NBA insiders spot a wave of high-upside arrivals that could bend fantasy value this season. Durant joins Houston as a trusted closer, Bane slides into Orlando to lift the Magic’s 3-point game, and Cameron Johnson lands in Denver to pair with Jokic and boost spacing. Ayton’s move to the Lakers adds interior punch, Porzingis shores up Atlanta’s defense and floor spacing, while Beal and Powell provide seasoned scoring depth in L.A. and Miami. Dylan Harper and Edgecombe enter as rookies and wings poised to surprise, with Mike Brown’s Knicks and a reshaped supporting cast stirring the mix.

Coaching swaps, new surrounding casts, and the year’s top rookies reshape roles across the board. Expect big swings in top-line usage, late-round breakouts, and a few surprise fantasy risers as the 2025-26 season unfolds. This preview highlights the new paths for impact players and where fantasy managers should look for late-season leverage.

The NBA offseason is heating up, and the free agency period has already seen notable signings. Memphis made a savvy move by signing Ty Jerome to a three-year, $28 million deal, considered a steal due to his impressive shooting metrics. The Grizzlies also retained Santi Aldama for $17.5 million annually, emphasizing their strategy of maintaining talent without overspending. Houston's proactive approach to Fred VanVleet’s deal showcases their ambition, restructuring a one-year contract into a multi-year agreement while also adding quality players like Dorian Finney-Smith.

However, not all deals are being met with enthusiasm. The Spurs' decision to spend significantly on Luke Kornet, a backup center, raises eyebrows, given their roster needs. Sacramento's contract for Dennis Schröder, viewed as a risky gamble, also drew criticism, with many suggesting alternative players could have led the team better. Meanwhile, intriguing moves like Minnesota bringing back both Naz Reid and Julius Randle reflect a commitment to continuity in their roster strategy.

The Memphis Grizzlies are reshaping their roster after a disappointing end to their season, marked by a first-round sweep by the Oklahoma City Thunder. The team has been active in the offseason, trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic and acquiring Washington State forward Cedric Coward. Most notably, they've secured star Jaren Jackson Jr. with a lucrative five-year, $240 million contract extension and added former Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome with a three-year, $28 million deal.

Jackson, who was the 2023 NBA Defensive Player of the Year and a two-time All-Star, is expected to make a full recovery from a turf toe injury requiring surgery. Last season, he averaged 22.2 points per game while shooting nearly 49% from the field.

After reaching the playoffs as the top seed in the Eastern Conference last season, the Cleveland Cavaliers are navigating a crucial offseason. The team's recent trade for Lonzo Ball has raised questions about the future of Ty Jerome, a standout Sixth Man of the Year candidate. Jerome had his best season yet, averaging 12.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, with impressive shooting percentages. However, with his impending free agency and the Cavaliers' growing depth, speculation suggests he may not return.

Insiders hint that the Memphis Grizzlies could be the frontrunners to acquire Jerome. The team is reportedly willing to pursue a contract starting at the $14.1 million midlevel exception, although uncertainty remains regarding their willingness to meet this demand. As the free agency period unfolds, the Cavaliers and their fans must brace for the potential loss of one of their key contributors.