NBA probes LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and Kawhi Leonard after reports that Aspiration paid Leonard 28M to sidestep the cap, tying Ballmer’s portfolio to a bankrupt fintech and a high-profile endorsement. The investigation also threads in Dennis Wong’s minor stake and Doc Rivers’ past ties to Aspiration, raising questions about sponsorships and cap compliance at the Intuit Dome. For fantasy managers, the case signals possible shifts in cap rules, sponsorship risk, and how off-court deals could influence rotations and earnings.

As Aspiration collapses into bankruptcy, the sport’s top owners and players face scrutiny that could reshape sponsorship strategies and leverage with teams. The developing narrative might affect Leonard’s endorsement exposure and Ballmer’s public-facing dealings, creating a landscape where fantasy projections must account for potential penalties, altered sponsorship terms, and the arena’s sustainability narrative going forward.

Alperen Sengun dominates EuroBasket as Turkey advances to the semifinals, a spark Rockets coach Ime Udoka expected and coached toward this summer. Sengun averages 21.6 points on 59.6% FG, 10.9 rebounds and 7.1 assists, adding pivotal defensive plays and a historic triple-double versus Poland. Turkey faces Greece next, while Durant’s message to use him where needed adds another fantasy-forward angle. Rafael Stone voiced pride in Sengun’s form, hinting at continued momentum back in Houston.

Fantasy takeaway: Sengun’s two-way impact, usage, and defensive versatility signal multi-cat upside entering Houston’s season, even as role nuances evolve. The EuroBasket run suggests pro-level efficiency and high assist ceilings, making Sengun a compelling late-round target and a potential weekly difference-maker for fantasy managers.

ESPN Fantasy Basketball 101 lays out a fast lane into fantasy hoops: pick a league that fits your vibe, master draft prep, and stay active all season with smart waivers, trades, and lineups. It spotlights the era’s big names—Wembanyama, Edwards, SGA—alongside Jokic and Giannis anchoring the top, while Luka reshapes his role with the Lakers. The guide stresses customizing settings, using mock drafts, and valuing etiquette to keep fun and competition balanced.

Beyond the basics, it dives into draft prep, autopick strategies, and in-season moves—from weekly to daily lineup tweaks and the waiver wire—so even newcomers can build a winning roster. The message is clear: have fun, stay engaged, and let the league become your nightly obsession.

Justin Champagnie’s breakout with Washington makes him a true fantasy sleeper. After a two-way start, he earned a multi-year deal and stepped into expanded minutes when Kuzma was moved, delivering efficient scoring and solid rebounding. The Statistical Doppelganger Machine matched him to Aldama, DiVincenzo and Siakam-type forwards, signaling a versatile path with scoring, defense and growth upside.

With a small sample (about 1,340 minutes), risk remains, but Washington’s rebuild creates opportunity. If he maintains development, Champagnie could become a late-round target—a multi-position wing who contributes points, boards and defensive stats, with room to grow into a higher ceiling.

Malik Beasley is at the center of an NBA-led gambling inquiry tied to the 2023-24 season when he played for Milwaukee. The league confirmed the investigation is ongoing, with Beasley cooperating as a federal probe also remains active in the Eastern District of New York. Beasley signed with Detroit in 2024 and posted a career-high 82 games for the Pistons last season, averaging 16.3 points per game. The case also links to a separate gambling conspiracy addressed through Jontay Porter, who pled guilty in August.

The situation matters for fantasy managers because Beasley’s status could influence his role in Detroit or future NBA rosters, affecting minutes and usage in a delicate roster picture. With Beasley’s prior stops—Denver, Minnesota, Utah, and the Lakers—the fantasy outlook hinges on how the league’s findings unfold and whether legal matters impact playing time or availability. The narrative also highlights the risk-reward in relying on a player under legal scrutiny.