’s reported transaction makes Valančiūnas a free agent once he clears waivers, saving the Nuggets some money. He appeared in 65 games last season, averaging 8.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 13.4 minutes. Given last summer’s rumors that Valančiūnas was interested in returning to Europe, it may not be a lock that he remains in the NBA next season.

Nance Jr. logged a career-low 12.8 minutes per game across 35 appearances for the Cavs last season, and his role isn’t expected to expand with the Pacers. He’ll fight for backup minutes in the frontcourt with Jay Huff and Micah Potter, and Nance Jr. isn’t on the fantasy radar in most leagues.

The Grizzlies will welcome another frontcourt player this offseason with the addition of Post, who joins newcomers Cameron Boozer, Isaiah Stewart and Jerami Grant. Post played two seasons with Golden State and averaged 7.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.5 three-pointers across 109 regular-season games. His value comes as a floor spacer, despite shooting only 33.6 percent from deep last season. He’ll have a chance to bounce back on a Grizzlies team entering a new era.

Veesaar logged 24 minutes and showcased some of the long-distance shooting that made him an intriguing prospect. He finished as one of six Hawks players to score in double figures, with his four assists being a nice bonus. Veesaar was selected in the second round of the most recent draft and could have a chance to play minutes for the Hawks this season. His progress will be worth following throughout the summer.

The details from the reported six-team trade are still unfolding, but what’s already known is that Russell is heading to Memphis. The veteran guard had a tough 2025-26 season, playing just 26 total games with the Mavericks before being traded to the Wizards and never logging a minute for Washington. He’ll likely have a chance to play decent minutes for a Grizzlies team that recently traded away its superstar point guard, Ja Morant. If so, Russell could have some value in fantasy leagues this upcoming season.

Middleton will head back to the Wizards, a team he spent parts of the past two seasons with. The veteran was dealt from the Wizards to the Mavericks during the 2025-26 season, but in the 34 games he appeared in before being traded, he averaged 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists. He’s unlikely to be much of a factor in fantasy basketball next season.