As the NBA offseason unfolds, trades and free agent signings significantly impact the fantasy basketball landscape. Fantasy analysts André Snellings and Eric Moody are tracking these moves, providing essential analysis and future outlooks for the key players involved.
While perennial fantasy leaders like Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Giannis Antetokounmpo remain dominant, the upcoming 2025-26 season presents unique challenges. Several prominent players, including Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard, and Kyrie Irving, are expected to miss substantial time due to injury. This makes understanding roster changes even more crucial as teams reshape their lineups.
With players like Desmond Bane, Kevin Durant, and Jalen Green already having switched teams, fantasy managers need to monitor how each subsequent transaction alters player values. This analysis highlights the notable signings and trades that warrant attention, ordered chronologically with the latest news presented first.
Milwaukee Bucks acquire Myles Turner, waive Damian Lillard
Myles Turner is seen as an excellent acquisition for the Bucks, fitting seamlessly into the role previously held by Brook Lopez. Similar to Lopez, Turner provides the combination of three-point shooting and interior defense as a shot blocker. Being younger and more athletic than Lopez, Turner brings added versatility in pick-and-roll and switch defense situations. Fantasy-wise, Turner`s statistical output is projected to remain consistent with his recent seasons with the Pacers, where he averaged 16.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and 1.7 three-pointers per game over the last three years.
Milwaukee`s decision to waive Damian Lillard was a surprising development. The team traded for the All-Star point guard just two years prior with the aim of boosting championship contention. By releasing him, the Bucks are obligated to pay the remaining $113 million on his contract, which will be stretched over the next five seasons. Assuming Lillard clears waivers, his next destination is uncertain, though a move to a contending team is likely. His availability remains a question as he recovers from a torn Achilles. It is unclear if he will attempt to play at some point in the 2025-26 season or sit out entirely. Previously, Lillard was reportedly interested in joining the Miami Heat, and the Minnesota Timberwolves, who seek a point guard upgrade after consecutive Western Conference Finals appearances, could also be a potential landing spot.
Cameron Johnson traded from Nets to Nuggets for Michael Porter Jr.
Michael Porter Jr. is poised for a significant fantasy value boost in Brooklyn. Moving from the title-contending Nuggets, where he averaged 18.2 points and 7.0 rebounds last season with a limited role, he will likely step into a featured scoring position on a rebuilding Nets team lacking offensive creators. This transition is expected to increase his shot volume and usage rate, potentially pushing his scoring average above 20 points per game for the first time. However, fantasy managers should anticipate a dip in efficiency, as his high field goal percentage in Denver benefited significantly from looks generated by Nikola Jokic. Porter Jr. has a low career free-throw rate (79.5%) and minimal assists (1.4 APG career). If he can maintain his health, which has been a recurring concern, he represents a high-upside middle-round fantasy pick in both category and points leagues.
Conversely, Cameron Johnson transitions into a more efficient role in Denver. Playing alongside Nikola Jokic should enhance his already strong shooting profile. Last season with Brooklyn, Johnson averaged 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.0 steals, and shot 39.0% from three-point range. While his scoring volume might decrease, expect improved efficiency on his 45.3% field goal and 85.2% free-throw splits. Johnson`s career 39.2% three-point accuracy becomes even more valuable with Jokic creating open looks. He is a reliable mid-to-late round fantasy option in both points and category formats, with potential gains in field goal percentage and steals.
In summary, Porter Jr. sees a short-term fantasy increase driven by higher usage, while Johnson offers a higher floor and potentially lower ceiling within Denver`s structured offense. Both are solid mid-round draft targets, with Porter Jr. carrying more upside alongside greater injury risk.
D`Angelo Russell signs with Dallas Mavericks
D`Angelo Russell joining the Mavericks brings him onto the fantasy basketball radar, particularly while Kyrie Irving is sidelined with an 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, playing for the Lakers and Timberwolves, his averages were higher: 18.2 points, 6.3 assists, and 2.8 three-pointers in 31.4 minutes. With Irving out, Russell is projected to start at point guard and serve as a primary perimeter scoring option, likely seeing minutes in the upper-20s or more. Despite Anthony Davis and potentially Cooper Flagg being top offensive options, Russell should have opportunities to produce in the mid-teens for scoring, along with solid assist and three-point shooting numbers. He projects as a top-100 fantasy player overall, with potential top-60 upside while Irving is unavailable.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker heads to Hawks in sign-and-trade
Nickeil Alexander-Walker agreed to a four-year, $62 million contract with the Atlanta Hawks, arriving via a sign-and-trade deal from the Minnesota Timberwolves that sent a 2027 second-round pick and cash to Minnesota. This move does not significantly boost Alexander-Walker`s fantasy value. He established himself as a strong 3-and-D player in Minnesota, posting 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 0.6 steals in 25.3 minutes per game last season while shooting 38.1% from beyond the arc. Alexander-Walker has also demonstrated durability, playing in all 82 games in each of the past two seasons, and is recognized as a high-level perimeter defender.
In Atlanta, Alexander-Walker joins a crowded guard rotation featuring Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, and newly acquired sharpshooter Luke Kennard. While he offers valuable defense and some ball-handling, he is not a high-usage player and may be limited to a low-minute role unless injuries occur. His real-life defensive contribution is clear, but in fantasy terms, he is best viewed as a late-round or waiver-wire option. Managers in deep leagues or those punting scoring categories might take a chance, hoping for standout three-point shooting and defensive stats if he earns sufficient playing time.
Ty Jerome signs with Memphis Grizzlies
Ty Jerome`s signing with Memphis follows a productive season with the Cavaliers where he averaged 12.5 points, 3.4 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals with efficient shooting. From a fantasy perspective, Jerome`s value relies on his scoring efficiency and secondary playmaking, particularly relevant in deeper points leagues or category formats. While not expected to start, the Grizzlies may lean on his offense following the Desmond Bane trade, and with Luke Kennard also departing, Jerome could carve out a consistent sixth-man role.
His minutes played in Cleveland (19.9 MPG) could potentially increase in Memphis given the team`s relative lack of proven scorers behind Ja Morant and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. However, expectations should be tempered. Jerome`s upside is tied to his efficiency and opportunity, and he is not known for high-volume production. His defensive limitations and injury history (including missing the 2023-24 season due to ankle surgery) also limit his fantasy ceiling.
For the Cavaliers, Jerome`s departure is largely fantasy-neutral. Cleveland loses a quality bench player but possesses internal options to absorb his role.
Despite struggling in the playoffs, Jerome`s signing is one of the free agency period`s better values. He offers deep-league intrigue due to his elite shooting splits and potential usage increase in Memphis. He is best considered a late-round flier with upside if minutes become available.
Collin Sexton traded from Jazz to Hornets for Jusuf Nurkic
Collin Sexton steps into a prominent role as the Hornets` secondary scoring option alongside LaMelo Ball. Sexton`s 18.4 points per game last season, coupled with strong shooting splits (48.0% FG, 40.6% 3PT, 86.5% FT), makes him a valuable fantasy asset. With Ball drawing significant defensive attention, Sexton is likely to see increased scoring opportunities and playmaking responsibilities, boosting his fantasy potential. Sexton`s value could rise even further if Ball experiences health issues, which is a valid concern given Ball`s history of injuries, having played over 60 games only once and averaging just 35 games over the past three seasons. However, the loss of Nurkic leaves Charlotte`s frontcourt thin, which might affect team pace and limit frontcourt fantasy production.
Jusuf Nurkic provides the Jazz with much-needed frontcourt depth. His averages of 8.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists last season, along with occasional three-point shooting, make him a versatile contributor in multi-category fantasy leagues. While not a high-volume scorer, Nurkic`s consistent production is beneficial for managers seeking rebounds and assists from the center position. His expiring contract and the Jazz`s focus on developing a young core around rookie Ace Bailey suggest his role could vary.
From a team perspective, the Hornets gain a dependable scoring guard who complements Ball effectively, adding offensive versatility and veteran experience. However, Charlotte now faces a notable deficit in the frontcourt, which might influence overall team performance and playing style. Utah strengthens its frontcourt depth with Nurkic, providing veteran leadership for their young players and potentially freeing up more backcourt minutes for prospects like Ace Bailey. This trade highlights the Jazz`s commitment to a youth-focused rebuilding strategy, while the Hornets balance immediate backcourt needs against frontcourt uncertainty.
For fantasy managers, Sexton emerges as a strong addition or player to hold, offering scoring and efficiency in a favorable role. Nurkic is a solid option in deeper leagues, contributing across rebounds, assists, and some scoring. The future roles and team directions for both players should be closely monitored as the new season begins.
Lonzo Ball traded from Bulls to Cavaliers for Isaac Okoro
In a move impacting both real-life rosters and fantasy potential, the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired Lonzo Ball from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for forward Isaac Okoro. Ball, who returned last season after a two-year absence due to knee issues, played 35 games for the Bulls, averaging 7.6 points, 3.3 assists, and 3.4 rebounds. He now joins Darius Garland in Cleveland, adding size, defensive tenacity, and playmaking to a team that struggled with backcourt depth during the playoffs.
From a fantasy standpoint, Ball`s upside remains limited unless Garland misses time, but he could offer streaming value in deeper leagues, particularly for contributions in steals and assists. However, his extensive injury history and the presence of Donovan Mitchell and Caris LeVert restrict his potential role and ceiling. Ty Jerome, who had become a reliable bench option for Cleveland, is now expected to sign elsewhere in free agency.
For the Bulls, Isaac Okoro immediately becomes a rotation player. His defensive skills align well with Coby White and Zach LaVine. Last season, he averaged 6.1 points and shot 37.1% from three-point range. Okoro`s fantasy appeal is minimal outside of very deep leagues, but he might see increased minutes if Chicago makes further roster adjustments. Overall, this trade represents a minor fantasy shakeup. Ball gets a fresh start, Okoro potentially a larger role, and fantasy managers should observe how both players adapt during the preseason.
Mark Williams traded from the Hornets to the Suns
The Suns acquired 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 move is a strategic effort to strengthen Phoenix`s frontcourt, which lacked depth last season. Williams, a former No. 15 overall pick, had his best statistical season recently, averaging 15.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 26.6 minutes per game. However, he has been affected by injuries, appearing in only 106 games since entering the league.
Williams enters a potentially crowded frontcourt rotation in Phoenix alongside Nick Richards and Khaman Maluach, the Suns` No. 10 overall draft pick. Given that Maluach may require development time, Williams is projected to have a significant role if he can remain healthy. His fantasy upside remains high, but the distribution of minutes could cap his ceiling unless Phoenix makes additional roster moves. Draft Williams with cautious optimism, especially in deeper leagues.
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`s statistics were remarkably similar: 21.1 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds. This trade was primarily executed for the Pelicans to become younger and for the Wizards to gain financial flexibility. From a pure on-court fantasy perspective, the players are comparable enough that their outlooks may not drastically change in their new environments.
Poole and McCollum could essentially absorb each other`s previous shot attempts and on-ball responsibilities, meaning their fantasy basketball value wouldn`t change significantly based purely on the move itself. McCollum`s role could potentially decrease slightly in Washington if the Wizards fully commit to a rebuild and youth movement, or he might be traded again to a contender where his production needs might be lower if that team already has strong players at his position. However, from a basketball role standpoint, Poole`s move appears largely lateral in terms of his immediate usage, and his preseason fantasy ranking is unlikely to shift dramatically as a direct result of this trade.
Kristaps Porzingis traded to Hawks for Georges Niang
In a significant cost-saving measure, the Celtics traded Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks as part of a three-team deal 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 high-upside but injury-prone fantasy asset. He has played fewer than 60 games in seven of the last eight seasons and was limited to just 42 appearances in 2024-25 due to injury and illness.
In Atlanta, Porzingis addresses a clear need in the frontcourt alongside Trae Young, but his exact role might not be entirely secure. The Hawks could still divide minutes between him and Onyeka Okongwu, who performed well with extended playing time last season. Even if Porzingis starts, his minutes might hover in the mid-20s, continuing a trend seen over the past two seasons. Fantasy managers should closely monitor Atlanta`s rotations during the preseason.
In Boston, Georges Niang could potentially compete for a starting role and is the most likely fantasy beneficiary among the secondary players involved. He averaged 12.1 points and 3.1 rebounds in Atlanta last season and may benefit from increased volume on a retooling Celtics roster.
Other notable offseason transactions include Jrue Holiday traded to the Trail Blazers for Anfernee Simons; Kevin Durant traded to the Rockets for Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks; and Desmond Bane traded to the Magic for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony. These moves also carry significant fantasy implications worth evaluating for the upcoming season.
