The NBA trade deadline is always a pivotal moment in the fantasy basketball landscape, with player movements reshaping team dynamics and individual player roles. The 2024 deadline was no different, as teams made strategic trades to bolster their rosters or pave the way for their young talent. In this analysis, we'll delve into the most impactful deals and how they affect fantasy basketball, highlighting the winners and losers of the trade deadline frenzy.
Winners
Marvin Bagley (WAS)
The surprise story of the deadline! Daniel Gafford's departure throws wide open the center minutes in Washington, handing Marvin Bagley a golden opportunity to shine. If you're looking for a potential late-season stud with upside, don't hesitate to scoop Bagley up while he's available. In his limited minutes with the Wizards so far, Bagley's averaging a respectable 15.5 points and eight rebounds with an efficient 61% shooting. In leagues where stashing players on the injured list is permitted, Bagley is an absolute must-add, considering his potential workload upon his return.
Marvin Bagley III has a clear path to fantasy dominance with Daniel Gafford out of town ?
2 games as a starter in WSH: 20.5 PTS, 11.5 REB, 2.0 AST, 1.5 STL & 1.5 BLK (43.8 FPTS)
Stash MB3 on your IL and getcha popcorn ready once his back heals up ?pic.twitter.com/JtG69ZT0HM https://t.co/3IRMkayyrk
Bennedict Mathurin & Aaron Nesmith (IND)
With sharpshooter Buddy Hield out of the picture, the young Pacers duo will benefit immensely. Aaron Nesmith, already showing flashes of brilliance, inherits the starting shooting guard spot and will likely see increased minutes at backup small forward behind Bennedict Mathurin. While Nesmith's overall production hasn't been consistent, his 24% usage rate when Hield sat on the bench this season hints at significant offensive potential. Add Nesmith to your rosters in 12-team points and category leagues for his scoring and three-point prowess.
Nesmith, a top-80 player in nine-category formats since Christmas, has solidified his starting role over the past 21 games. Although Hield wasn't a direct threat, Nesmith shared minutes at SF and SG. With him gone, Hield Nesmith's playing time climb above 30 minutes per game? If so, Nesmith's 59% rostered rate in Yahoo leagues seems significantly undervalued. Grab Nesmith before his stock skyrockets!
GG Jackson & Santi Aldama (MEM)
The Grizzlies' decision to trade away Xavier Tillman and David Roddy opens up a treasure trove of playing time for these intriguing young talents. GG Jackson, a 19-year-old with a skillset reminiscent of Jabari Smith, possesses exciting long-term potential. While Jackson's limited minutes so far haven't translated to massive fantasy production, his 22% usage rate is a promising sign. Keep an eye on him, especially if the Grizzlies continue to lose and rest their core players.
First game following the Tillman and Roddy trades:
GG Jackson: 27 points, 9 rebounds and 4 three-pointers in 32 minutes.
Santi Aldama: 15 points, 5 rebounds and 3 three-pointers over 37 minutes.
Add both where you can. #Grizzlies #FantasyBasketball
Santi Aldama, on the other hand, benefits from the sheer lack of depth in Memphis' frontcourt. Aldama been plagued by injuries throughout his career, but his current statistical season is his best yet. Can Aldama stay healthy and capitalize on this opportunity? Aldama's ability to contribute defensively with 1.4 stocks per game makes him a valuable asset, and his potential for low-end double-doubles adds further intrigue. Consider adding Aldama in 12-team leagues, but temper your expectations due to his injury history.
Cody Martin (CHA)
The Hornets' decision to move on from Gordon Hayward solidifies Cody Martin's role in the rotation, and he's seized the opportunity. Over the past week, Martin has climbed into the top 100 players, averaging 11 points, four rebounds, and a whopping six assists per game. With LaMelo Ball still sidelined, Martin has stepped up as Charlotte's primary playmaker, channeling his inner Jeremy Sochan with improved shooting efficiency. Don't miss out on his recent hot streak – add Martin to your rosters immediately! He might even retain his starting spot at small forward when Ball returns.
Losers
Dereck Lively (DAL)
Injuries haven't helped Dereck Lively's case, and the arrival of another center like Daniel Gafford throws a wrench into his development. Both players offer similar skill sets as athletic rim-runners and rebounders, but Gafford brings more experience and consistency. Lively's rostered rate is under 60% due to inconsistency, and a potential timeshare with Gafford further diminishes his value. Monitor Lively's situation closely, but be prepared to drop him if his playing time dwindles significantly.
Jason Kidd says as of today, he doesn’t foresee Dereck Lively II playing on Saturday against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Josh Giddey (OKC)
The acquisition of Gordon Hayward throws a question mark over Josh Giddey's offensive role. While Hayward hasn't played much recently, his track record as a productive fantasy asset when healthy is undeniable. While Hayward might not replicate his past 15/5/5 averages this season, his shooting alone makes him a better fit for the current Thunder roster. Don't drop Giddey just yet, but be wary of another 6'8" player who primarily facilitates and struggles.
Kelly Oubre Jr (PHI)
The 76ers acquisition of Buddy Hield signals trouble for Kelly Oubre fantasy value. The Sixers craved a sharpshooter for quite some time, and Hield's arrival likely pushes Oubre to a bench role, significantly reducing his minutes and production. While Oubre is currently benefiting from De'Anthony Melton's injury, Melton's imminent return, combined with Hield's presence, creates a crowded backcourt. Historically, Oubre's production dips considerably when his playing time falls below 30 minutes. Look elsewhere for consistent fantasy contributors.
Other names to watch
Ausar Thompson (DET)
Isaiah Stewart's injury thrusts Ausar Thompson into the starting power forward role for the Pistons. While it's likely temporary, Thompson could provide valuable minutes and scoring in deeper leagues, especially considering Detroit's lack of depth at the position. That said, temper expectations once Stewart returns, as Thompson will likely cede his starting spot.
Ausar Thompson ties it!pic.twitter.com/upa4fnwFCn
Xavier Tillman (BOS)
The Celtics acquired Xavier Tillman primarily for his defensive tenacity and rebounding ability, bolstering their frontcourt depth. While Tillman unlikely to consistently crack the starting lineup, injuries to Al Horford or Robert Williams could open up fantasy-relevant minutes. Monitor Tillman's playing time and Boston's injury situation for potential value.
Grant Williams (CHA)
Traded to the Hornets for P.J. Washington, Grant Williams adds much-needed shooting to Charlotte's frontcourt. Williams is a solid three-point shooter with decent rebounding numbers, but his overall offensive production has been limited throughout his career. While Williams might see consistent minutes with the Hornets, don't expect a significant scoring leap. Williams's value lies in his efficient three-point shooting and defensive contributions, making him a role player at best in fantasy.
