Fantasy News, Player Stats, Rumors and Rankings (2024)

Spurs' Malachi Flynn: Agrees to one-year deal with SAS

14h ago

Flynn and the Spurs agreed to a one-year deal Wednesday, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.

The Pistons didn't extend Flynn a $5.81 million qualifying offer at the end of June, making him an unrestricted free agent. Despite dropping 50 points off Detroit's bench against the Hawks on April 3, Flynn finished 2023-24 with averages of 5.5 points, 1.9 assists and 1.7 rebounds across 12.7 minutes in 69 regular-season games split between Toronto, New York and Detroit. Flynn will look to compete for a spot in San Antonio's backcourt, which added Stephon Castle and Chris Paul this offseason to a group that already consisted of Tre Jones, Devin Vassell and Malaki Branham.

Bulls' Lonzo Ball: Playing full-contact 5-on-5

15h ago

The Bulls confirmed Wednesday that Ball (knee) has started playing in full-contact five-on-five scrimmages and hasn't faced any setbacks, Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

This is a massive hurdle for Ball to clear. The 2017 No. 2 overall pick hasn't played in an NBA game since Jan. 14, 2022 and has undergone three surgeries on his left knee during that stretch, including an experimental cartilage transplant for a new meniscus. Cowley notes that no professional athlete has ever returned to high-level competition after having that surgery. Ball picked up his $21.4 million player option for 2024-25, so the Bulls would certainly be incentivized to play him if he's healthy. However, it's unclear how he'll fit into Chicago's plans after the team traded for Josh Giddey this offseason.

Lakers' LeBron James: Gets stitches after early exit

20h ago

James took an inadvertent elbow to his face during the third quarter of Tuesday's quarterfinal win over Brazil and needed four stitches before returning to Team USA's bench in the fourth quarter, Karl Rasmussen of SI.com reports.

James never checked back into the game after the incident, but he said following the win that he's okay, per Marc J. Spears of ESPN.com. James finished the contest with 12 points, nine assists, three rebounds and three steals in 17 minutes. The 39-year-old superstar continues to be one of Team USA's best all-around players, and he can be considered probable for Thursday's semifinal showdown versus Serbia.

Jazz's Lauri Markkanen: Officially signs extension

20h ago

Marrkanen (shoulder) signed a five-year, $238 million contract extension with the Jazz on Wednesday, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports.

Markkanen renegotiated his 2024-25 salary as well, earning himself another $24 million. With this extension, Markkanen will not be eligible to be moved prior to the Feb. 6 trade deadline, so it's the forward may be in this for the long haul with Utah. Markkanen will be a very popular target early on in fantasy drafts after averaging 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 3.2 three-pointers during the 2023-24 regular season.

76ers' Joel Embiid: Sits final half versus Brazil

2d ago

Embiid was held out of the second half of Tuesday's 122-87 win over Brazil in the quarterfinals of the Paris Olympics due to ankle discomfort, Tim Reynolds of Associated Press reports. The 30-year-old posted 14 points (5-6 FG, 3-3 3Pt, 1-1 FT), seven rebounds, one assist and one steal across 12 minutes.

Embiid reportedly told coach Steve Kerr at halftime that he was experiencing ankle discomfort, and he was rested for the remainder of the game. While the big man's status is something to monitor ahead of the Olympic semifinals, he will likely suit up, as Team USA has a tall order ahead of it against Serbia and Nikola Jokic. Despite playing only the first half of the contest against Brazil, Embiid's ability to score and dominate on the glass amid ankle discomfort bodes well for Team USA if he returns to action in the squad's next contest Thursday.

Lakers' LeBron James: Does it all in Olympic win

2d ago

James finished with 12 points (5-6 FG, 2-3 FT), nine assists, three rebounds and three steals across 17 minutes during Tuesday's 122-87 win over Brazil in the quarterfinals of the Paris Olympics.

James did it all in Team USA's blowout victory, and he led the squad in assists and steals. Despite playing only 17 minutes in the contest, the superstar made his presence felt on both sides of the ball. The 39-year-old averaged 14.3 points, 7.3 assists and 6.7 rebounds across 22.0 minutes per game in three group-phase contests. James continues to be one of, if not the best all-around player for Team USA in these Olympic Games.