This article tracks and analyzes key NBA offseason trades and signings, discussing their impact on fantasy basketball with outlooks for affected players.
Top fantasy performers last season included stars like Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, the upcoming 2025-26 season presents difficulties, as several prominent players, including Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard, and Kyrie Irving, are anticipated to miss significant time, potentially the entire season.
Players such as Desmond Bane, Kevin Durant, and Jalen Green have already changed teams. As organizations continue to reshape their rosters in the coming weeks, it`s crucial to observe how each transaction impacts fantasy player values.
Bucks sign Myles Turner, release Damian Lillard
Myles Turner is an excellent fit for the Bucks, taking on a role similar to Brook Lopez but with added youth and athleticism. Expect comparable fantasy stats (around 16.8 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.0 BPG, 1.7 3PG) in this new environment. The decision to waive Damian Lillard was surprising, leaving Milwaukee with significant dead cap space. Lillard`s future team is uncertain, potentially a contender, but his recovery from a torn Achilles is key. His availability for 2025-26 is questionable, potentially resulting in a missed season. Previous interest in Miami and Minnesota as a point guard upgrade are potential destinations if he plays.
Cameron Johnson traded from Nets to Nuggets for Michael Porter Jr.
Michael Porter Jr.`s fantasy value should increase with a more prominent scoring role in Brooklyn, potentially pushing his points per game over 20, but expect a dip in efficiency compared to his time in Denver playing alongside Nikola Jokic. His value is high in leagues emphasizing usage, but health remains a major concern. Cameron Johnson moves to Denver, likely seeing improved efficiency playing with Jokic, though his scoring volume might decrease. His strong shooting profile makes him a reliable mid-to-late round option, offering a solid floor. Overall, Porter Jr. offers higher upside but greater risk, while Johnson is a safer, more efficient pick in mid-rounds.
D`Angelo Russell signs with Dallas Mavericks
D`Angelo Russell`s signing with Dallas is relevant for fantasy while Kyrie Irving is sidelined. As the likely starting point guard, Russell could see minutes in the upper-20s, potentially providing mid-teens scoring with solid assists and three-pointers, similar to his pre-Lakers/Wolves numbers (18.2 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.8 3PG). He projects as a potential top-100 fantasy asset with top-60 upside depending on Irving`s absence.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker heads to Hawks in sign-and-trade
Nickeil Alexander-Walker joins the Atlanta Hawks via sign-and-trade. While valued in real life for his defense and shooting (9.4 PPG, 38.1% 3PT last season), his fantasy value isn`t significantly boosted due to a crowded backcourt rotation including Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, and Luke Kennard. He`s primarily a late-round or waiver-wire option, best suited for deep leagues or strategies focused on defensive stats and threes, but his role may be limited without injuries.
Ty Jerome signs with Memphis Grizzlies
Ty Jerome joins the Memphis Grizzlies after an efficient season in Cleveland (12.5 PPG on elite shooting). His fantasy value is mainly tied to his scoring efficiency and playmaking as a bench option, particularly in deeper leagues. With Desmond Bane traded and Luke Kennard gone, Jerome could see increased minutes and usage behind Ja Morant and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. However, his upside is limited by defensive weaknesses and a history of injuries. He`s a late-round flyer with potential if opportunity arises.
Collin Sexton traded from Jazz to Hornets for Jusuf Nurkic
Collin Sexton gets a significant role as the secondary scorer in Charlotte alongside LaMelo Ball. His strong scoring (18.4 PPG) and efficient shooting (48.0% FG, 40.6% 3PT) make him valuable, with increased opportunities if Ball misses time. Jusuf Nurkic adds frontcourt depth and versatility to Utah, contributing rebounds, assists, and occasional threes (8.9 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 2.3 APG last season). His role could be inconsistent given Utah`s focus on youth. Fantasy-wise, Sexton is a strong add/hold with scoring upside, while Nurkic is a solid deep-league contributor across categories. Monitor their roles as the season starts.
Lonzo Ball traded from Bulls to Cavaliers for Isaac Okoro
Lonzo Ball moves to the Cleveland Cavaliers, adding depth and defense behind Darius Garland. His fantasy upside is limited unless Garland is injured, primarily offering value in deep leagues for steals and assists. His injury history and the presence of Mitchell/LeVert cap his potential role. Isaac Okoro joins the Chicago Bulls rotation, fitting defensively but offering limited fantasy appeal outside deep leagues (6.1 PPG, 37.1% 3PT last season), though increased minutes are possible depending on future Bulls moves.
Mark Williams traded from the Hornets to the Suns
The Phoenix Suns acquired Mark Williams to strengthen their frontcourt depth. Williams had a solid season before injuries (15.3 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 1.2 BPG), but his consistent health is a concern. He joins a crowded big man rotation with Nick Richards and rookie Khaman Maluach. While Williams could play a significant role if healthy, minutes splits might limit his fantasy ceiling unless further roster moves occur. Draft him cautiously, especially in deeper formats.
Jordan Poole traded to Pelicans for CJ McCollum
Jordan Poole and CJ McCollum effectively swapped places, with similar statistical production last season (Poole: 20.5 PPG, 4.5 APG; McCollum: 21.1 PPG, 4.1 APG). The trade was primarily for team strategy (Pelicans getting younger, Wizards gaining financial flexibility). As their on-court roles are comparable in their new initial environments, their fantasy outlooks don`t significantly change based purely on the swap. McCollum`s role in Washington could potentially shrink if the team commits fully to a rebuild, or he might be traded again, but the direct impact of this specific trade on their immediate fantasy ranking is minimal.
Kristaps Porzingis traded to Hawks for Georges Niang
In a cost-cutting move, Kristaps Porzingis was traded from the Celtics to the Atlanta Hawks. Despite averaging solid numbers (19.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG), he remains a high-upside but injury-prone fantasy asset, frequently missing significant time. In Atlanta, he fills a frontcourt need but may share minutes with Onyeka Okongwu. His minutes could remain limited (mid-20s). Fantasy managers should monitor his role closely. Georges Niang, moving to Boston, might see increased volume and could be a fantasy winner among the secondary pieces, potentially competing for a starting role (averaged 12.1 PPG last season).