NBA Player News

VanVleet finished Sunday’s defeat with his first double-double since March 16, and the 12 assists were the most in a game for him since March 21 (12 vs. Chicago). He was one of three Rockets to score at least 21 points, with Dillon Brooks (29) and Jalen Green (21/6/8/2/1 with two 3-pointers) being the others. The Rockets have been officially eliminated from postseason contention, which may impact how they approach Week 24. Fantasy managers whose leagues run that long should consider Cam Whitmore and Amen Thompson if they are available on the waiver wire.

Cain averaged 11.7 minutes per contest across 44 games through two seasons with Miami, so he’s way off the fantasy radar heading into the 2024-25 campaign.

Martin logged just 12.4 minutes per tilt across 60 appearances for the Clippers and Sixers last season, and he’s not expected to make a major impact for Philly in 2024-25.

Brunson’s deal includes a player option in Year 4, which means he can opt out and sign another four-year deal worth $323 million in 2027. The move allows him to save a serious franchise contender serious money with the understanding that he’ll be able to recoup those savings with his next deal. New York is among the favorites to win the NBA championship in 2024-25 thanks to a loaded roster that includes Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby in addition to most of the roster that just made the Eastern Conference semis.

Juzang appeared in 20 games last season and averaged 7.2 points. The 23-year-old wing will have to compete with the likes of Jordan Clarkson and 2024 first-round pick Cody Williams, though. Fantasy managers shouldn’t expect him to play a major role early in 2024-25.

Green averaged 6.5 points and 2.3 rebounds through 78 games last season. Houston’s young frontcourt is improving quickly, so Green is unlikely to be a significant fantasy option when the Rockets are healthy. Especially with Steven Adams set to return from a one-year layoff.

While Okogie has agreed to a two-year contract to remain with the Suns, the second season is not guaranteed. Appearing in 60 games, he finished the 2023-24 campaign with averages of 4.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.5 3-pointers in 16.0 minutes. Okogie missed nearly three weeks of action in March due to injury and was ultimately passed in the rotation by Royce O’Neale, who was acquired from the Nets at the February deadline. Look for Okogie to provide additional depth on the wing, but he’s unlikely to offer reputable fantasy value.

Having signed with the 76ers after being waived by the Hornets, Lowry will return to his hometown team for another season. He played in 23 regular-season games for Philadelphia last season, averaging 8.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.6 3-pointers in 28.4 minutes, making 20 starts. While Lowry’s numbers slipped slightly in the 76ers’ first-round loss to the Knicks, the veteran point guard had a positive impact. His fantasy value isn’t what it was when Lowry was in his prime, and that’s unlikely to change with Tyrese Maxey running the show and Paul George joining the roster.

According to the Hawks, Bufkin injured his shoulder during practice on Tuesday. Found to have symptoms “consistent with a right shoulder subluxation,” the 2023 first-round pick will not play in Las Vegas but is expected to be fully healthy in time for training camp. With the Hawks trading Dejounte Murray to the Pelicans, more minutes should be available to Bufkin after he played sparingly as a rookie. Depending on his health and how he performs in camp, Bufkin could be worth taking a late-round flier on in deep leagues as Trae Young’s backup.

When the Kings revealed on July 7 that Carter, the 13th overall pick in last month’s draft, would undergo surgery, the full severity of the issue was unknown. With doctors needing to repair a torn labrum, Carter will be sidelined for at least six months, likely taking him out of consideration in redraft leagues. His absence makes Keon Ellis and Jordan McLaughlin players of added importance within the Kings rotation, especially with Davion Mitchell being traded to the Raptors.

McGowens is benefitting from his strong summer league play. The 21-year-old wing was waived by the Hornets after averaging 24.5 points in a pair of exhibition games. Portland has too many young wings for him to be a legitimate fantasy asset next season, though.