Fantasy fallout from the NBA Trade Deadline

Now that the dust has settled and the NBA trade deadline has past, I’m here to look at the players who were traded and see how their fantasy basketball situations have changed.

Marc Gasol traded to the Toronto Raptors

What to do post-trade: Keep him

Big Spain started the season off hella hot, but then dipped into a cold spell. He recently started to warm up again, and then BAM! Gasol was traded to Toronto.

He’ll be teaming up with Serge Ibaka and Pascal Siakam in the front court. I anticipate Gasol’s minutes to go down, but not by that much. If he’s on your team, keep him. In fact, keep all three players.

Nikola Mirotic to the Milwaukee Bucks

What to do post-trade: Keep him

Mirotic is moving to a fantastic team for his skills and he should be an easy fit. I actually think he should be a starter, but that might not happen for a few games as the Bucks ease Niko into the rotation. He’s maybe a little under owned right now, and his ownership is declining, but he’s still around 80% on ESPN. If he’s available, DO NOT HESITATE TO PICK HIM UP. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but he might start shooting more threes, or at least as a percentage of his total shots. Damn, he’s just like Brook Lopez, a perfect fit for Milwaukee and Giannis. This team could be absolutely brutal if they pick up another quality player during buyout season.

Markelle Fultz to the Orlando Magic

What to do post-trade: Add him

Technically, Fultz is a #1 pick coming off an injury who was just traded for a 1st round pick and a solid rotation player. He’s 24% owned on ESPN right now. If he’s available, please pick him up. Either he’s a good stash, or he’ll miraculously start playing and may even be a little bit good. Remember, people thought he was incredible prior to the draft, which helps explain why Philly traded up to get him in the first place. I think there’s a 12% chance that Fultz turns into a good player for Orlando. That’s worth a speculative add, especially if you’re out of the postseason and have available fantasy roster spots.

Ivica Zubac to the LA Clippers

What to do post-trade: Add him

Yo, Zubac was looking good prior to the deadline! He was averaging 12 and 6 on 57% shooting over the past month, and the Lakers were starting him over JaVale McGee and Tyson Chandler. Maybe the Clippers will just give Zubac all of Marcin Gortat’s minutes, so they can find out what they have in the young center. He’s under 10% owned, I’d absolutely pick him up, if you need a big man.

Harrison Barnes to the Sacramento Kings

What to do post-trade: Keep him

Barnes should slip right into the starting five in Not-So-Sad-Anymore! SacTown. De’Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield, Barnes, Marvin Bagley, and Willie Cauley-Stein is a legit fun team. They’ll be running and shooting everywhere. This is a great spot for Barnes.

Iman Shumpert to the Houston Rockets

What to do post-trade: Add him

Shump is better than Austin Rivers and he might even start to provide the Rockets with more defense. I think, at least, his minutes and shot attempts increase. He’s under 5% owned on ESPN. Pick him up.

Otto Porter Jr. to the Chicago Bulls

What to do post-trade: Keep him

Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine, Otto Porter, Lauri Markkanen, and Wendell Carter, Jr. That’s Chicago’s starting five next season. That’s not bad! Porter’s job won’t change much now that he’s in Chicago, and he may even get better spacing for better shots. I think this will go down as one of the better acquisitions at the deadline, especially for the future. I mean, that starting five is better than the Pistons, isn’t it?

Wayne Ellington to the Detroit Pistons

What to do post-trade: Add him

Ellington was one of the best three-point shooters in the NBA last season. This season he was injured and fell out of Miami’s rotation, but he is a PERFECT fit for the Pistons, who are apparently acquiring him after he was bought out by Phoenix. Detroit is in desperate need of shooting, and Ellington is MUCH, MUCH better at that than anyone else on the wing for the ‘stons right now. I cannot imagine a world wherein he doesn’t start. He’s under 1% owned.

Wesley Matthews to the Indiana Pacers

What to do post-trade: Add him

Wes Matthews could supplant Tyreke Evans on Indiana, but even if he doesn’t, he’s a good add right now, as he’ll provide much-needed depth and shooting for this feisty Pacers team. He’s had a good, quiet season and he’s under 15% owned.

Reggie Bullock to the Lakers

What to do post-trade: [shrug]

Get real, Lakers.