NBA Trade Deadline Shakeup Fantasy Basketball Winners and Losers

The NBA trade deadline brought chaos, with some of the league’s biggest stars changing teams. Let’s break down the most significant trades and what they mean for fantasy basketball moving forward.

Lakers, Mavericks, and Jazz Complete Three-Team Deal: Luka Dončić to Lakers, Anthony Davis to Mavericks
In a move that stunned the league, Luka Dončić was traded to the Lakers, while Anthony Davis went to the Mavericks. Despite Dončić’s success in Dallas, the Mavericks opted for a new direction with a focus on defense and size by adding Davis.

Fantasy Impact:
Dončić remains a fantasy superstar, and Davis, now playing for the Mavericks, continues to be a top-tier option despite his injury concerns. His move to power forward could slightly lower Daniel Gafford’s value, but Davis’ fantasy output should stay steady. With Dončić joining LeBron James, Austin Reaves may see fewer opportunities in the Lakers’ offense once Dončić returns from injury.

Lakers Acquire Mark Williams from Hornets
In another big move, the Lakers traded for Mark Williams to fill the gap left by Davis. Williams has been solid when healthy, averaging impressive stats for the Hornets.

Fantasy Impact:
Mark Williams offers a solid fantasy option, but Dalton Knecht could be the real winner here. Moving to the Hornets, Knecht may start and see a significant role increase. He’s an excellent waiver wire target in leagues. Meanwhile, Jusuf Nurkić’s move to the Hornets could give him the starting center role, making him a valuable pick-up for fantasy managers.

Kings, Spurs, and Bulls Make Major Trade: De’Aaron Fox to Spurs, Zach LaVine to Kings
The Kings traded De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs in exchange for Zach LaVine. The trade aims to reshape the Kings’ roster, and LaVine joins Sacramento for a longer-term future.

Fantasy Impact:
Fox should remain a solid fantasy option with the Spurs, playing alongside Victor Wembanyama. The move may impact Stephon Castle’s role on the Spurs. For the Kings, LaVine adds scoring alongside DeMar DeRozan, Domantas Sabonis, and Malik Monk. LaVine’s absence from the Bulls gives Josh Giddey, Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and Lonzo Ball a fantasy boost, especially Dosunmu, who has been performing well without LaVine.

Warriors Add Jimmy Butler in Multi-Team Trade
In a surprising move, the Warriors acquired Jimmy Butler to strengthen their scoring depth. Butler’s fantasy value could rise, especially as the Warriors desperately need help around Stephen Curry.

Fantasy Impact:
Wiggins’ value drops as he joins the Heat, likely becoming the third option after Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. Butler’s addition to the Warriors makes him an intriguing fantasy player, as he’ll likely fill a major role in the offense.

Bucks Trade Khris Middleton for Kyle Kuzma
The Bucks traded Khris Middleton for Kyle Kuzma in a bid to get younger and healthier. Kuzma brings a fresh spark, potentially improving his fantasy value with the Bucks.

Fantasy Impact:
Kuzma’s fantasy value should rise with the Bucks, and Middleton’s rest days could benefit him in the later stages of the season. Both players offer fantasy upside depending on their roles moving forward.

Pelicans Trade Brandon Ingram to Raptors for Bruce Brown and Picks
Brandon Ingram moved to the Raptors, opening the door for Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and Trey Murphy III to take on more responsibility. Ingram’s injury history raises questions about his future role.

Fantasy Impact:
Ingram’s trade clears the path for players like Williamson, McCollum, and Murphy to have a larger role. Keep an eye on Kelly Olynyk, who could be a valuable pick-up for the Pelicans if injuries strike.

Hawks, Cavaliers, Clippers Complete Trades Involving De’Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanović
The Hawks sent De’Andre Hunter to the Cavaliers and Bogdan Bogdanović to the Clippers. Hunter’s value could decrease in Cleveland, while Bogdanović adds depth for the Clippers.

Fantasy Impact:
Zaccharie Risacher emerges as a fantasy winner from these moves. With increased playing time and shot attempts, Risacher is a great target for those needing scoring and 3-pointers. Fantasy managers should also keep an eye on other Hawks’ players like Jalen Johnson, who could see more minutes after the trades.

This year’s NBA trade deadline has completely shaken up fantasy basketball, and players moving to new teams will create plenty of opportunities for savvy fantasy managers.