N’Faly Dante’s restricted free-agent move to Atlanta is official after Houston declined to match a two-year, $4.5 million offer. Dante, 23, spent last season with Houston on a two-way deal and posted strong G League numbers (15.1 PPG on 74.3% FG, 9.8 RPG, 2.2 BPG, 1.0 SPG) with Rio Grande Valley. The Rockets’ hard-cap dynamics made matching unlikely, clearing the path for Atlanta’s bid. Capela’s recent signing with Houston is a surprising twist that may have opened the door for Dante to land in Atlanta, where his size and efficiency could translate into meaningful minutes backing a frontcourt rotation.

The Hawks land Dante amid a frontcourt landscape that includes Sharpshooting and rim protection expectations, while Houston stacks centers—Alperen Sengun, Steven Adams, and Clint Capela—keeping Dante without a clear minutes path. The Romeo-and-Juliet turn of Capela’s career, from Hawks to Rockets, is a key narrative thread that underscored Atlanta’s incentive to add Dante. The move shifts Dante from a two-way role to a full-time NBA rotation piece, with fantasy upside anchored in his G League efficiency and rebounding bursts.

For fantasy managers, Dante’s upside hinges on a clear route to minutes behind or alongside the Hawks’ core. Expect a role that mixes interior scoring, rebounding, and rim protection, with potential spikes in blocks and efficient finishing near the basket. The cap-space constraints that doomed Houston’s attempt to retain him also signal Atlanta’s commitment to a versatile, size-equipped lineup that could yield solid mid-round fantasy value if Dante locks in a steady workload.

Thomas Sorber will wear No. 12 for the Oklahoma City Thunder, a break from the No. 35 he wore in high school and No. 12 at Georgetown. He joins OKC as the 15th pick in the 2025 NBA draft, becoming the first Thunder player to sport No. 12 since Lindy Waters III. Sorber is a 6-foot-10 center who thrived in Georgetown’s paint, posting strong rebound and scoring numbers, though his path to the NBA was paused by a turf-toe injury and February surgery that sidelined him for part of the season. He’s slated to participate in training camp next month after not appearing in summer league.

Georgetown’s All-Big East third-team performer (14.5 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.5 SPG on 53.2% FG) profiles as a true interior presence with ability to roll to the rim and finish in close. The No. 12 swap is a notable personal branding move, signaling confidence from OKC’s development staff as he competes for minutes behind the young core. For fantasy angles, Sorber’s size and scoring touch offer upside if he earns a role in the frontcourt, but injury history and roster depth keep his early-season impact as a projection rather than a guarantee.

Rookie Wire’s yearlong jersey-number focus underscores his arrival, while the Thunder’s excitement around his court-ready profile hints at potential early opportunities should he prove healthy and efficient enough to stay on the floor. Expect updates from camp to shape fantasy expectations as Sorber navigates a crowded Thunder frontcourt and a youth movement in Oklahoma City.

As the 2025 NBA free agency unfolds, former OKC Thunder players are making significant moves. Notable names include Kevin Durant, who was traded to the Houston Rockets in a historic seven-team deal after averaging 26.6 points last season, and James Harden, who signed a lucrative two-year contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, showcasing his All-NBA caliber performance.

Steven Adams also made headlines, re-signing with the Rockets for a three-year deal worth $39 million. Meanwhile, Ty Jerome found a new home with the Memphis Grizzlies on a three-year contract. Other former Thunder players, such as Dennis Schroder and Dario Saric, have also secured multi-year contracts with their respective teams, solidifying their roles in the league.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have etched their name in NBA history with an astounding 2024-25 season, achieving a franchise-best record of 68 wins and clinching their first championship since relocating from Seattle. In a thrilling seven-game Finals against the Indiana Pacers, the Thunder showcased their resilience, proving they are now a dominant force in the league.

Highlighting their rich history, the Thunder's Quarter Century Team features legends like Russell Westbrook, who transformed from a top draft pick into an MVP and triple-double king, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has emerged as a superstar, leading the league in scoring and earning Finals MVP honors. The list also includes Kevin Durant, a prolific scorer and multiple-time champion, alongside Serge Ibaka and Steven Adams, both pivotal in the Thunder's success.

Clint Capela has returned to the Houston Rockets after several seasons away, signing a three-year contract worth $21.5 million. The Swiss center, who first joined the Rockets in 2014, will now serve a backup role behind All-Star Alperen Sengun and veteran Steven Adams. Capela’s scoring and rebounding averages have dipped recently, indicating a shift in his career as he transitions to a more supportive position.

With his experience, Capela offers the Rockets a reliable option off the bench. Houston's depth chart will likely see some experimentation with double big lineups, potentially allowing Capela to see significant minutes while Adams undergoes load management. This signing comes as the Rockets aim to bolster their roster for the upcoming season.