Fantasy Basketball Early Winners After the NBA Trade Deadline (3 Days In)

The NBA trade deadline has officially come and gone, and the fantasy basketball landscape has already started to shift. We’re now three full days removed from that glorious clock striking zero. Shortly after the deadline, I fired off an early, knee-jerk three must-add players article for fantasy basketball managers. That one came very much on a wild hair. Now, we’ve had the luxury of seeing a few full games with new-look rotations and lineups across the league. With that added context, it felt like the right time to zoom out and reassess which players are emerging as early winners in fantasy basketball after the trade deadline.

This time around, I’m focusing on five fantasy basketball players rostered in under 30% of Yahoo leagues. Each of these names shows real signs of post–trade deadline fantasy basketball value. These aren’t just speculative darts. Over the past few games, their roles, minutes, and opportunities have already shifted in meaningful ways — exactly what fantasy basketball managers should track right now.

Make no mistake — the NBA is showcasing a different brand of tanking than in years past, and it carries major fantasy basketball implications. Teams like the Wizards continue to start their “studs.” Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George serve as prime examples. They open games as starters, then play only 15–20 minutes. Meanwhile, bench and role players push into the 40s. This approach amounts to tanking with style, and it continues to reshape the fantasy basketball landscape.

Instead of outright sitting starters, teams roll them out, check the box, and yank them early. From there, coaches ride whichever hot hand emerges off the bench. From a fantasy basketball perspective, that approach feels maddening — but it also creates opportunity for managers paying attention.

This environment defines the rest of the fantasy basketball season. Rotations feel wonky. Minute caps remain unpredictable. Fully endorsing classic “silly season” fantasy basketball plays feels tougher than ever — at least for now. As fantasy managers, we can only track trends, read between the lines, and stay one step ahead where possible.

The All-Star break is approaching, and the fantasy basketball playoffs aren’t far behind. While the real silly season still looms, the work starts now. Identifying early fantasy basketball trade deadline winners matters. Planting flags early matters. Getting ahead of these shifts could decide whether you sneak into the fantasy playoffs or win a fantasy basketball championship.

With that said, let’s dive in.

Fantasy Basketball Winners Following the NBA Trade Deadline

GG Jackson — SF/PF, Memphis Grizzlies

Jackson has emerged as the biggest beneficiary in Memphis following the surprising trade of Jaren Jackson Jr. Over the last three games without JJJ, GG has averaged 14.0 points and 6.0 rebounds. He’s also chipped in 2.3 three-pointers, 1.3 blocks, and 1.0 steal per game. He’s doing all of that while shooting 53.8% from the field and 58.3% from deep in 28.0 minutes per night.

Those numbers provide across-the-board fantasy production. Fantasy managers can’t ignore them. Memphis brought back no one of consequence in the JJJ deal, opening a massive runway for the 21-year-old the rest of the way. The South Carolina product has a real chance to carry fantasy managers through the playoffs and potentially deliver championships. Make sure you’re one of them.

Will Riley — SF, Washington Wizards

Oh… who?

Riley has come virtually out of nowhere. He’s not just fantasy relevant — he may become the silly season hero many managers hoped for in Washington. Over his last five games, the 19-year-old has logged over 30 minutes per night. During that stretch, he’s produced 19.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 3.0 threes, and 2.0 steals per game. He’s doing it while shooting 47.3% from the field and 48.4% from downtown.

The Wizards selected Riley 21st overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, and that pedigree matters. While this breakout feels sudden, it isn’t random. This production isn’t coming from a hot flyer. Washington continues to deploy chaotic rotations, briefly playing veterans before turning the keys over to the kids. Riley may stand as the most important kid on the block. There’s no time to waste. Make the add on the 6’9” wing and reap the benefits.

Nique Clifford — SG/SF, Sacramento Kings

I’ve hyped Clifford as a potential silly season hero since the start of the new year. At the time, heavy chatter surrounded Sacramento potentially fire-selling veterans, and a rebuild felt possible. While the Kings didn’t make major deadline moves, they’ve quietly shifted minutes toward youth.

Over his last eight games, the Colorado State product has averaged 13.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. He’s also contributed 1.9 threes and 1.1 steals per game. All of that production has come in 31.8 minutes per night. At this stage of the season, minutes matter most — and Clifford is getting them.

Zach LaVine (finger) continues to see sporadic rest, and that trend likely continues. Sacramento may prioritize youth down the stretch. If you’re a LaVine manager fighting for a playoff spot, it may be time to move on. Avoid the random absences and pivot to Clifford or another name on this list.

Golden State Opportunity Opens Up

The final two players didn’t see direct impacts from trades, but Golden State has opened a real opportunity. Stephen Curry (knee) remains sidelined through the All-Star break and possibly longer. In his absence, the Warriors have leaned heavily on two players producing at a high level. Fantasy managers should add and stream both as long as they remain starters.

Gui Santos — SF/PF, Golden State Warriors

Santos has scored in double figures in six straight games. During that stretch, he has averaged 14.8 points and 4.7 rebounds while adding 3.3 assists, 2.0 threes, 1.3 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. He’s done it while shooting 61.4% from the field and 44.4% from three in 27.0 minutes per night.

Those numbers reflect elite efficiency. In points leagues, minutes matter most, and Santos continues to soak them up while Curry remains out. Even if Steph returns, Santos has a strong case to maintain a role. Golden State is navigating life after Jimmy Butler, and Santos fits into that future.

Pat Spencer — PG/SG, Golden State Warriors

Spencer has quickly become one of my favorite players in the league. His grit and effort jump off the screen. Earlier in the season, he flashed when the Warriors gave him 20-plus minutes. January told a different story, as the rotation buried him and handed him multiple DNP–Coach’s Decisions.

That’s all changed.

With Curry sidelined, the 29-year-old has gone on an absolute heater. He’s averaging 15.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists while knocking down 3.7 threes and adding 1.3 steals per game. He’s producing that line in 28.7 minutes per night while shooting 54.8% from the field and 57.9% from beyond the arc. Spencer should be rostered in all deep leagues and deserves consideration in shallow formats. Ride the wave while it lasts.

Outro

This stretch defines the fantasy basketball season.

We’re stuck in an awkward in-between phase. The trade deadline has passed, but the All-Star break hasn’t arrived. Rotations change nightly. Tanking grows less predictable by the day. Blindly trusting old silly season rules can burn you. Fantasy championships often get decided right here — by managers who react early.

GG Jackson has a massive runway in Memphis. Will Riley looks legitimate in Washington. Nique Clifford’s minutes continue to trend upward. In Golden State, Gui Santos and Pat Spencer represent exactly the type of plays to attack while Curry remains sidelined.

These adds aren’t about playing it safe. They’re about reading the room, trusting the minutes, and planting your flag early. With roster percentages still under 30%, the window remains open — but it won’t stay that way for long.

The real silly season is coming. Chaos will ramp up. Make the right moves now and put yourself in position to not just make the playoffs — but to do real damage once you get there.

Now, go make the adds!