Fantasy News

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  Kristaps Porzingis

  PF-C, Dallas Mavericks

  The Mavs are willing to deal 'anyone not named Luka Dončić or Kristaps Porzingis' as they look ahead to trying to compete with the Western Conference powerhouses in 2020-21.

  It's not like the Mavs' roster is terribly stacked, but they do have some assets other than the aforementioned studs. Porzingis (torn right meniscus) had some right knee issues and ultimately had to undergo yet another surgery in late August to address it, so he would not necessarily be the most attractive trade chip at the moment, anyway. This means that players like Dorian Finney-Smith, Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber and Delon Wright could potentially be acquired via trade during this 'offseason' period. It very much sounds as though nothing has been decided, which is a little uncharacteristic of owner Mark Cuban and the Mavs brass as they normally move with swiftness and confidence in free agency. There seems to be a bit of uncertainty regarding the direction of the franchise, although its apparent that the team can win with Dončić leading the charge and Cuban undoubtedly has realized that. The next month or two are looking like they could be pivotal ones for the Mavs and their composition.

  Source: The Dallas Morning News

  October 27, 2020, 10:16 pm

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  Kevin Durant

  SF, Brooklyn Nets

  New head coach Steve Nash and the Nets have high expectations heading into the 2020-21 season and fully anticipate making a deep playoff run.

  Nash said this week that they're 'playing for a championship,' so it's more of a matter of if he is up to the task as a coach, and nobody really knows how that is going to go yet. We know newly-minted superstars Kevin Durant (right Achilles tear) and Kyrie Irving plan to compete immediately, with Durant expected to take the court for Brooklyn for the first time. He sat out last season with the right Achilles injury. The Nets' training camp and preseason activities should be something to keep an eye on (although it might be hard 𝘯𝘰𝘵 to be tuned in to their every move).

  Source: Brian Lewis on Twitter

  October 27, 2020, 9:39 pm

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  LeBron James

  SF, Los Angeles Lakers

  Marc Stein is reporting that some NBA teams are expecting free agency to open on November 20 or 21 if the league moves forward with a rumored December 22 start date.

  That would be just two or three days after the draft concludes, and still only leave a month to jam in training camps and preseason. The league appears dead set on fitting in as many games as possible for revenue purposes. The NBPA still has to approve this plan but the fact that so many ducks appear to be getting placed in rows is something to read into.

  Source: Marc Stein on Twitter

  October 27, 2020, 2:08 pm

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  David Stockton

  PG, International

  Free agent point guard David Stockton has agreed to a contract with Puerto Rican club Mets de Guaynabo, according to Emiliano Carchia of Sportando.

  Stockton is a G League lifer and spent last season with the South Bay Lakers. With the status of the G League unknown, he is securing some much needed playing time.

  Source: Emiliano Carchia on Twitter

  October 27, 2020, 11:42 am

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  Kawhi Leonard

  SF, Los Angeles Clippers

  Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are one season away from being able to leave in unrestricted free agency, but newly appointed head coach Ty Lue said that this is the situation they want to be in and it’s his job to make it a great environment.

  The first year in L.A. certainly didn’t go as planned for the two superstars but the Clippers are determined to win. Lue mentioned that he is willing to stop favoring iso plays and that he will be incorporating more off-ball movement and ball-sharing responsibilities across the roster, while PG and Kawhi will see less court time with each other. The Clippers should be active in the offseason and it’s almost certain that they will remain contenders next season with George and Leonard leading the way.

  Source: ESPN

  October 27, 2020, 10:10 am

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  Andre Drummond

  C, Cleveland Cavaliers

  The Celtics are monitoring the contract situation involving center Andre Drummond and could be a possible trade partner should the Cavs decide to make a move, according to Evan Dammarell of Forbes.

  Drummond is expected to exercise the $28.7 million player option on his contract, but even if he does so, he will be a free agent at the end of next season. The two sides are reportedly far apart on an extension and the Cavs may be forced to trade the big man away eventually instead of risking to lose him for nothing. The Celtics got a tremendous year out of Daniel Theis this past season but it’s obvious that they are exploring the market in search of a long term solution and Drummond could be the missing piece.

  Source: Forbes

  October 27, 2020, 9:23 am

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  Gordon Hayward

  SF, Boston Celtics

  Celtics forward Gordon Hayward could opt out of his contract in search of a long-term deal, according to several NBA analysts, including Zach Lowe of ESPN.

  “There’s some buzz out there. And I can’t figure out what the buzz means,” Lowe said on his podcast. “I’m not sure what’s up, but I don’t think it’s a lock that he is on the Celtics next year.” Hayward has a $34.2 million option on his contract and Tim Bontemps recently reported that he was expected to pick it up. It’s likely that his agent is exploring all available options right now so nothing is imminent. Free agency is expected to begin shortly after the draft which is scheduled to take place on November 18th. Hayward’s value is likely to remain the same regardless of whether he jumps to another team.

  Source: ESPN

  October 27, 2020, 9:13 am

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  Anthony Davis

  PF-C, Los Angeles Lakers

  According to Marc Stein, December 1 is emerging as the likely opening day for training camps, assuming the proposed December 22 league start is approved.

  Things are moving fast and it appears that the December 22 start date for the 2020-21 season is gaining serious traction. Aside from training camp, November 18 (NBA Draft) and the start of free agency, shortly after, are among the key dates to pay attention to very soon.

  Source: Marc Stein on Twitter

  October 27, 2020, 12:06 am