Yahoo Sports Fantasy Basketball

  • Shams: LeBron James intends to opt out of contract
    According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, LeBron James intends to opt out of the final year of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent.

    Advice: This news is unsurprising, even with the Lakers selecting LeBron’s son Bronny with the 55th overall pick in the NBA Draft. While James was due to make $51.4 million next season, this allows him to negotiate a new deal with the Lakers. Look for LeBron to remain in Los Angeles and play for new Lakers head coach JJ Redick next season. Rotoworld Yesterday, 9:17 am
     
  • Declines option, should stay in L.A.
    James declined his $51.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season Saturday and will become an unrestricted free agent, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.

    Advice: Though he'll technically hit the open market, James is fully expected to re-sign with the Lakers on a new deal, especially after the club recently drafted his son, Bronny James, and hired his podcast partner, JJ Redick, as head coach. The terms of the 39-year-old James' upcoming deal with the Lakers aren't yet fully known, but it will likely include a no-trade clause. The four-time NBA champion defied the aging curve once again in 2023-24, appearing in 71 games -- his most since the 2017-18 season -- and averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, 7.3 rebounds, 2.1 three-pointers and 1.3 steals while shooting a career-best 41 percent from downtown last season. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 9:17 am
     
  • Woj: HOU to pick up Jae’Sean Tate’s player option
    According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Rockets are picking up Jae’Sean Tate’s player option for the 2024-25 season.

    Advice: Tate, who appeared in 65 games last season, will make approximately $7.6 million in 2024-25. The versatile forward averaged 4.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 0.6 steals in 15.2 minutes, with his production and playing time decreasing due to the arrivals of Dillon Brooks and Amen Thompson. And this was with Tari Eason missing most of the season with a leg injury. A healthy Eason in the rotation lowers Tate’s fantasy ceiling even more. Rotoworld Yesterday, 8:20 am
     
  • Mutual interest between Klay Thompson, Dallas
    There is “strong mutual interest” between Klay Thompson and the Mavericks, per Marc Stein.

    Advice: There have been multiple reports that talks between Klay and the Warriors haven’t been going well, and there have also been reports that Dallas is interested in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Both players would bring championship pedigree and deep range shooting, so it isn’t surprising that Klay is being linked to Dallas. Thompson would likely fill out the starting small forward spot if he joins the Mavs and see plenty of open triples, courtesy of Luka Doncic. Rotoworld Friday, 7:17 pm
     
  • Report: Teams willing to give George 4-year deal
    According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, multiple teams are willing to give Paul George the four-year max deal he’s currently seeking.

    Advice: George has three days to decide whether or not to opt into the final season of his contract, which would be worth more than $48.8 million. While he and the Clippers have discussed a potential extension, they have not reached an agreement. George has been looking for a maximum contract of four years, but the Clippers have not gone that far. According to Windhorst, there are teams willing to take that step should PG become available via free agency or opt-in and trade. “I have been told that multiple teams out there are willing to trade for him and offer him the four-year max contract that he’s not currently being offered by the Clippers,” Windhorst said. “That means he’s got a set of options. But the question is, are the Clippers going to play ball with such a deal, or are they going to risk losing him for nothing if he can walk to a team like Philadelphia or Orlando?” Kawhi Leonard received his extension during the season, but it only runs three years in length. In addition to George, the Clippers will have to address James Harden’s status, as he will be an unrestricted free agent. Rotoworld Wednesday, 9:35 am
     
  • Paul George seeking four-year deal
    According to NBA reporter Marc Stein, Paul George is seeking a four-year deal in free agency.

    Advice: Stein reports that George would prefer to return to the Clippers, but the team is more inclined to offer a shorter-term deal. Wherever he lands, the veteran, 34-year-old star is in search of security. When available, he’s an elite, two-way talent, but availability has been a major concern since he arrived in LA. George is one of the most intriguing names to monitor in free agency. Rotoworld Tuesday, 10:49 am
     
  • Report: CHI extend qual. offer to Patrick Williams
    According to Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer, the Bulls have extended a qualifying offer to Patrick Williams.

    Advice: The Bulls’ decision to extend a qualifying offer to Williams makes him a restricted free agent. Chicago can match any offer that the 2020 lottery pick receives. While the upside is there, he has been an underwhelming player for middling Bulls teams. Williams suffered a season-ending foot injury in late January and underwent surgery toward the end of February. In 43 games, he averaged 10.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 27.3 minutes. Rotoworld Monday, 5:47 pm
     
  • Bulls extend qualifying offer
    The Bulls extended their qualifying offer to Williams (foot) on Monday, making him a restricted free agent, Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reports.

    Advice: Williams will now be able to negotiate with other teams when free agency starts June 30; however, the Bulls will have the opportunity to match any offers he receives. The 22-year-old had his 2023-24 season cut short due to a left foot injury, and he averaged 10.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists across 27.3 minutes in 43 regular-season appearances. While it is not fully clear what direction the Bulls are currently trending in, Williams is still young and would fit the mold of a rebuild player who could remain with the team for a significant time. Rotowire.com Monday, 5:12 pm
     
  • Redick wants LeBron James to take more 3-pointers
    During his introductory press conference, Lakers coach JJ Redick said he wants LeBron James to attempt more 3-pointers next season.

    Advice: The Redick era in Los Angeles is underway, with the former NBA guard having his introductory press conference on Monday. One of the interesting tidbits was Redick stating a desire for James to take more 3-pointers next season. He shot a career-best 41.0% from deep in 2023-24, and the average of 5.1 attempts per game was LeBron’s lowest since the 2017-18 season as a member of the Cavaliers (5.0). He’ll clearly be a focal point for what Redick looks to do offensively...provided LeBron returns, regardless of what he decides with his player option. Rotoworld Monday, 2:07 pm