Brooklyn’s off-season pivots to salary shedding ahead of 2025-26, re-signing Day'Ron Sharpe and Cam Thomas while waiving Tosan Evbuomwan and adding EJ Liddell on a Two-Way deal. The Nets have executed three trades netting multiple future picks and cap relief, shipping out Highsmith and bringing Terance Mann (via a trade with Hawks) and Michael Porter Jr. from Denver to pair with 2032 picks. The likely plan: accelerate salary-dump moves while retaining core pieces, signaling more roster pruning before the season.

The strategy narrows the Nets’ immediate win-now window but preserves future flexibility. Fantasy readers should watch Sharpe and Thomas for minutes and usage, while noting Mann and Porter Jr. could influence rotation dynamics depending on how Brooklyn reshapes cap space and roles. EJ Liddell’s Two-Way status adds uncertainty around his early-year workload, but long-term upside remains intriguing if he secures a stable two-way path or a larger role via injuries or trades.

Brooklyn locks in Day’Ron Sharpe on a two-year, 12.5M deal with a second-year option, preserving frontcourt depth as the Nets rebuild. Sharpe, 23, posted 7.9 PPG and 6.6 RPG in about 18 minutes per game last season and should push for minutes in 2025-26.

Additionally, Brooklyn adds EJ Liddell on a two-way deal, boosting versatility on the wings/forward spot. The moves reflect a focus on youth with cap flexibility, giving the Nets room to develop while preserving options if the timeline shifts.

Brooklyn signs E.J. Liddell to a two-way deal, giving the Ohio State product a clear path to NBA action while he hones his game in the G League. Brooklyn’s roster is thin on proven scoring, so early camp reps and preseason showings will matter as Liddell fights for a swing-man role and potential late-season minutes.

Liddell split last season between NBA and G League stints with Chicago and Windy City, flashing scoring ability and a 19.4-point outburst in his final OSU year. The two-way setup lets him stack rhythm in the G League and push for a call-up if Brooklyn needs a spark off the bench.

In a development-heavy situation, Liddell’s progress in camp, how he spaces the floor, and his defensive versatility will determine whether fantasy managers should stash him for a potential burst during the season.

The Denver Nuggets suffered a narrow 101-97 defeat against the Toronto Raptors, dropping to 0-3 in the NBA Summer League. Hunter Tyson sat out, and the late-game brilliance of Spencer Jones and Curtis Jones nearly salvaged a comeback. However, a critical foul with just seconds left allowed the Raptors to secure the win with free throws. This loss highlighted a glaring issue for Denver: their lack of ball handling. The Nuggets turned the ball over 24 times, with point guard Reece Beekman contributing seven turnovers. Tamar Bates showed some scoring ability but struggled with playmaking. The team's struggles were compounded by Boo Buie's injury and Tyrell Harrison’s uncharacteristic performance.

Harrison, a 7-footer from Australia, had a tough night, committing six turnovers in the first half. Despite this, he managed to display positive attributes in terms of plus-minus when paired with teammate DaRon Holmes II. Holmes was effective with 10 points and 11 rebounds, hinting at a better fit for Denver's lineup. The Nuggets also faced challenges with EJ Liddell getting ejected late in the game after a physical altercation, which further emphasized their struggles against aggressive defenses.

Lu Dort's impressive defensive skills have earned him a commendable fourth-place finish in the Defensive Player of the Year voting, though he fell short of being a finalist. Despite strong efforts from the Oklahoma City Thunder to elevate his candidacy, Dort finished behind Evan Mobley, Dyson Daniels, and Draymond Green, who took the top three spots. With 109 voting points, Dort's performance over the years solidifies his status as one of the league's elite perimeter defenders. As he looks forward, Dort is optimistic about making the All-Defensive Team, marking a significant recognition of his contributions on defense.

Recognizing Evan Mobley as a worthy champion, Dort expressed gratitude for progressing from obscurity to fourth place after years of being overlooked. Following the Thunder's historic postseason performance, Dort's acknowledgment of the tight race for the award speaks volumes about the competitive nature of the league this season. He remains hopeful for future accolades, potentially culminating in a Defensive Player of the Year award in the seasons to come.