Domantas Sabonis enters the season at $17.0M.
Every pick counts. That’s the reality of a $100M budget which only affords you 10 players.
There are nightly stat-sheet stuffers who make things happen on both ends of the court. They’ll pile up points for your squad, but they’ll also demand a pretty penny for their services. Then there’s the not-so-big names. They don’t offer All-Star track records, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make a slam dunk by taking a flyer on an unproven talent or aging veteran.
Whether you’re looking to win big in your league or simply in search of some general guidance, here are the premium and bargain players you should circle on your fantasy draft board:
Back Court
Premium Picks
Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons ($17.0M)
26.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 9.1 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.8 blocks
3360 total fantasy points (9th overall)
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft took his game to the next level as both a scorer and facilitator last season. He averaged 48.0 fantasy points per game (FPPG) while playing in a career-high 70 contests, and was rather reliable by doing so. Nothing should change about that in 2025-26 as he steers the Pistons closer to contention.
Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves ($16.5M)
27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.6 blocks
3432 total fantasy points (6th overall)
Coming off the best 3-point shooting year of his career, Edwards spent the summer working on his midrange and post-up game, only expanding his already-lethal shot arsenal. That will bode well in fantasy, where he has already gotten used to casually dropping 40 FPPG. And at 24 years old entering his sixth season, his full potential still hasn’t even been fully unlocked yet.
Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics ($13.5M)
22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.3 blocks
2381 total fantasy points (53rd overall)
The time is now for Brown to shine. The Celtics will be a much different team this season, and with Jayson Tatum out for the foreseeable future, the 10th-year wing assumes stewardship of the offense. His fantasy production was somewhat underwhelming relative to Tatum and Derrick White in 2024-25, but a career year may very well be in store.
Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets ($13.5M)
14.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.3 blocks
2464 total fantasy points (45th overall)
There are few defenders quite as pesky or productive as Thompson, who’s coming off an All-Defensive First Team selection. He excels in steals and blocks – the two most valuable statistics in fantasy – and that makes him considerably useful. Now entering Year 3 in the Association, he can further expand his offense to become an all-around points machine.
Dyson Daniels
, Atlanta Hawks ($13.5M)
14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 3.0 steals, 0.7 blocks
2806 total fantasy points (23rd overall)
The reigning Kia NBA Most Improved Player of the Year set the league’s post-2000, single-season steals record with a remarkable 229 for the Hawks. Fittingly, he was also one of the best steals in fantasy, regularly producing well above his salary. He makes for a terrific roster addition – especially if he can continue to develop as a shooter.
Budget Picks
D’Angelo Russell, Dallas Mavericks ($10.0M)
12.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.4 blocks
1499 total fantasy points (148th overall)
Russell will run the point for the Mavericks until Kyrie Irving’s return, and that makes him an intriguing option for fantasy general managers in need of a backcourt bargain. The 11th-year guard’s numbers suffered while coming off the bench for the Lakers, and he didn’t necessarily wow for the Nets, either. But there’s reason to believe he can succeed in Dallas’ loaded offense.
Stephon Castle
, San Antonio Spurs ($10.0M)
14.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.3 blocks
2155 total fantasy points (66th overall)
It was a dreamy season for the UConn product, who won Kia NBA Rookie of the Year just one year removed from an NCAA title with Dan Hurley and Co. He gelled well with Victor Wembanyma early on, and when the big man was sidelined, Castle flashed great potential in the spring. How he produces with Dylan Harper in the fold, though, is an important uncertainty.
Andrew Nembhard, Indiana Pacers ($8.5M)
10.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.2 blocks
1559 total fantasy points (137th overall)
Tyrese Haliburton’s season-long absence opens the door for Nembhard to do big things in 2025-26. The longtime role player should take up the reins at point guard, and if last year’s NBA Finals run was any evidence, he can make an impact. His numbers have been steady throughout his career, but he was a marginally-better scorer, passer and rebounder in Year 3.
Cason Wallace
, Oklahoma City Thunder ($8.0M)
8.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.8 steals, 0.5 blocks
1508 total fantasy points (146th overall)
The appeal with Wallace stems from what he can do on the defensive end. He may not offer much through scoring or rebounding, but his knack for swiping away the ball can yield a crucial boost for fantasy teams. There’s also potential for him to get more involved offensively, though the Thunder are wealthy in scorers as is.
Keon Ellis
, Sacramento Kings ($8.0M)
8.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.8 blocks
1581 total fantasy points (129th overall)
Ellis’ usage and production have risen steadily since he entered the league in 2022-23, and he’s continued to be a strong 3-point shooter. He also played 80 games – a career high – while coming off the bench last season, and reliability is everything in the world of fantasy. As long as the Kings stay committed to his development, he can offer a respectable score boost.
Front Court
Premium Picks
Domantas Sabonis
, Sacramento Kings ($17.0M)
19.1 points, 13.9 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.4 blocks
3157 total fantasy points (13th overall)
The three-time All-Star is a beast on the boards unlike any other. He pulled down a career-high 13.9 per game last season, and has led the league in rebounding for three consecutive years. Players who regularly put up double figures translate well to fantasy, and ever since 2019-2020, Sabonis has never failed to average a point/rebound double-double.
Karl-Anthony Towns
, New York Knicks ($16.5M)
24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.7 blocks
3367 total fantasy points (8th overall)
A change of scenery did wonders for the veteran center. Both his rebounding and scoring averages rose considerably in his first year with the Knicks. As a result, Towns was one of only 12 players to average 45+ FPPG, and with his role remaining the same at 29 years old, he projects to be a fantasy powerhouse once more in 2024-25.
Jalen Johnson
, Atlanta Hawks ($13.5M)
18.9 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.6 steals, 1.0 blocks
1553 total fantasy points (139th overall)
Johnson’s season-ending shoulder injury in late January brings with it some hesitation, but the year he was on pace for can’t be ignored. He was one of fantasy’s most well-rounded options with serious production on both the offense and defensive ends. If he’s able to recreate those numbers and stay healthy, fantasy general managers will be licking their chops.
Myles Turner
, Milwaukee Bucks ($12.5M)
15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.8 steals, 2.0 blocks
2322 total fantasy points (57th overall)
The season ahead marks a new horizon for Turner. After spending his entire 10-year career with Indiana, he’s found a new home in Milwaukee. Though his scoring has leveled off in recent years, playing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo could spark some offensive fire, and Turner has long been one of the NBA’s more prolific shot blockers – something of high value in fantasy.
Deni Avdija
, Portland Trail Blazers ($12.0M)
16.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.5 blocks
2388 total fantasy points (52nd overall)
The sixth-year forward flew under the radar in 2024-25 despite packing a real punch late in the season. Avdija can do a little bit of everything, and will be a crucial puzzle piece as the Trail Blazers look to take the next step in a competitive Western Conference. He’s not overly flashy, but makes a strong addition to a fantasy roster because of his steady, positive scoring trend.
Budget Picks
Cameron Johnson
, Denver Nuggets ($9.5M)
18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.4 blocks
1790 total fantasy points (103rd overall)
How Johnson operates alongside an elite passer in Nikola Jokić will dictate much of his fantasy impact. The seventh-year forward is a career 39.2% 3-point shooter, and tends to succeed when teammates allow him to make it rain. If the Nuggets can get him the ball at the right times and in the right spots, he could improve on what was a career-best 2024-25.
Kel’el Ware
, Miami Heat ($8.5M)
9.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.6 steals, 1.1 blocks
1525 total fantasy points (144th overall)
A big jump could be coming for Ware. After flashing some high potential in his 36 starts last season, he could find himself in a starting role for Miami more frequently this time around. He’s already blocking and rebounding at a rate higher than most his age, and if the sophomore talent does take on a bigger role, he’ll offer plenty of value relative to his salary.
Donovan Clingan
, Portland Trail Blazers ($8.5M)
6.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.5 steals, 1.6 blocks
1543 total fantasy points (141st overall)
The former No. 7 overall pick from 2024 is another up-and-coming, second-year player offering intrigue. His scoring ability remains a work in progress, but elite defense helped him stand out from his fellow rookies. Fantasy production should only trend upward while he continues to grow as an anchoring center in Portland.
Ace Bailey
, Utah Jazz ($8.5M)
At Rutgers: 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.3 blocks
2812.6 theoretical total fantasy points (would’ve ranked 23rd overall)
Bailey is the only newcomer to make this list, and that’s because of the situation the young wing has entered in Utah – he’s expected to have an immediate impact. With size, speed and shotmaking, the 19-year old has the tools to be a game-changer at the NBA level. Whether he can turn that into fantasy points fast will depend on how he handles the learning curve.
Matas Buzelis
, Chicago Bulls ($7.5M)
8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.4 steals, 0.9 blocks
1378 total fantasy points (167th overall)
As a rookie, Buzelis was an efficient shooter with the playing time he was given. The NBA G League Ignite product shot 36.1% from 3 and 45.4% from the field overall, and when he was on, fantasy general managers benefitted. Further results depend on how this young Bulls team uses him in the year to come, but there’s enough upside with his game to confidently draft him.
