The Denver Nuggets were named NBA Champions for the first time in team history to conclude the 2022–2023 NBA season. As the NBA Draught approaches, clubs throughout the league will evaluate fresh players, evaluate their cap situations, and search for possibilities to strengthen their squads via trades or free agency. Any player who possesses a player option must make a decision by Thursday, June 29. Fred Van Vleet rejected his player option for the ’23-’24 season, making him an unrestricted free agent.
In the meanwhile, as we wait for the NBA’s next events, here are some urgent questions for the fantasy basketball season’s conclusion.
How long will Ja Morant be out of commission?
I’m just guessing, but I’m betting he’ll be punished for at least 30 games. I’ve seen everything from 20 games to a whole season, but the next one will be more relevant given that he has served an eight-game ban for his behaviour off the court. We should find out soon since NBA Commissioner Adam Silver held off on announcing Morant’s ban until after the NBA Finals were over.
Desmond Bane is now a third-round option in fantasy draughts since he will undoubtedly get more playing time sans Morant. In the 22–23 season, Bane averaged 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists without Morant in the starting lineup. This coming season, he’ll take over as the Grizzlies’ leading scorer, thus I anticipate him to score more. In terms of per-game value, Bane came in just outside the top 30, thus there is potential top-25 upside.
Tyus Jones’ value going into the next season would increase if Morant were to be out for a prolonged period. If he plays close to 30 minutes each game, he’ll be a major contributor to assists and steals, making him deserving of a sixth- or seventh-round selection. In the last weeks of the previous season, Jones carved out a crucial position for fantasy managers. Even without Morant in the lineup, he averaged 16.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 8.2 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. One of the top backup point guards in the league, Jones will be under contract in ’23-’24, which should increase his drive to play.
The amount of games Morant will miss will determine how valuable a pick he will be. This summer, he’s sure to drop in draughts, particularly after the specifics of the ban are made public. However, do not overdraft him because of his reputation or his highlight-reel performances. He still has a lot to offer fantasy managers who are looking for guards to score, grab rebounds, and assist, but in his four-year career, he has just once finished within the top 50. His high turnover rate and average free-throw % contributed to his ranking of 80th in terms of per-game worth last season, and they continue to hurt his fantasy value.
Deandre Ayton will be moved, where?
Ayton’s fate will be decided eventually. Ayton received a sizable offer from the Indiana Pacers in the 2022 summer, but the Suns unexpectedly matched that deal. Despite the turmoil that lingered in the background, Ayton didn’t seek a trade this season and was a reliable fantasy player. When ranked according to value per game, he placed 51st.
I’m not going to argue with the 18-and-10 output on a 59% shooting percentage. Ayton spoke to the media a few times during the season about his lack of participation in the offence, the fact that he didn’t receive touches, and his open conflicts with previous head coach Monty Williams. Mind you, it was an uninspired and displeased 18 and 10.
Frank Vogel, the new head coach of the Suns, is prepared to “restore” Ayton to his All-Star form, but I believe it is already too late. According to Yahoo Insider Jake Fischer, the Blazers are the first club to have been connected to Ayton this offseason. However, other from sending Chris Paul with Ayton, Phoenix doesn’t have anything to offer the Blazers that would make them want to make a trade.
Ayton will likely draw additional trade interest as we get closer to the NBA Draught and free agency, but all indications are that he won’t be wearing a Phoenix Suns jersey come next season; the team’s destination is yet to be determined.
When will John Collins be moved finally?
I think the answer is yes. Trae Young has been mentioned in trade rumours more often than Collins, which is remarkable given how long Collins has been a target for trades and the fact that Young is under contract through the 2026–2027 season. According to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, there is now more smoke around Kyrie Irving than Trae Young. There’s nothing developing between Trae Young and the Hawks, according to what I’ve heard.
The Atlanta Hawks are reportedly burning through money on salaries, with six of its players earning more than $17 million for the next season.
Who do you suppose is one of them? Collins.
Collins still has the best skill package for fantasy uses. He is a stretch four with good shooting splits who can defend many different spots. The issue is that he just had his worst fantasy season since his rookie year, ending at position 102 and outside of the top 100.
Collins would like a change of scenery since his position seems to have shrunk, and it’s not like he hasn’t already expressed his discontent. He is another guy whose transfer I anticipate happening this summer. For fantasy managers, it would be ideal if he were traded to a club that could make the most of his talent as the top 50 player he had been the previous four seasons.
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