As NBA teams reshaped their rosters during the offseason, fantasy basketball managers are closely monitoring the impact of trades and signings. This analysis provides fantasy outlooks for key players involved in significant transactions.
While perennial fantasy leaders like Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Giannis Antetokounmpo are expected to remain elite, the upcoming 2025-26 season presents challenges with several prominent players potentially missing significant time or the entire season due to injury, including Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard, and Kyrie Irving.
Major names like Desmond Bane, Kevin Durant, and Jalen Green have already changed teams. As the offseason progresses and teams finalize their rosters, it`s crucial to observe how each move alters fantasy values.
Bucks Acquire Myles Turner, Waive Damian Lillard
Myles Turner appears to be an excellent addition for the Milwaukee Bucks, stepping into a role similar to the one previously held by Brook Lopez. Turner, like Lopez, is a center capable of stretching the floor with 3-pointers and protecting the rim with blocks. Being younger and more athletic, Turner offers enhanced versatility in pick-and-roll defense and switching schemes. His statistical output is expected to align with his recent performance with the Pacers, where he averaged 16.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and 1.7 three-pointers over the last three seasons.
Milwaukee`s decision to waive Damian Lillard was unexpected, especially considering they traded for him just two years prior to bolster their championship aspirations. This move means the team is responsible for the remaining $113 million on his contract, which will be spread over five seasons. Assuming Lillard clears waivers, his next team is a major question, with potential interest from contenders. However, his availability for 2025-26 remains uncertain as he recovers from a torn Achilles. While reportedly interested in the Miami Heat previously, the Minnesota Timberwolves are also speculated as a potential destination needing a point guard upgrade.
Cameron Johnson Traded to Nuggets for Michael Porter Jr.
Michael Porter Jr. should see a clear fantasy value increase in Brooklyn. Leaving a Nuggets team where his usage was limited despite averaging 18.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and shooting 39.7% from deep last season, he is set to take on a primary scoring role for the rebuilding Nets, who lack shot creation. This transfer likely means more shot attempts and a higher usage rate, potentially pushing his scoring beyond 20 points per game for the first time. Fantasy managers should anticipate a dip in shooting efficiency compared to his time in Denver, where Nikola Jokic generated easy looks. Porter Jr.`s free-throw rate is low (79.5% career), and his assist numbers (1.4 APG career) are minimal. Provided he stays healthy (a key concern with MPJ), he represents a high-upside pick in the middle rounds for category and points leagues.
Cameron Johnson moves into a more efficient offensive environment in Denver. Playing alongside Nikola Jokic is expected to further enhance his already strong shooting. Last season with Brooklyn, Johnson averaged 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.0 steals, and shot 39.0% from beyond the arc. While his scoring volume might decrease, his efficiency on field goals (45.3% career) and free throws (85.2% career) should improve. Johnson`s career 39.2% mark from three becomes particularly valuable with Jokic creating open looks. He is a dependable mid-to-late round fantasy option in points and category formats, offering potential improvements in FG% and steals.
In summary, Porter Jr. receives a short-term fantasy boost in leagues emphasizing usage, whereas Johnson becomes a high-floor, lower-ceiling option within Denver`s structured offense. Both players are worth considering in the middle rounds, with Porter Jr. presenting greater potential paired with higher risk.
D`Angelo Russell Signs with Dallas Mavericks
D`Angelo Russell`s signing with the Mavericks places him on the fantasy basketball radar, particularly while Kyrie Irving is sidelined with his Achilles injury. Last season, Russell averaged 12.6 points, 5.1 assists, and 1.9 three-pointers in 25.5 minutes per game. In the four seasons prior with the Lakers and Timberwolves, his averages were higher: 18.2 points, 6.3 assists, and 2.8 three-pointers over 31.4 minutes. With Irving out, Russell is projected to be the starting point guard and a primary perimeter threat, likely seeing minutes in the high 20s or more. Even with Anthony Davis and potentially Cooper Flagg as top offensive options, Russell should have opportunities to provide scoring in the mid-teens, solid assist numbers, and useful 3-point shooting. He projects as a top-100 fantasy player overall, with potential top-60 upside during Irving`s absence.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker Joins Hawks via Sign-and-Trade
Nickeil Alexander-Walker agreed to a four-year, $62 million contract with the Atlanta Hawks, arriving from the Minnesota Timberwolves through a sign-and-trade that involved Atlanta sending a 2027 second-round pick and cash. This move doesn`t significantly increase Alexander-Walker`s fantasy value. He established himself as a valuable 3-and-D player in Minnesota, averaging 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 0.6 steals in 25.3 minutes per game last season, shooting 38.1% from beyond the arc. Alexander-Walker also demonstrated durability, playing all 82 games in each of the past two seasons, and is recognized as a strong perimeter defender.
In Atlanta, Alexander-Walker enters a crowded backcourt rotation that includes Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, and newly acquired sharpshooter Luke Kennard. While he offers elite defense and some ball-handling, his low usage rate means he might be limited to a low-minute role unless injuries create opportunities. His value to an NBA team is clear, but in fantasy leagues, Alexander-Walker is primarily a late-round or waiver-wire option. Managers in deep leagues or those punting scoring categories might consider him as a speculative add, hoping his efficient 3-point shooting and defensive stats receive enough minutes to be impactful.
Ty Jerome Signs with Memphis Grizzlies
Ty Jerome`s move to Memphis follows a strong season with the Cavaliers where he averaged 12.5 points, 3.4 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals with impressive shooting efficiency. From a fantasy standpoint, Jerome`s value depends on his effective scoring and playmaking off the bench, particularly in deeper points leagues or category formats. Although unlikely to start, the Grizzlies may rely on his offensive contributions after trading Desmond Bane. With Luke Kennard also departing for Atlanta, Jerome could potentially secure a consistent role as a sixth man.
His minutes, which were 19.9 per game in Cleveland, might slightly increase in Memphis given the team`s limited proven scorers behind Ja Morant and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. However, expectations should be managed. Jerome`s potential is tied to his efficiency and playing time, and he is not known for high-volume production. His defensive shortcomings and injury history (including missing the 2023-24 season due to ankle surgery) also limit his fantasy ceiling.
For the Cavaliers, this move is largely inconsequential from a fantasy perspective. Cleveland loses a quality bench player but has internal options to fill the void left by Jerome.
Despite struggling in the playoffs, Jerome`s signing represents one of the better value pickups in free agency. He offers deep-league appeal due to his elite shooting splits and the potential for increased usage in Memphis. He`s best considered a late-round flier with upside if he earns significant minutes.
Collin Sexton Traded from Jazz to Hornets for Jusuf Nurkic
Collin Sexton steps into a prominent role as the secondary scoring option for the Hornets alongside LaMelo Ball. Sexton`s averages of 18.4 points last season, combined with strong shooting percentages (48.0% FG, 40.6% 3PT, 86.5% FT), make him a valuable fantasy asset. With Ball attracting defensive attention, Sexton should find increased scoring opportunities and playmaking duties, boosting his fantasy upside. Sexton`s value would further rise if Ball misses time, which is a genuine concern given Ball`s history of injuries (playing over 60 games only once and averaging 35 games per season over the last three years). However, losing Nurkic leaves Charlotte`s frontcourt thin, which could potentially slow the team`s pace and limit fantasy production from big men.
Jusuf Nurkic provides the Utah Jazz with much-needed depth in the frontcourt. Last season, he contributed 8.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, along with occasional three-pointers, making him a versatile player in multi-category leagues. While not a high-volume scorer, Nurkic`s steady production is beneficial for fantasy managers needing rebounds and assists from the center position. His expiring contract and the Jazz`s focus on developing their young core, like rookie Ace Bailey, mean his role might fluctuate.
From a team standpoint, the Hornets acquire a reliable scoring guard who complements Ball well, adding offensive flexibility and veteran experience. However, Charlotte now faces a significant gap in their frontcourt, which could affect overall team performance and playing style. Utah strengthens its frontcourt depth with Nurkic, adding veteran leadership behind their young players and potentially freeing up more backcourt minutes for prospects like Ace Bailey. This trade emphasizes the Jazz`s commitment to a youth-focused rebuild, while the Hornets address immediate backcourt needs at the expense of frontcourt certainty.
For fantasy managers, Sexton is a strong player to add or keep (depending on league format), offering scoring and efficiency in a favorable situation. Nurkic is a solid option in deeper leagues, contributing rebounds, assists, and some scoring. Both players` future roles and the evolving directions of their new teams should be closely monitored as the season approaches.
Lonzo Ball Traded to Cavaliers for Isaac Okoro
In a move impacting both NBA teams and fantasy rosters, the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired Lonzo Ball from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for forward Isaac Okoro. Ball, who returned last season after missing two full years with a knee injury, played 35 games for Chicago, averaging 7.6 points, 3.3 assists, and 3.4 rebounds. He now joins Darius Garland in Cleveland`s backcourt, providing size, defensive intensity, and playmaking, addressing a need highlighted during the playoffs.
Fantasy-wise, Ball`s potential is likely limited unless Garland misses time, but he could have streaming value in deeper leagues, particularly for categories like steals and assists. Nevertheless, his extensive injury history and the presence of Donovan Mitchell and Caris LeVert restrict his role and fantasy ceiling. Ty Jerome, who had become a reliable bench option for Cleveland, is now likely to sign elsewhere in free agency.
For the Bulls, Okoro becomes an immediate rotation player, whose defensive skills fit well alongside Coby White and Zach LaVine. Last season, he averaged 6.1 points and shot 37.1% from three. Okoro`s fantasy appeal is generally limited to deeper leagues, but he could benefit from increased minutes if the Bulls make further roster changes. Overall, the trade represents a minor fantasy adjustment. Ball gets a fresh start, Okoro sees a potentially larger role, and fantasy managers should observe how both players adapt during the preseason.
Mark Williams Traded to the Suns
The Phoenix Suns acquired center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for the No. 29 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and a 2029 first-round pick. This is a strategic move to strengthen Phoenix`s frontcourt, which lacked depth last season. Williams, a former lottery pick, had his most productive year with averages of 15.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 26.6 minutes per game, but his career has been affected by injuries, limiting him to just 106 games since entering the league.
Williams joins a potentially crowded rotation that includes bigs Nick Richards and Khaman Maluach, the Suns` No. 10 overall pick. Since Maluach may require development time, Williams is projected to play a significant role if he can stay healthy. His fantasy upside remains high, but potential minutes sharing could limit his ceiling unless Phoenix makes additional moves. Draft Williams with caution, especially in deeper leagues, acknowledging both his potential and injury risk.
Jordan Poole Traded to Pelicans for CJ McCollum
Jordan Poole led the Wizards in scoring last season, averaging 20.5 points along with 4.5 assists and 3.0 rebounds. For the Pelicans, CJ McCollum posted nearly identical statistics: 21.1 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds. Primarily driven by the Pelicans` desire to get younger and the Wizards` goal of gaining financial flexibility, this trade involves two players whose on-court production is similar enough that their fantasy basketball outlooks are not drastically altered in their new environments.
Essentially, Poole and McCollum could absorb each other`s previous shot attempts and ball-handling responsibilities, meaning their fantasy value might not change significantly purely for basketball reasons. McCollum`s role in Washington could potentially decrease if the Wizards lean heavily into a rebuilding phase focused on youth, or he might be traded to a contending team where his production might be less essential if that team already has strong players at his position. However, from a fundamental basketball perspective, Poole`s move is largely a lateral one concerning his role, and his fantasy preseason ranking is unlikely to shift dramatically after this trade.
Kristaps Porzingis Traded to Hawks for Georges Niang
In a major move aimed at reducing salary, the Boston Celtics traded Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks as part of a three-team deal also involving the Brooklyn Nets. Porzingis, who averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists on 48.3% shooting last season, remains a fantasy asset with high potential but considerable risk. He has played fewer than 60 games in seven of the last eight seasons and appeared in only 42 contests in 2024-25 due to injuries and illness.
In Atlanta, Porzingis addresses a clear need in the frontcourt alongside Trae Young, but his role isn`t guaranteed to be dominant. The Hawks might still split minutes between him and Onyeka Okongwu, who performed well when given extended playing time last season. Even if Porzingis starts, his minutes might stay in the mid-20s, reflecting a trend of decreased minutes over the past two seasons. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Atlanta`s rotations during the preseason.
In Boston, Georges Niang could compete for a starting spot and appears to be the player most likely to see a fantasy benefit among the secondary pieces involved. He averaged 12.1 points and 3.1 rebounds in Atlanta last season and may benefit from increased volume on a Celtics roster that is retooling.
