NBA Player News

After scoring 25 points on 10-of-26 shooting in the Clippers’ two games in Denver, Powell was much better in Game 3. Not only did he shoot over 50 percent from the field, but the Clippers’ guard finished one blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday, with the Clippers aiming to take a 3-1 series lead.

Castleton’s contract for the 2025-26 season was non-guaranteed, putting him at risk of being waived before training camps open in September. Between Memphis, Toronto and Philadelphia, the 6-foot-10 center appeared in 26 games last season, averaging 4.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 16.6 minutes. Orlando holds Castleton’s G League rights, and the Magic have an open two-way contract slot if they decide to take a flier on the big man.

Giddey is one of the notable restricted free agents who has been unable to negotiate a deal this offseason. While the point guard and the Bulls are mutually interested in continuing their partnership after a solid 2024-25 season, the money remains a sticking point. According to Cowley, Giddey’s camp went into last season hoping for a deal on par with the one Jalen Suggs received from the Magic, playing an average annual salary of $30 million. The Bulls took a more cautious approach, possibly impacted by Patrick Williams’ disappointing play after receiving a surprising extension worth $90 million. Giddey can sign his qualifying offer worth $11 million, which would allow him to go into unrestricted free agency next summer, but that may be viewed as a “last resort.” Staying in Chicago would be best for Giddey’s fantasy value after finishing last season as a top-60 player in nine-cat formats.

Despite Chicago’s recent lack of on-court success, Charania reports that Donovan — who’s gone 195–205 over the last five seasons — is still viewed as a respected leader within the organization. He’ll remain in the Windy City for the foreseeable future as the Bulls embark on a long-term rebuild following the departures of cornerstones DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine.

Davison appeared in just 36 games for the Celtics across his first three NBA seasons, but he most recently won G League MVP. Houston’s rotation is one of the deepest in the Association, so Davison shouldn’t be expected to see meaningful minutes right away.

Cain appeared in 37 games for the Pelicans last season after spending his first two seasons with the Heat organization. On a two-way deal, the 6-foot-6 wing appeared in 37 NBA games in 2024-25, averaging 5.3 points and 2.3 rebounds in 13.6 minutes. Outside of the occasional solid performance as the Pelicans were playing out the string, Cain did not impact fantasy basketball. That’s likely to be the case in Orlando next season.

After appearing in 13 games over two seasons with the Bulls, Sanogo was waived in February, one month after suffering a knee injury. Not selected after a standout college career at UConn, the 6-foot-9 center most recently played for the Jazz in summer league competition. He’s headed to Italy for the next chapter of his professional career. Sanogo’s departure from the NBA will not impact fantasy basketball.

Council’s contract for the 2025-26 season was non-guaranteed, which put him at risk of being let go. In his second season with the team, the former Arkansas wing appeared in 73 games, averaging 7.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 0.8 three-pointers in 17.1 minutes. While a highly athletic player, Council struggled with his shot, shooting 38.2 percent from the field and 25.8 percent from the foul line. Given the veterans the 76ers re-signed during the offseason, the return of Jared McCain from a knee injury and the selection of VJ Edgecombe in the draft, Council was unlikely to get the minutes needed to impact fantasy basketball in 2025-26.

Gardner, who went undrafted in 2023, spent summer league with Miami, averaging 13.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 2.8 steals and two triples in 22.2 minutes per game across four appearances. He’ll likely spend most of next season in the G League, but his summer league performance was enough to earn him a two-way deal.

While Simmons’ career has not panned out the way many expected it to, his playmaking and defensive abilities mean there is interest in the free agent forward. In his report, Windhorst mentioned the Kings, Suns, Knicks and Celtics as teams linked with Simmons. The potential impact on fantasy basketball will depend on the location and Simmons’ health, which has been problematic for most of his NBA career. He played in 51 games last season between the Nets and Clippers, averaging 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 0.7 steals in 22.0 minutes.

After spending his first two NBA seasons with the Raptors, Harper signed a two-way deal with the Pistons before the start of the 2024-25 campaign. He appeared in just one game for Detroit, spending most of his time with the franchise’s G League affiliate. Due to Detroit’s perimeter depth, Harper’s departure will not impact fantasy basketball.