NBA Player News

Reaves found his rhythm again on Monday after an unspectacular Game 3. He shot efficiently both inside and outside the arc and repeatedly made his way to the free-throw line before finishing with a team-high in points. The fifth-year guard did struggle with turnovers against a tough Thunder defense. Still, his scoring and facilitating across his 43 minutes were important for the Lakers. Reaves missed a lot of time with injuries throughout the regular season, which hurt his fantasy value. When healthy, he was as productive as last season. He’ll likely be one of the better guards in fantasy leagues next season if injuries aren’t as big an issue.

Jackson appeared in 55 games last season, averaging 12.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.2 three-pointers in 21.4 minutes. While he has provided decent value in the past, the Grizzlies’ selection of Cameron Boozer and Karim Lopez in the draft, along with the acquisition of Isaiah Stewart, means there will be more players competing with Jackson for rotation minutes. The Grizzlies also exercised Olivier-Maxence Prosper’s option for the 2026-27 season.

Acquired from the Warriors at the February trade deadline, Jackson-Davis was out of the Raptors’ rotation, averaging just 5.0 minutes per game. However, with Sandro Mamukelashvili set to hit unrestricted free agency, the Raptors may have more room for TJD in their rotation next season if Mamu leaves. Still, Collin Murray-Boyles will be the priority within the frontcourt rotation, eliminating most of Jackson-Davis’ fantasy potential.

To make Monday’s reported contract happen, Wiggins opted out of the final year of a deal that would have paid him over $30.1 million next season. While he takes less money, the added years give the athletic forward more guaranteed years on a team headlined by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. In his first full season with the Heat, Wiggins averaged 15.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.0 blocks and 2.0 three-pointers per game while shooting 47.5 percent from the field and 78.4 percent from the foul line. With Tyler Herro now in Milwaukee and Norman Powell’s future with the Heat in doubt, Wiggins’ three-point shooting becomes a more important asset for the Heat, especially if he can maintain his 2025-26 accuracy (41.4 percent).

After beginning training camp competing for a spot in the 76ers’ rotation, the combination of his play and injuries to Joel Embiid and Paul George led to Barlow becoming a fixture in the starting lineup. Starting 59 of the 71 games he appeared in, the 6-foot-8 forward averaged 7.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 23.8 minutes. Barlow’s production wasn’t enough to make him a consistent factor in fantasy basketball. Still, the recent injury histories of Embiid and George mean he should offer streaming value at a minimum.

As recently as last week, the Clippers reportedly had no desire to move on from Leonard. However, according to Monday’s report, the franchise’s failure to make a long-term commitment to the seven-time All-NBA selection has opened up the possibility of Leonard being traded. He’s entering the final season of his contract with a base salary of $50.3 million, and Leonard’s representatives have reportedly told other teams that Toronto is the only team he would consider signing an extension with. Leonard moving east would represent both the Raptors’ desire to join the Eastern Conference’s elite and the Clippers’ pivot to a rebuild that’s likely to feature lottery pick Keaton Wagler.

Given Ayton’s inconsistent play in his first season with the Lakers, it’s unsurprising that he would look to lock in $8.1 million for the 2026-27 campaign. In 72 games, the 7-footer averaged 12.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 27.2 minutes. While Ayton started every game he played, there were times when he lost minutes to Jaxson Hayes. Between the inconsistent rebounding and rim protection and his awkward fit with the Lakers’ star ball-handlers in the two-man game, Ayton may not have commanded a similar payday had he gone into free agency. One of the Lakers’ remaining goals this offseason is to upgrade the center position, so Ayton may either be a backup or ultimately be moved elsewhere.

Mamukelashvili, who would have made $2.8 million next season, stands to command a much better payday when free agency opens Tuesday night. Finishing tenth in NBA Sixth Man of the Year voting, the 6-foot-9 forward had the most productive season of his professional career. In 80 regular-season games, Mamukelashvili averaged 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.4 three-pointers in 21.9 minutes, shooting 52.3 percent from the field and 74.7 percent from the foul line. Given the rumored market, Mamu may be able to find a more prominent role for himself, which would raise his fantasy ceiling.

Had Green opted into the final season of his contract, he would have earned a base salary of $27.7 million. However, the decision to opt out gives the Warriors more freedom to be active in free agency, with LeBron James being mentioned as a potential target. Also, the team is reportedly interested in acquiring Anthony Davis, who did not play a game for the Wizards after being acquired from the Mavericks. Given his importance to the franchise, it is difficult to envision a scenario in which Green is not back with the Warriors next season.

LaVine opting into the final season of his contract is unsurprising, as he will make a base salary of $49 million, a figure he was unlikely to match in free agency. The question now is where he fits within the Kings’ rebuild. Between the selections of Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud in last summer’s draft, and Darius Acuff Jr., Alex Karaban and Emanuel Sharpe last week, the franchise is clearly looking to build around its younger players. LaVine getting his usual offensive volume likely would not mesh with that, but his contract may be challenging to move if the Kings wanted to go that route.

Harden, who helped the Cavaliers reach the Eastern Conference Finals last season, would have earned a base salary of $42.3 million had he opted into the final season of his contract. However, the decision to opt out and negotiate a new deal with the Cavaliers is likely to benefit both parties. While Harden would get additional security in the form of more years, Cleveland may be able to give him a lower annual salary. With the team hopeful to retain pending free agent Dean Wade while also lowering its payroll, every little bit helps.