Jimmy Butler lands at No. 40 in NBA 2K26 with an 87 overall rating, his lowest since NBA 2K16 and a notable dip from the 90s he had in recent years. The Warriors’ late-season acquisition of Butler is reflected in a 35-game sample last season, where he averaged about 17.9 points, 5.9 assists and 5.5 rebounds per game. Butler shares the 87 rating with Amen Thompson, Derrick White, Ivica Zubac, Zion Williamson, Darius Garland, LaMelo Ball, Alperen Sengun and Domantas Sabonis at a slate of 87s, highlighting a crowded mid-80s tier among top stars. The countdown emphasizes the shifting value of veteran scorers and the evolving fantasy landscape as 2K26 climbs toward September’s release date.

The piece situates Butler’s rating in a broader context: a historic stretch of 90+ ratings earlier in his career, the impact of a midseason trade, and the way 2K26’s top 100 framing positions a mix of established veterans and rising talent. For fantasy managers, Butler’s rating suggests cautious optimism—elite scoring with questions about durability and health-driven minute volatility—and underscores the importance of roster construction around a player whose role could swing with the Warriors’ mix of veterans and younger contributors.

The Chicago Bulls are rebuilding after Zach LaVine's trade to the Sacramento Kings, acquiring promising players like Josh Giddey, Coby White, and Matas Buzelis. Despite a playoff absence, Coby White's rise to an offensive leader role and Matas Buzelis's potential are key for the future. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers excelled with a league-high scoring average, but fell short in the playoffs. They aim to maintain momentum with a strong core led by Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. The Detroit Pistons, fueled by Cade Cunningham's all-star season and Jalen Duren's consistent play, look to capitalize on last year's success. The Indiana Pacers surprised many last season, but face challenges after Tyrese Haliburton’s injury. Finally, the Milwaukee Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, revamp their roster but require time to click. Each team in the Central Division has its unique strengths and hurdles as they gear up for the new season.

The NBA offseason's trade market remains active, with several stars potentially on the move before training camp. Players like Jonathan Kuminga, DeMar DeRozan, and Lauri Markkanen find themselves in uncertain situations that could lead to significant trades. Kuminga's standoff with the Warriors stems from a lack of contract agreement despite his promising stats. Conversely, Markkanen, the Jazz’s leading scorer, may not fit the team's rebuilding phase. DeRozan's age and contract could attract younger assets for the Kings. Darius Garland of the Cavaliers, despite being a young star, might also be a piece of trade chatter. In Los Angeles, LeBron James is weighing his future amidst shifting team dynamics.

LeBron James trade rumors are heating up as speculation about his future with the Los Angeles Lakers continues. A report suggests that a potential return to the Cleveland Cavaliers could unfold, creating a compelling narrative for his storied career. A proposed five-team trade would see LeBron, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler heading to Cleveland, while the Lakers would acquire Lauri Markkanen, De'Andre Hunter, and Max Strus, among others. This trade could reshape the landscape of the NBA, particularly for the Lakers as they look to build around Luka Doncic.

Markkanen, an All-Star, has shown consistent performance with averages of 18.2 points and 7.1 rebounds. Meanwhile, Hunter’s scoring potential adds depth to the Lakers' roster. Strus brings three-and-D capabilities that align with the current defensive strategy necessary for a successful run. The challenge lies in parting with Reaves, a young scorer with upside, which raises questions about the Lakers' long-term strategy. A shift away from LeBron would significantly impact the franchise.

The Indiana Pacers face a challenging season ahead after losing Myles Turner to free agency and Tyrese Haliburton to injury. With aspirations for 2026-27, the immediate focus shifts to filling crucial roles, particularly at center and point guard. Andrew Nembhard is likely to increase his playmaking responsibilities, but the team also hopes to cultivate talent from its second-round draft picks, Kam Jones and Taelon Peter, who have struggled.

Emerging star RayJ Dennis, who excelled in the G League, presents an intriguing option after averaging 22.1 points and 8.8 assists there. His Summer League performance, boasting 16 points and six assists per game, raises hopes for his potential impact. If he can translate this success to the NBA, Dennis could secure a primary role at point guard, with additional minutes expected for fellow standout Johnny Furphy. The Pacers are poised to evaluate their young talent while preparing for potential trades before the February deadline.