Cooper Flagg headlines a deep 2025-26 rookie class, with Ace Bailey, Kon Knueppel, Dylan Harper, and Khaman Maluach poised for immediate fantasy impact. Flagg is projected to start for Dallas and contribute across points, rebounds, assists and defensive stats, while Jazz, Hornets, Spurs and Suns lean on rookies for early workload. Knueppel and Bailey offer reliable shooting and scoring floor, Harper carries exciting upside despite potential early limitations, and Maluach is a high-risk, high-reward rim protector with room to grow.

The Golden State Warriors once passed on a Bulls swap that would have brought Alex Caruso in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga, a decision driven by belief in Kuminga’s long-term upside. Ownership, led by Lacob, has stood by Kuminga through tense negotiations, signaling a commitment to the young forward as a potential cornerstone.

As Kuminga surged to lead the Warriors in scoring during the second-round loss to Minnesota and continued to produce this summer, Golden State has resisted trading him. With the season near, the franchise may still explore fair-value offers from other teams, balancing Kuminga’s growing value with the chance to land impactful pieces like Caruso if the fit is right.