With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching on Feb. 6 at 3 p.m. ET, teams are making moves that could shift the fantasy basketball landscape. Whether it’s a blockbuster trade like the Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis swap or a subtle roster tweak, every transaction has fantasy implications.
Our fantasy experts Andre Snellings and Eric Moody are here to break down the fantasy impact of the most notable deals.
Kyle Kuzma to Milwaukee, Khris Middleton to Washington
Trade details: The Bucks acquired Kuzma, Patrick Baldwin Jr. and second round compensation from the Wizards in return for Middleton, rookie AJ Johnson and a pick swap.
Kuzma on the Bucks: For the last four seasons, Kuzma was one of the leading scorers on a Wizards team with no playoff aspirations. This typically meant plenty of shots and good offensive volume. But his role with the Bucks will be more similar to the role he played when he played with the Lakers from 2019-20 through 2020-21. He will be a tertiary scoring option, this time playing off Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard instead of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and he will be expected to stretch the floor from the wing and help out on the glass.
As far as expected numbers are concerned, in 2020-21 Kuzma averaged 12.9 PPG (44.3 FG%, 36.1 FT%), 6.1 RPG and 2.0 3PG. That volume would be far short of his last couple seasons in Washington (21.7 PPG in the previous two seasons), but not far off where he has been this season in an off-year (15.2 PPG). This level of production, with the expected improved efficiency from where he has been this season (42.0 FG%, 28.1 3P%) would land Kuzma as a fringe flex/streamer option in fantasy hoops leagues moving forward.
Middleton on the Wizards: I don’t have any fantasy hoops expectations for Middleton in Washington. And even if he eventually moves on to a different contender, Middleton has a long way to go to prove he is healthy enough to be relied upon in fantasy hoops in 2025. I wouldn’t recommend rostering Middleton unless you have a deep bench and a lot of patience, and can afford the risk of potentially not getting any return on the roster spot. — Snellings
De’Aaron Fox to San Antonio, Zach LaVine to Sacramento
Trade details: In a three-team deal, the Spurs acquired Fox and Jordan McLaughlin; the Kings added LaVine, Sidy Cissoko, a 2025 first-round pick (top-14 protected; via Charlotte), a 2027 first-round pick (via San Antonio), a 2031 first-round pick (via Minnesota), a 2025 second-round pick (via Chicago), a 2028 second-round pick (via Denver) and a 2028 second-round pick; the Bulls received Zach Collins, Kevin Huerter, Tre Jones and a 2025 first round pick (via San Antonio).
Click here for a full breakdown of the fantasy impact of the trade.
Luka Doncic to Los Angeles Lakers, Anthony Davis to Dallas
Trade details: In a three-team deal, the Lakers acquired Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris; the Mavericks added Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick (via Lakers); the Utah Jazz received Jalen Hood-Schifino, a 2025 second-round pick (via LA Clippers) and a 2025 second-round pick (via Dallas).
Click here for a full breakdown of the fantasy impact of the trade.
Source: espn.com