Fantasy basketball additions: Consider Ace Bailey, Ty Jerome
The NBA trade deadline is approaching this Thursday, and the right transactions could potentially alter the entire dynamics of the league.
While some minor trades have already occurred this weekend, the focus remains on possible blockbuster deals involving superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Ja Morant. When significant trades take place, it’s not only the headline players whose statistics are impacted. Trades can disrupt team structures after stars depart, allowing players who previously had limited roles to seize new opportunities.
We will provide comprehensive coverage of every trade that occurs, so stay tuned to track players who may transition from benchwarmers to fantasy starters. For the moment, we will examine the current situations and explore the free agency wire to pinpoint under-rostered players who can enhance your fantasy teams.
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Point guard
Ty Jerome, PG, Memphis Grizzlies (rostered in 39.8% of ESPN leagues): Jerome made his debut with the Grizzlies on Saturday after missing the first 46 games of the season due to a calf injury. He started at point guard despite being on a minutes restriction, scoring 20 points and providing six assists in just 19 minutes. With Morant out, Jerome appears set for a significant role while pushing Cam Spencer back to the bench.
Egor Demin, PG, Brooklyn Nets (29.5%): Demin continues to perform well when on the floor, achieving new career highs of 25 points and 10 rebounds on Friday. He needs to enhance his consistency and availability, but he possesses talent and can handle a substantial role with the rebuilding Nets.
Shooting guard
Ayo Dosunmu, SG, Chicago Bulls (31.2%): Dosunmu has scored in double figures for six consecutive games, averaging nearly 20 PPG along with several rebounds and assists during this stretch. He remains a key contributor for the Bulls, especially with Josh Giddey dealing with an injury.
Jaylon Tyson, SG/SF, Cleveland Cavaliers (33.8%): Tyson has been logging significant minutes for the Cavaliers this season, particularly when any of the regular starters have been sidelined. This weekend, the Cavaliers traded De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings, which creates additional small forward minutes for Tyson to either maintain or expand his role, even when his teammates are healthy.
Small forward
Saddiq Bey, PF/SF, New Orleans Pelicans (50.3%): This is likely the last time Bey will be featured here, as his recent strong performances should lead to him being rostered in well over half of leagues shortly. Over his last six games, Bey has averaged 25.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, and 3.2 3PG, establishing himself as one of the primary offensive options for the Pelicans.
Ace Bailey, SF, Utah Jazz (27.4%): Bailey entered the weekend having scored in double figures for six straight games, averaging 18.0 PPG and 2.3 3PG during that period. He had a less productive scoring game on Sunday but still made an impact with a career-high 11 rebounds. Bailey was widely regarded as one of the most skilled rookies in this draft class, and he is expected to receive ample playing time in the latter half of the season for the rebuilding Jazz.
Power forward
Kyle Kuzma, PF/SF, Milwaukee Bucks (26.0%): For the time being, Kuzma is the starting power forward for the Bucks with Giannis Antetokounmpo out. If Giannis is indeed traded, this could change, but while he holds this position, Kuzma is an upper-teens scorer with the potential for double-doubles each night. He has also recorded 22 assists over his last four games, showcasing a more balanced level of production.
Moussa Diabate, PF/C, Charlotte Hornets (24.2%): Diabate has established himself as a regular starter for the Hornets and is a consistent double-double threat. He has scored in double figures for six consecutive games, averaging 12.2 PPG and 9.5 RPG during this stretch while converting over 75% of his field goal attempts.
Center
Wendell Carter Jr., C, Orlando Magic (23.4%): Carter is a reliable, workmanlike center. His season averages of 12.1 PPG and 7.3 RPG are indicative of his contributions, but he also provides approximately one steal, one block, and a three-pointer per game, along with occasional scoring bursts exceeding 20 points to keep things engaging.
Yves Missi, C, New Orleans Pelicans (5.9%): Missi has embraced his role as a defensive center recently. In his last four games, he has improved his season-long defensive statistics, averaging 8.0 RPG and 2.5 BPG in 23.3 MPG.
