NBA Player News

Jokić logged another impressive stat line in Thursday’s loss, impacting the game as a scorer, facilitator, and rebounder. He shot the ball efficiently overall despite not finding his touch from beyond the arc. Yet, his contributions weren’t enough to keep Denver from another early playoff exit. The Nuggets have not been back to the Western Conference Finals since their championship-winning 2021-22 season. Regardless of what roster construction occurs over the offseason, Jokić should be back and will have a chance to finish as one of the best fantasy players.

Miami lead executive Pat Riley has reportedly landed his most recent “big fish,” and Jakučionis is among the players headed in the other direction. The 20th overall pick in the 2025 draft, the former Illinois standout averaged 6.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 three-pointers in 53 appearances as a rookie. Shooting 42.9 percent from the field and 87.9 percent from the foul line, injuries led to Jakučionis making 12 starts. With Milwaukee clearly on a rebuilding path, the 6-foot-6 guard is worth keeping an eye on in redraft leagues, but he is not a “must-draft” player yet. However, Jakučionis’ ceiling in dynasty leagues has been raised with the reported trade.

After three seasons in Miami, Jaquez is headed to Milwaukee as part of the first blockbuster move of this offseason. He’s coming off the best season of his NBA career, having averaged 15.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 0.8 three-pointers per game. Shooting 50.7 percent from the field and 76.9 percent from the foul line, Jaquez finished second in the voting for NBA Sixth Man of the Year. Coming off the bench limited his fantasy ceiling in Miami, but it’s fair to question if there will be a larger role for Jaquez in Milwaukee. If so, he’s capable of offering top-100 value in category leagues.

After two seasons in Miami, the 15th overall pick in the 2024 draft is reportedly headed to Milwaukee. While Ware did show flashes of the potential that made some confident of his fit alongside Bam Adebayo, the 7-footer’s production was far too inconsistent to protect him from being included in this trade. Ware appeared in 77 games last season, averaging 11.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.1 blocks and 1.2 three-pointers, shooting 53.0 percent from the field and 74.0 percent from the foul line. And he goes from one situation where there’s a veteran center in the starting lineup to another, as Myles Turner currently occupies that role in Milwaukee. While he did provide solid per-game fantasy value last season, Ware’s value for next season is unlikely to receive a significant boost.

The long-rumored trade between the Heat and Bucks is finally done, and Herro, a native of the Milwaukee area, is headed back home. Coming off of his first All-Star season, the 2025-26 campaign was one to forget for the guard, who was limited to 33 games due to injuries. Herro was effective when healthy, averaging 20.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.5 three-pointers per game, shooting 48.0 percent from the field and 91.7 percent from the foul line. There have been some rumors that Milwaukee could look to move Herro elsewhere. However, if he were to stay, the guard would be a key building block in the post-Giannis era of the franchise. That status would raise his fantasy ceiling, even if Herro’s efficiency could suffer.

A reliable contributor since his arrival in Milwaukee ahead of the 2020-21 season, Portis is headed to Miami as part of the deal headlined by Antetokounmpo. Appearing in 67 games last season, he averaged 13.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 2.0 three-pointers, shooting 48.8 percent from the field and 70.6 percent from the foul line. Depending on how the Heat build out the rest of their roster, Portis has a shot at providing consistent fantasy value, even if he’s used in a reserve role, due to Miami’s need for offensive spacing.

Antetokounmpo is heading south with Bobby Portis, with Milwaukee receiving Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakučionis, three future first-round picks, one first-round pick swap and one second-round pick. The Heat were the most persistent team in their pursuit of Antetokounmpo, and a deal was finalized the night before the 2026 NBA Draft. While he is one of the most dominant players in the league, Giannis’s health has been an issue recently. Multiple calf injuries limited him to 36 games last season, and the Greek Freak has exceeded 70 regular-season games once since 2018-19. When available, he can offer first-round value, especially to fantasy managers punting free-throw percentage, but the Heat will have some spacing issues to address between Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.

Harris, who has not exceeded 54 games in any of the last four seasons, will make $3.8 million next season after picking up his player option. Given the decreased playing time and production, he is unlikely to be a factor in fantasy basketball.

The Bulls, Timberwolves and Nets have reportedly agreed to a three-team deal that will not become official until the new league year begins on July 6. Chicago received Nic Claxton, with the Timberwolves getting Gueye and the 33rd overall pick, and the Nets received Julius Randle and the 28th overall pick. Gueye, who appeared in two games for the Bulls last season, will have his contract guaranteed by the Bulls to consummate the deal. However, it is expected to be converted into a non-guaranteed deal once the trade becomes official, after which the Timberwolves will waive him. This set of transactions will not affect Gueye’s fantasy value.

Less than 24 hours before the start of the 2026 NBA Draft, the Bulls have reportedly addressed their need for a center. Claxton appeared in 69 games for the Nets last season, averaging 11.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.1 blocks, shooting 57.1 percent from the field and 61.6 percent from the foul line. Playing alongside an established point guard in Josh Giddey could pay dividends for Claxton, but Giddey has been the subject of trade rumors recently. A solid option for managers willing to punt free-throw percentage, Claxton may be able to raise his fantasy ceiling in the Windy City. As for Brooklyn, they’ve got a hole to address at the center position, with Noah Clowney and Day’Ron Sharpe being potential options to fill the void.

After two seasons in Minnesota, Randle is headed back to the Big Apple, albeit a different borough. While he did struggle during the Timberwolves’ second-round series against San Antonio, the veteran forward had a productive 2025-26 regular season. In 79 games, Randle averaged 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.4 three-pointers, shooting 48.1 percent from the field and 80.2 percent from the foul line. With the Nets in the midst of a rebuild, it’s fair to wonder if they won’t look to move Randle to another team. He can provide reliable top-75 fantasy value, especially in points leagues. Staying in Brooklyn could raise Randle’s ceiling, as was the case with Michael Porter Jr. Still, fantasy managers would also have to worry about the possibility of his minutes decreasing late in the season. As part of the trade, Minnesota will receive the rights to the 33rd overall pick in this week’s draft. Randle’s exit means Naz Reid will start consistently, raising his fantasy ceiling, and it also gives the Timberwolves the financial flexibility needed to re-sign Ayo Dosunmu.