Free-agent guard/forward DeMar DeRozan has become a target for the Denver Nuggets after they sent Peyton Watson to Cleveland, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes. The six-time All-Star was waived by Sacramento in July after averaging 18.4 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds in 31.2 minutes across 77 starts last season. Denver can offer a title-contending role next to Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, but its second-apron situation leaves the veteran minimum as the likely path. That could make money the hurdle if Miami or Washington pushes harder. DeRozan still offers scoring and durability, but a bench role in Denver would likely cap his fantasy value.

Dallas Mavericks forward/center Santi Aldama will sit out Spain's upcoming FIBA World Cup 2027 qualifying window as he continues working back from right knee surgery. The Spanish Basketball Federation announced that Aldama will miss training camp and the games against Portugal and Greece, with both sides deciding not to rush his recovery before his first season in Dallas. The 25-year-old averaged 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists and shot 35.0 percent from three across 43 games last season. The fantasy appeal is real if the minutes are there, but Dallas' frontcourt is crowded, with Cooper Flagg and P.J. Washington absorbing forward minutes while Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II handle the middle, leaving Aldama's role as the key swing factor.

Free-agent guard Elfrid Payton is one of the experienced ball handlers the Sacramento Kings are considering as they open a series of veteran workouts, according to Jake Fischer. Sacramento is hosting Cameron Payne first and has also shown interest in Victor Oladipo while searching for a veteran presence behind No. 7 pick Darius Acuff Jr. Payton, the 10th pick in the 2014 draft, last played in the NBA in 2024-25, averaging 3.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 6.9 assists across 24 games with New Orleans and Charlotte. He spent last season with the G-League's Austin Spurs. Even if signed, Payton would be a deep-reserve mentor behind Acuff, Zach LaVine, and Malik Monk, leaving him off fantasy radars.

Free-agent guard Cameron Payne is set to work out for the Sacramento Kings as the team begins a series of veteran guard auditions, according to Jake Fischer. Sacramento has been searching for an experienced ball handler to help support and mentor rookie Darius Acuff Jr., the No. 7 overall pick, with Victor Oladipo and Elfrid Payton also under consideration. Payne spent time with Partizan last season before joining Philadelphia, where he averaged 7.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 steals in 17.0 minutes across 22 games while shooting 37.6 percent from the field and 33.0 percent from three. Even if Payne lands a deal, he would be fighting for reserve minutes in a backcourt that already features Acuff, Zach LaVine and Malik Monk, leaving him off fantasy radars.