Miami

Heat

While specifics of the deal were not provided, Richards will likely earn the veteran’s minimum next season. Between Phoenix and Chicago, the former second-round pick appeared in 48 games last season, averaging 5.8 points and 5.1 rebounds in 14.6 minutes. While Richards gives the Heat more size in the frontcourt, he’s unlikely to be in a position to impact fantasy basketball in 2026-27.

Thompson’s departure from the Mavericks comes with a price. However, the veteran sharpshooter will now move on to the next chapter of his career, which will reportedly be with the Miami Heat. In joining the Heat, Thompson would likely come off the bench and play an important floor-spacing role for a team that could use all the three-point shooting possible. Thompson averaged 11.7 points and shot 38.3 percent from deep last season with Dallas.

Shortly after NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Thompson had reached a buyout agreement with Dallas, Shams dropped the news that Thompson was headed to South Beach. Thompson’s final season in Dallas was forgettable, but he’s still an elite shooter, which is exactly what the Heat need to build this team around Giannis Antetokounmpo. There is a chance that Thompson starts alongside Davion Mitchell, Andrew Wiggins, Giannis and Bam Adebayo, though he should play a significant role regardless. Pelle Larsson may take on a smaller role than anticipated with Thompson in town.

Per usual, the NBA will have its brightest stars playing on Christmas Day. The NBA Finals rematch will start the day at 12 p.m. ET and will be followed by Heat-Celtics, 76ers-Lakers, Thunder-Timberwolves and Nuggets-Warriors. Aside from the team and player rivalries that will add to the drama, this will also be LeBron James’ return to Los Angeles after spending the last eight seasons as a Laker.

Currently an unrestricted free agent, Young had another big scoring night in Las Vegas. The 6-foot-1 guard shot 50 percent from the field and was also active on the glass, grabbing 12 rebounds. However, Young needs to clean up the turnovers, as he was responsible for seven. With Miami having one open two-way contract slot, Young may be competing for that spot. However, an Exhibit 10 contract may also be on the table, and that would guarantee him a training camp invitation.

With the Heat summer league team as a free agent, Keels has been diagnosed with a sprained MCL in his right knee and will not play again this week. While his absence won’t impact fantasy basketball for next season, the former second-round pick loses out on opportunities to further prove himself worthy of a training camp invitation at a minimum.

Not selected in the 2025 draft, Goldin spent his rookie campaign with the Heat on a two-way deal. The 7-foot-1 center spent most of his time in the G League, appearing in just nine NBA games. Goldin, who has played well at summer league, will look to offer greater value to the Heat next season. However, he’s unlikely to get the opportunities needed to impact fantasy basketball.

Back in the Heat starting lineup after sitting out Miami’s second game in Las Vegas, Donaldson put forth his best performance of the summer on Monday. He shot 9-of-13 from inside the arc, leading the Heat in scoring with 22 points. Donaldson is on a two-way contract, and with the Heat making strides in filling out their rosters, opportunities at the NBA level next season may be scarce. However, the Heat have done well with their G League affiliate in the past, and Donaldson has shown promise this summer after going undrafted.

Westbrook, 37, is an obvious fit for the Heat in the wake of the trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. He still has something left in the tank and would come cheap, which is a necessity for Miami at this point. Of course, Westbrook is out of the picture if LeBron decides to join Giannis in Miami. James is yet to make a decision in free agency and is reportedly also considering Cleveland, Golden State and Philadelphia.

Like backcourt partner Trevor Keels, Young is playing for the Heat as an unrestricted free agent after the team declined to tender a qualifying offer. While he didn’t have his best day shooting, Young put up 27 points and added six assists in Saturday’s defeat. After appearing in 14 games for the Heat last season, he’s looking to solidify his spot in the NBA, either on a two-way or a standard contract. Performances like Saturday’s should help Young’s cause.