Russell Westbrook signs with the Sacramento Kings, adding veteran playmaking and versatile guard depth as the club doubles down on a culture built around effort and energy. The 2017 MVP arrives ready to help stabilize the backcourt, serve in flexible lineups, and lift a bench that ranked near the bottom in points and assists last season.

Last year with Denver, Westbrook produced 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals on 44.9% shooting, with a 52% mark on two-pointers. His career milestones—203 triple-doubles, 25,000+ points, and pursuit of historical assist milestones—frame a high‑motor addition capable of shifting late-game rotations for Sacramento.

Lonzo Ball’s mini–swivel from Chicago to Cleveland could tilt the East if his durability cooperates. His playmaking and defense would slot in behind Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, potentially unlocking Cleveland’s offense if he stays healthy. The Bulls’ departure opens guard minutes, but Ball’s history of limited games looms as a durability risk that could cap upside in fantasy and betting narratives this season.

Preseason optics have Ball distributing to a variety of Cavaliers, signaling a high-end ceiling if he can reach 60+ games. The move is framed as a possible catalyst for Cleveland’s title push, even as questions about routine workloads and health persist for fantasy managers and bettors alike.

Giddey starred for the Bulls in a high-pace preseason showcase, posting 25 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists in 29 minutes as Chicago locked him in for four years at $100 million. He opened with 19 points by halftime, mixed 3s with drives and earned a place on the highlight reel with a fastbreak connection to Matas Buzelis and a non-counted 60-foot heave that amplified his confidence. A heated exchange with Cam Johnson added edge to a night that still left the Bulls optimistic about a Giddey-led future alongside White.