NBA Player News

Oklahoma City’s season came to an end on Saturday, as they dropped Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals to the Spurs. And with that, the front office has decisions to make regarding the futures of Dort, Isaiah Hartenstein and Kenrich Williams. Each has a team option for next season, with Dort’s being worth a little over $17.7 million. The defensive stalwart hopes to remain with the lone team that he’s played for since entering the NBA in 2019. “The conversation hasn’t happened yet,” Dort said when asked about his team option. “I have a lot of trust in this organization, in Sam (Presti). Really grateful for all the stuff he did for me to this point. I want to stay here. This organization, this city, shaped me as a player. My main goal is to stay here.” Dort has not been a consistently impactful option for fantasy managers in recent seasons. Still, his future in Oklahoma City could affect the ceilings of Ajay Mitchell, Cason Wallace and Jared McCain. If the Thunder were to move on from Dort, there would be an opening in the starting lineup to fill.

Acquired from the Bucks in early July in the trade that sent Caris LeVert and future draft capital to Milwaukee, Harris faced long odds to crack the Pistons’ rotation had he made the Opening Night roster. Injuries have limited the veteran guard to 54 games or fewer each of the last four seasons, and Harris has not exceeded 65 games since 2017-18. The Pistons’ decision to waive Harris will not affect fantasy basketball.

Under normal circumstances, an Exhibit 10 contract would guarantee a player the opportunity to compete in training camp. However, the Heat have signed Smith to such a contract to retain his G League rights after the former lottery pick finished last season with the Sioux Falls SkyForce. Smith, who won’t participate in Heat training camp, is eligible to receive a bonus of up to $91,000 if he remains with Sioux Falls for 60 days.

Days before training camp begins, the Knicks have officially filled two of their three available two-way slots. McCullar, the 56th overall pick in the 2024 draft, has spent most of his time with the Knicks’ G League affiliate, appearing in 25 NBA games over two seasons. McCullar played 21 NBA games last season, averaging 2.4 points in 7.4 minutes per appearance. As for Nickel, the 6-foot-6 wing out of Vanderbilt was the 47th overall pick in the most recent draft. Known for his perimeter shooting ability, Nickel was one of the Knicks’ best performers in Summer League.

Irving has not appeared in a basketball game since suffering a torn left ACL on March 31, 2025. During Mavericks media day, the veteran point guard said that he’s “ready to kick some butt,” which is great news for Dallas and fantasy managers. However, Irving has not played more than 65 regular-season games since the 2018-19 campaign. The team may place early restrictions on Irving’s playing time, but he can still offer high value in any fantasy format.

The Bulls also acquired cash as part of the deal. Chicago gets a veteran shooter in Hield, who was traded by the Hawks earlier this week. He averaged 7.6 points in 51 games last season. Hield can still shoot, but doesn’t offer much more to fantasy managers at this point in his career.

The Hornets create a $9.4 million trade exception as part of the deal. The Bulls get cash to make up for the difference in salaries. Dillingham averaged 9.6 points in 30 games with the Bulls last season. He should have a regular bench role with the Hornets.

The new contract includes a player option for the 2028-29 season, and all but ensures that Curry will end his NBA career with the only franchise he’s played for. Injuries limited him to 43 games last season, but the future Hall of Fame guard appeared in 70 or more in each of the two seasons before that. As long as Curry can remain relatively healthy, he should once again provide fantasy managers with excellent value.

Williams is one of two Hornets ruled out for the preseason due to hamstring injuries; Kon Knueppel is the other. The 6-foot-6 forward suffered a right hamstring injury during an offseason on-court activity and will be re-evaluated during the first week of the regular season. While Williams’ injury leaves the Hornets down an option in the frontcourt, it does not significantly impact fantasy basketball.

Given how well Knueppel played as a rookie and the Hornets’ decision to move on from LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, Friday’s news gives his 2026-27 season a brutal start. At a minimum, the runner-up for Rookie of the Year will be sidelined for four weeks, and that’s just for him to be re-evaluated. According to the Hornets, Knueppel suffered the left hamstring injury during an offseason on-court activity. His absence boosts the early-season values of Brandon Miller and Coby White while also making Grayson Allen a more viable late-round option in drafts.

Signed to a two-way contract on August 7, Sharp is still working toward his official NBA debut. The 7-foot-5 center spent the last two training camps with the Mavericks on Exhibit 10 deals, playing for the franchise’s G League affiliate after being waived on both occasions. Waiving Sharp frees up a two-way contract slot for the Clippers, who now have two available.