Yahoo Sports Fantasy Basketball

  • Staying in L.A.
    Russell said Friday that he will exercise his $18.69 million player option for 2024-25 to remain with the Lakers, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.

    Advice: Though Russell disappointed in the Lakers' five-game first-round playoff series loss to the Nuggets, he delivered a strong 2023-24 season overall, fueled by a strong close to the campaign once he moved back into a starting role in mid-January. In 76 appearances for the Lakers, Russell averaged 18.0 points on 45.6 percent shooting from the field, 6.3 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 3.0 three-pointers and 0.9 steals in 32.7 minutes. Though Russell once again projects to slot in as the Lakers' starting point guard under first-year head coach J.J. Redick, the 28-year-old's expiring contract could make him vulnerable to a trade if Los Angeles seeks an upgrade at the position as the 2024-25 season unfolds. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 5:18 am
     
  • D’Angelo Russell picks up option for 2024-25
    D’Angelo Russell has decided to pick up his player option for the 2024-25 season.

    Advice: Despite being the subject of trade speculation last season, Russell has decided to remain with the Lakers for the final season of his current contract. And the 2023-24 season was a good one for him fantasy-wise, as the point guard provided 6th-round per-game value in 9-cat formats. The hope is that the partnership with new head coach JJ Redick will help Russell take his game to another level playing alongside LeBron James (who also has a player option) and Anthony Davis. “I love what JJ is about, and I really see myself thriving under his guidance to help win at a high level,” Russell told ESPN. While Russell provided middle-round fantasy value last season, look for him to go a little later in standard league drafts, as playing alongside LeBron and AD limits his fantasy ceiling. Rotoworld Yesterday, 5:06 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
     
  • Stein: Knicks potential suitor for Paul George
    The Knicks are a potential trade suitor for Paul George, per Marc Stein.

    Advice: There have been plenty of rumors that multiple teams could pursue a trade for George this summer, and Stein believes that you can add the Knicks to the list. PG would give the Knicks another dynamic scoring option that won’t cost them on the defensive end, which would make them even more of a contender in the East. It’s unclear what type of trade package that the Clippers would bring back, but the Knicks could arguably make one of the most competitive offers for George that could still keep the Clippers competitive if they include Julius Randle in a deal. Rotoworld Sunday, 11:29 am
     
  • 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