Tracking the Offseason Moves

The NBA offseason is always a whirlwind of activity, and this year is no exception. With key players switching teams and new signings reshaping rosters, fantasy basketball managers need to stay ahead of the curve. Here’s a breakdown of the most impactful moves and their fantasy implications.

Collin Sexton Traded to the Hornets

Collin Sexton steps into a prime role as the Hornets' secondary scorer alongside LaMelo Ball. Sexton's 18.4 PPG last season, paired with strong shooting splits (48.0% FG, 40.6% 3PT, 86.5% FT), make him a valuable fantasy pick. With Ball drawing defensive focus, Sexton should see increased scoring opportunities and playmaking duties, boosting his fantasy upside.

Lonzo Ball Traded to the Cavaliers

In a move that shakes up both real-life and fantasy rosters, the Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired Lonzo Ball from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for forward Isaac Okoro. Ball, who returned last season after missing two full years with a knee injury, played 35 games for the Bulls and averaged 7.6 PPG, 3.3 APG, and 3.4 RPG. He now slots in behind Darius Garland in Cleveland, adding size, defensive grit, and playmaking to a team that lacked backcourt depth during the playoffs.

Mark Williams Traded to the Suns

The Suns acquired Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for the No. 29 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and a 2029 first-round pick. This marks a strategic move to bolster Phoenix's frontcourt, which lacked depth last season. Williams, a former No. 15 pick, is coming off his best year with averages of 15.3 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 2.5 APG and 1.2 BPG in 26.6 MPG, but he has struggled with injuries, appearing in just 106 games since entering the league.

Jordan Poole Traded to the Pelicans

Jordan Poole led the Wizards in scoring last season with 20.5 PPG and also averaged 4.5 APP and 3.0 RPG. For the Pelicans, CJ McCollum averaged almost identical stats with 21.1 PPG, 4.1 APG and 3.8 RPG. This is a move that was made primarily for the Pelicans to get younger and the Wizards to gain financial flexibility, but on the court the two players are similar enough that their fantasy hoops outlooks don't change all that much in their new environments.

Kristaps Porzingis Traded to the Hawks

In a major cost-cutting move, the Celtics traded Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks as part of a three-team deal with the Brooklyn Nets. Porzingis, who averaged 19.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG, and 2.1 APG on 48.3% shooting last season, remains a high-upside but risky fantasy asset. He's played fewer than 60 games in seven of the last eight seasons and appeared in just 42 contests in 2024-25 due to injury and illness.

Conclusion

As the NBA offseason continues to unfold, fantasy basketball managers must stay vigilant. Each trade and signing can have significant implications for player values and team dynamics. Keep an eye on how these moves play out in the preseason and adjust your strategies accordingly.