Oklahoma City

Thunder

The Nuggets’ decision to match the Thunder’s offer sheet comes less than 48 hours after OKC’s initial offer. Jones, who averaged 5.5 points and 3.3 rebounds across 64 games last regular season, should remain a solid piece off Denver’s bench for the 2026-27 campaign. He’s mostly a three-point specialist who can provide some perimeter defense as well during his minutes, but is unlikely to move high enough up Denver’s depth chart to have any fantasy value next season.

Jones is a restricted free agent, so the Nuggets still have the opportunity to match the contract and keep him. If not, this was a wise bit of maneuvering by the Thunder as they were able to offer Jones using the Taxpayer mid-level exception after getting under the second apron by trading Lu Dort. Jones averaged 5.5 points in 22.5 minutes per game during the regular season last year, but stepped up during the playoffs, shooting 69 percent from three-point range.

The former No. 1 overall pick wasn’t able to figure things out in Atlanta, but he’ll get a fresh start in Dallas. With Masai Ujiri and Mike Schmitz running the show for the Mavs, they have rebuilt this roster around Cooper Flagg by adding multiple new players in the frontcourt, including Risacher, Santi Aldama and Morez Johnson. Risacher’s role will likely be limited off the bench to start his tenure with Dallas, though a fresh start on a rebuilding team could yield him the opportunity to develop into the player the Hawks hoped he would become. The three second-round picks heading to OKC are Chicago’s 2027 pick from Dallas and most favorable picks in 2031 and 2032 from Atlanta.

While the combination of his two-way contract and Oklahoma City’s wing depth will make it challenging for Barnhizer to earn consistent rotation minutes, there may be opportunities throughout the season. As an example, he appeared in 40 NBA games as a rookie, with Jalen Williams’ injuries being a factor. Barnhizer finished Thursday’s defeat with an impressive double-double and five assists, making a positive impression on team decision-makers. At best, Barnhizer is someone to stash in deep dynasty leagues, but there may be the occasional moment of streaming relevance in redraft leagues.

Mara did not record any defensive stats in Tuesday’s defeat, but he did manage to make all six of his field-goal attempts. The 7-foot-3 center was also solid on the glass and as a facilitator, and he’s recorded ten assists over Oklahoma City’s last two games. With Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein starting, and Jaylin Williams and 2025 first-round pick Thomas Sorber also in the mix, Mara will face significant competition for consistent rotation minutes. However, he has the size and skill set to add value, especially on nights when the Thunder face bigger frontcourts.

Coming off a 13-point effort in Sunday’s blowout loss to the Warriors, Stirtz had his best game of the summer on Tuesday. The 16th overall pick in last month’s draft shot 50 percent from the field, including a 6-of-10 night from inside the arc. Stirtz committed four turnovers, but the Thunder were likely encouraged by his overall performance. Given Oklahoma City’s perimeter depth, achieving fantasy relevance as a rookie will be challenging for Stirtz. However, he has the scoring and playmaking ability needed to compete for a bench role when training camp opens in the fall.

Midway through the second quarter, Mara drove the baseline and stopped before turning around and delivering a two-handed dunk. The 21-year-old center had 10 points and was also active on the boards with nine rebounds. Mara will likely see limited minutes as a rookie behind a crowded Thunder frontcourt, but holds significant value in dynasty formats.

After struggling from deep for most of Oklahoma City’s three games in Salt Lake City, Stirtz was a solid 3-of-8 from beyond the arc on Friday. The four turnovers weren’t great, but he generally took good care of the basketball as a collegian, so there isn’t much to worry about there. Given Oklahoma City’s perimeter depth, they won’t have to ask too much of Stirtz immediately. As a result, he’s likely to be more valuable in dynasty leagues than redraft leagues.

After attempting six shots in his first summer appearance with the Thunder, Stirtz was more aggressive on Monday. Unfortunately, he shot 1-of-7 from beyond the arc in a rather forgettable effort. His chances of offering any fantasy value next season depend on injuries to Thunder guards ahead of him in the rotation. If Nikola Topić continues to struggle with health issues, that may be where Stirtz’s minutes come from during his rookie campaign.

Mara didn’t have an efficient offensive game, shooting 33.3 percent from the field and committing five turnovers. However, he was active on the boards and did an excellent job of blocking shots. During the first half, the Hawks appeared hesitant to attack the basket, with Mara altering a few shots he failed to block. With Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein and Jaylin Williams all in the Thunder frontcourt rotation, Mara’s role is likely to be limited next season. However, he’ll be a valuable player to roster in dynasty leagues, especially as Oklahoma City’s roster gets more expensive.