Denver reshapes its roster around Jokic, Murray and Gordon by trading Michael Porter Jr. to Brooklyn for Cameron Johnson, freeing cap space to sign Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. and adding Jonas Valanciunas from Sacramento. The goal is a deeper, more versatile bench that can sustain playoff runs without overburdening the core. Westbrook isn’t expected back, and Sacramento is viewed as the favorite to sign him as a potential late–season spark for a competing squad. The coaching shift from Malone to Adelman could further influence how minutes are distributed and which role players emerge as fantasy sleepers.

Cameron Johnson’s floor spacing, Brown’s guard versatility, Hardaway Jr.’s shooting, and Valanciunas’s inside presence give Jokic more options and lift the Nuggets’ depth. For fantasy, Jokic and Murray remain the anchors, while the new pieces shift value across the roster—especially Brown, Johnson, and Valanciunas—who could become steady fantasy contributors if minutes hold or increase. Westbrook’s departure opens a path for the Nuggets to lean more on their core and rotation pieces rather than streaming a heavy sixth man workload.

Detroit's offseason pivot centers on preserving a contending core while reshaping around Cunningham. Ausar Thompson, Jalen Duren and Jaden Ivey return, giving Detroit a young, explosive core ready to attack a softened Eastern Conference. The Pistons added Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson to inject shot-making and playmaking, offsetting losses like Tim Hardaway Jr., Dennis Schroder and Malik Beasley. A Sports Illustrated mock trades Michael Porter Jr. from Brooklyn for Tobias Harris, Marcus Sasser, Bobi Klintman and a protected 2027 first. Porter Jr. would bring scoring punch and spacing, likely serving as the second option behind Cunningham, while his defense has improved. The deal carries risk in surrendering veteran Harris and developmental guard Sasser, and Porter Jr.’s injury history adds volatility. If Porter Jr. fits, Detroit could become a legitimate contender around its young core for the next several years.

The Detroit Pistons have emerged as a surprising force in the NBA, transforming from bottom-dwellers to playoff contenders within a season, primarily due to Cade Cunningham’s impressive leap and strategic veteran acquisitions.

This offseason, the Pistons aimed to fortify their roster further, successfully signing Caris LeVert and acquiring Duncan Robinson from the Miami Heat, alongside rookie Chaz Lanier. However, they faced significant setbacks with the losses of key contributors Tim Hardaway Jr., Dennis Schroder, and likely Malik Beasley, who is embroiled in a gambling investigation.

Despite these losses, analysts maintain cautious optimism about Detroit’s future, suggesting that the development of young talents like Ausar Thompson, Ron Holland II, and Jaden Ivey may mitigate the impact of departing players. The consensus is that if these players continue their upward trajectory, the Pistons could contend for a top seed in the Eastern Conference next season.

The Detroit Pistons showcased their talent at the Las Vegas Summer League, wrapping up with a 3-2 record. Rookie guard Chaz Lanier was a focal point for the team, but second-year forward Ron Holland II also stood out. Holland II earned a spot on the NBA 2K26 All-Summer League Second Team after averaging 21.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 4.0 steals across three games, shooting an impressive 52.8% from the field. This recognition highlights his significant improvement and potential for a larger role next season, especially with the departure of Tim Hardaway Jr.

As a fifth pick in the 2024 draft, Holland II's performance suggests he will play a crucial role in the Pistons' rotation alongside fellow young stars Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson. The coaching staff, led by J.B. Bickerstaff, may consider elevating him to a starting position if he continues to progress, making him a player to watch as the season approaches.