NBA games might be on pause, but the offseason is where rosters are built. From trades to the NBA Draft — free agency to workout buzz and Summer League hype, there’s no shortage of news shaping the fantasy basketball landscape.
Here is your weekly recap of the moves, buzz, and trends that matter most for fantasy hoops. Let’s get into it.
🔄 Trade report
Atlanta Hawks acquired F/C Kristaps Porzingis
Fantasy take: Porzingis finished 22nd in per-game value last season for the Celtics. He’s an elite big man in fantasy because of his efficiency, three-point shooting and high block rate. However, he’s a health risk after playing in 42 games last year and laboring through the playoffs with a mysterious illness. KP’s arrival mainly impacts Onyeka Okongwu, who provided fifth-round value once he became a full-time starter last year. I’d consider drafting KP in the fifth round due to the health concerns.
Phoenix Suns acquired C Mark Williams
Fantasy take: Phoenix is a good landing spot for Williams because the Suns had minimal depth in the frontcourt. Staying healthy remains his biggest flaw. Still, he was one of the few centers who averaged 15 points with 10 rebounds and a block after the seventh round of drafts last season.
Other notable trades:
🏀 The 2025 NBA Draft
The two-day event concluded on Thursday night. I wrote about my winners and losers of the first round, but I wanted to add more context to some landing spots and situations that unfolded this week.
Here’s my fantasy draft grades for every player in the first round:
Are the Jazz holding Ace Bailey hostage?
Word on the street is there was one team on Ace Bailey’s “no-draft list.” That team hasn’t been identified (yet). However, the optics suggest it was Utah because Bailey has reportedly had “minimal contact” with the Jazz since draft night.
The Jazz expect Bailey to report on Monday, but what if there is an actual standoff? Drama, drama, drama.
Assuming he reports, Bailey has more potential in his first year than most of his peers in this class. He’s a volume shooter who rebounds decently well for his position. He’ll get minutes from the jump and while I’m not ready to spend a late-round pick on him yet in redraft leagues, he’s a top-5 option in dynasty formats and could emerge as a productive player in deep points leagues by midseason.
Cooper Flagg – F, Dallas Mavericks: I had to mention him because he’ll be ranked the highest of all rookies in the 2025 draft class. I’m targeting him in the fifth round, but the hype likely pushes him to the third or fourth rounds in the preseason.
Ryan Kalkbrenner – C, Charlotte Hornets: Even as a second-round pick, Kalkbrenner has a big opportunity ahead of him with only Moussa Diabate and Jusuf Nurkic in front of him in the pecking order. Kalkbrenner is a true 7-footer who is a force around the rim on both sides of the ball and is willing to step out for 3. There’s a path for him to become a starter at some point next season. Keep an eye on him at the Vegas Summer League.
Khaman Maluach – C, Phoenix Suns: Maluach’s offensive skillset is relatively raw, but Mark Williams gets hurt far too much not to consider Maluach as someone to watch.
Thomas Sorber – C, Oklahoma City Thunder: Chet Holmgren played in 32 games this season, while Isaiah Hartenstein played in 57. Sorber landed in the perfect spot with the reigning champs. At some point, he could supplant Jaylin Williams as the big off the bench.
He’s recovering from a season-ending foot injury, so we unfortunately won’t see him play at the Vegas Summer League. Yet, I’m intrigued, given his size, defensive potential and the way he reads the game.
Jase Richardson – G, Orlando Magic: The Magic got the exact piece that they needed. Jase Richardson, son of former NBA vet Jason Richardson, played primarily off-ball at Michigan State. However, he has always viewed himself as a point guard with the versatility and skill set to be a primary scorer if needed. I’m excited to see him replace Cole Anthony’s role with an ascending team like the Magic. And knowing how hard Jalen Suggs plays, Richardson could find his way into meaningful minutes before we know it.
💰NBA free agency
Free agency begins on Monday, June 30 at 6 p.m. eastern. My top free agents to monitor in fantasy are:
With NBA front offices becoming more cost-conscious, let’s see which players decide to pick up their player options, head to free agency, or potentially get moved in sign-and-trade deals. Everyone is waiting and positioning for the moment Giannis Antetokounmpo asks for a trade. Who knows when or if it’ll happen, but the NBA offseason is off to a great start, and fantasy managers should keep a watchful eye as we inch closer to the 2025-26 season.
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