The countdown to the 2025-26 NBA season is on, with less than 50 days before tip-off. While the league is currently on a short break, the basketball world has hardly stood still. Between free agency shake-ups, the ongoing EuroBasket tournament, and looming training camps, there’s no shortage of updates that matter for fantasy basketball managers preparing for draft season.
Fantasy basketball enthusiasts are already jumping into mock drafts to fine-tune strategies. Whether you’re prepping for a points league or a competitive 9-category head-to-head format, the preseason offers a perfect opportunity to experiment with roster construction and identify sleepers who could deliver game-changing upside. Early rankings have also started circulating, with updates scheduled throughout September to reflect roster shifts and international performances.
Free Agency Moves That Will Shape Fantasy Drafts
The NBA’s current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) has forced franchises to take a far more conservative financial approach. With penalties for overspending looming large, teams are far less willing to gamble in free agency. As a result, player movement has been more limited compared to previous summers, but some major deals could still alter the fantasy landscape.
Among the notable transactions, Kevin Durant and Clint Capela stunned many by joining the Houston Rockets, a move that pairs an elite veteran scorer with a defensive-minded center on a team full of young talent. The Milwaukee Bucks strengthened their interior by acquiring Myles Turner, while the Los Angeles Clippers made headlines with the trio of Bradley Beal, John Collins, and Brook Lopez landing in Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, the Lakers brought in Deandre Ayton to add frontcourt depth alongside Anthony Davis, while the Dallas Mavericks acquired D’Angelo Russell, a move that could help ease Luka Dončić’s ball-handling duties. Other signings included Ty Jerome heading to Memphis and Nickeil Alexander-Walker joining the Atlanta Hawks. These moves may not all dominate headlines, but each has fantasy implications worth noting when building your draft board.
Unsigned Free Agents Still in Play
Despite the flurry of early deals, six fantasy-relevant players remain unsigned as of September 2. This is due in part to teams being hesitant to commit money under the stricter CBA rules. Still, players in contract years often produce higher numbers, making them intriguing fantasy options if they find the right situations.
Josh Giddey of the Chicago Bulls stands out as one of the most impactful names still awaiting clarity. Last season he averaged 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists, proving he can stuff the stat sheet across multiple categories. As the analysis pointed out, “Selfishly, I'd like to see Giddey play this season out with his next bag on the line, but his performance last season certainly earned him a raise.” Ranked as a top-40 fantasy player across formats, Giddey could deliver significant returns in both points and 9-category leagues.
Cam Thomas of the Brooklyn Nets remains an elite scorer but offers little in the way of secondary stats. Unless he develops as a facilitator, he will primarily hold value in points leagues. The presence of newcomer Michael Porter Jr. could also cut into his shot volume.
Jonathan Kuminga’s situation with the Golden State Warriors is perhaps the messiest. “JK needs to be traded. I don't see him cracking the top 100 if he goes into another year with Golden State, seeking a role and opportunity that won't come to fruition.” His desire for a fresh start hasn’t materialized yet, with suitors unable to meet Golden State’s demands.
Russell Westbrook, once a fantasy powerhouse, faces an uncertain future. Though still serviceable in points leagues, his days of producing triple-doubles consistently appear behind him. Quentin Grimes, now with the Philadelphia 76ers, will need to carve out at least 25 minutes per game to matter in fantasy, but his slow contract progress is giving teammates Jared McCain and VJ Edgecombe opportunities to develop. Veteran Al Horford remains unsigned but has been linked with the Warriors, where his versatility as a stretch-5 could make him a valuable depth piece.
EuroBasket 2025: Who’s Standing Out
The international stage has also provided a platform for NBA players to showcase their growth. Deni Avdija of the Portland Trail Blazers has been one of the revelations of EuroBasket. “Watching Avdija step into the leadership role is something that will translate well as he heads into the regular season for Portland.” Averaging 22 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and over a block per game, Avdija has led Israel to the top of Group D. Ranked just inside the top 70, his performance suggests he may be undervalued heading into drafts.
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen is another standout. With averages of 29 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists while shooting efficiently from both inside and beyond the arc, Markkanen has trailed only Luka Dončić as the tournament’s top scorer. “Now, if the Jazz don't start their tank mid-season, Markkanen could return to top-50 status as the top option for Utah.”
Other NBA stars have also impressed, including Nikola Jokić, Dončić, Alperen Sengun, Franz Wagner, and Kristaps Porziņģis, all showing why international competition continues to be a critical barometer for fantasy evaluation.
EuroBasket Injury Updates
Unfortunately, not all the EuroBasket news has been positive. Washington Wizards rookie Alex Sarr sustained a right calf injury and will miss the remainder of the tournament. While there’s optimism about his recovery before the NBA season begins, fantasy managers will want to monitor updates closely.
The Clippers also took a hit with Bogdan Bogdanović suffering a hamstring injury. Even if he returns in time for training camp, his fantasy outlook may be muted given Los Angeles’ depth after a busy offseason.
