The NBA’s second tax apron, a new hard cap, is reshaping rosters and fantasy forecasts. Boston trimmed its championship core, trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis and letting Al Horford walk to dodge penalties, a stark reminder that cap rules can redefine dynasties. Barkley blames players for colluding, while Adam Silver defends the balance effort. Oklahoma City’s draft leverage and the fading era of multi-star teams hint at leaner, more MAP-driven rosters ahead, with big-market dynasties unlikely to reappear soon.

Expect continued shuffling as teams juggle cap fits and rotation volatility. The Celtics’ moves illustrate a broader trend: rosters will be pruned to stay under the apron, reshaping fantasy value, depth charts, and dynasty plans across the league as owners chase stability over splashy superteams.

Houston rockets sit No. 2 in USA TODAY’s early 2025-26 power rankings after a bold offseason: Kevin Durant joins Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr. to form a high-upside core, with Dorian Finney-Smith providing 3-and-D versatility. Ime Udoka mans the helm as the roster grows into title contention. Rockets fans eye a deep playoff run as training camp opens in late September, while the Thunder loom at No. 1.

Beyond Houston, the piece notes Boston’s and Cleveland’s questions after major offseason changes, Indiana’s rise, and Memphis’ shakeups, setting a wide-open West and a pivotal year for fantasy managers. Durant’s arrival could juice Rockets’ totals; internal development from the young trio and Finney-Smith’s defense will be key, while health and depth shape the rest of the league’s race for titles.

Anfernee Simons lands in Boston, and fantasy scouts are buzzing about a highest-usage season for him. The swap that sent Jrue Holiday to Portland reshapes the Celtics’ pecking order, with Simons likely to handle big-shot duties and grow into a leading scorer in a contract year. Brown remains pivotal, but the offense will tilt toward Simons’ scoring punch, creating a loop of high-volume shooting and dynamic off-ball movement that could redefine Boston’s ceiling this season.

With no Jayson Tatum in the immediate picture, Simons’ early-year opportunities could surge as Boston tests lineups around him. His proven 3-point stroke and ability to generate shots align with Boston’s spacing, while Brown offers late-game gravity. If the fit clicks, Simons can become a fantasy cornerstone, delivering volume, efficiency, and upside that elevate the Celtics’ fantasy stock across the board.

Brown steps into Boston’s lead offensive role with Tatum out, boasting elite downhill power and a strong mid-range, but playmaking and processing speed questions loom. He may also shoulder guard duties against the opponent’s top wing, boosting defensive fantasy value. The East top-5 debate centers on whether Brown can sustain heavy usage and efficient decision-making as the Celtics chase a deep playoff run.

Boston’s setup without Tatum adds risk and upside: if Brown can sharpen playmaking and keep shooting efficiency, he could cement himself as a fantasy anchor for the Celtics and contend for elite status in the East, while his defensive assignments could unlock extra stats in steals and blocks. The Big 3 discussion frames the optimism with caution about the path ahead.

Boston faces a salary-cap tightrope with Jayson Tatum sidelined, making a potential run at a cheap but productive scorer crucial. The Celtics swapped Jrue Holiday for Anfernee Simons to dodge the second apron, and the market around Simons remains active: teams and GMs eye a deal that avoids heavy long‑term commitments. If Simons stays, he could become Boston’s primary scorer as the offense adapts to his scoring punch, though his expiring deal complicates any long‑term plan. The upcoming trade deadline looms as the likeliest fork in the road for Simons and Boston.