TOP 10 NBA NEWSMAKERS FROM WEDNESDAY 7/7/10 TO TUESDAY 7/13/10

We have many great articles planned leading up to the 2010-2011 Fantasy Basketball season including sleepers, busts, rookies, strategy, full player rankings and projections all wrapped up into a nifty draft kit to help you win your league next year. Below, we analyze the top fantasy basketball news items from the previous week.

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10. Thomas, Tyrus PF re-signed with CHA

Thomas has teased in the past, but with the cupboard pretty bare in Charlotte (Chandler and Diaw gone), he could get ample chances to score as well as rebound and block shots in bunches. His 5-year deal was for $40M.

9. Chandler, Tyson C (CHA) was traded to DAL for Dampier, Erick C and spare parts; Haywood, Brendan C re-signed with DAL

Haywood should basically split time with Chandler this season as he split with Dampier last season. Considering that Haywood signed a 6-year, $55M contract, perhaps it'll be more like 28 MPG for Haywood and 20 for Chandler than 24/24. Dampier will surely be waived.

8. O'Neal, Jermaine C (MIA) signed with BOS

O'Neal signed a 2-year contract for $12M. He is a decent big man and will help fill the gap left by an injured Kendrick Perkins. The ideal situation would involve Perkins getting back as soon as possible so O'Neal's minutes can be reduced to about 20 per game. Another scenario has the Celtics acquiring another big man like Brad Miller or Shaq.

7. Felton, Raymond PG (CHA) signed with NY

Felton signed a 2-year, $16M deal. His numbers should shoot up across the board in the Knicks' fast-paced offense. He still can't shoot incredibly well, but he doesn't need to on fast breaks.

6. Diaw, Boris F (CHA) was traded to TOR; Barbosa, Leonardo PG (PHO) was traded to TOR; and Turkoglu, Hedo F (TOR) was traded to PHO

Diaw replaces Bosh in Toronto. Diaw could certainly score more up there than he did in Charlotte. Barbosa could be in a better position up there, too -- especially if Calderon is dealt. Turkoglu should be happier in Phoenix, if nothing else, but he looks like an injury risk with diminished skills, at this point, and he will play out of position often at power forward on the Suns.

5. Beasley, Michael F (MIA) was traded to MIN

Beasley should get to touch the ball a lot more in Minnesota than he did with the Heat. He was inconsistent last year, so perhaps he'll improve in that aspect with more touches. He's a fantasy sleeper for 2010-11 on his new team.

4. Boozer, Carlos PF (UTA) signed with CHI

Boozer signed a 5-year, $80M contract. He should basically do what he did with the Jazz over the past several seasons. The big ripple effect is Millsap getting to start for the Jazz.

3. Jefferson, Al C/PF (MIN) was traded to UTA

Jefferson is another year removed from his knee problems and should start at center for the Jazz. Millsap could have a big breakout season at PF, while Okur backs up both from the bench.

2. Lee, David (NY) was traded to GS for Randolph, Anthony PF, Turiaf, Ronny C, and Azubuike, Kelenna SF

Lee signed a 6-year, $80M deal with the Warriors. He should post similar stats to those he posted in New York. Randolph should get his first opportunity at 30+ minutes per game. He'll man the front-court with Stoudemire. He should provide the defense while Amare provides the offense. You still have to worry about Randolph's fragility, but he once again becomes a fantasy sleeper. Azubuike could be somewhat relevant across the board in deeper leagues, but Turiaf is just a role player.

You saw what happened to the numbers of Pierce, Garnett, and Allen when they joined forces in Boston. Expect the same to happen to these three in Miami. Bosh will still rebound and block, but his scoring could drop to the 15 PPG range. LeBron's and Wade's scoring will also drop, though they'll still both average 22-25 PPG. Their assists should hold steady. What is great for the Heat is not great for the fantasy prospects of these three. However, they're still very, very valuable in fantasy.

ALSO

Kevin Durant SF re-signed with OKC (5-years, $86M). He is an obvious #1 fantasy pick with LeBron, Wade, and Bosh all sharing touches in Miami now... Wesley Matthews SF/SG (UTA) signed a 5-year, $34M deal with Portland. This is a good acquisition for the Blazers, as he should total 30 MPG at the swing positions, playing good D, hitting threes, and serving as nice insurance should Brandon Roy miss time again... Ray Allen SG BOS re-signed (2-years, $20M). This keeps the Big Three together a little longer. Expect another year similar to 2009-10 from Sugar Ray... Brandon Morrow SF/SG (GS) signed with NJ (3-years, $12M). This is not a good fantasy move for Morrow, as he'll compete with Courtney Lee and Terrence Williams for court time. Leaving the high-octane offense of the Warriors, Morrow may not even make a fantasy impact this season...Dorell Wright F/G (MIA) signed a 3-year, $11M contract with GS. He never really developed in Miami, but perhaps he can do better in Nellie's fast-paced offense. He'll at least play good D and hit some threes... Kyle Korver F/G (UTA) signed a 3-year, $15M deal with CHI. He'll get some threes and steals off the bench for the Bulls... Josh Childress F/G (EUR) was traded to PHO. He is a good percentage shooter who can provide steals and blocks from the wing, but one has to wonder how many MPG he'll play for the Suns. He can help in fantasy if given minutes... The following players signed this past week, but they aren't likely to be fantasy assets: Ryan Gomes F (POR) LAC, Randy Foye G (WAS) LAC, Quentin Richardson F/G (MIA) ORL, Zydrunas Ilgauskas C (CLE) MIA, Nate Robinson G BOS, Derek Fisher G LAL, Johan Petro C (DEN) NJ, Jordan Farmar PG (LAL) NJ, Juwan Howard PF (POR) MIA, Udonis Haslem PF MIA, Hilton Armstrong C (NO/HOU) WAS, Brian Cook PF (HOU) LAC, and Matt Bonner C/PF SA.

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