Now that the 2026 NBA Finals have concluded, it’s time to shift our attention to the offseason — most notably the 2026 NBA Draft, free agency and trade rumors. Fantasy basketball analyst Dan Titus is rounding up all the latest news and notes you need to know heading into next week’s draft and free agency at the end of the month and early July.
What’s the latest on Giannis, Young, AD
Giannis Antetokounmpo still wants out of Milwaukee, and Miami and Boston appear to have the edge in that chase. If the Heat whiff on Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard and Ja Morant are reportedly the first names they’d circle back to. Wizards PG Trae Young has also been mentioned as a contingency option, which is the more interesting wrinkle, given that he was reportedly working toward a lucrative extension that appears to be coming from Washington.
It’s a weird time to see Young’s name surface when he was traded at the deadline for CJ McCollum’s expiring contract and Corey Kispert. The four-time All-Star’s market was pretty low, so to see his name bubble up in the Giannis rumors is an unexpected turn of events.
My take: I still believe he’ll stick with the Wizards and from a fantasy perspective, that’s the best move. However, depending on how free agency pans out, any movement for Trae would be quite impactful since he’s one of the best passers in the game.
Washington’s draft indecision
Top prospect Darryn Peterson says he won’t work out for any additional teams other than the Wizards. He’s already worked out for them and his reported preferred destinations are Washington and Memphis, which holds the No. 3 pick. Washington, of course, owns the No. 1 pick outright. The Wizards haven’t tipped which way they’re leaning — nor should they; there’s no upside in showing your hand this early. Both Peterson, and fellow top prospect AJ Dybantsa, is more than worthy of having their name called first on Tuesday night. But the direction they take is likely influenced by their ongoing contract talks with Young and Anthony Davis, who is under contract but hasn’t exactly given a vote of confidence in wanting to be there. I think it’s more likely he’s traded than not — especially if the Wizards decide to trade Trae.
My take: I’d like to see Dybantsa in Washington more than Peterson. I think Peterson’s ideal fantasy fit is Memphis or Utah. Assuming Morant will be out of the picture, having the chance to run with Cedric Coward, Zach Edey, GG Jackson and others would open considerable potential as a scorer and playmaker. More on his fit with Utah in a minute.
Also out of Washington: Alex Sarr unexpectedly underwent surgery on Monday to repair a fractured right foot. He is expected to be ready for the start of the season, though he’ll be out of commission for much of the offseason. I’m not docking his fantasy stock yet — there’s still time to see how the ramp-up goes, and how Davis’ situation shakes out and plays into that frontcourt picture, too. Remember, Sarr is coming off his best season, ranking in the top 60 across 9-cat and High Score.
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Utah’s pivot points
The Jazz hold the No. 2 pick and are reportedly torn between drafting Peterson, Dybantsa and Duke forward Cameron Boozer. Given Dybantsa’s familiarity with Utah, I’d be surprised if the Jazz passed on him if he’s there. That said, the Jazz proved last season that they’ll take whoever is best available on their draft board. Similar to Peterson, Ace Bailey didn’t work out for Utah and yet, he was still selected. If Utah goes with Peterson, I don’t mind, since he can start at shooting guard with Keyonte George running point. That starting five is pretty exciting from a talent standpoint.
Another element at play is that reports surfaced on Tuesday that Walker Kessler is frustrated with the front office over a new deal. Kessler’s season ended after just five games due to a torn labrum, but he should be fine ahead of next season. Things are getting dicey because Kessler wants more money. He reportedly turned down a 5-year, $140M deal and Utah hasn’t budged. And I can see why.
The Jazz have already invested significant money into their frontcourt with Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr., so does it really make sense for Utah to put even more money down? Smells like Kessler’s camp wants out. And if he’s out and Dybantsa goes off the board and the Jazz opt out of the Peterson business, could the Jazz pivot to Boozer instead?
My take: The best fits for Boozer are Memphis or Chicago. Utah isn’t an ideal landing spot given the competition for touches and the existing strength already in Utah’s frontcourt. That could change, however, if Kessler gets put on the trade block. The Lakers are often mentioned as interested in Kessler, but several teams could use a rim protector and interior presence like his. There will surely be some offers coming in over the next several weeks.
What’s a free-agent update without LeBron James? ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that he believes James is engaged in a “back-and-forth” with the Lakers on a new deal. That doesn’t mean it’s going to happen, and if any teams get a sense that he won’t return to L.A., we’ll start to see win-now teams like the Warriors put their names further into the mix. Austin Reaves is also reportedly working on his new deal. It’s shaping up to be a busy and expensive offseason for the Lakeshow. Separately, teams have inquired about Mavericks PG Kyrie Irving, but he’s reportedly off the trade block.
My take: With Dallas in rebuild mode, I’d like to see Irving moved to a contender like Minnesota or Detroit — both teams that could use a score-first guard and on-ball creator. I could also see Morant fitting into both scenarios, with my fantasy view leaning towards Minnesota since the Wolves already have enough shooting around him to cover for some of his tendencies, whereas Detroit’s spacing picture is less settled.
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