According to Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic, Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal has reportedly been in talks with the team regarding a potential buyout. The veteran has two years, $110 million remaining on his current deal. However, the Suns haven't been able to move him due to his no-trade clause. Beal's production dipped in his first two years in Phoenix, most recently averaging 17.0 points while shooting 38.6% from deep during the 2024 campaign. He also was limited to 53 games, marking his sixth-straight season with 60 or fewer appearances. It's a new era for the franchise, with the team recently trading Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets. There's a good chance Beal is the next to go. Still, he should draw interest from at least a handful of teams around the National Basketball Association, although if fantasy ceiling has never been this low at any point in his career.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, free-agent center Jaxson Hayes agreed to a one-year deal to remain with the Lakers. The 25-year-old spent the last two seasons in Los Angeles, most recently averaging 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds in 58 games during the 2024 campaign. The Lakers recently signed Deandre Ayton, who will take over the duties at the five spot. With that said, Hayes could get some action in the starting lineup if Ayton goes down with an injury. Still, with Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves on the floor, Hayes likely won't have an opportunity to do anything meaningful for fantasy managers, regardless of his role.

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, free-agent guard Damian Lillard (Achilles) is reportedly "open" to signing with a team. However, he will only agree to a contract "under the right terms and conditions." The 2012 No. 6 overall pick averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists last season. Unfortunately, he was limited to 58 games, mostly due to deep vein thrombosis in his right calf. While Lillard managed to return for the playoffs, he suffered a torn Achilles Tendon in the Game 4 meeting with the Indiana Pacers, requiring surgery. Lillard, who is currently rehabbing, was recently released by Milwaukee. It's unknown if he'll be able to get on the floor this season. With that in mind, there should be team's interested in Lillard's services, so fantasy managers should keep an eye on his progress, potentially stashing him in case he's cleared for action at some point during the 2025 campaign.

The Utah Jazz announced that forward Ace Bailey has signed his rookie contract. Utah selected Bailey with the fifth overall pick in last month's NBA Draft. The former Rutgers standout was anticipated to be the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. However, he fell to the Jazz at No. 5 after refusing to participate in individual workouts for any NBA teams. Rumors surfaced pre-draft about whether Bailey wanted to play in Utah. He squashed the rumors by reporting to Summer League practices this week. In 30 games at Rutgers, Bailey averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 1.0 steals. Without question, his name should be mentioned in the Rookie of the Year conversation, assuming he stays healthy.