NBA

Marang’s report regarding Lillard’s future in Portland was the second of the day, with ESPN’s Brian Windhorst saying on a podcast that the team was working to get something done before camp begins. While Miami is at the top of the guard’s wish list, neither report mentioned specific teams as being involved in the discussions. Lillard being traded would most impact Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, as they’re viewed by many as Portland’s backcourt of the future. While Anfernee Simons could be in for a short-term bump to his fantasy value, his name has also come up in trade rumors this offseason.

Bagley, the younger brother of Pistons big Marvin Bagley III, spent parts of the last three seasons at Arizona State before turning pro. However, he only appeared in 17 games, averaging 10.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Look for Bagley to spend most (if not all) of his time with the 76ers’ G League affiliate in Delaware. With Bagley’s addition pushing Philadelphia to 21 players on its training camp roster, an Exhibit 10 contract recipient will likely be waived to make room for new signing Kelly Oubre.

Audige, who wrapped up a solid college career at Northwestern this spring, will join the Wizards for training camp. During his final collegiate season, the 6-foot-4 guard averaged 14.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 2.4 steals, and 2.0 3-pointers per game, shooting 36.8% from the field and 83.2% from the foul line. Look for Audige to spend most of this time this season with the Wizards’ G League affiliate.

While the team agreed to a new deal with star guard Anthony Edwards earlier this summer, that was not the case for McDaniels. Per league rules, the two sides have until the day before the start of the regular season to agree to a rookie-level extension. And it is Connelly’s hope that they can get something done. “We’d love to get something done. We want Jaden to be here as long as possible,” Connelly said on a podcast hosted by Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. “Oftentimes, those back-and-forths pick up more as the season gets closer, but fingers crossed. In my experience in Denver and here, we like to reward people who earned it. Jaden is a huge part of what we’re doing now. He’s going to get better and better and better.” McDaniels has been a valuable player for the Timberwolves and fantasy managers, and he finished last season ranked just outside the top 100 in 8- and 9-cat per-game value.

The Warriors’ vets have reportedly approved the team adding Howard, and he’s now heading to LA to work out with Draymond Green and Chris Paul. It seems likely that Howard ends up with the Warriors within the next few days, but even if he adds some depth down low, the odds of him playing a large enough role to impact fantasy hoops are slim to none.

Hield and the team had been discussing an extension, but Charania reported that negotiations “stalled out”. There haven’t been any teams with reported interest as of now, but Hield is no stranger to the trade block. Wherever he ends up, Hield will likely have a smaller role than he has had with Indiana over the past few seasons. Hield was a top-50 player in 9-cat leagues last season and has been one of the best deep range shooters in the league since he entered. He’ll be a valuable player to whatever team he ends up with, but it’s unlikely that he ends up replicating his production from the past few seasons.

Poku missed the FIBA World Cup due to an arm injury sustained in late May, and given his new injury, there’s a chance he’s not ready for the start of training camp. It’s a make-or-break season for Poku, who has appeared in just 140 games in three seasons and will play in the final year of his rookie contract in 2023-24.

After spending his first professional seasons with the G League’s South Bay Lakers, McCoy is headed to San Antonio for training camp. Since he’s on an Exhibit 10 deal, this move was likely made with the roster of the Spurs’ G League affiliate in mind. McCoy averaged 14.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in nearly 26 minutes per game last season.

One week after it was reported that some teams viewed Miami as the favorite to sign Oubre, he’s reportedly headed to Philadelphia. Limited to 48 games last season in Charlotte due to injury, he averaged a career-best 20.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.4 blocks, and 2.3 3-pointers in just over 30 minutes. Oubre finished last season as a top 100 player in 9-cat per-game value, but the impact was muted due to injuries. How big of an impact he has on fantasy basketball in Philadelphia will depend on what happens with James Harden, who’s made it clear that he wants out. If Harden sits or is moved, that gives Oubre a better chance of making an impact.

Morris isn’t expected to play a big role for Dallas, and he’ll return to the team to provide frontcourt depth only. There’s no reason to have him on your fantasy radar this season.