<
>
EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
Get ESPN+

Fantasy basketball: Assessing the new fantasy values of Lowry, Ball, Fournier and other free-agent signings

Kyle Lowry gives Miami even more grit and toughness. AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

Nothing shakes up the fantasy basketball world quite like free agency. Already, we've seen a number of notable players pack their bags for new teams.

So how does that impact their fantasy value? And how does it change the roles for the players on their new team and previous team?

Let's take a closer look, focusing on the free agent signings who have top-150 fantasy potential in 2021-22.

Kyle Lowry, Miami Heat

The Heat brought in Lowry to run their show, which should make them a better team. The move seems to be a negative to the fantasy value of the 35-year-old Lowry, however, as he leaves a Raptors situation that had grown around him, allowing him to play a high-usage scoring and distributing role for much of the past eight seasons. Even last season, when he shared lead guard responsibilities with Fred VanVleet, Lowry was still able to average 17.2 PPG, 7.3 APG, 5.4 RPG and 2.8 3PG in 34.8 MPG.

On this Heat squad he'll be sharing the playmaking and perimeter scoring duties with a whole host of strong producers, including Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro, and center Bam Adebayo is an offensive hub as well. Lowry's minutes should also go down, which is probably for the best at this point in his career, but his counting stats seem destined to drop as well. He was still a top-40 fantasy prospect with the Raptors last season, but in his new role he may be closer to top-60 in points leagues.