Denver Nuggets forward/center Zeke Nnaji could be included as a salary piece in a potential sign-and-trade that would send restricted free-agent forward Peyton Watson to the Milwaukee Bucks, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Milwaukee has not offered a first-round pick, so taking on the $14.93 million left on Nnaji's contract over the next two seasons could be its clearest way to help Denver cut salary near the second apron. Nnaji is not a fantasy factor, but Watson's landing spot carries more weight. The 23-year-old averaged 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and shot 41.1 percent from deep last season. A post-Giannis reset in Milwaukee could give him more minutes and usage than he had in Denver.

Charlotte Hornets guard/forward Pat Connaughton is a waiver candidate as the team works through a crowded roster, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Connaughton, 33, had his $3.8 million team option picked up in June, but his salary does not become fully guaranteed until Jan. 31, 2027, giving Charlotte flexibility if it needs to trim down before opening night. The 11-year veteran and 2021 NBA champion has seen his role fade, averaging 2.6 points and 1.5 rebounds in 7.1 minutes across 42 games last season. His contract and locker-room presence may be more useful than his on-court production, but he has no fantasy relevance.

Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey wants to play for Team USA at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, per Evan Sidery. Maxey, 25, has not suited up for the national team, but he would be 27 by the next Olympics and fits as a prime-age scoring guard in a younger American backcourt mix. He is coming off his first All-NBA season after averaging career highs of 28.3 points, 6.6 assists, 1.9 steals, and 3.1 three-pointers across 70 games. The Olympic note is not a fantasy factor, but it reinforces Maxey's rise. His scoring, assists, steals, threes, and free-throw percentage keep him firmly in the early-round fantasy conversation.

Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams is reportedly being shopped, with the team willing to attach draft compensation to move his contract, per Evan Sidery. Williams, 24, has three years left on the five-year, $90 million extension he signed in 2024, including an $18 million player option for 2028-29. Moving him would give Chicago more flexibility amid its reported interest in the Clippers' restricted free-agent Bennedict Mathurin, though that pursuit may not be as aggressive as first believed. Williams posted career lows of 7.0 points and 3.0 rebounds while shooting 34.7 percent from three last season, leaving him off the redraft radar unless a new team gives him a cleaner role.