Minnesota

Timberwolves

The Wolves re-signed NAW to a two-year deal this summer, and it appears that the team believes that’s a bargain for them. He played a minimal role for them last season and hasn’t really panned out since the Pelicans selected him in 2019. He isn’t worth drafting in standard leagues, but if they really believe in him to this level, he’s worth keeping an eye on.

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.

Nix spent his first two NBA seasons with the Rockets franchise, appearing in 57 games in 2022-23 and averaging 4.0 points and 2.3 assists per game. He’s joining the team on an Exhibit 10 contract, which only guarantees him a spot in training camp. While this does give him an opportunity to earn a roster spot, Nix’s signing will not impact fantasy basketball. The Timberwolves are at the league maximum for guaranteed contracts (15).

Edwards was the United States’ best player throughout the FIBA World Cup, but he was unable to do enough to help the team avoid returning home without a medal for the second consecutive tournament. Mikal Bridges (19/9/4/2 with three 3-pointers) was able to pull off the play that rarely works to force overtime, as he rebounded his own intentionally missed free throw and knocked down a corner 3-pointer. But that only delayed the inevitable, as Canada’s Dillon Brooks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander combined to torch the Americans for 70 points. Going back to Edwards, this summer has the potential to serve as a springboard into superstardom, as he was the Americans’ unquestioned top option at the World Cup. Don’t be surprised if he turns into a first-round fantasy player this season.

The USA won’t advance to the Finals despite being favored to win the entire tournament, but the team will face Canada in the third-place game Sunday in a matchup that will be filled with NBA talent. Edwards has led USA in scoring thus far, and he figures to be the focal point of the offense once again Sunday against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Co.

While the United States suffering defeat was a surprise, Steve Kerr’s team had already clinched a spot in the quarterfinal round. Edwards was again outstanding and has been the Americans’ top offensive option in this tournament. But a few of his teammates got off to slow starts, which proved to be too much to overcome against a talented Lithuania squad that made its first nine 3-point attempts and finished 14-of-26 from beyond the arc. Next up for the United States is Italy in the quarterfinals, while Lithuania will take on Serbia.

KAT is playing for the Dominican Republic this summer and leading a squad that doesn’t feature any other current NBA players. He didn’t have a great performance from the field, but he was able to contribute enough from the free throw line to help them get their first win of the FIBA World Cup. He outdueled Jordan Clarkson, who led the Philippines with 28 points.

Ant Man twisted his ankle late in the game against Germany, but he simply laced his shoes up tighter and took over. He scored a game-high 34 points and helped them end the game on a 22-5 run and secure the victory. Team USA will begin their World Cup run on August 26th against New Zealand. Tyrese Haliburton and Austin Reaves each added 16 points off the bench. Franz Wagner led Germany with 17 points, and Dennis Schroder added 16.

The United States was, as was the case in their first friendly against Puerto Rico, incredibly balanced offensively. While only two players (Edwards and Jalen Brunson) reached double figures, eight scored at least seven in Saturday’s blowout. Edwards led the way, and this could be a sign of what’s to come in the upcoming FIBA World Cup. His combination of size, skill, and athleticism should mesh well with the international game. Edwards and the Americans are back in action on Sunday, as they’re scheduled to face Spain.

Team USA played its lone stateside friendly ahead of this month’s FIBA World Cup on Monday in Las Vegas, and Steve Kerr’s team got off to a slow start. But they were much better after the half, as the comfort level among the players increased. Edwards led a balanced offensive effort, as he was one of seven Americans in double figures. Armed with a new max contract, Ant-Man is a player who could vault into the first round of standard fantasy leagues this season. Even with Mike Conley still in the fold in Minnesota, Edwards stands to have the ball in his hands even more as a primary playmaker. While fantasy managers may not use a first-round pick on Edwards, he should be off the board by the end of the second in standard leagues.