The 2025 NBA trade deadline is here, and there’s been no shortage of action. Below is each trade and how the moves will impact fantasy basketball. Check back throughout the day for updates.
– Mavericks trade Luka Doncic to Lakers, receiving Anthony Davis
– De’Aaron Fox joins forces with Victor Wembanyama, and Zach LaVine reunites with DeMar DeRozan
– Jimmy Butler traded to the Warriors as part of a four-team deal, Andrew Wiggins headed to Miami
Bucks acquire Kyle Kuzma from Washington
Milwaukee moved a key contributor to its 2021 title team on Wednesday, sending Khris Middleton, rookie guard AJ Johnson, and a 2028 pick swap to the Wizards in exchange for Kuzma, Patrick Baldwin Jr., and a future second-round pick. Middleton, who underwent surgery on both ankles this past offseason, has been a shell of himself as he works his way back from those procedures. While the production had improved, it was fair to wonder if Middleton would return to the wing scorer that he was pre-injuries. The Bucks couldn’t afford to wait much longer, as the team is very much in “win-now” mode due to the presence of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
As for Middleton’s fantasy potential in Washington, it doesn’t look good. The Wizards have two wings who were first-round picks: Bilal Coulibaly (second year) and Kyshawn George (rookie). They need to play, and there are also rookies Bub Carrington and Alexandre Sarr at the point and center positions. Player development has been the focus for Washington, and Middleton’s timeline doesn’t fit that. While managers who have him rostered should not rush to drop Middleton, the hope is that he’ll wind up where the playing time will be guaranteed for the rest of the season.
While he didn’t offer much fantasy value in Washington this season, Kuzma may be able to change that in Milwaukee. He’s part of a veteran lineup that’s looking to compete for a championship and not playing for a rebuilding squad that’s prioritizing the development of its youngsters. He can provide spacing alongside Antetokounmpo, either as a bigger three or as a four if Milwaukee wants to use Giannis at the five. Kuzma is better than the sub-200 fantasy player he’s been this season. Look for him to be far more valuable to fantasy managers due to this trade. In addition to adding Kuzma to the mix, the Bucks saved about $30 million on their luxury tax bill.
The other two players involved in this trade, Johnson and Baldwin, are unlikely to impact fantasy basketball. However, Johnson may be able to get some run in Washington due to that team’s ongoing rebuild.
Lakers acquire Mark Williams from Hornets for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, and two future picks
For those wondering what the Lakers would do with their 2031 first-round pick, that question was answered a little after midnight Thursday morning. Needing to add a center to the rotation, the Lakers acquired Williams from Charlotte. The Hornets received Knecht, Reddish, the 2031 first (which is unprotected), and a 2030 first-round pick swap.
Williams has promise, but availability and the defensive end of the floor were concerns in Charlotte. He fits the profile of the athletic center that has thrived alongside Luka Doncic in the past. The hope is that those two can form a partnership to lead the Lakers into the post-LeBron era (whenever that happens). Losing Knecht and the picks was a lot, but the Lakers are betting on Williams (and themselves) with this trade.
Knecht may be the biggest winner in this move regarding short-term fantasy value. The rookie wing did not offer much defensively while with the Lakers, which limited his time on the court. But if there’s one thing Knecht can do, it’s score. With Brandon Miller (wrist) out for the rest of the season, Knecht will have ample opportunities to put points on the board, especially if he gets some on-court time with the currently injured LaMelo Ball (ankle). As for Reddish, he had been away from the Lakers for personal reasons, and he’s never been much of a fantasy asset. There’s no need to stash him hoping he gets more run in Charlotte.
Pelicans trade Brandon Ingram to Toronto, receiving Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk and two picks
Between his contract status and the emergence of Trey Murphy, it had become clear that Ingram’s long-term future was unlikely to be in New Orleans. So, he’s headed to Toronto in a trade that nets the Pelicans two players (Brown and Olynyk), a 2026 first-round pick via Indiana (top-4 protected), and a 2025 second-round pick. Ingram’s fit in a rotation headlined by Zion Williamson was awkward due to the floor spacing; that should not be as much of an issue in Toronto. However, Ingram has to stay healthy, and the Raptors need to re-sign him this summer.
Ingram has been out of action since early December with an ankle injury. He has not played more than 65 games in a season since his rookie year (2016-17). His health will determine whether or not he impacts fantasy basketball this season, but he was productive in New Orleans before his most recent injury.
This is an interesting situation for the players headed to New Orleans. Brown, who has value among contending teams, may be headed for a contract buyout. If so, he’s likely to be more valuable to a contending team than to fantasy managers. Olynyk’s contract for next season is guaranteed, and the concern is how his addition impacts Yves Missi and Karlo Matkovic. The two rookies should play plenty down the stretch, but there have been times when Olynyk has offered serious “silly season” value (remember that run in Houston?). There’s no need to add Brown or Olynyk, but keep an eye out for the latter.
Wizards trade Jonas Valanciunas to Sacramento
Valanciunas played well enough in Washington to merit being rostered in standard leagues despite serving as Alexandre Sarr’s backup on most nights. With this trade, that likely changes, as he’ll be backing up one of the NBA’s most productive centers in Domantas Sabonis. Valanciunas is worth holding onto in deep leagues, but that’s about it. He’ll likely be more valuable to the Kings than to fantasy managers.
In exchange for Valanciunas, the Wizards acquired Sidy Cissoko and two second-round picks (2028 via Denver and a 2029 second). Cissoko was waived Thursday morning; this move for Washington was more about the future draft capital than adding a player.
Dallas, Philadelphia exchange Caleb Martin for Quentin Grimes
After acquiring Anthony Davis from the Lakers, there was a feeling that the Mavericks would look to add a wing defender to the mix. Enter Martin, who arrives from Philadelphia with Dallas giving up Grimes and a 2025 second-round pick. While 76ers coach Nick Nurse spoke highly of Martin early in the season, that didn’t translate into fantasy value. Rostered in 5% of Yahoo leagues, he’s ranked outside the top 200 in 8- and 9-cat formats. His offensive ceiling is limited in Dallas, but the ability to defend should ensure Martin consistent playing time.
Adding Grimes gives Philadelphia a young shooter to add to the rotation, but the fantasy impact will be minimal. Like Martin, Grimes is ranked outside the top 200, and he does not bring as much to the table defensively. While he should be in the 76ers’ rotation as they look to rebound from a rough start to the season, Grimes is not a player that fantasy managers should rush to add.
Pelicans trade Daniel Theis to Oklahoma City
While Theis had his moments in New Orleans, beginning the season as the starting center, his fantasy value took a significant hit once rookie Yves Missi replaced him in the starting lineup. So, the veteran center is headed to Oklahoma City with a 2031 second-round pick attached, and the Pelicans receive cash in return. It’s a cost-cutting move for New Orleans, and the Thunder add depth in the post. Theis will be even less valuable to fantasy managers in Oklahoma City. Isaiah Hartenstein and Jaylin Williams are in the rotation, and Chet Holmgren has been cleared to return from the hip injury he suffered on November 10.
Raptors send Davion Mitchell to Miami for Tucker, picks
“Off Night” is headed to South Beach, as the Raptors have traded Mitchell to Miami in exchange for P.J. Tucker and two second-round picks. Due to Immanuel Quickley’s injuries, Mitchell had moments this season where he was worth streaming for the assist production. However, moving to Miami likely caps his already-low fantasy ceiling due to the presence of Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier. Mitchell can offer value as a defensive reserve, but that isn’t enough to merit being rostered in fantasy leagues unless someone ahead of him in the rotation suffers an injury. Tucker has yet to play a game this season, and it’s difficult to envision him suiting up for the Raptors.
Knicks send Jericho Sims to Milwaukee
Sims played inconsistent minutes in New York, with Precious Achiuwa and (more recently) rookie Ariel Hukporti passing him in the rotation. Add in the eventual return of Mitchell Robinson (ankle), who has been cleared for full contact, and there wasn’t much need to hold onto him. So, Sims is headed to Milwaukee, with the Bucks sending Delon Wright and cash to the Knicks. Like Sims, Wright fell down the depth chart in Milwaukee and is unlikely to impact fantasy basketball in New York. Neither player will impact fantasy basketball in their new homes.
Celtics trade Jaden Springer to Houston
Springer could not earn consistent rotation minutes in Boston, and he’s headed to a team with depth on the perimeter. For the Celtics, who received a 2031 second-round pick (top-55 protected), this move frees up a roster spot and cuts their luxury tax bill. Targeting a veteran who can contribute on the veteran’s minimum will be cheaper than keeping Springer, so he’s headed to Houston. The Rockets also received a 2030 second-round pick in this move that will not impact fantasy basketball.
76ers send KJ Martin to Detroit for draft picks
Philadelphia made a cost-cutting move on Wednesday, trading Martin and two second-round picks (2027 via Milwaukee, 2031 via Dallas) to Detroit in exchange for cash. Recently sidelined by a foot injury, Martin offered minimal fantasy value when healthy. While he may be able to give the Pistons additional frontcourt depth, this move will not impact fantasy basketball.
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