NBA Player News

Houston finally got a trade involving James Harden done on Thursday, with the perennial All-Star being moved to the Nets as part of a four-team deal. And the way in which it happened offered some insight into how Stone will run things as the Rockets’ lead executive. “It’s definitely accurate that I worked with James [to find a deal]... We do our best to work with our players and this was not an exception,” Stone said on Sunday. Houston was able to replenish its surplus of draft picks, which had been drained considerably by the acquisition of Russell Westbrook prior to the 2019-20 season, with Thursday’s trade. And they’ve also added Victor Oladipo, who will be a free agent this offseason. If the partnership works out, Houston would have another key building block to work with. If not, the Rockets would gain welcome salary cap space next summer.

The full details of the deal haven’t been released, but it is clear that Green will be part of a Hornets team that is looking to be more successful after two straight lottery seasons. Green will have a chance to start, but even if he plays a reserve role, he will still see big minutes. His fantasy upside was limited in Dallas, but he may get the chance to have the ball in his hands more on a team that isn’t quite as centered around one or two ball handlers.

Batum was sent to Philly last season as part of the James Harden deal early in the season. Before that, he had been with the Clippers for three straight seasons, and now he’ll rejoin the squad. He may be asked to play a larger role with Paul George now in Philly, which could lead to him being fairly productive in fantasy hoops. However, at his age, the expectations should be low.

Thompson reportedly had four year offers that were worth more money, but he took a pay cut to try and win a championship with the Mavs. His departure will open up a starting spot that will likely be filled by second-year guard Brandin Podziemski, barring more moves by the Warriors. Thompson should fill out the starting forward spot opposite PJ Washington, which means that Naji Marshall will likely fill a reserve role behind them. Green will have a chance to see big minutes for the Hornets next season, though his fantasy upside will be limited.

After a breakout season with Boston, White is getting rewarded. He averaged multiple career-highs, including 4.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.0 steal, 1.2 blocks and 2.7 triples, while playing an instrumental role in Boston’s title run. They’ll have him under contract through the 2028-29 season as they look to chase more titles with this core.

Wright ended last season with Miami, where he played 14 games after the All-Star break for them. He played a significant role for them in the playoffs due to the amount of injuries the team was dealing with, and now he will head north to join a different contender. Wright will likely fill out the backup point guard minutes behind Damian Lillard, which should mean the end of Patrick Beverley’s time with the Bucks.

Garza has spent the last two seasons in Minnesota, and he will be back for at least two more, barring a trade in the future. He averaged 4.9 minutes across 25 appearances last year, and he shouldn’t see a dramatic increase in minutes this upcoming season.

Eubanks will leave the Suns behind to join a deep Utah frontcourt. He’ll fill out minutes at center alongside Walker Kessler, John Collins and Kyle Filipowski. It’s entirely unclear what the team’s rotation will look like next season due to the amount of depth they have. However, Eubanks won’t be providing fantasy value unless he fills in at times as a starter due to injuries in front of him in the rotation.

Minaya has suited up in 38 games for the Blazers over the last two seasons. He’ll be back with them next year, but he will likely once again spend the majority of his team in Rip City, which means this won’t have much not an impact in fantasy.

Harris’ time in Philly has officially come to a close, which shouldn’t come as a surprise. Harris returns to Detroit, which is where he played from 2016-18. He’ll provide them with a veteran floor spacer that can create his own shot as they look to shift the culture to a winning organization under J.B. Bickerstaff. He should slot in as the team’s starting power forward.

Hartenstein is heading back West after multiple seasons in New York. He was excellent when Mitchell Robinson was out last season, and now he’ll fill out the center minutes behind Chet Holmgren. Hartenstein will provide OKC with a bigger center to help match up with players like Nikola Jokic out West. He won’t be as productive in fantasy, but he will be an important part of the team’s rotation. In New York, Robinson and Jericho Sims are the only centers currently on the roster. That could mean that another move is coming for them, but right now, it’s looking like Robinson will see a minutes boost.