As the 2024 NBA trade deadline has drawn to a close, some trades have impacted fantasy basketball. While it was a relatively underwhelming deadline, here is an analysis of all the moves (broken down by team) and what they mean for fantasy.
Analyzing Fantasy Basketball Impacts of the NBA Trade Deadline
Boston Celtics
Received: Xavier Tillman Sr. and Jaden Springer
The Celtics added some depth pieces at the deadline, but they don’t have significant fantasy basketball impacts. The main player of interest is Tillman, whose value has dropped now that he’ll be in a permanent bench role. However, he’s a stream to consider when Kristaps Porzingis or Al Horford miss time.
Springer, who had a minor role in Philadelphia, won’t have enough usage to be fantasy-relevant.
Brooklyn Nets
Received: Dennis Schroder and Keita Bates-Diop
Schroder will likely start for some games for the Nets, at least until the team decides if they want Ben Simmons to replace him at point guard. This will boost his value from his time with the Raptors, where he was demoted to the bench after they made two big trades. In that role, Schroder’s stats and fantasy value significantly declined. Likewise, his production will take a hit if the same happens in Brooklyn. Simmons may return to the first unit as he ramps up, barring setbacks. Monitor Schroder’s spot in the lineup, but he’s not a drop yet.
Diop doesn’t have fantasy value. Also, Thaddeus Young and Jordan Goodwin were waived.
Charlotte Hornets
Received: Grant Williams, Seth Curry, Tre Mann, Davis Bertans, and Vasilije Micic
With the Hornets dealing with two significant injuries, there are some players to watch out for, but Williams is not one of them. He will likely be inserted into the starting lineup, but he’s not an add as he’ll have a similar role to his time in Dallas.
While Mann shouldn’t be rostered now, a potential LaMelo Ball shutdown could mean more minutes for him. Monitor his situation and the Hornets’ injury updates.
Curry and Micic can remain on the waivers.
Additionally, since Miles Bridges stayed with the team, he should benefit from the Hornets dealing two key players. He’s been on a hot streak for the past few weeks and should continue to thrive. Cody Martin‘s value also rises slightly, and he is an add consideration in deeper leagues.
Dallas Mavericks
Received: Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington
It’s unclear whether Gafford or Dereck Lively II will start at center, but regardless, their value takes a hit. Gafford was enjoying a career-best year, while Lively flashed excellent potential as a rookie. They’ll likely split the minutes, so hold on to both players and monitor their situation.
Washington appears set to move into a starting spot at the four. He fluctuated from starting and bench roles with the Hornets, and his fantasy output was sometimes inconsistent. If he solidifies himself as a starter, his value rises as a standard league player. But the Mavericks have two offensive weapons, which could decrease some of Washington’s numbers.
Detroit Pistons
Received: Simone Fontecchio, Quentin Grimes, Evan Fournier, Malachi Flynn, Ryan Arcidiacono, Shake Milton, and Troy Brown Jr.
Most of the players the Pistons acquired have no fantasy importance, but the addition of Fontecchio is someone to keep an eye on. The dealing of Bogdanovic opened up minutes for Fontecchio and a possible starting role for Ausar Thompson. The rookie will likely slide into the first unit due to his impressive play early in the season. If so, he’s an add. While Fontecchio is not a must-roster, he could have deeper league value when receiving more minutes.
The rest of the new arrivals in Detroit won’t have enough, if any, fantasy value. The Pistons have already waived several players, including Danuel House Jr., and more could come. Grimes should see some run-time, but likely not enough. Then again, a potential Cade Cunningham shutdown could be in the works, opening up opportunities for this guard-heavy team.
Indiana Pacers
Received: Doug McDermott
No one of fantasy relevance was added to the Pacers, and Cory Joseph and Furkan Korkmaz have already been waived. Moreover, McDermott will be buried in the back of the frontcourt rotation.
What’s significant is that they shipped off Hield, which means Bennedict Mathurin and Aaron Nesmith could see extended opportunities. Mathurin has been hot and cold but has potential in an increased role. Meanwhile, Nesmith has already played exceptionally well over the past several games and stands to gain more.
Memphis Grizzlies
Received: Lamar Stevens, Yuta Watanabe, and Chimezie Metu
Streaming Grizzlies can be frustrating, and the loss of Roddy doesn’t necessarily raise any other players’ value. The only player who should be off the waiver wire is Vince Williams Jr. For these trade acquisitions, no moves are needed. Also, the best streaming strategy is to look at the injury report game-by-game and add accordingly.
Milwaukee Bucks
Received: Patrick Beverley
Beverley is not an add, but a streamer to consider when Damian Lillard is sidelined.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Received: Monte Morris
Morris doesn’t need to be rostered, but he is worth considering as a stream when Mike Conley’s out.
New York Knicks
Received: Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks
Regarded as one of the trade deadline winners, the Knicks made two moves that had several effects on fantasy. First, Bogdanovic’s value will be higher for multiple weeks as New York deals with injuries to key players. But once they’re at full strength, his value should drop a bit, even if he remains in a starting role. As a result of his addition, Josh Hart and Precious Achiuwa’s value decreases. Hart is still a hold for now, as the Knicks are shorthanded.
As for Burks, he’ll back up Jalen Brunson and should see an increased role when he’s sidelined. Burks can play both guard spots, which adds to his value. He’s not a must-roster, but he is worth an add in deeper leagues and as a streaming option.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Received: Gordon Hayward
Hayward has been out for over a month with a calf strain but is progressing towards a return on his new team. He probably won’t start, but if he does move into that role, he’ll likely replace Luguentz Dort or Josh Giddey. While Dort isn’t a must-roster, Giddey and Hayward should be monitored, as their value is in jeopardy. Of course, Hayward also carries with him health concerns.
Philadelphia 76ers
Received: Buddy Hield and Cameron Payne
Adding Hield gives the 76ers some backcourt depth and scoring, and he should be added. The veteran struggled with consistency in production and minutes with the Pacers but can see increased value in Philadelphia. Managers will have to monitor the eventual return of De’Anthony Melton and who will receive the starting spot alongside Tyrese Maxey. Both are holds in the meantime.
Also joining the team is Payne, who likely won’t see enough usage for fantasy relevance.
Phoenix Suns
Received: Royce O’Neale and David Roddy
Neither O’Neale nor Roddy are adds, but these depth pieces could take a few minutes away from guys like Eric Gordon and Grayson Allen (but not enough to drop the latter).
Portland Trail Blazers
Received: Dalano Banton
Banton is not an add at the moment, but he is a candidate to receive increased playing time if some of his teammates get shut down later in the season.
Toronto Raptors
Received: Kelly Olynyk and Ochai Agbaji
Olynyk is an enticing, well-rounded fantasy option who stands to see more value on the Raptors. He appears poised to be one of the main guys off the bench and could even draw some starts. This further limits Chris Boucher.
However, his Jazz teammate Agbaji likely won’t see enough minutes.
A hole in the backcourt opened after trading Schroder and waiving Spencer Dinwiddie, providing an opportunity for Gary Trent Jr. to turn around his disappointing fantasy season. However, he has more value in points than in category leagues. Gradey Dick could also potentially move into a bigger role. He doesn’t need to be added, just monitored for now. Additionally, Bruce Brown would’ve gained more value if the Raptors made another move, but he’s a hold-and-watch.
Utah Jazz
Received: Kevin Knox, Otto Porter Jr., and Kira Lewis Jr.
In short, Knox, Porter, and Lewis aren’t adds. However, moving Olynyk provides an opportunity for rookie Taylor Hendricks to see some time on the court. He’s not an add quite yet, but more of a luxury stash. Monitor his minutes, as he could have some fantasy value eventually. Moreover, Utah’s frontcourt gains some extra minutes.
Washington Wizards
Received: Richaun Holmes
Arguably, the fantasy winner of the trade deadline is Marvin Bagley III, who should earn a starting role with the moving of Gafford. As a result, he’s a must-add in most leagues. Holmes was also sent to Washington in that deal, but likely as the backup center. With a lack of big men on the team, Holmes could be a decent streamer, especially in a starting role.
