According to Darnell Mayberry of the New York Times, the Oklahoma City Thunder could be interested in acquiring Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams. The 22-year-old has averaged 9.7 points and 4.2 rebounds while shooting 41.0% from deep since entering the league in 2020. However, while he's shown flashes of promise, his career in the National Basketball Association hasn't been smooth sailing. Williams could command over $16 million as a restricted free agent this summer, although that number may change, considering he was limited to only 43 games in 2023-24 because of a foot injury. But the Thunder have draft picks, so a sign-and-trade could be on the horizon. Either way, his fantasy desirability will continue to plunge until he proves he can stay healthy and consistent.

According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the 76ers could sign center Joel Embiid to a three-year, $193.5 million extension this offseason. The 30-year-old was named the league's MVP in 2022-23 and finished the 2023-24 campaign by averaging a career-high 34.7 points and 5.6 rebounds with 11.0 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, and 1.2 steals. Without question, Embiid is one of the most dominant players in the National Basketball Association. However, he logged only 39 regular season games last season because of a knee injury. At any rate, Embiid is capable of being the most productive fantasy option in any format. But his constant ailments over the years will make some fantasy managers look in another direction during drafts heading into October.

According to Evan Sidery of Forbes Sports, Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (shoulder) won't suit up for Finland during the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. The 27-year-old has spent the last two seasons in Utah, and he finished the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds while shooting 39.9% from downtown. However, he appeared in only 55 games last season, including missing 17 of Utah's final 21 contests because of a right shoulder injury. Fortunately, Markkanen is expected to get the green light for on-court activities in August. With that said, Markkanen could be at least a top-30 fantasy option. But he's had trouble staying healthy since entering the league, which could continue to impact his potential for fantasy managers.

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 Darnell Mayberry of The New York Times, impending free agent forward DeMar DeRozan wants to remain in Chicago. The Bulls feel the same way. However, while both sides are comfortable with the $40 million annual salary, the real issue is the length of a potential deal. Of course, DeRozan wants a long-term contract, considering he is a few months away from turning 35. On the other hand, Chicago prefers to sign him to a shorter deal. The 2009 No. 9 overall pick is still a capable fantasy producer, and he finished the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 24.0 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds. He also appeared in 79 games and led the league in minutes. Nonetheless, there's a strong chance DeRozan will remain in Chicago next season. But that doesn't mean rival clubs won't try to lure him away from the Windy City this summer.