Memphis Grizzlies at Dallas Mavericks

The young center has shown encouraging development during his first two seasons and still projects to receive significant frontcourt minutes. However, Memphis now possesses additional depth in the frontcourt, creating some uncertainty regarding lineup combinations. Injuries have limited Edey to 66 regular-season appearances through two years, so his health is a far bigger concern.

Wells' defensive ability and complementary skill set could help him carve out a role alongside the Grizzlies' established core. However, increased competition for minutes may make consistent opportunities more difficult to secure. In addition to Boozer, the Grizzlies also added forward Karim Lopez in the first round.

Pippen will have to gain clearance ahead of training camp after undergoing a toe procedure in March, but he certainly appears to be a winner of the team's offseason moves. Ty Jerome (ankle) poses a significant risk to Pippen's role, however, and the two guards figure to engage in a battle for the top role at the point this fall. Pippen is looking to bounce back following an injury-ruined 2025-25 campaign, during which he averaged 11.4 points, 4.7 assists, 2.2 rebounds and 1.9 steals in 21.2 minutes per game across 10 regular-season appearances (six starts).

Undisclosed

Clayton is still dealing with a sprained right knee and will end up missing the entirety of Summer League play. The 23-year-old guard will now turn his attention toward thre 2026-27 campaign, and he's expected to provide backcourt depth during his second season in the Association.

Head coach Dusty May didn't elaborate, only stating Aldama is dealing with a "nagging injury." The 2021 No. 30 overall pick had spent his entire career in Memphis before being traded to Dallas in July of 2026. In 278 regular-season games, including 82 starts, he averaged 10.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists over 23.4 minutes per contest. His shooting acumen will allow the Mavericks to stretch the floor, and his versatility enables him to man multiple positions while playing various roles. Aldama underwent knee surgery in March, and while it's unknown if that's still a concern, fantasy managers should continue monitoring his health throughout training camp.

Irving missed the entire 2025-26 season while recovering from surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee, but he has been participating in pickup games during his ramp-up process. The 34-year-old last played in 2024-25, when he averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.3 steals in 36.1 minutes across 50 regular-season appearances. Ujiri's comments provide another positive sign that Irving is closing in on his return, though Dallas has yet to announce a definitive timeline.

Ujiri noted that Lively has progressed to shooting and is working toward running on the court, though Dallas intends to remain patient with the 22-year-old. Lively underwent right foot surgery in December after appearing in just seven regular-season games in 2025-26, averaging 4.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.6 blocks in 16.4 minutes per game. He has yet to be cleared for training camp, and his status for the beginning of the regular season remains uncertain.