Yahoo Sports Fantasy Basketball

  • Team option picked up
    The Raptors exercised Brown's $23 million player option for the 2024-25 season Friday, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.

    Advice: A key piece in the Nuggets' run to the NBA title in 2022-23, Brown struggled to take hold of a larger role in Indiana to begin the season and then with the Raptors, who acquired him from the Pacers in January. Following the trade to Toronto, Brown appeared in 34 games and averaged 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.6 three-pointers in 26.1 minutes per contest. Despite his underwhelming production in Toronto, the Raptors still saw enough value in Brown's defensive versatility to retain him at a $23 million salary. If nothing else, the sizable expiring contract will make Brown a valuable trade piece in helping Toronto facilitate a potential deal during the upcoming season. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 1:11 pm
     
  • Won't play for Canada at Olympics
    Wiggins won't play for Canada during the 2024 Paris Olympics, Doug Smith of the Toronto Star reports.

    Advice: Per Smith, the Warriors are actively trying to trade Wiggins to clear up cap room, presumably to acquire Paul George, and they don't want Wiggins to get hurt playing in the Olympics. John Hollinger of The Athletic relays there could also be an already existing injury for Wiggins, but nothing has been reported. Wiggins missed 11 games during the 2023-24 season, including back-to-back absences at the beginning of April due to a sprained ankle. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 1:08 pm
     
  • Raptors picking up Bruce Brown’s player option
    According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Raptors are picking up Bruce Brown’s $23 million player option for the 2024-25 season.

    Advice: Woj notes that, “Brown will be a valuable trade asset on an expiring contract for the Raptors.” Keep an eye on Brown’s status after free agency opens on Sunday as he could be on the move. Rotoworld Yesterday, 1:05 pm
     
  • Jalen Smith to decline $5.4 million player option
    Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reports that Jalen Smith will decline his $5.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season to enter free agency.

    Advice: Smith enjoyed career-highs in FG% (59.2) and three-point percentage (42.4) in his fourth NBA season, and he should have no shortage of suitors given his ability to space the floor and block shots. Rotoworld Yesterday, 12:27 pm
     
  • Declines player option
    Smith declined his $5.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season Friday and will become an unrestricted free agent, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports.

    Advice: Smith saw an inconsistent role for the Pacers in 2023-24, averaging 9.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 17.2 minutes across 61 appearances, including 14 starts. However, the 23-year-old big man was largely left out of the team's rotation in the playoffs. Smith will now look to join a new team in free agency. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 10:33 am
     
  • 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
     
  • Talks ‘essentially frozen’ between Klay, Warriors
    According to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, there have been “no productive discussion between the Warriors and [Klay] Thompson or his representatives.”

    Advice: Slater also notes that “Talks are essentially frozen. With free agency now less than 10 days away, Thompson’s exit from the only franchise he has ever known feels closer and more probable than ever before.” It’s not a surprising update, as rumors of Klay’s move away from the Warriors have been in full force for months. Thompson has been linked to the Magic as a potential landing spot, but according to Slater, there’s been “no traction.” As we approach free agency, it’s unclear where Thompson will play next season, but it’s becoming clearer that it won’t be in Golden State. Rotoworld Saturday, 12:41 pm