Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren and the team could remain at an impasse into September, with the deadline "really Media Day," per Shams Charania of ESPN, via Evan Sidery. Duren, 22, is seeking max-level money after earning All-NBA Third Team honors, while Detroit has held firm below that number. He is coming off a breakout season, averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds as a lob-catching anchor next to Cade Cunningham. The stalemate is fantasy noise more than a red flag if he stays in Detroit, whether on a long-term deal or his $9.62 million qualifying offer. In that case, Duren remains a high-end source of points, rebounds, and field-goal percentage, with strong dynasty value.

Sacramento Kings guard Isaiah Stevens has been waived from his two-way deal, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. The move opens a two-way spot for Sacramento, which still has Adam Flagler and Jonathan Mogbo on two-way deals. Stevens, 25, was a standout playmaker for the G League's Stockton Kings last season, averaging 14.5 points on 47.0 percent shooting, 8.6 assists, and 3.4 rebounds, but he managed only three NBA appearances. The undrafted Colorado State product now returns to the open market in search of another opportunity. For fantasy, this is a non-event, as Stevens holds no standard-league value, and the waiver opens no rotation minutes for any Kings player worth rostering.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) could return around the All-Star break in February, per Evan Sidery. DiVincenzo, 29, ruptured his Achilles during Minnesota's first-round playoff series against Denver and later underwent surgery with Dr. Martin O'Malley, who has also been connected to the Achilles recoveries of Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton. Before the injury, DiVincenzo was a key part of the Wolves' rotation, starting all 82 games while averaging 12.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.3 steals, and 3.0 threes. For fantasy, the timeline likely wipes out at least half of his 2026-27 season, making him only a deep stash. His absence should leave extra perimeter minutes available behind Anthony Edwards to open the year.

Restricted free-agent guard/forward Bennedict Mathurin is drawing renewed interest from the New Orleans Pelicans and a second unnamed suitor, per Marc Stein. Mathurin, 24, has remained on the market while the Clippers wait for more clarity on Kawhi Leonard's situation, which has slowed some of their offseason decisions. The No. 6 pick in 2022 averaged a career-high 17.6 points last season, but his fantasy profile remains scoring-heavy after he shot just 20.7 percent from three following a deadline trade to Los Angeles. A move to New Orleans could open more usage, though shaky efficiency and thin defensive production keep him from being a clean redraft target. He remains more appealing as a dynasty scorer than a complete fantasy asset.