NBA Player News

Jackson has been sidelined since March 27, but after practicing fully on Tuesday, he is now expected to make his return for the Clippers’ win-or-go-home matchup with the Warriors. He’ll likely occupy some of the backup center minutes behind Brook Lopez.

Ament finished his first Summer League with a solid overall stat line in Milwaukee’s 96-94 victory. While fellow lottery pick Brayden Burries was one of the best performers in Las Vegas, things did not go as smoothly for Ament. However, the final outing was encouraging, and the former Tennessee forward still boasts immense upside. While his fantasy ceiling in redraft leagues may be limited next season, Ament is a must-roster player in dynasty leagues.

While he missed all four of his three-point attempts, Burries finished his summer with another excellent showing. The tenth overall pick in last month’s draft was Milwaukee’s best player in Las Vegas and has the look of a player who should compete for rotation minutes immediately. Whether he was on the ball or off it, Burries made things happen offensively, and his defense was solid as well. With the Bucks paying Gary Trent Jr. $64 million and adding Tyler Herro and Kasparas Jakučionis in the Giannis trade while also having Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins, the backcourt projects to be crowded next season. However, good luck keeping Burries off the floor, given how well he played this summer.

Cissé, who spent his rookie season on a two-way deal with the Mavericks after going undrafted, is a restricted free agent. As a result, the Mavericks have the right to match the offer sheet, which will be worth just under $2.2 million next season and just under $2.6 million in 2027-28. While the Knicks did sign Andre Drummond earlier in free agency, there is still a need for a third big, and Cissé offers youth and a far more athletic profile if the reigning champions can sign him.

Cisse is a restricted free agent, so he’s not on the Knicks officially just yet. The 23-year-old center agreed to a two-year offer sheet with New York. His salary would only be guaranteed for the first year, according to Charania. Cisse had a minimal role last year with the Mavericks. Dallas has 48 hours to match the offer sheet or they’ll lose Cisse to the Knicks.

Brazile did not have his best night shooting the basketball, but the second-round pick still showed why Denver made sure to draft him. Active on the glass and defensively, the 6-foot-10 forward finished with another solid stat line. Like fellow second-round pick Bryce Hopkins, Brazile has not yet agreed to a contract, with Peyton Watson’s free agency likely a factor. However, he has the potential to contribute immediately for the Nuggets because of his athleticism and motor.

Hopkins, whose contract status for next season has not been finalized, has played well throughout the Nuggets’ time in Las Vegas. The former St. John’s forward shot 3-of-6 from beyond the arc on Thursday and was a blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. Depending on what happens with Peyton Watson, who is a restricted free agent, Hopkins’ fantasy ceiling as a rookie will be limited. That said, he has the experience and skill set needed to contribute immediately if called upon.

Released by the Bucks in January after joining them on a two-way deal last summer, Sears is playing with the Nuggets as an unrestricted free agent. And with Denver already having KJ Simpson on a two-way deal, the former Alabama standout is likely competing for an Exhibit 10 contract if he’s to remain with the franchise in the fall. Sears put up good scoring numbers on Thursday, shooting over 50 percent from the field, but this does not change his fantasy outlook for next season.

Youngblood was one of seven Trail Blazers to score in double figures on Thursday, and he led the team with eight assists. While he’s had some good moments in Las Vegas, the Trail Blazers’ perimeter depth makes it challenging to trust Youngblood in fantasy basketball next season. The two-way deal ensures that he’ll be in training camp, but there isn’t much need to consider Youngblood outside of deep dynasty leagues.

After struggling early, Hansen was able to get some things done offensively down the stretch to help the Trail Blazers knock off Denver. Coming off a season in which he saw little playing time, this summer league experience is a big one for the 7-foot-1 center. He recorded a complete stat line on Thursday, including four blocked shots, while shooting over 50 percent from the field. With Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III in the fold, Hansen is not a player to rely on for fantasy value immediately. However, with the Time Lord’s injury history, there may be times when Hansen can work his way into the rotation.

Currently an unrestricted free agent, Young had another big scoring night in Las Vegas. The 6-foot-1 guard shot 50 percent from the field and was also active on the glass, grabbing 12 rebounds. However, Young needs to clean up the turnovers, as he was responsible for seven. With Miami having one open two-way contract slot, Young may be competing for that spot. However, an Exhibit 10 contract may also be on the table, and that would guarantee him a training camp invitation.