NBA

With the offseason acquisition of Kevin Durant, there has been plenty of optimism surrounding the Houston Rockets. Their hopes of winning the loaded Western Conference took a significant hit with Monday’s news regarding VanVleet. While the veteran point guard shot just 37.8 percent from the field, the lowest mark for VanVleet since his rookie season, he remained a key figure for a team that finished with the second-best record in the West. Also, the low field goal percentage did not prevent VanVleet from offering close to top-50 value in fantasy basketball. His absence means Houston will need second-year guard Reed Sheppard to hit the ground running, with Aaron Holiday providing additional depth at the point. Sheppard is well worth the risk in standard leagues, while Holiday is someone to target in deeper formats. However, Amen Thompson’s fantasy value may receive the most significant boost, especially after he filled in well as Houston’s primary playmaker when VanVleet missed time last season.

Contract negotiations between Kuminga and the Warriors have been contentious, with the potential option being the most significant sticking point. While the team wants to include a team option, granting them considerable leverage, Kuminga wants a player option included, giving him the power to determine his next stop if the Warriors were to try to trade him. According to Turner, his client is open to playing the upcoming season on his qualifying offer, making Kuminga an unrestricted free agent next summer. The contract negotiations have held up Golden State’s other dealings in free agency, with the team expected to add Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton in free agency and re-sign Gary Payton II. There’s also the possibility of Seth Curry being signed, but nothing can happen until Kuminga’s situation is resolved. Unless the Warriors change their approach and move Kuminga to a team that envisions a prominent role for him, such as Sacramento, his fantasy value will be low in 2025-26.

Murray suffered a ruptured right Achilles tendon during a late-January game against the Celtics. While other Pelicans who suffered season-ending injuries, most notably Trey Murphy and Herb Jones, have been cleared to resume basketball activities and have scrimmaged, Murray has not. And with the guard lacking a timeline to return, his value in fantasy drafts will take a significant hit. In addition to acquiring Jordan Poole from the Wizards this offseason, the Pelicans still have Jose Alvarado, and first-round pick Jeremiah Fears may have the opportunity to earn rotation minutes while Murray continues his rehab.

Murphy underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder in late March, a disappointing conclusion to what was the best season of his NBA career, number-wise. According to Dumars, the Pelicans forward has been scrimmaging for a few weeks and will not be restricted when the team opens training camp. With Dejounte Murray (Achilles) lacking a timeline for return, this is a massive season for Murphy, who will be New Orleans’ top offensive option on the wing. He can provide top-50 value, especially if Zion Williamson’s availability remains an issue.

Jones suffered a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder, causing a premature end to his 2024-25 season. Not only has the elite defender been cleared to return, but according to Dumars, he’s been scrimmaging for a few weeks. A healthy Jones on the court will be critical for New Orleans due to his defensive ability, especially with the Pelicans adding Jordan Poole via offseason trade. From a fantasy standpoint, managers will hope Jones can hit three-pointers at the rate he did in 2023-24, when he made 41.8 percent of his 3.6 attempts per game. Last season, Jones shot just under 31 percent from three on 3.6 attempts per game.

Council will not join the Nets despite reportedly agreeing to a one-year, partially-guaranteed deal in August. Why the change was made is unknown at this time. Given Brooklyn’s youth, especially on the wings, Council appeared to have a chance to earn consistent rotation minutes after taking advantage of limited starting opportunities in Philadelphia last season.

Robinson-Earl spent the last two seasons with the Pelicans, appearing in 66 games last season. In those outings, the former second-round pick averaged 6.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 18.8 minutes per game, shooting 45.5 percent from the field and 83.6 percent from the foul line. Robinson-Earl faces long odds of earning rotation minutes in Dallas this season if he makes the opening night roster.

Williams tore his right ACL last November. While the veteran forward does not have a defined return timeline, it was reported recently that he has been moving well during workouts. With Charlotte trading Mark Williams (Phoenix) and Jusuf Nurkić (Utah) during the offseason, there will be room for a healthy Grant Williams to earn rotation minutes, even with the additions of Ryan Kalkbrenner and Mason Plumlee. However, that may not be enough to make Williams fantasy-relevant in standard leagues.

Green is still working his way back to full strength after undergoing surgery in June to address instability in his left shoulder. Therefore, he is not expected to participate in training camp and has no defined return timeline. With the Hornets adding Collin Sexton via trade, Green appeared likely to come off the bench if he were guaranteed to be healthy when the season begins. Also, with the Hornets having Brandon Miller and adding two wings in the first round of this summer’s draft, Kon Knueppel and Liam McNeeley, Green will face more competition for rotation minutes than he did in 2024-25.

Coward, the 11th overall pick in this summer’s draft, was limited to six games at Washington State last season due to a rotator cuff injury and subsequent surgery. He did not participate in summer league but is expected to be a full go when the Grizzlies open camp on September 30. “That’s the best thing ever,” he said. “I haven’t played live competition since November,” Coward told the Memphis Commercial-Appeal. “For me, I do it every day now that I can. I don’t have to hold anything back. I don’t got people telling me to take a break and stuff. It’s like letting the wolves out. That’s what it is.” With Memphis trading Desmond Bane to Orlando during the offseason, there should be opportunities for Coward to earn rotation minutes. While the lack of activity will impact how he’s viewed in redraft leagues, Coward will be worth the investment in dynasty builds.