Chicago Bulls

According to Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic, the Bulls expect Lonzo Ball (knee) to suit up this season. However, nobody can say for sure when that will happen. The 26-year-old last played during the 2021-22 campaign, averaging 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.8 steals. He also shot a career-high 42.3% from deep. Unfortunately, Ball hasn't played a game since January 2022 because of a left knee injury. Without question, Chicago would love to have the former UCLA Bruin back in the lineup. But it could take him a while before he has a chance to do anything worthwhile for fantasy managers.

According to NBC Sports Chicago's K.C. Johnson, the Bulls could be open to taking less in a trade involving guard Zach LaVine. The 29-year-old has reportedly been on the block on and off over the last few seasons. Initially, Chicago sought an All-Star-caliber player or multiple first-round picks in return. However, Johnson feels the Bulls would settle for less, considering both sides are "motivated" to make something happen this offseason. LaVine has averaged 20.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists throughout his career with the Timberwolves and Bulls. But he's battled countless injuries, recently appearing in just 25 games in 2023-24 before his year ended abruptly because of a foot injury. With that in mind, LaVine will could be wearing a different uniform when the new season begins in October. Yet, he should have at least a few more productive years on the horizon if he can figure out how to stay healthy.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Josh Giddey ended up playing a very limited role in the second-round series against Dallas, but he's not seeking a change of scenery. "I love it here. This is a home away from home. I love everything about this place, the city, the fans," Giddey said. "The organization top to bottom is just unbelievable people throughout the building, and getting to come here to work every day is a lot of fun. It doesn't feel like work." Giddey also had a down year during the regular season, recording career-low numbers across the board with 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. The 21-year-old is eligible for an extension this offseason, but the team is reportedly looking to move him on.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Josh Giddey led the second unit with 11 points in Wednesday's 104-92 loss to the Mavericks. Giddey has struggled in the series, and Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault dropped him on the bench for Game 5 in favor of Isaiah Joe. The move worked out well for Giddey, as he enjoyed his best outing of the series, adding three rebounds and two assists to his tally with 5-for-8 shooting across 12 minutes. However, with the team losing and now 3-2 behind in the series, Daigneault might be forced to make further adjustments. Joe had a quiet outing with six points. The lineup change also resulted in Cason Wallace logging a playoff career-high 27 minutes off the bench. He couldn't get going either, shooting 1-for-7 to finish with three points.

Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball (knee) gave an update on his injury status on his new podcast, "What an Experience." "It's coming along, man. Week by week," Ball said. "It's improving, so that's all I can ask for. Still not where I want it to be. Out of 100 (percent), I'd say I'm about 70 (percent). Good enough to play, but it could still get better. I still got a long summer ahead of me. But definitely looking forward to the future." The talented playmaker hasn't played in an NBA game since January 2022 due to a left knee injury. Ball, who will turn 27 in October, recently picked up a $21.4 million option on his contract for the 2024-25 season.