The Blockbuster:
• - Bucks Receive: Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, and a massive pick package.
• - Heat Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis
Winners:
Davion Mitchell: The Heat just completely hollowed out their guard depth, leaving Mitchell as the only true ball handling guard. He has been solid in category leagues for a while now, highlighted by his solid scoring, playmaking, and steal numbers. With increased responsibility, and a rejuvenated defense, expect to see Davion improve his production. With a dominant defensive front court, Mitchell will likely have even more opportunities to generate steals, one of the most important parts of his game.
Loading tweet...
Kel’el Ware: Easily the biggest winner from this trade. He is a hyper talented big man that seemed to be at odds with the Heat coaching staff. He has all the potential to be a dominant glass cleaner with tons of offensive upside. In a rebuilding situation, expect him to get starter-level minutes, and huge blow-up games. Ware was already a top 75 dynasty asset, but on a rebuilding team with more opportunity, don’t be surprised if he averages better than 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks.
Loading tweet...
Giannis Antetokounmpo: The saga is finally over, and Giannis is part of a new organization. The Heat’s core has been mostly gutted, but the starting lineup is strong and well built. I expect the Heat to have a strong offense and dominant defense, and they have enough shooting that Giannis can benefit as a playmaker. As the leader of a true contender once again, you can expect Giannis to play massive minutes, create disruption defensively, and play with the energy required to give you a top 5 fantasy basketball finish. There is more competition on offense, but the Heat invested in him to become the primary offensive initiator, defensive playmaker, and monster on the glass he has been for nearly 10 years. No need to overthink this one.
Losers:
Ryan Rollins: Long-term, he still looks like the lead guard for the Bucks, who trusted in his development. However, he is facing a huge increase in competition for touches and minutes as the starting PG. Jaime Jaquez Jr., Tyler Herro, and Kevin Porter Jr. will all be looking for touches, and Rollins will be the high usage player they take some from.
Ousmane Dieng: After looking like he was close to having a true breakout season, the future is looking bleak for Ousmane. He served as a great pickup for the Bucks, but his competition as a developing big is intense. Kel’el Ware is going to be a long term option in a similar role, and the Bucks are all but certain to draft a big such as Aday Mara, Nate Ament, or Morez Johnson Jr. in today’s NBA draft. The competition can’t be ignored. Keep a close eye on his contract situation.
Loading tweet...
Nets-Timberwolves Trade:
- Nets Receive: Julius Randle
• - Bulls Receive: Nic Claxton
Winners:
Nic Claxton: He joins a team in desperate need of help at the center position after last season’s Vucevic trade. In all likelihood, the Bulls will pair him with rookie forward Caleb Wilson, forming a solid front court duo in Chicago. Expect Claxton to benefit from his new scenery, and for the Bulls to build around a new big man duo.
Ayo Dosunmu: The Wolves traded away Julius Randle to increase their cap situation, likely directly related to the resigning of players like Ayo. He had a great playoff run, the the Wolves seem eager to give him increased opportunity and responsibility in the offense. Expect to see another solid season from Ayo, and improved trust from coach Finch.
Losers:
Michael Porter Jr.: After a great bounce back season, MPJ runs into a huge increase in competition from a ball dominant player in Julius Randle. The nets are also likely to bring in an offensive-hub type guard such as Mikel Brown Jr. or Darius Acuff, who they plan to implement quickly for development. Although MPJ might soon be on the trade block, his short-term and long-term outlooks both are pointing down.
Loading tweet...