Mon Jul 7 7:35pm ET
Field Level Media
The Orlando Magic are locking up cornerstone player Paolo Banchero, agreeing to a five-year, $239 million maximum rookie extension with the star forward on Monday, his agent told ESPN.
If Banchero is either named to an All-NBA team or wins NBA MVP or Defensive Player of the Year next season, the extension could reach $287 million, per Miller.
Banchero's deal includes a player option in 2030-31, which has not happened since Luka Doncic (then with the Dallas Mavericks) and the Atlanta Hawks' Trae Young finished out their rookie max contracts in 2021.
The Magic appear poised to be serious contenders in the Eastern Conference for the foreseeable future, with Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs also under contract for the next five seasons, newcomer Desmond Bane signed through the 2028-29 season and Tyus Jones joining on a one-year deal.
Banchero, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 draft, has guided the franchise to two consecutive postseason appearances, despite missing 34 games last season with an early oblique injury. After the All-Star break, he carried the Magic with averages of 29.0 points, 7.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists.
He is also coming off a campaign in which he averaged career-high 25.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game along with 4.8 assists, becoming just the third Magic player to average more than 25 ppg (Shaquille O'Neal, Tracy McGrady).
Over his three seasons, the 2022-23 NBA Rookie of the Year and 2023-24 All-Star has averaged 22.4 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists in 198 games (all starts).
Free agentKyle Lowry signed a one-year deal worth $3.6 million contract to return to the Philadelphia 76ers for the 2025-26 season on Monday. The upcoming campaign will be the third for Lowry in Philadelphia. The 39-year-old is no longer considered a valuable fantasy asset at this point in his career as he averaged a career-low 3.9 points, 2.7 assists, and 1.9 rebounds in 18.8 minutes per game across just 35 outings last season. However, he could see an uptick in minutes at the beginning of the upcoming year with Jared McCain(knee) recovering from a torn meniscus.
On Monday, the Miami Heat traded forward Kyle Anderson and Kevin Loveto the Utah Jazz in a three-team deal that sentJohn Collins (ankle) to the Clippers andNorman Powell to the Heat, per Shams Charania of ESPN. Utah also received a 2027 second-round pick from Los Angeles. The 31-year-old Anderson has two more years remaining on his contract, which is worth $18.8 million. During the 2024-25 regular season, he averaged 5.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 16.4 minutes across 61 contests. Acquiring Anderson provides a young Jazz team with veteran leadership going into the upcoming season.
ESPN's Shams Charania reports that the Miami Heat traded forwards Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson to the Jazz in a three-team deal that sentJohn Collins(ankle) to the Clippers andNorman Powellto the Heat on Monday. Utah also received a 2027 second-round pick from Los Angeles. It's unclear if Love will stay in Utah as the 36-year-old averaged 5.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assists across just 23 regular-season contests during the 2024-25 campaign.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Miami Heat acquired guard Norman Powell from the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday in a three-team deal that sent former Utah Jazz forward/center John Collins to the Clippers. The trade also included forwards Kevin Loveand Kyle Anderson and a 2027 second-round pick landing in Utah. Powell is on an expiring contract worth $20.48 million after posting averages of 21.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.9 three-pointers during 60 regular-season contests in 2024-25. The 32-year-old could be a valuable fantasy asset for the upcoming campaign, playing alongside new teammates Bam Adebayoand Tyler Herro.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Los Angeles Clippers acquired forward/center John Collins from the Utah Jazz on Monday in a three-team deal that sent guardNorman Powell to Miami. The trade also included forwards Kevin Love,Kyle Anderson and a 2027 second-round pick landing in Utah. Collins averaged 19.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals last season. He also shot 39.9% from behind the arc. He was limited to just 40 games due to various injuries. The 27-year-old will likely come off the bench for the Clippers, potentially in a sixth-man role for the upcoming campaign.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James Jr. didn't play a ton, but made a decent impact during Sunday's summer league matchup against the Miami Heat. He knocked down 3-of-7 field goal attempts for 10 points with two rebounds, and two three-pointers in the win. James is hopeful to earn a bigger role in the rotation this upcoming season. Last season, James averaged 2.3 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists across 6.7 minutes per game in 27 contests. Hopefully, James will be able to step up and perform at a more consistent level in year two with the Lakers.
Golden State Warriors forward Isaiah Mobley put together a solid performance during Sunday's summer league matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. Mobley did a nice job, shooting 5-of-9 from the floor and notching 6-of-7 free throws in the loss. He finished with 16 points and four rebounds as he looks to earn himself a spot on the team this fall. Mobley spent the first two years of his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He only played one game last season with the Philadelphia 76ers. There's a chance he earns a bench role in Golden State, but it would probably be minimal playing time.
The Milwaukee Bucks have re-signed guard Ryan Rollins to a long term extension on Sunday. The two sides have agreed on a three-year, $12 million contract. The last year of the deal is a player option, which is a good deal for Rollins. Last season, Rollins averaged 6.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists across 14.6 minutes per game in 56 contests. Rollins figures to have a legitimate shot at the starting point guard spot with Damian Lillard no longer with the team. It's worth noting Kevin Porter Jr. re-signed with the Bucks this offseason. Possibly, the two of them split up the point guard job in Milwaukee. Rollins probably won't be a must-have fantasy option, but he'll likely have more fantasy value than he did last season.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Houston Rockets are trading forward Cam Whitmore to the Washington Wizards. In exchange, Houston will acquire two second-round picks. The Rockets selected the 20-year-old with the No. 20 pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, well past where he was initially expected to be selected. He averaged 12.3 points as a rookie. However, Whitmore's production decreased throughout his sophomore campaign, although he did manage to average 25.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 54.5% shooting in his three starts. With that in mind, Whitmore has an excellent chance of holding a routine role in the rotation. There's also reason to believe he could earn a spot in the starting lineup. Either way, Whitmore might be in line for his most productive fantasy season to date.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Indiana Pacers acquired center Jay Huff from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for a second-round pick and a second-round pick swap. The 27-year-old averaged 6.9 points in a career-high 64 games last season. He also averaged 10.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in two starts. The Pacers recently saw Myles Turner sign with the Milwaukee Bucks. As a result, the team is in need of a starting center. While that doesn't necessarily mean Huff will hold things down in the middle, it appears he'll have a chance to earn meaningful minutes with the Pacers, even if he doesn't start.
According to ESPN's Ramona Shelbourne, a potential trade involving Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo may not happen until "August, September." "My sense is just from conversations around the league," said Shelbourne. "I don't think anything will be decided on his end until August, September, because big deals or anything like that, whether he goes or stays, that kind of decision won't come until later in the summer." It seems Shelbourne's latest take may be nothing more than speculation. However, it's fair to say she has a proven track record when it comes to NBA happenings. The Bucks' roster will look different this season, with Myles Turner signing with the team after a lengthy stint with the Indiana Pacers. Bobby Portis will also return, although Damian Lillard (Achilles) was released, and Brook Lopez will head to Los Angeles to join the Clippers. With all that considered, Antetokounmpo is an MVP caliber performer, most recently finishing the 2024 campaign by averaging a career-high 30.4 points with 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.2 blocks. His percentages from deep and the free throw line aren't the best. He has also had issues staying healthy over the years. Still, Antetokounmpo should remain a top-five fantasy option regardless of his future in Milwaukee.
Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas was recently acquired by the team, but might not play a single game with the organization. Earlier this week, Valanciunas was traded from the Sacramento Kings to the Nuggets in exchange for Dario Saric. It seemed like the Nuggets finally solved their backup center problem by acquiring the veteran center. According to Basketnews, Valanciunas is considering leaving the NBA and playing in Europe next season. It sounds like Valanciunas has an offer on the table, so he'll need to make up his mind over the summer. Valanciunas averaged 8.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists across 16.9 minutes per game in 32 games with the Kings last season. The 33-year-old is certainly a solid backup center to Nikola Jokic, but the Nuggets might be forced back to the drawing board if Valanciunas decides to go to Europe.
Houston Rockets center Jock Landale has been waived by the organization on Thursday. Landale has been released ahead of his July 7 guaranteed contract. Now, Landale can sign with whoever he wants once he clears waivers. This comes as no shock after the Rockets signed Clint Capela earlier this week. There is no room for Landale with Capela and Steven Adams serving as the backup centers. Last season, Landale averaged 4.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 0.9 assists across 11.9 minutes per game in 42 contests with the Rockets. The 29-year-old should be able to find a new home, but probably won't have reliable fantasy value anywhere he goes.
The Philadelphia 76ers have signed forward Jabari Walker to a two-way deal. Walker is a former second-round pick by the Portland Trail Blazers from 2022. He spent the first three seasons of his career in Portland. Last season, Walker averaged 5.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 0.6 assists across 12.5 minutes per game in 60 contests. Those aren't great numbers, but Walker did average 8.9 points and 7.1 rebounds across 23.5 minutes per game in 2023. He has shown some decent flashes during his career, but figures to only play minutes in the teens with the Sixers. At best, Walker could be a streaming option if the Sixers get banged up at some point.
According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the Golden State Warriors declined a sign-and-trade offer for forward Jonathan Kuminga. The proposed deal would have included Devin Carter, Dario Saric, and two second-round draft picks. However, per Slater, the Dubs reportedly "balked" at what the organization viewed as a "buy-low attempt." The 22-year-old had a seesaw season in 2024, averaging 15.3 points, a decline from the 2023 campaign. He was also limited to only 47 contests, mostly due to an ankle injury that sidelined him for 31 games, while falling out of the rotation at times during the postseason. The Warriors extended a qualifying bid to Kuminga, so the team has the ability to match any offers in restricted free agency. There should be other proposals heading in Golden State's direction regarding Kuminga, although his fantasy outlook is contingent on where he lands moving toward the new season.
According to Josh Robbins of The Athletic, free-agent center Moritz Wagner (knee) agreed to a one-year, $5 million contract with Orlando. The Magic declined his team option at the start of free agency, although there were reports that the club was willing to bring him back. Statistically speaking, the 28-year-old is coming off his best season in the National Basketball Association, averaging 12.9 points and 4.9 rebounds. He was in the running for the Sixth Man of the Year award. Unfortunately, Wagner suffered a season-ending ACL tear in December, limiting him to only 30 appearances. He's not expected to return until after the beginning of the 2025 campaign. Still, even when he gets back on the floor, he most likely won't be a consistent fantasy contributor, considering Orlando has Wendell Carter Jr., Goga Bitadze, and Jonathan Isaac on the roster. That's not to say Wagner won't have increased streaming value at some point during the year if one of those players were to go down with an injury.
According to Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic, Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal has reportedly been in talks with the team regarding a potential buyout. The veteran has two years, $110 million remaining on his current deal. However, the Suns haven't been able to move him due to his no-trade clause. Beal's production dipped in his first two years in Phoenix, most recently averaging 17.0 points while shooting 38.6% from deep during the 2024 campaign. He also was limited to 53 games, marking his sixth-straight season with 60 or fewer appearances. It's a new era for the franchise, with the team recently trading Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets. There's a good chance Beal is the next to go. Still, he should draw interest from at least a handful of teams around the National Basketball Association, although his fantasy ceiling has never been this low at any point in his career.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, free-agent center Jaxson Hayes agreed to a one-year deal to remain with the Lakers. The 25-year-old spent the last two seasons in Los Angeles, most recently averaging 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds in 58 games during the 2024 campaign. The Lakers recently signed Deandre Ayton, who will take over the duties at the five spot. With that said, Hayes could get some action in the starting lineup if Ayton goes down with an injury. Still, with Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves on the floor, Hayes likely won't have an opportunity to do anything meaningful for fantasy managers, regardless of his role.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, free-agent guard Damian Lillard (Achilles) is reportedly "open" to signing with a team. However, he will only agree to a contract "under the right terms and conditions." The 2012 No. 6 overall pick averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists last season. Unfortunately, he was limited to 58 games, mostly due to deep vein thrombosis in his right calf. While Lillard managed to return for the playoffs, he suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the Game 4 meeting with the Indiana Pacers, requiring surgery. Lillard, who is currently rehabbing, was recently released by Milwaukee. It's unknown if he'll be able to get on the floor this season. With that in mind, there should be team's interested in Lillard's services, so fantasy managers should keep an eye on his progress, potentially stashing him in case he's cleared for action at some point during the 2025 campaign.
The Utah Jazz announced that forward Ace Bailey has signed his rookie contract. Utah selected Bailey with the fifth overall pick in last month's NBA Draft. The former Rutgers standout was anticipated to be the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. However, he fell to the Jazz at No. 5 after refusing to participate in individual workouts for any NBA teams. Rumors surfaced pre-draft about whether Bailey wanted to play in Utah. He squashed the rumors by reporting to Summer League practices this week. In 30 games at Rutgers, Bailey averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 1.0 steals. Without question, his name should be mentioned in the Rookie of the Year conversation, assuming he stays healthy.
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