Kelly Olynyk (right knee bruise) available to play on Sunday

Kelly Olynyk
C, Miami Heat

Kelly Olynyk (right knee bruise) is on the active roster for Sunday's Game 4 against the Bucks.

That doesn't guarantee he'll play, but it seems likely that Olynyk is ready to go if needed. The Heat can afford to play things a little more cautiously than usual with a 3-0 series lead but they don't seem particularly likely to give the Bucks any breathing room. Olynyk's return should bump Meyers Leonard from the rotation.

Source: Anthony Chiang on Twitter

Kelly Olynyk Miami Heat
September 6, 2020, 3:05 pm

Fantasy News & NBA Updates

Nicolas Batum
SG, Charlotte Hornets

Hornets veterans Nic Batum and Bismack Biyombo have opted out of participating in Charlotte’s voluntary group practices during the next two weeks.

Biyombo becomes an unrestricted free agent in November so it makes sense for him to stay away and avoid a potential injury. Batum meanwhile has been in his native France much of this summer and his wife is expecting their second child in January. The French swingman has one season left on his five-year, $120 million contract, but he didn’t play in any of the team’s final 19 games last season and it’s unclear what his role will be going forward. Devonte’ Graham, P.J. Washington, Miles Bridges, Malik Monk, Cody and Caleb Martin and Jalen McDaniels as well as veterans Terry Rozier and Cody Zeller are part of the group that will be participating in the upcoming workouts, with the Hornets working on building their core chemistry for next season.

Source: Charlotte Observer
September 22, 2020, 9:49 am
Montrezl Harrell
PF, Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers and Montrezl Harrell have mutual interest in negotiating a deal this offseason as he becomes an unrestricted free agent, but Harrell is expected to receive interest from multiple other teams, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Harrell struggled in the playoffs after losing his grandmother earlier in the bubble and he also had a run-in with Paul George during Game 2 but the team considers him an integral part of their success. He was on a two-year, $12 million deal that he had signed with the Clippers back in 2018 and it’s certain that he will demand much more money than that after winning the 2019-20 Sixth Man of the Year award.

Source: The Athletic
September 22, 2020, 9:10 am
Wendell Carter Jr.
C, Chicago Bulls

The Bulls are narrowing to finalists for their head coaching job, with Nuggets assistant Wes Unseld Jr., Sixers assistant Ime Udoka, Bucks assistant Darvin Ham and former Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson among the coaches who have had strong interviews so far.

Atkinson has a more proven resume after what he did in Brooklyn, but the other three are top assistants who have earned their shot in the big chair. This is undoubtedly a great opening for a young Bulls team that has quality young talent on the roster with Zach LaVine, Lauri Markkanen, Coby White and Wendell Carter. The Bulls are expected to conduct the final round of interviews in the next few days and a hire looks more and more imminent.

Source: The Athletic
September 22, 2020, 8:55 am
John Collins
PF, Atlanta Hawks

Hawks GM Travis Schlenk said on Monday that he plans on discussing a contract extension with John Collins’ representatives once free agency starts.

Collins averaged 21.6 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 33.2 minutes per game in his third NBA season. The young forward also stated during the summer that he is hopeful he will sign a rookie-scale contract extension with the Hawks. He will be a restricted free agent in 2021 if he's unable to reach agreement with the Hawks, but the two parties are likely to continue together for many years to come.

Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution
September 22, 2020, 8:47 am
Patrick Beverley
PG, Los Angeles Clippers

Opposing executives expect the Clippers to try to trade for a playmaking guard following the disappointment in the Western Conference playoffs, as relayed by Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, coach Doc Rivers and the Clippers have indicated that the team has to stick together for another run and try again next season. Still, the team will try to upgrade and the point guard position might be where the team becomes aggressive in the offseason. A starter to set up the offense and keep the ball moving may do the trick and they undoubtedly have the pieces to make a trade for someone who fits that description. Look for plenty of rumors once the NBA season is officially over.

Source: The Athletic
September 22, 2020, 8:33 am