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D'Angelo Russell Report: D'Angelo Russell exercises 2026-27 option Sat, Jun 20, 2026, 4:52 AM Jake Fischer NBA insider Jake Fischer reports that D'Angelo Russell has exercised his player option for the 2026-27 season. Analysis: Acquired from the Mavericks as part of the Anthony Davis trade at the February deadline, Russell never suited up for the Wizards last season. And that was with Trae Young unavailable on most nights. Add in Bub Carrington being on the roster, and it's highly unlikely that Russell plays for the Wizards next season. Regardless of where he lands, there is not much to gain from rostering D'Lo in fantasy leagues.
Isaiah Stewart Report: Pistons open to moving Isaiah Stewart Sat, Jun 20, 2026, 4:11 AM The Athletic Sam Amick of The Athletic reported on Friday that the Pistons are open to trading Isaiah Stewart this offseason. Analysis: Stewart, who has two years and $30 million remaining on his current contract, saw his playing time decrease during the postseason due to Detroit's search for more playmaking alongside Cade Cunningham. To address that issue this summer, Beef Stew could be used to make something happen. And in a separate report, NBA insider Jake Fischer wrote that Stewart is . In 58 games last season, Stewart averaged 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 22.7 minutes. Backing up Jalen Duren has lowered Beef Stew's fantasy ceiling; a move to a place where he would play more could change that. And if Stewart were to be traded, that would free up additional opportunities for Paul Reed.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Shams: KCP exercises player option for 2026-27 Fri, Jun 19, 2026, 1:16 PM Shams Charania Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will exercise his player option for the 2026-27 season, per ESPN's Shams Charania. Analysis: Caldwell-Pope's 2025-26 campaign ended early after he injured his finger and underwent surgery. Before the injury, the veteran guard was having one of his least-productive seasons as a pro and had struggled to provide fantasy value. Nonetheless, his opt -in will bring him back to Memphis for a third season.
Mark Williams Suns tender qualifying offer to Mark Williams Thu, Jun 18, 2026, 6:50 AM Keith Smith Suns tendered qualifying offers to both Mark Williams and Koby Brea, making both players restricted free agents. Analysis: Williams played a career-best 61 games last season, though he ended up missing the entirety of the Suns' first-round series against the Thunder and only played in one of their two play-in games. However, he was still effective when he was on the floor, and Phoenix likely won't let the 24-year-old walk for cheap. He should be penciled in as their starting center for next season, though Khaman Maluach's development could alter the Suns' stance on how much their willing to match on an offer sheet for Williams. Brea was a summer league standout in 2025 and will likely play for the Suns' squad again, though he is likely still far off from being a rotational player for them.
Trae Young Windhorst: Trae expected to re-sign with Wizards Thu, Jun 18, 2026, 6:44 AM Brian Windhorst. ESPN's Brian Windhorst reports Trae Young will likely re-sign with the Wizards on a three-year deal. Analysis: Reports surfaced on Wednesday that Young would opt out of the final year of his contract, which would've been worth $48.97 million. Assuming he makes that official next week, he will become an unrestricted free agent, but it doesn't appear he will test the waters. Young seemed to be bought in on the Wizards after they traded for him in January, and he'll affirm that when he signs a new deal. Washington is in a great spot after multiple miserable seasons; they have All-Star talents in Young and Anthony Davis, rising stars in Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George and Tre Johnson, and they also have the top pick in the draft next week. Young will have plenty of talent to facilitate the ball to.
Trae Young Report: Trae Young plans to opt out, become UFA Wed, Jun 17, 2026, 4:27 PM Marc J. Spears ESPN's Marc J. Spears reports that Trae Young plans to opt out of the final season of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent. Analysis: Acquired from the Hawks in early January, Young appeared in five games for the Wizards before being shut down in mid-March. Had he opted into the final season of his contract, the point guard would have earned nearly $49 million. And this may not be a case in which Young is opting out to negotiate a deal with the Wizards that would give the team more cap space. According to the report, there's a belief that âmultiple teamsâ will show interest in signing Young. Washington is perceived to be the favorite to sign Young, but that isn't guaranteed. The question is whether this will affect how the Wizards view the first overall pick in next week's draft. BYU's AJ Dybantsa is considered the favorite to go first, but Kansas' Darryn Peterson has refused to work out for any team other than the Wizards.
Mitchell Robinson Knicks owner Dolan hopes to avoid second apron Wed, Jun 17, 2026, 2:38 PM WFAN 660 on X Knicks owner James Dolan said during a radio appearance on Wednesday that, while he wants to bring the team back for another run next season, he wants to avoid the second apron. Analysis: Fresh off the franchise's first NBA title in 53 years, the Knicks' focus has turned to the roster makeup for 2026-27. While Dolan made it clear that he's fine with writing a check to account for entering the luxury tax, that isn't the case for the second apron. âIf we could bring back the whole team, exactly as it is, why wouldn't you? But I don't know if we're going to be able to, contractually,â Dolan said. âWe're willing to stretch, right. There's certain things in the NBA that you'd have to be suicidal to do. One of them is called the second apron. Cannot go into the second apron. That's up to Leon (Rose)...I'll write as big of a check as possible, but I can't write a check that goes into the second apron.â This is important because two rotation players, Mitchell Robinson and Landry Shamet, are among the Knicks who will be unrestricted free agents at the end of the month. And Jose Alvarado, who was critical in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, has a $4.5 million player option. The Knicks barely avoided the second apron this season; this task becomes even more challenging this summer.
Walker Kessler Report: Jazz offered Kessler $140m over five years Wed, Jun 17, 2026, 11:59 AM ESPN ESPN's Tim MacMahon reports that the Jazz offered Walker Kessler a contract worth approximately $140 million over five years. Analysis: Two days after The Athletic reported that Kessler was frustrated with the Jazz front office as free agency approaches, more details emerged regarding the contract offered by Utah. According to MacMahon, Utah proposed an offer worth close to $140 million over five years. However, while this would be the most lucrative contract ever given to a center who had yet to make an All-Star team, there are still hard feelings between Kessler and the Jazz front office. In Monday's report, Kessler not receiving an extension before the start of the 2025-26 season was cited as a factor, and it's another issue the two sides will need to work through if they want to move forward as partners.
Dennis Schroder Windhorst: Cavaliers looking to 'shave salary' Tue, Jun 16, 2026, 9:11 AM Brian Windhorst ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported the Cavaliers are looking to âshave salary.â Analysis: Windhorst theorized that the Cavs could be âinvestigatingâ moving on from Dennis Schroder, though it doesn't appear that a deal is imminent. Schroder was dealt from Sacramento to Cleveland at the deadline and was a solid veteran for them down the stretch, though he didn't do much in the conference finals. It appears Schroder's time with the Cavs will be coming to a close this summer, though that isn't guaranteed. If he ends up on a team that has a larger need for a point guard than Cleveland has, he could have some fantasy relevance next season.
Walker Kessler Report: Kessler frustrated with Jazz front office Mon, Jun 15, 2026, 2:42 PM The Athletic According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, Walker Kessler is displeased with the Jazz front office's handling of his pending restricted free agency. Analysis: Kessler, limited to five games this season after suffering a shoulder injury, will be a restricted free agent on June 30. While the Jazz can match any offer sheet that Kessler agrees to, they can also negotiate with the center before he hits the open market. However, according to Amick's reporting, Kessler is not pleased with the franchise essentially leveraging his pending restricted free agency against the 7-footer. As a result, he's reportedly more willing to consider the idea of playing elsewhere. Given the need for rim protectors, there will be a market for Kessler at the end of the month. After not offering him an extension last fall, the Jazz seem content to see what Kessler's price will be before deciding on his future with the franchise, especially with Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. on large contracts. Wherever he plays next season, a healthy Kessler has top-50 fantasy potential, especially for those willing to punt free-throw percentage.
Xavier Cooks Report: Darryn Peterson only met with Wizards Mon, Jun 15, 2026, 12:38 PM ESPN ESPN's Shams Charania reports that Darryn Peterson has only met with the Wizards ahead of the June 23 NBA Draft. Analysis: While Peterson is one of the top prospects in this draft class, most have assumed that BYU's AJ Dybantsa will be the first overall pick in next week's draft. However, the former Kansas guard is reportedly operating as if he only has eyes for Washington, refusing to meet with the other teams at the top of the draft lottery. Utah, which picks second, dealt with a similar situation last summer, but it did not keep them from selecting Ace Bailey fifth overall. Whether Washington's acquisition of Trae Young will affect their thinking regarding Peterson is unknown, but the most recent reports make it clear that the 6-foot-5 guard wants to hear his name called first overall.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Report: Giannis 'focused' on move to Miami Mon, Jun 15, 2026, 10:26 AM ESPN on YouTube ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported on Monday that Giannis Antetokounmpo is âfocusedâ on being traded to the Miami Heat. Analysis: With the 2025-26 season in the rear-view mirror, Antetokounmpo's future is the focus of most of the NBA. Bucks owner Jimmy Haslam said during the introductory press conference for head coach Taylor Jenkins that he expected a resolution of some kind before the June 23 NBA Draft. While Antetokounmpo can't sign an extension with the Bucks until October 1, a verbal commitment would put the trade discussions to rest. However, Windhorst reported on Monday that the Bucks' forward is âfocusedâ on a move to Miami, which has previously expressed interest in acquiring him. âHe has focused on wanting to be a member of the Miami Heat. And because he only has one year on his contract, he has some control over that,â Windhorst said. âBut the Heat and the Bucks have been talking for months and not agreed to a deal, because the Bucks don't love the Heat's offer. There are third teams involved. There are fourth teams involved.â Boston has also been rumored as a possible destination for Antetokounmpo, but not to the same extent as Miami.
Aaron Gordon Report: Aaron Gordon drawing trade interest Sun, Jun 14, 2026, 2:08 PM Marc Stein NBA insider Marc Stein reports that teams have registered interest in trading for Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon. Analysis: Despite being limited to 87 regular-season games over the last two seasons due to injuries. Gordon is a popular player heading into the offseason. According to Stein, the athletic forward is the veteran Nuggets player who has drawn the most trade interest from opposing teams. However, he also reported that if Denver were to make a move, they would prefer to find a trade partner for Christian Braun rather than for Gordon or Jamal Murray. Making a move would likely make it easier for the Nuggets to hold onto Peyton Watson, who will be a restricted free agent at the end of the month.
Devin Vassell Devin Vassell records 12 points, complete line Sat, Jun 13, 2026, 6:40 PM Devin Vassell accounted for 12 points (5-of-8 FGs), seven rebounds, two assists, two steals, one block and two three-pointers in Saturday's Game 5 loss to the Knicks. Analysis: Vassell's contributions in Game 5 won't jump off the page, but he was solid and recorded a complete stat line in the Spurs' season finale. That tracks with his fantasy production during the regular season, with the Spurs' wing finishing outside the top-100 in eight- and nine-cat formats. Vassell will likely remain a player who offers consistent late-round fantasy value, but his ceiling is limited. Especially as players like Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper improve.
De'Aaron Fox De'Aaron Fox struggles mightily in Game 5 defeat Sat, Jun 13, 2026, 6:39 PM De'Aaron Fox amassed seven points (3-of-15 FGs), five assists, two steals and one three-pointer in Saturday's Game 5 loss to the Knicks. Analysis: Fox's first NBA Finals appearance is one that should, in theory, motivate him for years to come, as he struggled for most of the series. The miscues late in Game 4 were followed by a subpar performance in Game 5, and down the stretch, the Spurs would have been better off relying on Dylan Harper. Regarding fantasy basketball, Fox can provide reliable top-75 value, but his ceiling is limited on this Spurs roster. It's worth noting that Fox's extension, worth nearly $222 million over four years, goes into effect next season. While the Spurs may not have to make a decision immediately, there will come a point when they need to play Harper and Stephon Castle. Stay tuned.
Victor Wembanyama Victor Wembanyama posts 19 points in Game 5 Sat, Jun 13, 2026, 6:38 PM Victor Wembanyama recorded 19 points (7-of-19 FGs, 4-of-5 FTs), 14 rebounds, two assists, five blocks and one three-pointer in Saturday's Game 5 loss to the Knicks. Analysis: While he had moments of dominance in his first NBA Finals appearance, Wembanyama's conditioning and the Knicks' ability to limit his effectiveness at times were issues. Dominant as a rim protector in Game 5, the 7-foot-4 center was unable to assert himself consistently on the offensive end, even with Karl-Anthony Towns in foul trouble for most of the night. These finals will serve as a learning experience for Wembanyama, who will have an argument to be Pick 1.1 in fantasy drafts next fall. Also, keep in mind that he won't turn 23 until January. There's a lot more for Wembanyama to learn before he reaches his prime.
OG Anunoby OG Anunoby limited to 11 points in Game 5 victory Sat, Jun 13, 2026, 6:37 PM OG Anunoby tallied 11 points (3-of-11 FGs, 4-of-6 FTs), eight rebounds, three steals, one block and one three-pointer in Saturday's Game 5 win over the Spurs. Analysis: After totaling 51 points in Games 3 and 4, Anunoby entered Game 5 in the mix for NBA Finals MVP. However, he struggled for most of the night, and Jalen Brunson going off for 45 points put to rest any conversations about who would take home the Bill Russell Award. Even with the subpar Game 5, Anunoby's play throughout the Knicks' title run cemented his status as one of the top two-way players in the NBA. He can offer top-50 fantasy value during the regular season, even threatening top-25 status, and he's surpassed 65 games each of the last two seasons.
Josh Hart Josh Hart posts 13/11/2 line in Game 5 victory Sat, Jun 13, 2026, 6:36 PM Josh Hart accumulated 13 points (4-of-11 FGs, 2-of-3 FTs), 11 rebounds, two assists and three three-pointers in Saturday's Game 5 win over the Spurs. Analysis: Hart finished Saturday's win with his fourth double-double of the players, reaching double figures in points for the second time in three games. In fact, remove Games 3 and 5, and he totaled nine points in the other three contests. However, Hart's most important contributions rarely come in the points category, as evidenced by his 11 rebounds on Saturday. Also, his 3-of-6 night from beyond the arc was huge, as the Knicks struggled to get going as a whole. Because of inconsistent scoring, he can be undervalued in category leagues, but Hart has provided top-100 value. There's no reason why he can't do that again in 2026-27.
Karl-Anthony Towns Karl-Anthony Towns struggles in series clincher Sat, Jun 13, 2026, 6:36 PM Karl-Anthony Towns recorded two points (1-of-7 FGs), 10 rebounds, one assist, three steals and one block in Saturday's Game 5 win over the Spurs. Analysis: For the second consecutive game, Towns struggled with foul trouble on Saturday. While he was productive as a rebounder and defender in his 23 minutes, extended bench time robbed KAT of his offensive rhythm. However, this did not keep the Knicks from winning their first NBA title since 1973. And even with the poor individual finish, Towns' play throughout New York's title run may boost his value in fantasy drafts. The Knicks were most lethal when more of the offense ran through KAT, which may be an approach head coach Mike Brown takes in 2026-27. Using a late-first round pick on Towns in standard league drafts would not be a reach.
Mikal Bridges Mikal Bridges hits three triples, scores 14 points Sat, Jun 13, 2026, 6:35 PM Mikal Bridges notched 14 points (5-of-10 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs), two rebounds, four assists, one block and three three-pointers in Saturday's Game 5 win over the Spurs. Analysis: After totaling nine points in Games 3 and 4 of the NBA Finals, Bridges cracked double figures in Saturday's series clincher. On a night when Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby shot a combined 4-of-18 from the field, with the former fouling out, Bridges' contributions were needed, even if they weren't extraordinary. Looking ahead to next season, his availability is what gives Bridges value, especially in category leagues. However, the 2025-26 regular season may lead to him going a little later in drafts after many managers were burned by his struggles.