Josh Giddey is at the center of the Bulls’ contract talks, with reports of a four-year, $80 million offer climbing to $88 million—a move that nudges Chicago toward a middle ground on a top-tier starting point guard deal. The Bulls are signaling a willingness to increase, but risk overpaying in a market where every dollar counts under the new CBA. Cam Thomas pivots to Nets, signing a one-year, $6 million qualifying offer with no-trade protections, preserving value and future flexibility as teams eye cap space next season. LeBron James and Lakers loom as possible cap-space destinations, adding fuel to the 2025 free-agent chessboard, while Bulls remain intent on keeping Giddey long-term.

Across the league, cap projections suggest 10 teams with space in theory, but real space evaporates after holds and roster needs. The Shams/ESPN chatter around restricted free agents—with Kuminga or Giddey potentially taking the qualifying offer—signals a shifting precedent that could reshape next summer’s market. For fantasy hoops, the trajectory hinges on whether Giddey signs now, or bets on a bigger payday after training camp, while Cam Thomas could emerge as a prime sleeper if his restricted market opens up next year.

LeBron James and Matthew Berry draft Week 1 TD bets with a star-studded lineup: Christian McCaffrey, Derrick Henry, Ja’Marr Chase, Jahmyr Gibbs and a spicy nod to Malik Neighbors. The backfield core leans into end-zone upside while Chase eyes a big opener, all framed by cross-sport hype and a living-room vibe as the duo shares a hotel Zoom over Labor Day.

Discussions swing to Latimore and AJ Brown matchups, Browns sleeper talk, and a four-leg DraftKings parlay that blends ceiling plays with pragmatic floor. The episode doubles as a marketing-friendly fantasy showcase, but remains rooted in actionable Week 1 pathing, with clips rolling out across social channels.

The convo blends color—LeBron’s interaction with Berry’s family, parlay taunts, and the schedule gaps—while still delivering concrete takeaways for fantasy managers aiming for Week 1 ceiling and Week 1 floor underdog bets. Watch for the DraftKings cross-posts and host cuts throughout the week.