The Lakers pursue an all‑in 2025‑26 push around Doncic and James, aiming to upgrade the bench before the trade deadline. A potential Eric Gordon swap from Philadelphia could add playoff seasoning and shooting, even as it costs Adou Thiero. The front office must balance window-time gravity with roster longevity in a brutal Western Conference.

Gordon’s shooting and postseason savvy would help space the floor for the star duo, while the move signals Pelinka’s willingness to gamble on immediate returns. Even if aging, Gordon’s fit could be the swing factor in a championship quest amid a crowded league.

Dylan Harper, San Antonio’s No. 2 pick, presses pause after left-thumb ligament surgery. Expect a Halloween-like return as Spurs’ backcourt depth, led by De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, carries the load early. Harper’s Summer League flashes—athleticism, pace control, finishing with both hands—signal premium upside once healed.

With Harper out, Cooper Flagg and VJ Edgecombe sit in the draft-week spotlight, while Harper’s Rutgers roots and family lore frame his long-term fantasy ceiling. The injury timing tests Spurs depth and fantasy lineups, but the organization remains confident in its guard-centric plan to weather the setback.

Dominick Barlow’s homecoming with Philadelphia opens an inside track for a two-way run, leveraging a strong summer showing (60% FG, 19 points in his debut) to push for rotation minutes. His 6-foot-9 frame anchors defense and rebounding, though shooting from long range remains a work in progress. With the 76ers leaning on two-way depth, a string of injuries or slumps could grant him a real extended look.

The Sixers’ recent two-way history—Edwards, Dowtin, Butler—has kept roster churn high; if that pattern continues, Barlow’s path to a longer stay hinges on defense, versatility, and readiness in spot minutes rather than floor-spacing prowess. If Philly’s lottery-bound hopes hinge on timely depth, he might seize the moment when called upon.

Sixers rookie VJ Edgecombe ju​st kept Philly buzzing, tossing a Phillies first pitch and then taking a sideline seat at the Eagles-Cowboys opener, blending hoops, baseball and football fever in a single city night.

The clash carried chippiness, highlighted by a boneheaded moment from Eagles lineman Jalen Carter, with Philadelphia clinging to a 24-20 edge as the season opens. Edgecombe’s cross-sport appearance adds a fresh fantasy talking point for multi-league fans watching Philly’s rising star ecosystem.

Six restricted free agents remain in the NBA market for 2025-26, creating fresh fantasy hooks. Josh Giddey’s Bulls scenario preserves his counting-category appeal with the QO in play, delaying his next big move. Tristen Newton and Kevin McCullar Jr. sit on two-way tracks, offering sneaky upside if roster spots open. Quenton Jackson and Quentin Grimes carry rebound potential and versatility on modest deals, while Jonathan Kuminga’s Warriors future hinges on a multi-year offer and a possible return to a high-upside role.

For fantasy managers, the landscape shifts around minutes, usage, and contract leverage. Giddey’s ceiling could rise if he lands a secure long-term path; Kuminga’s path hinges on the right structure; Grimes and Jackson could deliver value as secondary creators or late-round stashes if their roles expand. Newton and McCullar Jr. remain bets on opportunity rather than guaranteed minutes, keeping dynasty decisions fluid.