NBA news

Traded to the Timberwolves in late August as part of a deal designed to free up the cap space Minnesota needed to sign Jonathan Kuminga, Konchar has reportedly found a new home. Between Memphis and Utah, he appeared in 26 games last season, averaging 5.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocks in 26.2 minutes. While availability has been a concern and the Knicks’ rotation limits his fantasy ceiling, Konchar can be an asset in deeper category leagues.

The Timberwolves waived Konchar after acquiring him from the Jazz earlier this summer, and he’s one of the top available free agents as training camp approaches. According to Stein, Miami, New York, Orlando and Toronto have all expressed interest in Konchar, who appeared in 56 games last season for the Grizzlies and Jazz. However, the Raptors are more limited financially than the other three teams after acquiring Kawhi Leonard, as Toronto is just $2.3 million away from the first apron. Konchar’s production has never been elite, but his ability to fill a stat line makes him a player worth considering in deeper category leagues. In the right situation, he can be a fantasy asset.

Hours after it was reported that the Timberwolves planned to waive the recently acquired Konchar, the team made the news official. He was acquired as part of a deal with Utah that gave Minnesota the cap space needed to make its signing of Jonathan Kuminga official. Konchar’s skill set can be a positive asset in fantasy basketball, but last season was the first in which he averaged more than 25 minutes per game. Until he’s on a team with a clearly defined role, there’s no need for managers to invest in him.

Sent to Minnesota along with Cody Williams in exchange for Josh Green, Konchar will not play a game for the Timberwolves. Limited to 26 games last season due to injuries, Konchar averaged 5.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocks in 26.2 minutes. Depending on whether he can sign with another NBA team, Konchar can provide value at various points in a season in category leagues. However, that isn’t enough to make him a player worth drafting in most leagues.

For the second straight game, Konchar was able to record a triple-double. This was also the fifth straight game that he swiped at least two steals, and he has 22 steals during this stretch. Konchar got a fresh start with Utah after the trade deadline and has had a strong finish to the season. He should continue to be a rotation piece for them next season, but he won’t play enough to make a contribution for fantasy managers.

The Jazz have made just one change to their starting lineup for Friday’s game. Konchar will start, bumping Oscar Tshiebwe to the bench. While the opportunity makes him deserving of a look in deep leagues, Konchar is faced with a challenging matchup.

Konchar was one of two Jazz players to record double-doubles against the Nuggets. His stats were produced off the bench, as he shot efficiently, competed on the defensive end, and made a notable impact with his facilitating. Konchar did a little bit of everything in Wednesday’s game, which led to some quality fantasy production. He’s nothing more than a last-resort streaming option during Championship Week.

Konchar has been on a tear recently for fantasy managers. Over his last four games, he has averaged 13.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.8 blocks per game while shooting 62.5 percent from the floor. While the rest of the rotation in Utah is inconsistent, Konchar has been reliable enough to be worth rostering, especially managers that are looking for a boost in defensive stats.

Experienced fantasy managers are likely well aware of what Konchar can provide when allowed to play extended minutes. He may not do much as a scorer, but the veteran wing can provide solid value in other areas. Against the Wizards, Konchar put up good numbers in rebounds, assists and blocked shots, and he logged 38 minutes. Brice Sensabaugh (rest) and Kyle Filipowski (illness) were out, freeing up additional minutes for Konchar, and he made the most of his opportunity.

Konchar may not have recorded any steals on Monday, but the offensive production was encouraging. After scoring 16 points in his prior four appearances, Konchar’s 19 on Monday were a season-high. An 8-of-8 night from the foul line boosted the final tally, but he was 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. Konchar was limited to 23 minutes on Monday, which does limit his fantasy upside, especially when the Jazz have other players whose minutes are likely to be more of a priority in the final weeks of the season.

Konchar was upgraded to probable after he was initially listed as questionable for Saturday’s game against the 76ers with a quad injury. Andersson Garcia played all 48 minutes in Thursday’s win over the Bucks with Konchar out. Garcia should still play a lot with Konchar likely to return Saturday.

Konchar was not available for Thursday’s blowout of the Bucks, with his absence likely factoring into rookie Andersson Garcia playing all 48 minutes. While Konchar’s return would mean fewer minutes for Garcia, he should still play plenty on Saturday.

Konchar was initially listed as doubtful, and he has now officially been ruled out. He only played 13 minutes on Wednesday, so Ace Bailey should just take on a few extra minutes with Konchar unavailable.

Konchar has missed Utah’s last three games, but there is a chance he returns against Minnesota. Brice Sensabaugh has been starting in his place and should continue to pour in the points if Konchar misses another game.

Konchar will miss a second consecutive game as he continues to recover from a calf injury. Ace Bailey returned to action on Wednesday and was in the starting lineup. Konchar’s continued absence may also guarantee that Brice Sensabaugh remains in the starting five.

Konchar will be sidelined after starting Utah’s last game. However, with Ace Bailey (illness) available, Konchar likely would’ve returned to playing a role off the bench. Brice Sensabaugh should see a bump in minutes with Konchar sidelined.

Konchar started in Utah’s last game, but with Ace Bailey (illness) back, he may be pushed back to the bench if he plays. If he doesn’t, Brice Sensabaugh should be locked in to a second straight start after scoring 21 points against the Warriors on Monday.

The Jazz have made two changes to their starting lineup for Monday’s game. With Ace Bailey (illness) unavailable, Konchar will start, and he’s capable of providing solid steals production. The other change is Sensabaugh, who replaces Oscar Tshiebwe, with Kyle Filipowski serving as the starting center.

Konchar got the starting nod with Lauri Markkanen (hip) set to miss at least two weeks. He continued to not provide much production, outside of steals. He is averaging 3.8 steals over his last four games and should continue to provide plenty of swipes. However, managers that need more than that should be cautious about rostering him, even if he’s starting.

With Lauri Markkanen set to miss some time with ankle and hip injuries, Konchar will replace him in the starting unit. This will be his second start with the Jazz, with the other coming in his return to Memphis, where he finished with six points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals in 31 minutes. He has 10 steals over his last three games, but he can’t be relied on for much else.