Dariq

Whitehead

Whitehead, the 22nd overall pick in the 2023 draft, struggled to stay healthy during his two seasons with the Nets before being waived on October 13. The move to Oklahoma City gives him a fresh start, and he’ll likely spend most of his time in the G League. The Thunder have 15 players on standard contracts for the upcoming season, meaning Whitehead is most likely on an Exhibit 10 deal. If so, he would be in line for an $85,300 bonus if he spends 60 days with Oklahoma City’s G League affiliate. Managers competing in dynasty leagues can consider stashing Whitehead, but should not feel obligated to do so.

While neither transaction is shocking, the Nets parting ways with a former first-round pick will grab some attention. Whitehead, the 22nd overall pick in the 2023 draft, struggled with injuries throughout his two seasons in Brooklyn, making 22 appearances (20 in 2024-25). As for Timme, despite some solid performances late last season and in Summer League, he was the victim of a frontcourt logjam. Neither move significantly impacts fantasy basketball, but a few managers in deep dynasty leagues may have held onto Whitehead, hoping he would eventually break through.

Johnson has reached double figures in scoring in six of his last seven appearances, including two of 20 points or more. Friday’s performance was one of his best this season, as the Nets guard only missed two shots from the field. In addition to the points, Johnson provided solid value in rebounds, assists and three-pointers. Going into Sunday’s season finale against the Knicks, the concern is playing time, as Johnson only logged 24 minutes. He’s played 25 minutes or less in four straight games, as players like Reece Beekman (11/2/3/3 with one three-pointer in 31 minutes) and Dariq Whitehead (6/2/2/1 with two three-pointers in 20 minutes) pick up additional playing time.

While Keon will get a rest day on Tuesday, Cameron will miss a fourth-straight game with a back injury. Trendon Watford will likely remain in the starting lineup, while Johnson’s absence frees up additional minutes for Dariq Whitehead and Maxwell Lewis. One of those two will likely move into the starting five, raising their streaming value in leagues that remain active.

While he has not been a fantasy asset during his first two NBA seasons, Whitehead has recently been given more opportunities to show what he can do. After scoring 17 points in an April 3 loss to the Timberwolves, the second-year guard has reached double figures in two straight games for the first time. There’s no need to add Whitehead now, but he’ll have value if the Nets decide to shut down Cameron Johnson. At this point, it would be somewhat surprising if they didn’t hold out the veteran wing for the season’s final week.

Due to injuries, Whitehead has not been a factor in fantasy basketball in either of his two NBA seasons. However, now would be a good time for the Nets to see what they have in their 2023 first-round pick. The 25 minutes he logged on Wednesday were a career-high, and Whitehead shot 3-of-9 from beyond the arc. There’s no need to consider adding the second-year wing, but he’s worth watching as the Nets play out the remainder of their season.

Whitehead is not on the injury report after being ruled out for Brooklyn’s last few games. However, even when he’s healthy, Whitehead hasn’t had a spot in the team’s rotation.

The Nets are calling this “right knee soreness.” It’s unclear how long it will keep him sidelined, but Whitehead’s absence won’t have an impact on their immediate rotation. He is certainly a candidate to play a larger role down the stretch of the season if healthy.

Whitehead’s absence does not impact fantasy basketball, as he is not in the Nets’ rotation when healthy. Hopefully, this is not an injury that keeps him out for an extended period, as there may be “silly season” opportunities for Whitehead if the Nets aren’t in contention for a play-in spot.

Whitehead may have caught the Suns off-guard during his first stint. He scored 11 points in six minutes, shooting 4-of-4 from the field with three 3-pointers. While the 2023 first-round pick didn’t do much after that flurry, he’s someone who the Nets may want to get a more extended look at down the stretch, especially if the team can move another veteran or two by the trade deadline. There’s no need to add Whitehead now, but deep-league managers should keep him on their radar.