NBA

There have been so many rumors surrounding Dame for the past few months, but after Yahoo’s Jake Fischer reported that the Raptors could end up landing Lillard, Spears seems to be hearing the same thing. Lillard would be quite the replacement for Fred VanVleet, though the Raptors would likely have to part with some of their young talent and draft picks. Still, Dame, Pascal Siakam and O.G. Anunoby would be a formidable squad in the East.

Keels has been around the Knicks’ organization for the past year after they drafted him with the No. 42 pick. He even signed a two-way deal with them after a solid Summer League performance. However, they waived him, and he’ll have a chance to earn a deal with Minnesota in training camp. However, even if he earns one, it’ll likely only be a two-way deal, which won’t allow him to make a mark on the fantasy landscape this season.

Shams Charania of The Athletic reported on Wednesday that the two teams had begun a dialogue on a trade involving Hield. But, there has been no progress made, according to Stein. A major issue: the Pacers’ unwillingness to take Tim Hardaway Jr. in return. Hardaway averaged 14.4 points and knocked down three 3-pointers per game last season, but adding him to the mix in Indiana wouldn’t change a great deal. Moving Hield and receiving draft capital in return would free up additional minutes on the wing for some of Indiana’s younger players, while the pick(s) can help with the franchise’s rebuild.

There were reports early on that suggested that Lively would be more of a long-term project, but it appears that he has improved greatly over the last few weeks. He’ll compete with Richaun Holmes and Dwight Powell for the starting role, with Powell being the incumbent starter. He started in 64 of his 76 appearances, though he played just 19.2 minutes per game. Lively could end up as one of the best bigs in fantasy hoops if he were to secure the starting job.

Another day, another rumor regarding Lillard’s NBA future. October 2, which would be Media Day for the Blazers, is viewed as an unofficial deadline of sorts to get something done, as having the veteran guard in training camp would make for an awkward situation. Miami has been reported to be Lillard’s preferred destination, but there hasn’t been much movement on that front, according to multiple media reports over the last few days. Per Fischer’s most recent report, some around the league view Toronto and Chicago as possible destinations for Lillard, with Phoenix and Utah being franchises that could help facilitate a multi-team trade. Should Toronto acquire Lillard, his arrival would impact the fantasy values of Dennis Schroder and Scottie Barnes the most. Schroder projects to be a late-round option at best in most leagues, while fewer opportunities to play on the ball would cut into Barnes’ value as a potential top-50 player.

Stevens had been a solid piece for Cleveland over the last few seasons, but he was traded to San Antonio this summer in the deal that sent Max Strus to the Cavs. However, the Spurs waived him shortly after. Stevens met with Boston a month ago, and they finally signed him to a contract. He’ll be a solid role player, but he likely won’t impact standard-sized fantasy hoops leagues.

Since going undrafted out of Xavier in 2018, Gates has bounced around the G-League. Last season, he averaged 14 points for the Long Island Nets while shooting 55.4% from deep. New Orleans has a lot of depth already, so it’s unlikely that Gates gets much playing time in the NBA this season.

Per Charania’s report, it appears the Warriors will opt to leave a roster spot open and could end up making a move during camp or even during the regular season. Howard went through a two-day interview process with the Warriors that included workouts. He’ll likely be looking to get back into the league for a different team now that the Warriors seem to be off the table. Regardless of where he ends up, he probably won’t find a situation where he’ll contribute in fantasy.

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.