The trade deadline was early this season and there were some big deals that went down last week. Here is our breakdown of the biggest deals and the fantasy implications of those trades.
Deal: Sixers trade Landry Shamet, Wilson Chandler, Mike Muscala, 2 first-round picks, and 2 second-round picks to Clippers for Tobias Harris, Boban Marjanovic, and Mike Scott
Fantasy Implications:Harris was having a career year for the Clippers. His numbers will take a hit with the Sixers but he will have an opportunity to shoot the ball plenty as the Sixers try to space the floor more.
Boban Marjanovic will play limited minutes if any at all. Mike Scott will play plenty of minutes but he has no fantasy value what so ever.
For the Clippers, they land a quality young player with scoring upside in Landry Shamet. Shamet is versatile in that he can play point guard, shooting guard and small forward. He will get more minutes with the Clippers which could make him a worthwhile addition down the stretch.
Wilson Chandler will play meaningful minutes for the Clippers but has no value in fantasy. Mike Muscala was traded to the Lakers.
The Clippers adding two first round picks and two second round picks give the ammunition necessary to add a player via trade.
Deal: Mavericks trade Harrison Barnes to Kings for Justin Jackson and Zach Randolph
Fantasy Implications: Barnes value should hold steady. He is currently averaging 13.3 points per game and that total could go up playing in the Sacramento Kings uptempo offense. Barnes is starting and he will benefit playing in Dave Joerger’s system.
The Mavericks will incorporate Jackson in their rotation but he has no value at this moment. Dallas plans to release Zach Randolph.
Deal: Grizzlies Trade Marc Gasol to Raptors for Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright, CJ Miles, and a second-round pick
Fantasy Implications: The Raptors are banking on Gasol’s ability to score in the paint, his rebounding and his leadership to help them take the next step as a contender. Gasol’s numbers will take a hit, especially if he goes from starting to coming off the bench. Now would be a good time to shop Gasol if you own him. You might still get something for him.
Jonas Valanciunas owners will benefit from this trade. Valanciunas had a limited role in Toronto but he will get more touches in Memphis, especially in the low block. Valanciunas is averaging 16.6 points per game. As of now, the plan is Valanciunas to come off the bench but he will eventually start.
Wright and Miles will contribute in reality but they don’t offer any value in fantasy right now.
Deal: Pelicans trade Nikola Mirotic to Bucks for Jason Smith, Stanley Johnson and 4 second-round picks
Fantasy Implications: The Bucks paid a steep price for Mirotic but he is worth it because he is a stretch four who can shoot, play in the paint and even handle the ball. Mirotic gives the Bucks a legitimate bench option. Don’t expect his production to go down much.
As for the Pelicans, they added two productive bench pieces in Smith and Johnson. Neither has any fantasy value however.
Deal: Knicks trade Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr., Courtney Lee, and Trey Burke to Mavericks for Dennis Smith Jr., Wesley Matthews, DeAndre Jordan and 2 first-round picks
Fantasy Implications: The biggest deal of the deadline. Porzingis is not going to play this season but I really like his upside in Dallas’ system moving forward. He and Luca Doncic will make the Mavericks a legit contender in the west. Tim Hardaway’s value should remain what it was in New York. He is starting for the Mavericks and still getting plenty of open looks offensively.
As for the Knicks, it is all about the two first round picks. They need ammo in order to make a run at Anthony Davis this summer. Dennis Smith Jr. is now the starting point guard and his value should increase playing for a hapless Knicks team. DeAndre Jordan’s value should also stay the same because there isn’t any big man on the Knicks bench that can supplant him in terms of playing time.
As big as this deal was, it isn’t really going to affect the value of any player involved.
Deal: Sixers trade Markelle Fultz to the Magic for Jonathon Simmons, first-round pick, second-round pick
Fantasy Implications: A bit of a shocker but you had a feeling the Sixers were going to give up on Fultz. I like this deal for the Magic because you might end with a franchise cornerstone in Fultz. It is highly unlikely he plays this year. He has no fantasy value.
Jonathan Simmons will not get as many minutes in Philly and even if he does, he still cannot shoot.
A limited impact trade in terms of fantasy.