Denver Nuggets

Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun was seen playing with the starting unit during Thursday's practice. It looks like Braun is the favorite for the starting shooting guard spot heading into training camp. Braun is coming off a decent year last season as he averaged 7.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists across 20.2 minutes per game in 82 contests. He figures to compete with Julian Strawther for the starting shooting guard spot to begin the season. Whoever wins the gig should see a boost in fantasy value while playing with the starting five. Braun is heading into his third season with the Nuggets and has taken a step forward in each of the last two seasons.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray agreed to a four-year, $208 million contract extension. The talks between Murray and the Nuggets have been a hot topic, considering his health issues over the years. However, the 27-year-old has been instrumental to Denver's success, helping lead the club to an NBA championship in 2023. As far as Murray's statistical contributions, he finished the 2023-24 campaign by averaging career-highs in points (21.2), assists (6.5), and three-point percentage (42.5%). Without question, he has top-25 fantasy potential in any format. But he'll need to remain on the floor, which has been a significant issue for fantasy managers.

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray will draw attention as he looks for a new contract. While KSE vice chairman Josh Kroenke didn't get into specifics regarding the situation, he still took the time to express his confidence in Murray despite the All-Star's most recent issues staying healthy. " Jamal's a great player, one of the best in the NBA," Kroenke said during a recent golf outing. "I know he was frustrated a little bit. So I have no doubt he'll use that the right way for motivation going into the season." Without question, Murray is one of the best players in the NBA. He finished the 2023-24 campaign by averaging career-highs in points (21.2), assists (6.5), and three-point shooting (42.5%). However, he appeared in just 59 regular season games due to various injuries. Murray was also limited throughout the 2024 Summer Olympics. At any rate, fantasy managers can't trust that the 27-year-old will remain ailment-free. Yet, if Murray does stay off the injury report, he has top-25 fantasy potential.

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, the Los Angeles Clippers are working with guard Russell Westbrook on a trade. The 35-year-old picked up his $4 million player option on Saturday. However, it appears he's already played his final game for the franchise. Westbrook averaged 11.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.1 steals during the 2023-24 campaign. Although his best days are behind him, it's reasonable to believe his production will improve if given a chance to return to the starting lineup for whatever team he lands on next.

Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook exercised his $4 million player option with the team on Saturday. The 35-year-old has been one of the most productive players in the history of the National Basketball Association. However, he is coming off arguably the worst year of his career, finishing the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.1 steals. Westbrook likely will remain a bench option in 2024-25. Still, his fantasy outlook could improve if the Clippers can't bring back Paul George, who isn't a lock to remain in Los Angeles moving ahead.