Here are some of the most important moves so far. Fantasy impact is more directly related to dynasty formats, but many of the points stand for redraft as well.
The Blockbuster:
Utah major adds:
• Jaren Jackson Jr.
• Jock Landale
Memphis major adds:
• Walter Clayton Jr.
• 3 First Round Picks
Impact: Jaren Jackson Jr. - Expect Jaren’s production to remain around the same, potentially with a slight dip. He will be relied upon very heavily defensively, which is likely to help his steal and block numbers, but he has more competition offensively. JJJ stock is slightly down. However, if the Jazz end up trading Lauri Markkanen, his value explodes in dynasty formats.
Jock Landale - Landale outperformed expectations in Memphis this season. He has been a solid stretch big and offensive threat. In the likely scenario that Lauri remains with the Jazz for the rest of the season, Jock’s dynasty value falls significantly as he is in the mix of a loaded Jazz frontcourt.
Walter Clayton Jr. - Value rises significantly. The rookie has been a microwave scorer off the bench in Utah, and showed some ability as a playmaker. He is an older, more experienced rookie who could find a much bigger role in Memphis, especially in the likely scenario that Ja Morant is traded. Clayton is not an elite dynasty asset, but his value has improved due to the Grizzlies rebuilding efforts.
Lauri Markkanen - Value falls, competition increases. A Lauri trade is unlikely before the deadline. He is likely to see slightly less shooting volume and usage. Great asset, but a slight fall as an asset.
Keyonte George - Value increases. With Walter Clayton Jr. on the move, we can expect to see Keyonte stay on the court a bit motr (if the Jazz let him play). Hold on Keyonte.
Cedric Coward - Value explosion. With less competition in the Memphis frontcourt, Coward becomes the star of the show. He has been fantastic as a rookie, and looks to make his elite rookie season look even better. Buy on Coward for the right price.
Harden is Traveling
Cavs major adds:
• James Harden
Clippers major adds:
• Darius Garland
Impact:
James Harden - His value remains relatively stable. We all know who Harden is at the moment, which is a great scorer and playmaker at 36 years old. The Cavs were ready to move on to a new ball handler, and Harden fits the bill. Hold on to Harden if you have him in dynasty as a win now team.
Darius Garland - Dynasty value gets a bump. Garland has been held back by injury this season, but is a great point guard who can get the job done as a scorer. It is unknown if the Clippers will ever truly commit to a full rebuild. but Garland would be a key piece of the future if they do so.
Donovan Mitchell - Value relatively stable. Mitchell might see slightly lower usage with Harden as the primary ball handler, but Harden is known for his ability to find teammates open shots. Hold on DMitch.
Vucci Mane on the Move
Celtics major adds:
• Nikola Vucevic
Bulls major adds:
• Anfernee Simons
Impact:
Nikola Vucevic - Value falls. Vucevic is a great stretch big, but has his weaknesses on defense. Luckily for him, the Celtics have great defenders all over the court who can cover up his flaws. The real reason his dynasty value takes a hit is due to the Celtics big man rotation. Vucevic is a slightly older center who will be splitting time with the likes of Neemias Queta and Luka Garza. Neither are elite bigs, but have outperformed expectations.Vucevic is still a great win now piece, but takes a slight hit, especially with the eventual return of Tatum.
Anfernee Simons - Value rises. Anf has been a solid bench microwave for the Celtics, but is seeking a bigger role in his contract year. The Celtics seem to be interested in moving on from both Coby White and Ayo Dosumnu, which would be very favorable for Simons. Expect him to get more opportunities, and turn those opportunities into fantasy value. Buy on Simons.
Other smaller moves:
• Jaden Ivey to Chicago 📉
• Keon Ellis to Cleveland 📈📈📈
• Denns Schroder to Cleveland 📉