The Oklahoma City Thunder capped a historic 68-win regular season with a championship ring, and Isaiah Joe emerged as the pivotal outside weapon off the bench. Joe posted a career year, averaging 10.2 points while shooting 41.2% from long range on 6.1 attempts per game, and he did so with 82.1% from the stripe and a 61.7% true shooting. His shooting volume translated into a sizable 17.2% usage rate and 5.1 win shares while providing a reliable floor-spreader that allowed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams to attack with space. Joe wasn’t merely a catch-and-shoot option; he flashed athletes’ versatility, showing off occasional transition bursts and a willingness to attack when defenses overhelp. His career-best 33-point game underscored that he can explode when given runway. The Thunder locked him in with a 2025-26 salary of $12.4 million, with two more years of team control (2026-27 at $11.3M; 2027-28 at $11.3M with a team option). The Arkansas native has evolved from a late 2022 training camp invite into a trusted, high-volume shooter who can soak up minutes and space the floor for drive-heavy stars. Moving forward, continued shooting volume and durability will determine Joe’s ceiling as a fantasy asset and a core piece of OKC’s repeat-contender plan.

The Milwaukee Bucks are making strategic moves this offseason to ensure the satisfaction of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. The team made a bold move by bringing in Kyle Kuzma during the 2024-25 trade deadline. Kuzma's regular-season performance was decent, averaging 14.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 33 games, but his struggles in the postseason have raised doubts about his long-term fit.

A recent mock trade proposed by SI.com suggests sending Kuzma to the Portland Trail Blazers for Jerami Grant, who has had injury concerns but could provide the Bucks with valuable scoring. Grant's past four seasons averaged at least 19 points per game, making him a potentially impactful player as the Bucks aim for a championship run in a competitive Eastern Conference.

Damian Lillard has officially returned to the Portland Trail Blazers after a stint with the Milwaukee Bucks, signing a three-year, $42 million deal. Despite a long recovery from a torn Achilles tendon, Lillard’s excitement about the team’s potential is palpable, particularly with rising talents like Jerami Grant and Scoot Henderson. The addition of Yang Hansen, a 7-foot rookie from China, has captured Lillard’s attention, showcasing skills and charisma that could enhance the Blazers' dynamics moving forward.

Yang impressed during the Summer League, averaging 10.8 points, 3.8 assists, and earning recognition as a top international prospect after being an All-Star in the CBA. Lillard appreciates Yang's ability to facilitate offense and his confident approach to the game, indicating that the rookie could be a pivotal piece in the Blazers' future.