Analyzing the key transactions of the NBA offseason, this article examines their fantasy basketball impact and provides outlooks for the affected players.
While top fantasy performers like Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Giannis Antetokounmpo remain central figures, the upcoming season presents challenges with several major players potentially sidelined due to injury, including Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard, and Kyrie Irving. Significant player movement, such as Desmond Bane, Kevin Durant, and Jalen Green changing teams, will continue to reshape fantasy landscapes as teams finalize their rosters.
Bucks sign Myles Turner, release Damian Lillard
Myles Turner joins the Milwaukee Bucks, a move seen as an excellent fit. He is expected to take on a role similar to Brook Lopez`s, providing 3-point shooting and shot-blocking from the center position. Being younger and more athletic than Lopez, Turner offers enhanced versatility in pick-and-roll and switch defense. His fantasy statistics are projected to remain consistent with his performance in Indiana, where he averaged around 16.8 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.0 BPG, and 1.7 3PG over the last three seasons.
Milwaukee`s decision to waive Damian Lillard was surprising, leaving them responsible for his remaining contract value ($113M stretched over five years). If Lillard clears waivers, his next destination is uncertain, though likely a contender. His availability is a major question mark due to a torn Achilles; it`s unclear if he will play in 2025-26. Previous interest in the Miami Heat and a potential fit with the Minnesota Timberwolves (seeking a point guard upgrade) have been noted.
Cameron Johnson traded from Nets to Nuggets for Michael Porter Jr.
A trade sends Michael Porter Jr. from the Denver Nuggets to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Cameron Johnson. This move significantly impacts their fantasy outlooks. Michael Porter Jr. is anticipated to see an increased fantasy boost in Brooklyn, stepping into a primary scoring role on a rebuilding team lacking offensive creators. While his scoring volume is expected to rise, potentially exceeding 20 points per game, fantasy managers should anticipate a decrease in efficiency compared to his time in Denver where he benefited from Nikola Jokic`s passing. His low free-throw rate and limited assists remain factors. Porter Jr.`s fantasy value hinges heavily on his ability to stay healthy.
Cameron Johnson moves to a more efficient role with the Nuggets. Playing alongside Nikola Jokic is expected to enhance his already strong shooting profile. Although his scoring volume might decrease from his time in Brooklyn (where he averaged 18.8 PPG), his efficiency (field goal and free throw percentages) should improve. His valuable 3-point shooting (career 39.2%) becomes even more effective with Jokic creating open looks. Johnson is a dependable mid-to-late round fantasy option, particularly in category leagues, offering a stable floor with potential gains in shooting percentages and steals. In summary, Porter Jr. offers higher upside and risk in usage-heavy formats, while Johnson provides reliability in Denver`s structured offense. Both are considered mid-round draft picks.
D`Angelo Russell signs with Dallas Mavericks
D`Angelo Russell joining the Dallas Mavericks puts him on the fantasy radar, especially while Kyrie Irving is recovering from an Achilles injury. Projected to start at point guard and be a primary perimeter threat in Irving`s absence, Russell`s minutes should increase from last season`s 25.5 MPG (12.6 PPG, 5.1 APG, 1.9 3PG). In the four seasons before that, his averages were higher (18.2 PPG, 6.3 APG, 2.8 3PG in 31.4 MPG). Fantasy managers can expect mid-teens scoring, solid assists, and 3-point shooting. He is likely a top-100 overall fantasy player with potential top-60 value during Irving`s recovery.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker heads to Hawks in sign-and-trade
Nickeil Alexander-Walker signs a four-year, $62 million contract with the Atlanta Hawks via a sign-and-trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves. This move is not expected to significantly increase his fantasy basketball value. In Minnesota, Alexander-Walker established himself as a valuable `3-and-D` player, contributing around 9.4 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.7 APG, and 0.6 SPG while shooting 38.1% from three in 25.3 MPG. He is recognized as a strong perimeter defender. In Atlanta, he joins a crowded guard rotation including Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, and Luke Kennard. Given his relatively low usage rate, Alexander-Walker might be limited to a smaller minute role unless injuries create opportunity. While his real-life defensive value is evident, he is best viewed as a late-round or waiver-wire fantasy option, primarily for deep leagues or managers punting scoring, hoping for contributions in 3-pointers and defensive stats.
Ty Jerome signs with Memphis Grizzlies
Ty Jerome joins the Memphis Grizzlies after an efficient season with the Cavaliers, where he averaged 12.5 PPG, 3.4 APG, 2.5 RPG, and 1.1 SPG with strong shooting splits in 19.9 MPG. His fantasy value in Memphis will depend on his efficiency and playmaking off the bench. Although unlikely to start, the Grizzlies need scoring depth, particularly after the Desmond Bane trade and Luke Kennard`s departure, which could allow Jerome to secure a consistent sixth-man role. His minutes might slightly increase from his Cleveland average. However, fantasy managers should moderate expectations due to his lower volume production, defensive limitations, and history of injuries (including missing the 2023-24 season). For standard leagues, he`s likely a late-round flier or waiver-wire option, offering deep-league intrigue based on his shooting efficiency and potential for increased usage.
Collin Sexton traded from Jazz to Hornets for Jusuf Nurkic
In a trade, Collin Sexton moves from the Utah Jazz to the Charlotte Hornets, with Jusuf Nurkic going to Utah. Collin Sexton is set to take on a significant role as the second scoring option for the Hornets, playing alongside LaMelo Ball. His strong scoring (18.4 PPG last season) and efficient shooting splits (48.0% FG, 40.6% 3PT, 86.5% FT) make him an appealing fantasy pick. With Ball attracting defensive focus, Sexton should find more scoring chances and playmaking duties, boosting his fantasy upside. His value becomes even higher if Ball, who has a history of injuries, misses time. The loss of Nurkic leaves Charlotte`s frontcourt thin, which might affect team pace and fantasy production for big men.
Jusuf Nurkic adds valuable frontcourt depth for the Jazz. Last season, he contributed 8.9 PPG, 7.8 RPG, and 2.3 APG, along with some 3-pointers, making him a multi-category contributor, especially for rebounds and assists from the center spot. His role might vary given his expiring contract and Utah`s focus on rebuilding around young players. From a team standpoint, Charlotte gains a reliable scoring guard but creates a notable gap in their frontcourt. Utah strengthens its center position and adds veteran presence while continuing its youth movement. Fantasy managers should see Sexton as a strong player to target for scoring and efficiency. Nurkic is a solid option in deeper leagues for his rebounding and assists.
Lonzo Ball traded from Bulls to Cavaliers for Isaac Okoro
The Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired Lonzo Ball from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Isaac Okoro. Ball, who returned last season after a significant injury layoff, averaged 7.6 PPG, 3.3 APG, and 3.4 RPG in 35 games. In Cleveland, he is expected to back up Darius Garland, providing depth, defense, and playmaking. His fantasy upside is constrained unless Garland is sidelined. Ball might offer streaming value in deep leagues, particularly for steals and assists, but his injury history and the presence of Donovan Mitchell and Caris LeVert limit his potential role and ceiling. Isaac Okoro joins the Bulls as a rotation player. His defensive abilities complement Coby White and Zach LaVine. He averaged 6.1 PPG last season, shooting 37.1% from three. Okoro`s fantasy value is limited outside of deeper formats, but he could see increased minutes depending on further roster changes by the Bulls. Overall, this trade represents a modest fantasy shift, giving Ball a new team and Okoro a potentially larger role.
Mark Williams traded from the Hornets to the Suns
The Phoenix Suns have acquired center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for draft picks. This move is aimed at strengthening the Suns` frontcourt depth. Williams had his best statistical season recently, averaging 15.3 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 2.5 APG, and 1.2 BPG in 26.6 MPG, but his career has been hampered by injuries, limiting him to just 106 games played. In Phoenix, Williams joins a potentially crowded center rotation with Nick Richards and rookie Khaman Maluach. While Maluach may require time to develop, Williams is expected to play a notable role if he can remain healthy. His fantasy upside is considerable, but shared minutes could limit his ceiling unless the Suns make further roster adjustments. Fantasy managers should draft Williams with cautious optimism, especially in deeper leagues.
Jordan Poole traded to Pelicans for CJ McCollum
In a trade that swaps scoring guards, Jordan Poole moves to the New Orleans Pelicans and CJ McCollum joins the Washington Wizards. Poole led the Wizards in scoring last season with 20.5 PPG, adding 4.5 APG and 3.0 RPG. McCollum had similar production for the Pelicans, averaging 21.1 PPG, 4.1 APG, and 3.8 RPG. The trade primarily serves the Pelicans` goal of getting younger and the Wizards` aim for financial flexibility. On the court, their playing styles and expected usage are comparable, meaning their fantasy basketball outlooks are not drastically altered by the move. Each player is likely to absorb the shot attempts and on-ball duties of the other. McCollum`s role might be somewhat reduced if the Wizards fully commit to a youth-focused rebuild or if he is traded again to a contending team with established guards. However, Jordan Poole`s move appears to be lateral in terms of role, and his pre-trade fantasy ranking is unlikely to change significantly.
Kristaps Porzingis traded to Hawks for Georges Niang
In a cost-saving trade involving three teams (Celtics, Hawks, Nets), Kristaps Porzingis is sent from the Boston Celtics to the Atlanta Hawks for Georges Niang. Porzingis, who averaged 19.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG, and 2.1 APG with 48.3% shooting last season, remains a high-upside but risky fantasy player due to his consistent injury history (playing fewer than 60 games in seven of the last eight seasons, including just 42 in 2024-25). In Atlanta, he addresses a frontcourt need alongside Trae Young. However, his role might not be fully secured, potentially sharing minutes with Onyeka Okongwu. Even as a starter, his minutes could stay around the mid-20s, following a trend of decline over the past two seasons. Fantasy managers should closely watch Atlanta`s player rotations during the preseason. Among the secondary players involved, Georges Niang is the most likely fantasy beneficiary. He could contend for a starting spot in Boston and might see increased offensive volume on a Celtics team undergoing roster changes. Last season in Atlanta, Niang averaged 12.1 PPG and 3.1 RPG.
