Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler is back in trade discussions as the young big man heads into the third season of his career. According to NBA Insider Marc Stein, the Jazz are seeking at least two first-round picks in exchange for Kessler. With two first-rounders as a starting price, the trade discussions haven't seemed to get too far. The New York Knicks were one of the teams that had some serious interest until they made an "all-in" move when they traded for Karl-Anthony Towns. Outside of the Knicks, the phone lines have been pretty dry. On unofficial depth charts, Kessler is listed as the first center off of the bench, but the Jazz drafted Kyle Filipowski and added Drew Eubanks in the off-season.

Toronto Raptors guard RJ Barrett (shoulder) was forced to exit the team's preseason contest against the Washington Wizards on Sunday with an apparent shoulder contusion and was held out for the rest of the game as a precaution. Barrett was hit by a defender fighting through a screen and immediately went to the locker room to get his shoulder checked out. There hasn't been any official word on what the injury is just yet, so it seems like it's being labeled a "contusion" at the moment. Barrett finished Sunday's game with 17 points, two rebounds, two assists, and three turnovers on 7-for-10 shooting and 3-for-4 from downtown.

Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. (elbow) left Sunday's preseason game with an elbow injury after 13 minutes of playing time. Trent looked to be in a lot of pain as he was escorted to the locker room, and the team confirmed that it was a hyperextension. A timetable for his return hasn't come out just yet as they're likely still running some tests and seeing how he feels, but a hyperextension could force a few weeks of missed time. Trent just joined the Bucks over the offseason to essentially replace Malik Beasley, so his status will be important when the beginning of the season rolls around.

Los Angeles Clippers forward P.J. Tucker is away from the team right now as a mutually agreed situation while the team decides how to move forward with the former NBA Champ. Tucker expressed frustration with his role on the team last season and it looks like that hasn't been resolved heading into training camp and the preseason. Both sides agreed to take some time apart while the Clippers decide if they can trade him. Tucker has an $11.5 million price tag for this season after opting into the option, so teams haven't been very interested in his level of contribution for such a high price. The new tax aprons further complicate things, so it may be a while until we see Tucker on the court again.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram will not play in the team's first preseason game on Monday against the Orlando Magic. Head coach Willie Green confirmed that this decision is not injury related, it was actually a "collective decision" that he wouldn't play. At this point, it seems like it's more of a game to get a feel for some of the others on the team. There could be an underlying story here, but there haven't been any reports or rumors to suggest that right now. On unofficial depth charts, Ingram is still listed as a starting forward, but he's been the center of trade rumors for a couple of seasons now. His status will be something to monitor going into their second game on Friday.

New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns is expected to suit up for the preseason opener on Sunday. Towns was traded to the Knicks in the end of September and is likely to make his team debut here. Head coach Tom Thibodeau said he plans on playing his starters, but didn't say how long they'd play. It's unlikely he pushes his starter too hard in an exhibition game, but at least Knicks fans will get to see their first taste of Towns.

Washington Wizards guard Malcolm Brogdon (hand) suffered an injury on his shooting hand during Saturday's practice. Wizards' head coach Brian Keefe says that Brogdon is headed back to D.C. to get testing done on his hand. That being said, Brogdon won't be available for Sunday's preseason matchup against the Toronto Raptors. The team is likely going to be cautious with the oft-injured guard, so it wouldn't be shocking for him to miss some time. Hopefully this is a minor issue as Brogdon was expected to take on a significant role in the Wizards rotation this upcoming season.

Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (thumb) won't play in Sunday's preseason matchup with the Wizards. The former Knick played well after being acquired by the Raptors ahead of the trade deadline last season, averaging a career-high 18.6 points, 6.8 assists, and 39.5% shooting from behind the arc. As such, the team hopes to keep him on the floor throughout the 2024-25 campaign, so it's unknown how much action he'll see during the preseason. With Scottie Barnes (rest) and Bruce Brown (knee) out, the door is open for guys like Ochai Agbaji, Davion Mitchell, and Jonathan Mogbo to get more minutes against Washington.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe (shoulder) suffered a posterior labral tear in his left shoulder. As a result, he's expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks. The 21-year-old averaged a career-high 15.9 points last season. However, he was limited to 32 games due to an abdominal injury, so the latest update on his health isn't ideal. Unfortunately, it's hard to justify him earning a spot in most fantasy formats to begin the 2024-25 campaign, especially since he was expected to come off the bench. With that in mind, Sharpe is worth monitoring throughout the year in case an injury to Anfernee Simons or Deni Avdija allows him to rejoin the starting unit.

Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (finger) won't play in Sunday's exhibition against the Lakers. According to head coach Mike Budenholzer, the big man injured his left middle finger during scrimmage. It's unknown how severe the injury is. However, Nurkic will be re-evaluated in a week, meaning he could miss the entire preseason. The 30-year-old played well enough in 2023-24 to justify his presence in fantasy lineups, averaging a double-double (10.9 points, 11.0 rebounds) with 1.1 blocks and 1.1 steals. Without him, Mason Plumlee would be in line to start, although Bol Bol and Royce O'Neale can play bigger if necessary.

Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis is expected to play in Sunday's preseason clash with the Suns. The 31-year-old didn't play on Friday night versus the Timberwolves to rest. However, he'll likely see limited action in his first exhibition of the year. Davis had a stellar 2023-24 campaign, averaging 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 2.3 blocks. He also logged a career-high 76 games. Although Davis' percentage from deep isn't the best, he still has plenty to offer fantasy managers in any format. As far as Sunday's contest is concerned, Davis' presence against Phoenix could mean less work for Jaxson Hayes, who had 14 points in 21 minutes with the starting lineup on Friday.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James plans to play in Sunday's exhibition versus the Suns. The veteran didn't suit up for the Lakers' preseason opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, James will get on the floor for this one, although he'll likely see limited action. With that said, his presence could still mean fewer minutes for others, especially Dalton Knecht, who is coming off a 16-point performance on Friday.

Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (rest) won't play in Sunday's preseason matchup with the Washington Wizards. The 23-year-old is healthy. However, he recently rejoined the team after missing a few days of training camp due to a personal issue, so he's not ready to get on the floor. Despite missing time due to a hand injury, Barnes had the best season of his career in 2023-24, averaging 19.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.3 steals. His shooting percentages have also improved. As such, he has All-Star potential in 2024-25, so fantasy managers should draft him accordingly. Bruce Brown (knee) and Immanuel Quickley (thumb) will also sit this one out, so there's a good chance guys like Ochai Agbaji, Jonathan Mogbo, and Ulrich Chomche could benefit from a fantasy standpoint.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart is reportedly on the New York Knicks' radar. It's unknown how serious New York is about acquiring the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year. It's also not clear how the Knicks would orchestrate such a move, considering the financial ramifications. However, Smart has a lot to offer any club that has him on the roster. Besides his defensive prowess, Smart is known for his leadership in the locker room. The 30-year-old is also capable offensively, averaging 10.7 points over the years, including a career-high 14.5 points in 2023-24, his first season in Memphis. Unfortunately, Smart has had issues staying healthy, logging 61 games or fewer in six of his 10 seasons since entering the league in 2014. It's important to note that other teams were rumored to be interested in Smart in the last few months, but nothing came of it. With that in mind, Smart's offensive ceiling would presumably decrease in New York, especially since the team features Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mikal Bridges, among others.

Charlotte Hornets forward Cody Martin (thumb) is currently considered day-to-day and won't suit up for Sunday's preseason opener. Martin suffered a thumb laceration and a sprained wrist while attempting to make a block during training camp. The 29-year-old is only expected to miss a few days and should be fine for Opening Night. The veteran forward figures to compete for backup minutes with Seth Curry and Tidjane Salaun. Martin is unlikely to have reliable fantasy value off the bench, but he'll still be an asset off the bench for Charlotte.

Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (knee) was an active participant during Friday's practice and 5-on-5 scrimmage. The 26-year-old is hopeful to be on the court for Opening Night. Ball hasn't suited up for a game since January 2022, so it's great to see him getting back on the court. It's unclear what kind of role Ball will have on this rebuilding Bulls roster. Josh Giddey figures to start at point guard, so possibly Ball fills in as the primary backup. When healthy, Ball was a reliable ball handler and an above average defender, but that was two years ago. The Bulls are expected to have heavy restrictions on Ball, which is going to make him tough to trust in fantasy leagues.

Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (ankle) was on the court for 5-on-5 scrimmage during Friday's practice. The young guard has been battling with an ankle injury throughout the offseason. Luckily, it appears Giddey is back to full health which is great news as the regular season gets closer. Giddey figures to take over as the starting point guard in Chicago. However, Lonzo Ball (knee) and Ayo Dosunmu should also be in the mix for playing time at the point guard spot. The rebuilding Bulls should be able to give Giddey enough playing time for him to carve out fantasy value for himself.

Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum (hand) could end up missing an extended period of time. Exum suffered a severe right wrist injury that could require surgery. The Mavs are evaluating treatment options, but it seems likely that Exum is going to miss the beginning of the regular season. Exum figured to serve as a depth option behind Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic on the perimeter. Now, Spencer Dinwiddie, Quentin Grimes, and Jaden Hardy will likely absorb more playing time. The Mavs should give a timetable on Exum once they decide whether or not he'll have surgery.

Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (hamstring) will miss at least the next two weeks of action. Ugh, Williams was limited to six games last season and now he's injured before the regular season begins. He suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain, so the team will re-evaluate him in two weeks. His absence should open up more playing time for lottery pick Donovan Clingan. The rookie big man could find himself with a sizable role on this rebuilding roster. Williams won't be an ideal fantasy option even as a late round flier with Deandre Ayton and Clingan both in the mix for minutes at the center spot.

Brooklyn Nets power forward Trendon Watford is being evaluated for a hamstring injury. Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez has announced that several players are dealing with hamstring issues before the start of preseason, and Watford is among them. Nicolas Claxton (hamstring) has already been ruled out for Tuesday's preseason opener, and Watford could join him on the sidelines along with Day'Ron Sharpe (hamstring). Watford played well to close out the season last year, but he was limited to only 13.6 minutes per game across the campaign. A good preseason would help Watford in a battle for a regular spot in the rotation, but unfortunately, he's dealing with an injury even before the action has started.