Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen was one of the standout performers on Day 1 of EuroBasket 2025 action, scoring 28 points in Finland's 93-90 victory over Sweden. Markkanen went 2-for-4 from downtown and shot 7-for-15 overall from the field. He was also a busy man at the charity stripe, shooting 12-for-14. In addition to his scoring, Markkanen led the Finns with six rebounds and contributed three assists and two steals. After missing the final 12 games of last season due to a knee injury, Markkanen appears to be in top condition ahead of the new campaign. When healthy, Markkanen will continue to lead the way offensively for the Jazz.

Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta collected a huge double-double as Portugal began its EuroBasket 2025 campaign with a 62-50 victory over Czechia. Queta scored nearly 40 percent of his team's points, shooting 11-for-15 from the field during a 23-point effort, and grabbed 18 rebounds. His efforts across 31 minutes of action included two steals and four blocks. Queta has a great chance to start the season as Boston's new center, and his performance against Czechia should excite fantasy managers. However, there are much tougher challenges ahead in the tournament for the 26-year-old big man.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard must be held back from playing on consecutive nights, head coach Tyronn Lue revealed. "Even though he wants to do it, sometimes you've got to protect him from himself," Lue said on the Club Shay Shay podcast. In April, Leonard played his first back-to-back in 13 months, logging 49 total minutes over two home games against the Dallas Mavericks. Despite seeing limited time on the court, he was highly productive, averaging a point per minute. The Clippers' pursuit of a higher playoff seed likely influenced the team's decision to allow Leonard to play in both games. It would be great to see him on the court in back-to-back situations regularly, but given his injury history, that's unlikely. As a result, Leonard's fantasy value suffers.

Dallas Mavericks forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper is on the trade block, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. The Mavericks are seeking a new home for Prosper in order to complete the signing of Dante Exum. Prosper, who was a first-round pick in 2023, has struggled to make an impact so far in the Association, averaging 3.5 points and 2.2 rebounds in 10.0 minutes per game. A fresh start with a new team could benefit the 23-year-old Montreal native, especially if he lands on a team that's willing to give him regular playing time. Prosper's 2024-25 campaign was cut short in March due to wrist surgery, but he's expected to be fully healthy when the new season starts.

Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) expects to be back playing next season. "I think it'll be 15 months until I play my next game," Haliburton said during an appearance on the Impaulsive podcast. The Pacers already ruled out Haliburton for the entire 2025-26 campaign after he had offseason surgery on his right Achilles tendon. Recently, Haliburton revealed that he is no longer using a scooter or crutches, marking another step forward in his recovery. Halliburton's absence will give Andrew Nembhard an increased offensive role this season, and Bennedict Mathurin has an opportunity to show what he can do as a regular starter.

Brooklyn Nets guard Terance Mann hopes to take on a bigger role next season with his new team. "I'm excited for the challenge and I feel like I was built for this," Mann told Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe. "I'm in my prime right now and ready to show the world what I've really got outside this role I've been playing for the last six seasons." Mann has only had limited responsibilities on the floor so far in his NBA career, averaging 8.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 22.1 minutes. On a rebuilding Nets squad, Mann could take on a much larger role and even become one of the primary scoring options. This would significantly boost his fantasy stock.

Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher is focused on becoming a better ball-handler in his sophomore year. "I want to get more comfortable with the ball," Risacher said in an interview with Athletiko in Greece. "That's another area I want to improve my game in. Being able to find my spots on the floor and be effective with the ball in my hands is something I want to do. I don't have to wait to get the ball in my hands. I want to be able to create for myself and score. That's going to be the next level for me, being able to get more comfortable with the ball in my hands." Risacher had a solid rookie season as the top pick of the 2024 draft, but he can definitely be more impactful. Last season, the 20-year-old averaged 12.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 24.6 minutes on the floor.

Shooting guard Malik Beasley reportedly has two more suitors seeking his signature. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves have joined the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers in the race for Beasley. Beasley had an incredible year with the Pistons in 2024-25, ranking second in the NBA with 319 total three-pointers made and averaging 16.3 points. He also enjoyed a successful stint with the Timberwolves in 2020-2022, posting 15.1 points per game over 130 contests. The 28-year-old appears to be a good fit for both teams and could be poised for another productive fantasy campaign in 2025-26.

Shooting guard John Tonje has agreed to a two-way deal with the Utah Jazz. The 24-year-old was the 53rd pick in this year's draft by the Jazz. Tonje showcased impressive scoring ability with the Wisconsin Badgers last season, averaging 19.6 points per game. Additionally, he averaged 5.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists. With the Jazz in a rebuilding phase, Tonje might not have to wait long for a chance to make his NBA debut. However, it seems likely that he will primarily play in the G League with the Salt Lake City Stars during the upcoming campaign.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Max Strus (foot) has undergone surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his left foot and is expected to miss 3-4 months. The veteran sharpshooter suffered the injury during recent offseason workouts. Strus can't catch a break regarding injuries, having missed over 30 games last season due to health issues. As a result of his absence, we will likely see De'Andre Hunter join the first unit at the start of the season. Hunter was one of the most productive bench players in the league last term, but a more consistent role will improve his fantasy value. Sam Merrill and Dean Wade may also see additional time on the court.

Miami Heat forward Nikola Jovic remains highly regarded by head coach Erik Spoelstra. "We expect great things from him in the future," Spoelstra said about Jovic in an interview in his native Serbia. Jovic is set to start the EuroBasket 2025 tournament this week with the Serbian national team. While Jovic continued to mostly come off the bench for Miami in 2024-25, he is expected to be one of the leaders of the Serbian squad. Outstanding play at EuroBasket could also earn Jovic a larger role with the Heat this season. At 22 years old, he's still a very young player with upside, and fantasy managers should keep an eye on Jovic.

Guard/forward Cody Martin has been linked with the Golden State Warriors. "We've reported previously that Seth Curry and Malcolm Brogdon are candidates for a Warriors roster spot after Kuminga's situation is resolved and the above three signings are completed," NBA insider Jack Fischer wrote. "Another name on the Warriors' list of bench targets, sources say, is Cody Martin." Martin has dealt with health issues throughout his six-year NBA career, but he has provided quality minutes off the bench when healthy. Last season, Martin averaged 6.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.1 steals per game in 53 contests with the Charlotte Hornets and Phoenix Suns. The 29-year-old seems like a good fit for the Warriors, but fantasy managers probably won't see enough production from him if he lands in San Francisco. Fischer mentioned that Martin also has interest from "numerous" other playoff teams.

Guard Bones Hyland could be back on the Minnesota Timberwolves roster in 2025-26. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Timberwolves are interested in a reunion with Hyland, who played four games with the team last season. Early in his career, Hyland made an impact as a microwave scorer off the bench, but he has struggled to maintain a regular rotation spot in recent seasons. During the 2024-25 campaign, Hyland made only 24 total appearances with the Timberwolves and Los Angeles Clippers, posting 6.2 points in 10.0 minutes per game. It's a compliment to Hyland that he still has interest from the NBA, but his role probably won't change if he returns to Minnesota.

The Orlando Magic and center Colin Castleton have agreed to a deal, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. The 25-year-old big man will compete for a roster spot in training camp. Castleton won the NBA Cup in his rookie year with the Los Angeles Lakers and has already suited up for four teams in two seasons. While Castleton appeared in only 26 games last season, he posted some decent numbers as a backup, averaging 4.7 points and 4.7 rebounds in 16.6 minutes. If he makes the team, Castleton will add more frontcourt depth for Orlando but won't impact fantasy basketball unless the team faces an injury crisis.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Sacramento Kings "are not actively engaged" in trade discussions involving guard Malik Monk. Earlier this summer, Sacramento explored "various trade scenarios" surrounding Monk. However, it appears the team is set on having him on the roster come opening night. The 27-year-old averaged a career-high 17.2 points last season. Unfortunately, he was limited to 65 games due to injury. With that in mind, Monk should be considered a starting option in any fantasy setup, even if he comes off the bench for the Kings throughout the 2025 campaign. Of course, his 32.5% shooting from deep last season will need to improve before he earns more attention from category managers.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Dallas Mavericks are expected to offer a contract extension to forward P.J. Washington. The 27-year-old becomes eligible for the extension on Friday, with Stein adding he could be in line to earn nearly $90 million over a four-year span. He averaged 14.7 points last season, the second-highest mark of his career, while amassing 7.8 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, 1.1 steals and 38.1% shooting from behind the arc. There's a chance Washington won't remain as productive throughout the 2025 campaign, especially since he may not be a routine starter for the Mavs. His expected salary after the extension may also make him an attractive trade target for many teams around the National Basketball Association, assuming league rules allow him to be moved during the year. All things considered, Washington deserves a spot on most fantasy rosters, although his ceiling will change depending on where he sits in the rotation. The 2019 No. 12 overall pick is currently on tap to earn $14 million before hitting unrestricted free agency next summer. Of course, that's assuming a deal isn't done well before then.

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Golden State Warriors have "refused this summer to even entertain sign-and-trade scenarios" involving guard/forward Moses Moody. Trading or coming to terms on a new deal for Jonathan Kuminga remains the front office's top priority. Still, it's apparent the team isn't willing to include Moody in a trade, even if it means finally getting Kuminga off the roster while getting something in return. As far as Moody is concerned, he is coming off the best season of his career. He averaged 9.8 points and 2.6 rebounds throughout the 2024 campaign while shooting a career-high 37.4% from downtown. The 23-year-old is in line to start this season, so it's reasonable to assume he may be heading into his best season to date. However, that could change if the Warriors can orchestrate a trade for LeBron James or Giannis Antetokounmpo, two players that are on Golden State's radar.

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Warriors and Spurs have expressed interest in New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III (shoulder). Of course, it would be a win-win scenario for Golden State, considering the club has been desperately trying to move forward Jonathan Kuminga, who remains a restricted free agent. Without a doubt, Murphy has plenty to offer clubs around the National Basketball Association. He is coming off the best year of his career, finishing the 2024 campaign by averaging 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn labrum and rotator cuff in his right shoulder back in March, prematurely ending his season. It appears it would take a lot for the Pelicans to trade him. However, Murphy's stock continues to grow, and it's not expected to fall even if he gets traded moving ahead. The 25-year-old agreed to a four-year extension with the Pels in October 2024 and might be ready to go come opening night.

According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the Houston Rockets and forward Kevin Durant have had discussions regarding a new contract. The multi-time All-Star was traded to the Rockets during the offseason. There were those who believed a deal would get done immediately upon his arrival in Houston, although that hasn't happened. Windhorst reported that "there is belief they will come to terms." However, Windhorst added that KD may need to settle for less than a max contract. The 36-year-old is coming off a disappointing stretch with the Suns. Yet, despite the team's struggles, he averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 boards while shooting 43.0% from behind the arc. Durant logged only 62 games in 2024 due to injury. With that in mind, he's still projected to be a top option in any fantasy format, even if he misses some time throughout the 2025 campaign. As of now, Durant is in line to make nearly $55 million this season. If a new agreement isn't reached, he'll be an unrestricted free agent next summer.

According to Ian Begley of SNY, the Knicks (among other teams) are reportedly interested in free-agent guard Malik Beasley. The 2016 No. 19 overall pick has bounced around the league over the years. He most recently logged 82 games for the Pistons last season, averaging 16.3 points and shooting 41.6% from downtown. As a result, Beasley was expected to be a coveted free agent entering the offseason. However, that all changed when it was revealed in June that he was the target of a federal investigation for gambling on NBA contests. On Friday, it was announced that Beasley was no longer being investigated. With the news, teams are now seemingly interested in acquiring his services, although there aren't many clubs in the National Basketball Association that can offer him what he would have received from the Pistons. With that in mind, Beasley still has some hurdles to clear before he is cleared to get back on the court. Still, it appears there's a good chance he'll be on a roster come opening night, with his draft stock predicted to surge if more positive updates are released moving forward.