Fantasy basketball experts André Snellings and Eric Moody track the latest NBA offseason trades and signings, providing analysis and fantasy outlooks for the key players involved. While superstars like Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Giannis Antetokounmpo dominated last season, upcoming challenges include several prominent players expected to miss significant time in 2025-26, such as Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard, and Kyrie Irving. With players like Desmond Bane, Kevin Durant, and Jalen Green already changing teams, monitoring how roster changes impact fantasy values is crucial as teams rebuild.
Milwaukee Bucks: Myles Turner Signed, Damian Lillard Released
Myles Turner is an excellent addition for the Bucks, slotting into the center position previously held by Brook Lopez. Like Lopez, Turner can shoot threes and defend the paint as a shot blocker. Being younger and more athletic, Turner is more effective in pick-and-roll defense and switching. His statistical production should remain similar to his time with the Pacers, where he averaged 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. Acquired two years ago to boost championship contention, cutting him means the team is liable for the remaining $113M of his contract, which will be stretched over five years. Assuming Lillard clears waivers, his next destination is the main question. He is free to sign with any team, likely a contender.
However, his availability is uncertain due to a torn Achilles injury. It`s unknown if he will attempt a return in 2025-26 or sit out the entire season. Lillard was reportedly interested in joining the Miami Heat before the Bucks trade, and another potential team is the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are looking for a point guard upgrade after two straight Western Conference Finals appearances.
Brooklyn Nets and Denver Nuggets: Cameron Johnson for Michael Porter Jr. Trade
Michael Porter Jr. is likely to see a fantasy boost in Brooklyn. Moving from a championship contender in Denver where he averaged 18.2 PPG, 7.0 RPG, and shot 39.7% from deep with limited usage, he will now take on a primary scoring role for a rebuilding Nets team lacking shot creation. This should lead to increased shot volume and usage rate, potentially pushing his scoring past 20 PPG for the first time. However, fantasy managers should anticipate a drop in efficiency compared to his time in Denver, where Nikola Jokic generated open looks (over 50% FG). Porter Jr.`s career free-throw rate is low (79.5%), and his assist numbers (1.4 APG career) remain minimal. If he can stay healthy (a significant concern), he offers high upside as a middle-round fantasy pick in both category and points leagues.
Cameron Johnson moves into a more efficient role in Denver. Playing alongside Nikola Jokic should enhance his already strong shooting. Last season with Brooklyn, Johnson averaged 18.8 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.0 SPG, and shot 39.0% from three. While his scoring volume might decrease, expect improved efficiency on his 45.3% FG and 85.2% FT splits. Johnson`s career 39.2% mark from three-point range becomes even more valuable with Jokic creating open opportunities. Johnson is a reliable mid-to-late round fantasy option with potential gains in field goal percentage and steals.
In summary, Michael Porter Jr. receives a short-term fantasy bump, particularly in leagues valuing usage. Cameron Johnson becomes a high-floor, lower-ceiling option within Denver`s structured offense. Both are mid-round targets, with Porter Jr. presenting higher upside but also greater health risk.
Dallas Mavericks: D`Angelo Russell Signed
D`Angelo Russell`s signing with the Mavericks places him firmly on the fantasy radar, especially while Kyrie Irving is sidelined with an Achilles injury. Last season, Russell averaged 12.6 PPG, 5.1 APG, and 1.9 3PG in 25.5 MPG. In the four prior seasons with the Lakers and Timberwolves, he averaged 18.2 PPG, 6.3 RPG, and 2.8 3PG in 31.4 MPG. With Irving out, Russell is projected as the starting point guard and a primary perimeter threat, likely seeing minutes in the upper-20s or more. Even with Anthony Davis and potentially Cooper Flagg as top offensive options, Russell should have opportunities for mid-teens scoring with solid assist and three-point production. He projects as a top-100 fantasy player overall with potential top-60 upside during Irving`s absence.
Atlanta Hawks: Nickeil Alexander-Walker via Sign-and-Trade
Nickeil Alexander-Walker agreed to a four-year, $62 million deal with the Atlanta Hawks via a sign-and-trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves, with Atlanta sending a 2027 second-round pick and cash. This move doesn`t significantly elevate Alexander-Walker`s fantasy value. In Minnesota, the 26-year-old established himself in a strong 3-and-D role, averaging 9.4 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.7 APG, and 0.6 SPG in 25.3 MPG last season while shooting 38.1% from beyond the arc. He also played all 82 games in each of the last two years and is respected as a high-level perimeter defender.
In Atlanta, Alexander-Walker joins a crowded backcourt rotation including Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, and new addition Luke Kennard. While he offers premium defense and some ball-handling, he is not a high-usage player and may see limited minutes unless injuries create opportunities. His real-life value is clear, but in fantasy, he remains a late-round or waiver-wire option at best. Managers in deep leagues or those punting scoring might consider him as a flier, hoping for strong three-point shooting and defensive stats if he secures a favorable role.
Memphis Grizzlies: Ty Jerome Signed
Ty Jerome`s move to Memphis follows a productive season with the Cavaliers, where he averaged 12.5 PPG, 3.4 APG, 2.5 RPG, and 1.1 SPG with elite shooting splits. From a fantasy viewpoint, Jerome`s value is tied to his efficient scoring and playmaking off the bench, particularly in deeper points leagues or category formats. While a starting role is unlikely, the Grizzlies may rely on his offense more after the Desmond Bane trade. With Luke Kennard also leaving for Atlanta, Jerome could establish a consistent sixth-man role.
His minutes (19.9 MPG in Cleveland) might slightly increase in Memphis given the team`s limited proven scorers behind Ja Morant and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. However, fantasy expectations should be managed. Jerome`s upside depends on his efficiency and opportunity, and he`s not known for high-volume production. His defensive limitations and injury history (including missing the 2023-24 season due to ankle surgery) also cap his ceiling.
For the Cavaliers, Jerome`s departure is largely a fantasy non-event, as they have internal options to fill his bench role.
Despite struggles in the playoffs, Jerome`s signing is one of free agency`s better values. He offers deep-league potential due to elite shooting and a possible usage boost in Memphis. He`s best considered a late-round flier with upside if minutes become available.
Charlotte Hornets and Utah Jazz: Collin Sexton for Jusuf Nurkic Trade
Collin Sexton steps into a prominent role as the Charlotte Hornets` secondary scorer alongside LaMelo Ball. Sexton`s 18.4 PPG last season, combined with efficient shooting (48.0% FG, 40.6% 3PT, 86.5% FT), makes him a valuable fantasy asset. With Ball drawing defensive attention, Sexton should find increased scoring opportunities and playmaking duties, enhancing his fantasy upside. His value further increases if Ball faces injury issues, which is a significant concern given Ball`s history (played over 60 games only once, averaged 35 games over the past three seasons). However, the departure of Nurkic leaves Charlotte thin in the frontcourt, potentially slowing the team`s pace and limiting frontcourt fantasy production.
Jusuf Nurkic provides much-needed frontcourt depth for Utah. His averages of 8.9 PPG, 7.8 RPG, and 2.3 APG last season, plus occasional threes, make him a versatile multi-category contributor. While not a high-volume scorer, Nurkic`s steady production benefits managers seeking rebounds and assists from a center spot. His expiring contract and the Jazz`s focus on youth around rookie Ace Bailey mean his role could fluctuate.
From a team perspective, Charlotte gains a reliable scoring guard complementing Ball, adding offensive options and veteran experience. However, the significant frontcourt gap left by Nurkic may affect overall team performance and pace. Utah bolsters its frontcourt with Nurkic, offering veteran leadership for their young core and allowing more backcourt minutes for promising rookies like Ace Bailey. This trade underscores Utah`s commitment to a youth-centric rebuild, while Charlotte balances immediate backcourt needs against frontcourt uncertainty.
For fantasy managers, Sexton emerges as a strong addition or hold, providing scoring and efficiency in a favorable role. Nurkic is a solid deep-league option, contributing rebounds, assists, and some scoring. Closely monitoring both players` roles and team directions as the season begins is advisable.
Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers: Lonzo Ball for Isaac Okoro Trade
In a move impacting both real-life 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 due to knee injuries, played 35 games for the Bulls, averaging 7.6 PPG, 3.3 APG, and 3.4 RPG. He now joins Cleveland behind Darius Garland, adding size, defensive intensity, and playmaking to a team that lacked backcourt depth in the playoffs.
Fantasy-wise, Ball`s upside remains limited unless Garland is absent. However, he could offer streaming value in deeper leagues, particularly in categories like steals and assists. His extensive injury history and the presence of Donovan Mitchell and Caris LeVert restrict his role and ceiling. Ty Jerome, who had become a reliable bench option for Cleveland, is now likely to sign elsewhere.
For the Bulls, Isaac Okoro immediately becomes a rotation player. His defensive skills complement Coby White and Zach LaVine well. Last season, he averaged 6.1 PPG and shot 37.1% from three. Okoro`s fantasy appeal is minimal outside of deeper leagues, but he might benefit from increased minutes if the Bulls make further roster changes. Overall, the trade represents a modest fantasy shift. Ball gets a fresh start, Okoro potentially a larger role, and managers should observe their adaptation in the preseason.
Charlotte Hornets and Phoenix Suns: Mark Williams Traded to Suns
The Phoenix Suns acquired Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets 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 No. 15 pick, is coming off his best year with averages of 15.3 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 2.5 APG, and 1.2 BPG in 26.6 MPG. However, he has faced injury struggles, appearing in just 106 games since entering the league.
Williams joins a potentially crowded rotation with fellow bigs Nick Richards and Khaman Maluach, the Suns` No. 10 overall pick. As Maluach may require development time, Williams is projected for a significant role if he can maintain his health. His upside remains high, but the minutes distribution could limit his ceiling unless Phoenix makes additional moves. Draft Williams with cautious optimism, particularly in deeper fantasy leagues.
New Orleans Pelicans and Washington Wizards: Jordan Poole for CJ McCollum Trade
Last season, Jordan Poole led the Wizards with 20.5 PPG, adding 4.5 APG and 3.0 RPG. For the Pelicans, CJ McCollum had nearly identical stats: 21.1 PPG, 4.1 APG, and 3.8 RPG. This trade was primarily intended for New Orleans to get younger and Washington to gain financial flexibility. On the court, the two players are similar enough that their fantasy outlooks are not drastically altered in their new teams.
Poole and McCollum could essentially swap their previous shot attempts and on-ball usage, resulting in minimal change to their fantasy value purely from a basketball perspective. McCollum`s role might slightly decrease in Washington if the Wizards fully commit to a rebuild/youth movement, or he could be traded to a contender where less production is needed if they have established players at his position. However, basketball-wise, Poole`s move is essentially lateral in terms of role, and his preseason fantasy ranking is unlikely to shift significantly after the trade.
Atlanta Hawks and Boston Celtics: Kristaps Porzingis for Georges Niang Trade (Three-Team Deal)
In a significant cost-saving move, the 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 PPG, 6.8 RPG, and 2.1 APG on 48.3% shooting last season, remains a high-upside but risky fantasy asset. He has played fewer than 60 games in seven of the last eight seasons and only appeared in 42 contests in 2024-25 due to injury and illness.
In Atlanta, Porzingis addresses a clear frontcourt need alongside Trae Young, but his role might not be completely 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 could stay in the mid-20s, continuing a trend from the past two seasons. Fantasy managers should closely monitor Atlanta`s preseason rotations.
In Boston, Georges Niang could compete for a starting spot and appears to be the most significant fantasy beneficiary among the secondary pieces. He averaged 12.1 PPG and 3.1 RPG in Atlanta last season and may see increased volume on a retooling Celtics roster.
