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 Los Angeles Clippers have made significant moves this offseason, acquiring notable players such as Bradley Beal, Chris Paul, John Collins, and Brook Lopez, effectively enhancing their roster from last season's 50-win team. Speculation around a potential trade continues, with a proposal to send Bogdan Bogdanovic and Derrick Jones Jr. to the Sacramento Kings for DeMar DeRozan. While DeRozan averaged an impressive 22.2 points last season, concerns arise regarding his fit within the Clippers' dynamic, particularly against their existing lineup incorporating players like Kawhi Leonard and Ivica Zubac, both of whom favor midrange shooting.

The Clippers might find it challenging to integrate DeRozan’s midrange-centric scoring with their current backcourt, which already boasts Beal and James Harden. Moreover, questions about DeRozan's willingness to accept a bench role loom large, considering his established status as a starter throughout his career. While the Clippers aim to accumulate talent, effective floor spacing becomes a critical concern for creating a successful offensive scheme.

The Los Angeles Lakers' rich history spans nearly 80 seasons, featuring 506 players. Among them is Benoit Benjamin, a center with a promising start to his career. Drafted third overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in 1985, he showed flashes of talent during his first four seasons. However, criticism over his work ethic quickly dampened his reputation, especially as he was labeled a draft bust. In 1993, the Lakers acquired him in a trade aimed at rebuilding the team, but his time in Los Angeles was uneventful, as he averaged just 8.1 points and 5.4 rebounds over 28 games.

Despite the initial hype surrounding Benjamin's selection, he struggled to adjust to the demands of the NBA, leading to a disappointing career trajectory. His brief tenure with the Lakers serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by players who fail to fulfill early expectations. As fantasy players evaluate option, recalling Benjamin's journey emphasizes the importance of consistency over initial promise.

Chris Paul is back with the Los Angeles Clippers, signing a one-year, $3.6 million deal, marking a return to where he experienced significant success. His veteran presence will complement stars like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, as Paul aims to capture his first title. Despite concerns about the roster's age, fans are excited to see the franchise’s all-time best player reunite with the team that defined his prime years.

While some skeptics question his role, statistics show he remains effective, boasting impressive assist-to-turnover ratios. Paul is expected to bring leadership as a sixth man, albeit reluctantly, as he adjusts to this new phase of his career.

Veteran free agent Chris Paul reunites with the Los Angeles Clippers at 40, joining fellow seasoned players such as Bradley Beal and Brook Lopez. This roster, primarily built around experienced players like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, marks a shift in the league dynamics where younger talent is increasingly prioritized. While many teams emphasize youth, the Clippers are banking on their seasoned roster, with the oldest being Paul, facing the challenge of competing in a league demanding greater physicality and movement.

Clippers' president Lawrence Frank has indicated that the franchise is focused on acquiring the best talent available, regardless of age. Their recent trades have given them flexibility to enhance their lineup, leading to a diverse team that can adapt both offensively and defensively. Coach Tyronn Lue is set to experiment with a mix of older and younger talent to optimize performance and manage player workload.