Utah

Jazz

Clarkson was recently bought out of his contract by the Jazz. The 33-year-old point guard isn’t the only big name veteran with interest in the Knicks as Russell Westbrook is also reportedly interested in joining the team that’s been in the Eastern Conference finals each of the last two years. While neither Westbrook nor Clarkson project for fantasy-relevant roles with the Knicks, both are ideal additions for the veteran minimum.

No surprises with this move, as Utah continues to move backcourt pieces to promote the development of guys like Isaiah Collier, Keyonte George and rookie Walter Clayton Jr. Clarkson averaged 17.7 points and 2.4 triples across five full seasons with Utah, and he can offer microwave scoring to contending teams.

Over the last two seasons, the UCLA product has averaged just over eight points and 1.7 triples while shooting 38.4% from downtown. He should have no problem landing with a new team that can utilize his floor-spacing abilities.

Acquired from the Suns at the February trade deadline, Nurkic is headed back to the Western Conference. His fit in Phoenix was awkward, and opportunities in Charlotte were somewhat limited after Mark Williams returned from injury and a failed trade to the Lakers. Nurkic appeared in 51 games last season, averaging 8.9 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 20.8 minutes. With Utah having Walker Kessler on the roster, there won’t be much room for Nurkic to impact fantasy basketball next season. He won’t be worth the risk in fantasy drafts.

After three seasons in Utah, Sexton is on the move, with the Jazz sending him and a future draft pick to Charlotte. The scoring guard appeared in 63 games last season, averaging 18.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 0.7 steals and 1.7 three-pointers in 27.9 minutes. Primarily a points and assists option, Sexton finished the season ranked outside the top 150 in nine-cat formats. With Utah’s point guard situation including Keyonte George, Isaiah Collier and first-round pick Walter Clayton Jr., Sexton being moved is unsurprising. His fantasy value in Charlotte may be limited, but there could be opportunities to provide value due to LaMelo Ball’s injury history.

While St. John’s coach Rick Pitino loaded up on transfers ahead of his second season with the program, his best player was one of the few returnees. Luis, who played one season at UMass before transferring to St. John’s, was one of the best players in college basketball in 2024-25. In 35 games, he averaged 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.6 blocks and 1.3 three-pointers, shooting 43.9 percent from the field and 74.7 percent from the foul line. In addition to being named Big East Player of the Year, the versatile Luis was a consensus All-American. Luis will compete for a spot in the rotation on a Utah squad that is loaded with recent first-round picks.

Due to COVID-19 rules and a missed season due to a foot injury, Tonje earned six years of collegiate eligibility. After four years at Colorado State, he played for Missouri and finally for Wisconsin. Tonje broke out with the Badgers, posting 19.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 2.3 triples while posting efficient 47/39/91 shooting splits, At 24 years old, the 6’5, 212 pound Tonje is one of the oldest prospects in the 2025 draft class, but he can be a valuable 3-and-D wing at the next level. From a physicality standpoint, Tonje is a pro-ready player. With the Jazz rebuilding, there may be a chance for the former Wisconsin standout to earn opportunities, especially with 2024 lottery pick Cody Williams underwhelming as a rookie.

Utah made this selection, but Watkins will be headed to Washington once the teams’ proposed trade becomes official. At 6'5, 215 pounds, Watkins has excellent size for a wing to be a multi-positional defender in the NBA. He spent three seasons with VCU before spending the last two with Florida State, Last season, he averaged a healthy 18.4 points, 5.7 rebounds. 2.4 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.5 blocks. His three-point shooting is still underdeveloped, but he makes up for it with frequent trips to the charity stripe, averaging 7.7 FTA last season. Watkins’s most significant strength is on defense, but if he can improve his shooting, he’ll be a solid two-way option. While Washington is loaded with young perimeter players, the second-round pick’s defensive ability will give Watkins an opportunity to earn playing time as a rookie.

While Utah made this pick, it will be headed to Washington with the Jazz receiving the 18th overall pick (Walter Clayton Jr.). As for Riley, the 19-year-old forward showcased some intriguing upside during his freshman season at Illinois. He averaged 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.3 three-pointers in 25.7 minutes per game. The numbers weren’t great, but the 6'9" playmaker could be an impactful player in the future as his development progresses. Defense wasn’t a strong point for Riley, and he didn’t contribute many steals or blocks, which is concerning for fantasy managers. However, he has the potential to be a dynamic offensive player as both a scorer and a playmaker. Riley joins a Wizards roster that already has some young talent on the perimeter, including Kyshawn George and Bub Carrington. With Khris Middleton also in the fold, Riley’s fantasy value may be limited next season.