Fantasy News

• K.J. McDaniels - SF - Oklahoma City Thunder

  The Thunder released their 20-man training camp roster and K.J. McDaniels will be on the squad.

  the Thunder have 14 guaranteed contracts so expect a competitive training camp. McDaniels has the athleticism to stick with some of the most talented players in the league, but he’s failed to find his niche while playing with the Sixers, Rockets and Nets. Considering the Thunder have a hole to fill at SF its possible that McDaniels will make the regular season roster but isn’t a lock for fantasy production unless players like Patrick Patterson and Jerami Grant completely flop. Joining Grant on the roster will be Bryce Alford, Abdul Gaddy and Richard Solomon in addition to the actual members of the OKC roster.

  Source: Oklahoman

  September 23, 2018, 9:59 pm

• Jimmy Butler - G - Minnesota Timberwolves

  Pat Riley and the Heat have been "as aggressive as any team" in Jimmy Butler trade talks.

  The Heat were previously mentioned in Butler talks and could use a shakeup after sitting dormant all summer. Acquiring Butler would push them into the top half of the Eastern Conference but it remains to be seen what they would give up or what the Wolves would ask for off a roster that has a number of sizable financial commitments. Nearly half the league has been connected to Butler by now and the Wolves are motivated to get a deal done before camp opens on Tuesday, so the offers could ratchet up quickly.

  Source: Adrian Wojnarowski on Twitter

  September 23, 2018, 7:32 pm

• Rudy Gobert - C - Utah Jazz

  The Jazz have added Barnett Frank as their new Director of Performance.

  Frank, the newest addition to the team's performance healthcare staff, was responsible for, "researching and implementing cutting edge technology and techniques" at UNC. The team says that Frank will "work on applying world-class performance science in order to enhance player readiness, recovery and rehabilitation." More and more teams are beefing up their sports science departments these days to try and get an extra edge. Hopefully Frank can keep the up-and-coming Jazz healthy – particularly Rudy Gobert, who missed 26 games last season. Gobert finished top-30 in per-game value last year but was outside the top-60 in total value, so a full season would land owners much closer to his ADP.

  Source: NBA.com

  September 23, 2018, 6:41 pm

• Jimmy Butler - G - Minnesota Timberwolves

  The Wolves have told teams interested in Jimmy Butler that they can receive a "good player" back in a trade for the disgruntled All-Star.

  "Good player" is pretty subjective but the Wolves are trying to get other teams to increase their offers. They believe that their young core can win with help and would rather add than take on only futures in any Butler deal. The Raptors' interest shouldn't come as a surprise given their swing-for-the-fences acquisition of Kawhi Leonard earlier this summer, and they may be trying to get out ahead of the Clippers – one of Butler's top choices and the rumored destination for Kawhi Leonard next summer. You can add Toronto to a list that already features the Clippers, Knicks, Nets, Rockets, Pistons, Heat, Blazers, Cavs, Bucks and Wizards.

  Source: Darren Wolfson on Twitter

  September 23, 2018, 6:01 pm
• Alessandro Gentile - G/F - Houston Rockets

  The Rockets' initial training camp roster does not include Alessandro Gentile.

  Gentile was expected to make the cut but he's still recovering from hand surgery. Houston acquired the draft rights to the 25-year-old in a 2014 draft night trade. This has no fantasy impact.

  Source: Jonathan Feigen on Twitter

  September 23, 2018, 5:51 pm

• Chris McCullough - F - Detroit Pistons

  The Pistons have added forward Chris McCullough on a free agent deal.

  McCullough has spent time with the Nets and Wizards, including 19 games with Washington last year. He's unlikely to make the final roster barring an extended absence for Jon Leuer, and even then he's a longshot.

  Source: James Edwards III on Twitter

  September 23, 2018, 5:47 pm

• Jimmy Butler - G - Minnesota Timberwolves

  Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the Cavs are pursuing a Jimmy Butler trade after Cavs owner Dan Gilbert was seen talking to Wolves owner Glen Taylor on Friday.

  The Cavs don't seem intent on rebuilding after signing Kevin Love to a big extension, so it's not surprising to see them in the mix. They probably can't put together the best package for Butler now that last season's Nets pick has been used but to this point we haven't heard what any team might be offering. Expect more teams to get involved in the coming days.

  Source: Adrian Wojnarowski on Twitter

  September 23, 2018, 2:00 pm

• Jimmy Butler - G - Minnesota Timberwolves

  Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today reports that "there are other teams beyond those original three that Butler wants to play and perhaps sign a long-term deal with."

  The original three are the Clippers, Knicks and Nets, with LA looking like the top priority. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported earlier that Butler would prefer the Knicks to the Nets but Zillgitt believes his interest in the Knicks has been overstated, with the main goal being to win as soon as possible. Woj mentioned the Rockets, Pistons, Heat and Blazers as additional suitors and Zillgitt thinks at least some of those qualify as teams where Butler would sign an extension while adding the Wizards and the Bucks to the mix. Expect a resolution soon with Wolves ownership trying to trade Butler in the next few days.

  Source: Jeff Zillgitt on Twitter

  September 23, 2018, 12:30 pm