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Offseason | NBA Week 26

Nets retiring Vince Carter's No. 15 jersey

Wed May 15 2:17pm ET
Field Level Media

Vince Carter spent a lot of time soaring above the court when he starred for the New Jersey Nets.

His No. 15 jersey will now hang there permanently, the Brooklyn Nets announced on Wednesday.

The high-flying guard, a member of the Hall of Fame's Class of 2024, averaged 23.6 points in four-plus seasons with the Nets from 2004-09.

He is the seventh Nets player to have his number retired, joining Julius Erving, Jason Kidd, Buck Williams, Drazen Petrovic, John Williamson and Bill Melchionni.


Carter, now 47, still holds the franchise's NBA-era single-season scoring record with 2,070 points in 2006-07.

An eight-time All-Star and the 1998-99 Rookie of the Year, Carter is the only player in NBA history to compete in four decades. The 1998 first-round pick retired after the 2019-20 season with 25,728 points in 1,541 games with eight NBA teams.

Player Notes
Klay Thompson Tue Jun 18 3:20pm

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, impending free-agent guard Klay Thompson is open to all "external options" in free agency this summer. The Warriors want him back. However, it remains to be seen how much Golden State is willing to bid for his services. But considering teams like the Orlando Magic could make Thompson a lucrative offer, his future with the Warriors is all but guaranteed. The 34-year-old averaged 17.9 points last season, his fewest since the 2012-13 campaign. He also started in just 63 of his 77 appearances after getting pulled briefly from the first five during the year. While Thompson's production is frustrating for fantasy managers, he could benefit from a change of scenery, especially if he remains in the starting lineup.

Jaylen Brown Tue Jun 18 3:20pm

Boston Celtics guard/forward Jaylen Brown was named the 2024 Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP after the team closed out Dallas with a 106-86 victory on Monday. Brown, who was also voted the Eastern Conference Finals MVP during Boston's successful playoff campaign, had 21 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and two steals in the title-clincher. He averaged 20.8 points in the Finals with 5.4 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.6 steals. The 27-year-old is the seventh Celtics player to be named the Finals MVP, the first since Paul Pierce in 2008. Brown has just entered his prime and should remain a valuable fantasy piece for a long time.

Jayson Tatum Tue Jun 18 3:20pm

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum closed out the 2024 NBA Finals in style, going close to a 30-point triple-double in Monday's title-clincher against Dallas. He led all scorers with 31 points and registered eight rebounds and 11 assists with two steals. The Boston star had two 30-point efforts in the five-game series and ended up as the team leader in points, rebounds, and assists. However, the 2024 Finals MVP award went to Tatum's partner in crime, Jaylen Brown. Tatum's scoring numbers dropped in 2023-24, but he recorded a career-high 4.9 assists and had another good fantasy year overall.

Kristaps Porzingis Tue Jun 18 3:20pm

Boston Celtics forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (leg) returned to the court in Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Finals against Dallas on Monday. Despite carrying a leg injury, he contributed six points in 16 minutes off the bench as the team earned banner No. 18 with a 106-88 win. Porzingis, who became the first Latvia native to win an NBA championship, has been diagnosed with a torn medial retinaculum, allowing dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon. The 28-year-old told ESPN that he will require surgery and have a recovery process of a "few months." Porzingis had another injury-riddled campaign in 2023-24, and his health status is definitely something fantasy managers must consider when planning for the new season.

Al Horford Tue Jun 18 3:20pm

Boston Celtics forward/center Al Horford had a special night on Monday as the team finished off Dallas in the 2024 NBA Finals with a 106-88 win. He shook off an unwanted status as the active player with the most playoff appearances without winning an NBA championship. Horford, who made his debut with Atlanta in 2007-08, played in his 186th career playoff game on Monday. He had a good all-around outing with nine points, nine rebounds, two assists, and two steals. The 38-year-old, who also became the first Dominican-born player to win an NBA championship, filled in admirably for Kristaps Porzingis as the starting center throughout the postseason. James Harden is now the record-holder among active players with 166 playoff contests without winning a ring, while Karl Malone has the all-time mark with 193 games.

Luka Doncic Tue Jun 18 3:20pm

Dallas Mavericks point guard Luka Doncic recorded 28 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and three steals as his squad failed to extend the NBA Finals against Boston on Monday. Doncic received very little support from his teammates in a 106-88 defeat. It was a disappointing finish to an otherwise outstanding campaign for Doncic, who led the NBA in scoring in 2023-24 and produced 21 triple-doubles. He was also the top scorer in the Finals with 29.2 points per game and became the first player in history to average at least 25 points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals in the Finals.

Kyrie Irving Tue Jun 18 3:20pm

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving managed only 15 points on 5-for-16 shooting in Monday's 106-88 Game 5 loss against Boston. The Mavericks offense struggled right from the off, and Irving was forced to watch his former team celebrate the championship in the end. He was 3-for-9 with the three-ball and picked up three rebounds, nine assists, and one steal. Irving was fantastic in the Conference Finals against Minnesota, but very little went his way in his fourth NBA Finals series. The veteran star, who is now 1-3 in the Finals, averaged 19.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists with 27.8 shooting from behind the arc against Boston.

Kristaps Porzingis Mon Jun 17 3:20pm

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (leg) is questionable for Monday's meeting with the Dallas Mavericks. Porzingis returned for Game 1 of the NBA Finals after missing over a month because of a Soleus strain. Unfortunately, he suffered a dislocated Left Posterior Tibialis in Game 2 and didn't suit up in Game 3. Porzingis was available in Friday's loss. However, he never made it on the floor. The Mavs built a big lead early in that contest, so it's unknown if Joe Mazzulla would have put him into the game had the score remained close. But if the veteran is active on Monday evening, he's certainly a risky DFS option, considering he may not get off the bench.

Luka Doncic Mon Jun 17 3:20pm

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (chest) is probable for Game 5 of the NBA Finals versus the Boston Celtics. Besides receiving pain-killing injections, it doesn't appear the thoracic contusion is much of an issue for the multi-time All-Star. He's averaged 29.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 2.5 steals during the series. While Doncic has struggled shooting from deep, he remains the top DFS option for managers on Monday evening.

Jarrett Allen Mon Jun 17 3:20pm

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen is reportedly on the Pelicans' radar. Jonas Valanciunas isn't expected back next season, and Brandon Ingram could be on the move, so adding Allen would undoubtedly lessen the blow caused by the potential departures. The 26-year-old finished last season by averaging a career-high 16.5 points with 10.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks. He also shot 63.4% from the field. Of course, Cleveland's primary focus this offseason is on extending Donovan Mitchell. However, the Cavs could keep their core intact, considering Evan Mobley wasn't the healthiest during the 2023-24 campaign.

Jonas Valanciunas Mon Jun 17 3:20pm

The New Orleans Pelicans are expected to move on from center Jonas Valanciunas this offseason. The 32-year-old will officially be an unrestricted free agent this summer, with the Pelicans planning to construct the roster to complement the skillset of Zion Williamson better. But Valanciunas, averaging 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds during the 2023-24 campaign, will draw interest from at least a handful of teams. Although his production was down last season, he's among the most durable big men in the National Basketball Association. With that in mind, if Valanciunas finds a stable role for a new team, he could continue to provide double-double upside for fantasy managers.

Andre Drummond Mon Jun 17 3:20pm

Chicago Bulls center Andre Drummond appears ready to move on from the Windy City in the summer. According to Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times, Drummond is looking for a new team. The veteran big man will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason after completing a two-year, $6.56 million deal in Chicago. Drummond has been a serviceable backup big for the Bulls, averaging 7.3 points and 7.9 rebounds in 15.1 minutes during his stay. The best days are behind Drummond, but he remains a strong rebounder and should help fantasy managers again in the department wherever he lands for the upcoming campaign.

Kevin Huerter Mon Jun 17 3:20pm

Sacramento Kings duo Kevin Huerter and Harrison Barnes are reportedly available on the trade market, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Both players had disappointing campaigns in 2023-24, and it looks like the Kings will try to shake up the roster after failing to qualify for the playoffs. Barnes could be moving on just 12 months after signing a three-year, $54 million extension with the Kings. The 32-year-old has been a one-dimensional player throughout his career but has performed well in suitable situations. Huerter has proven himself to be a solid starter and could definitely do a good job for a number of teams if he isn't wanted in Sacramento anymore.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Mon Jun 17 3:20pm

Denver Nuggets guard/forward Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has had two solid years with the team but might land elsewhere for the 2024-25 campaign. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Nuggets are "concerned" that Caldwell-Pope will decline his $15.44 million player option and enter unrestricted free agency. It is believed that the two-time NBA champion could attract a similar deal to the one Bruce Brown signed with Indiana last summer when he left Denver on a two-year, $45 million contract. Caldwell-Pope, who turned 31 in February, posted 10.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists with 40.6 percent three-point shooting in 2023-24.

Collin Sexton Mon Jun 17 3:20pm

Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton could be involved in another trade only two seasons after arriving from Cleveland. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, there is a "belief" among rival executives that Sexton could be on the trade market this summer, along with Jordan Clarkson, who has already previously been linked with a move elsewhere. Sexton has played well with the Jazz, averaging 18.7 points and a career-high 4.9 assists in 2023-24. But he could welcome a change of scenery as well after finding himself as a member of the second unit for large parts of his stay in Salt Lake City. The 25-year-old has two more seasons to go on his contract and will be paid $18.35 million in 2024-25.

Jalen Smith Sun Jun 16 3:10pm

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.com, there's an "early belief" that Indiana Pacers forward/center Jalen Smith will decline his $5.4 million player option and enter free agency this offseason. The 2020 No. 10 overall pick has spent the last three seasons with the Pacers. He averaged 13.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks during the 2021-22 campaign. However, his production has trended downward since. Smith saw limited action for the Pacers in 2023-24. Yet, in his 14 starts, he averaged 11.1 points and 6.7 rebounds. It's evident Smith can be productive, so a change of scenery could do wonders for his fantasy value heading toward the regular season.

Jarace Walker Sun Jun 16 3:10pm

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.com, teams around the National Basketball Association are "monitoring" the availability of Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker. Indy could match offers for Obi Toppin this offseason. If that happens, Walker could be on the move. The 2023 No. 8 overall pick had a forgettable rookie year, averaging just 3.6 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 33 games. He also spent time in the G League, although he played much better. For now, Walker's value is limited, and he likely won't find his way onto fantasy rosters unless he gets some minutes, which isn't expected to happen in Indiana or for another club, for that matter.

Isaiah Hartenstein Sun Jun 16 3:10pm

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.com, impending free-agent forward/center Isaiah Hartenstein is drawing interest from more teams. While OKC has been rumored to covet his services, Scotto, citing league sources, reported the Orlando Magic could be a team to watch this summer. The 26-year-old drew 49 starts for New York during the 2023-24 campaign, averaging 8.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.2 blocks. He was also instrumental in helping the Knicks advance deep into the postseason. But New York likely won't be able to afford to keep Hartenstein on the roster, meaning Orlando, a team with plenty of cap space this summer, could make him a strong offer.

Tyrese Haliburton Sat Jun 15 3:00pm

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) reported he's progressing in his recovery from another hamstring injury sustained during the Eastern Conference Finals. "The hamstring is good," said Haliburton during an interview on Friday. "Today, I ran for the first time at full speed." The 24-year-old is coming off another productive season, amassing 20.1 points, 10.9 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. But he missed time because of injury in 2023-24, appearing in 69 games after playing in just 56 the year before. Haliburton still plans to suit up for Team USA in the Olympics. With that in mind, he could be a top-10 fantasy option in all formats during the 2024-25 campaign, although he needs to figure out how to stay on the floor.

Mikal Bridges Sat Jun 15 3:00pm

According to Fred Katz of the New York Times, the Brooklyn Nets are staying firm on their unwillingness to trade forward Mikal Bridges. Per Katz, league sources have contacted Brooklyn about acquiring the former Sun, with teams offering "hoards of first-rounders." However, the Nets haven't budged. After the 27-year-old was traded from Phoenix in 2022-23, he averaged a career-high 26.1 points in 27 games in Brooklyn. But his production declined significantly last season, with Bridges ending the year by averaging 19.6 points. At any rate, the Nets are in rebuilding mode, and it appears the franchise wants to build around Bridges. Brooklyn also has a new coach in Jordi Fernandez, which could help Bridges turn things around for fantasy managers in 2024-25.