2025 NBA Trade Deadline: Deals that could shake up fantasy basketball

This year’s NBA Trade Deadline feels quieter, with luxury tax concerns making teams more cautious about big splashes. Still, rumors are swirling, and a few bold moves could change everything — for franchises and fantasy basketball alike.

With February 6 approaching, here’s a look at the trades I want to see happen and how they’d impact both fantasy hoops and the league.

Jimmy Butler to the Phoenix Suns

The Situation: Butler wants an extension and Pat Riley doesn’t want to give it to him. Despite Butler being the heart and soul of the Miami Heat, the standoff has reached a standstill, with Butler suspended indefinitely. Riley doesn’t have to oblige Butler’s trade request, but this saga has distracted everyone involved. The Heat want financial relief and draft picks, so there’s hope for some resolution, as the Suns can’t afford to miss the NBA Playoffs.

Why the Suns Make Sense: The Suns traded an unprotected 2031 pick for three first-rounders, which gives them some additional near-term assets to make a more significant move. Bradley Beal has been unreliable, and while Butler comes with his own headaches, his defensive toughness and playoff experience will help a team that lacks physicality. It’s the kind of win-now move that aligns perfectly with their timeline.

Fantasy Impact: Butler’s scoring would dip in Phoenix, given the ball-dominant stars already in place. But his defensive stats, assists, rebounds and efficiency would make him a solid early-to-mid-round fantasy option post-trade. He’ll do better than Beal, who’s been at 17/4/3 on 48% shooting.

Big Picture: The Suns become an actual threat in the Western Conference. The Heat embraces building for the future and relies heavily on Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo and rookie Kel’el Ware.

Zach LaVine to the Bucks

The Situation: Zach LaVine has been a cornerstone of Chicago’s offense for years, but the Bulls are stuck in perpetual mediocrity. LaVine’s agent said he would prefer to stay in Chicago, but he’s having the best shooting season of his career. It’d be a shame to waste it on a play-in team, but the reality is that LaVine’s contract has been a sticking point for opposing teams.

Why it Makes Sense for the Bucks: The Bucks are laser-focused on maximizing their championship window. Adding LaVine gives Milwaukee another elite scorer who can create his shot at will. Plus, his athleticism and catch-and-shoot ability would complement their spaced-out offensive system. Khris Middleton is a shell of himself and getting LaVine raises Milwaukee’s ceiling. Any trade would require salary matching with players like Middleton or Bobby Portis, but it can happen.

Fantasy Impact: A trade to Milwaukee would be a mixed bag for LaVine’s fantasy outlook. While his usage rate would likely dip playing alongside two superstars, his efficiency could see a major boost. He’d get more open looks and less defensive attention, sustaining his fantasy value as an early-to-mid-round asset.

Big Picture: For the Bucks, this trade would move them up another notch in the Eastern Conference pecking order. Meanwhile, Chicago hitting the reset button allows younger players like Ayo Dosunmu and Matas Buzelis to get meaningful minutes. It might not be a high-volume role for LaVine anymore, but it’s a high-impact one — and that keeps things exciting for both NBA fans and fantasy managers.

Myles Turner to the Lakers

The situation: Turner has been a consistent defensive anchor and stretch-big for the Pacers, but his name has often come up in trade chatter for a few seasons. His contract is expiring, and with Indy appearing unwilling to give him a new deal, it’s time to cash in and get something in return before Turner leaves for nothing. Turner’s departure to the Lakers could give Los Angeles the rim protection and floor spacing they’ve craved alongside Anthony Davis.

Why The Lakers Make Sense: The Lakers have been searching for the perfect frontcourt partner for Anthony Davis, and Turner checks all the boxes. His ability to block shots, grab boards and step out for 3-pointers fills crucial gaps in L.A.’s roster. With LeBron James and Austin Reaves orchestrating the offense, Turner would get plenty of easy looks while bolstering their interior defense. More importantly, AD gets to play more PF, something he’s been overly communicative about since joining the Lakers.

Fantasy impact: A move to the Lakers would be a slight shift for Turner’s fantasy value. He’d likely see a dip in touches with LeBron and AD commanding the spotlight, but he can thrive since he’ll be there primarily for his defensive prowess and ability to stretch the floor at center. He’s shooting 39% from deep and a move to LaLa land doesn’t drastically change his output.

Big picture: For the Lakers, acquiring Turner could elevate them to true contender status, giving them the dynamic and complementary big-man duo that AD’s been yearning for for years. Meanwhile, the Pacers frontcourt will take a hit, but they have enough reserves to hold the line in a top-heavy Eastern Conference. The Lakers would have to move at least a couple of players and a future first-round pick to pull this off.

Bradley Beal to the San Antonio Spurs

The Situation: Reports surfaced that Beal was disgruntled with his role, and his move to the bench has only escalated his concerns. Between the injuries and the growing tension with the Suns’ brass, it’s time to part ways. Beal’s salary and no-trade clause complicate finding a potential suitor, and he has already declined to play for the Bulls. Beal reportedly wants to go to a contender in a non-cold environment.

Why It Makes Sense for the Spurs: The Spurs are building around generational talent Victor Wembanyama, but it’s clear that they’re missing a third scoring option. Only Wemby and Devin Vassell are averaging over 15 points per game this season, with Jeremy Sochan coming in third at 12.9. Enter Bradley Beal. His scoring ability would take pressure off Wemby, while another veteran presence elevates the Spurs as a more competitive squad. Plus, Beal gives them a more battle-tested closer to lean on in tight games.

Fantasy Impact: Beal’s fantasy outlook would see an intriguing shift. With more freedom to operate and likely also take on some playmaking duties, Beal could see a bump in production with the Spurs. Hey, anything is better than what we see in a reserve role with the Suns.

Big Picture: For the Spurs, a CP3-Beal-Vassell-Sochan-Wemby is an improved starting unit that could raise the floor for everyone offensively. Adding Beal would improve their efficiency with an added scoring punch. The Suns rid themselves of a player who is oft-injured and frustrated and, hopefully, they are bringing in another third star with better chemistry to pair with Booker and KD.

Any deal of this magnitude would be complicated and require multiple teams to implement it; this is more fantasy than reality.

Nikola Vučević to the Golden State Warriors

The Situation: Vučević has been one of the best value picks in fantasy basketball this year. His efficiency and stat-stuffing have made him a first-round pick. But Chicago’s unclear direction screams, “Time to shake things up. ” Vučević is a prime trade candidate on a favorable contract, due just $21M next year before becoming an unrestricted free agent. The Bulls are asking for a first-round pick in exchange for Vooch, and no team has been willing to pay that price yet.

Why the Warriors Make Sense: Golden State has long needed a traditional big man to stretch the floor, orchestrate from the post and hold his own in the paint. Vučević’s skill set meshes beautifully with the Warriors’ unselfish, movement-heavy offense. Draymond Green hasn’t been able to stay healthy, and with the Warriors’ season in peril, a move for Vooch at least bolsters their frontcourt for the next season and a half.

Fantasy Impact: I don’t foresee much change in Vučević’s fantasy value if he’s dealt to Golden State. He’s the only player on the team capable of averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds consistently and he’d be heavily involved in the offense, placing screens for Steph Curry while stretching the floor from 3. He’s also a willing passer and they sorely need his scoring in an offense that’s had several scoring droughts throughout the season. He’ll remain the dependable double-double machine fantasy managers need.

Big Picture: This move doesn’t re-open the Warriors’ championship window, but it’s a step in the right direction. If they can somehow offer a future first without compromising any of their young core of players, this could be a slight improvement to their win total. In Chicago, Jalen Smith would be the player who would benefit the most from a Vooch trade.

Cameron Johnson to the Cleveland Cavaliers

The Situation: Cameron Johnson has made major strides in recent years, but this season, the 3-and-D wing is having a breakout campaign. He’s currently dealing with an ankle injury, but he’s one of the few players in the league who is on the cusp of a 50/40/90 season — the highest level of efficiency in basketball. The Nets are rebuilding, and he’s Brooklyn’s most coveted trade piece. Therefore, the Nets expect multiple first-rounders in exchange for Johnson.

Why the Cavaliers Make Sense: The Cavs are a piece away from true championship status, and Johnson fits the bill perfectly. He’s a 40% 3-point shooter and versatility as a defender would be a big help to Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell. A move like this would make the Cavs more dynamic, solidifying their starting unit and opening more depth in the second unit as Max Strus and Caris LeVert would move to reserve roles.

Fantasy Impact: Johnson’s scoring opportunities will take a hit in Cleveland’s crowded offense, but his efficiency, 3s and steals should hold steady. Expect him to be a mid-tier forward who fills out specific categories for fantasy managers.

Big Picture: A savvy addition for Cleveland that solidifies its roster in a tight Eastern Conference race. Brooklyn gets more draft capital to continue its quest to ditch salary and have ample assets heading into the 2025 draft and beyond.

Anfernee Simons to the Los Angeles Clippers

The Situation: Simons has been vocal about wanting to play for a contender, and Portland is far from it. With Scoot Henderson playing better and more confidently, Simons could be an expendable but worthwhile asset for teams needing a playmaking bucket-getter.

Why the Clippers Make Sense: Simons has two years left on his deal, which aligns with the Clippers’ interest in keeping their books clean by not signing players for more than three years. The Clippers love guards who can create and score, and Simons provides precisely that. With the Clippers still being somewhat cautious with Kawhi Leonard, James Harden and Norman Powell could use another ball-handler and scorer. Simons is a better option than Kevin Porter Jr. and Kris Dunn.

Fantasy Impact: A move to L.A. won’t be great for Simons’ fantasy value, but it seems like a promising environment for someone who wants to prioritize being on a contending team. He’ll still generate enough points, 3s and assists to be fantasy-relevant; it’s just going to come with far less volume.

Big Picture: Portland fully commits to its youth movement, while the Clippers inject much-needed balance into their aging roster.

Lonzo Ball to the Charlotte Hornets

The Situation: Lonzo has been held back by injuries, but he’s looked good this season. His contract expires after this season, so there is some appeal to trading him for draft capital, considering he can walk for free this summer.

Why the Hornets Make Sense: Lonzo reunites with his brother LaMelo in Charlotte. The Hornets could use Lonzo’s high-IQ playmaking and perimeter defense to become more serious in the East. LaMelo just tweaked his ankle on Monday night, and with Brandon Miller also out for the season, the Hornets need a playmaker and 3-point threat on the wing. We know what he can do defensively, so this union makes too much sense to me — unless a contender calls for his services.

Fantasy Impact: Lonzo is always intriguing for fantasy managers, thanks to his all-around stat profile — 3s, steals and assists galore. However, injuries make him a risk. With all the aforementioned ailments, perhaps he can carve out more minutes and unlock some version of the Lonzo fantasy managers remember before his knee injuries. Hey, it’s possible!

Big Picture: A Lonzo trade would free up more backcourt minutes for Coby White, Josh Giddey and Ayo Dosunmu. The Hornets having two Ball brothers would be fun, entertaining and cool.

Jerami Grant to anywhere

The Situation: Jerami Grant has been one of the most potent scorers for Portland, but frankly, he hasn’t played enough the past few seasons because they’ve been one of the worst teams in basketball. I think he’s been sandbagging and still offers NBA teams and fantasy managers something outside of scoring.

Why Anywhere Makes Sense: Grant would be an ideal fit for any contending team needing a lengthy, floor-spacing wing who can guard multiple positions. He may not be a starter, but he can make an impact as he’s played a myriad of roles throughout his career.

Fantasy Impact: Selfishly, this is less about Jerami Grant and more about unlocking Toumani Camara and Deni Avdija. With Grant out of the way, there is less competition for the SF and PF minutes.

Big Picture: The Blazers need to commit to their redevelopment efforts and sell off veterans like Grant, Simons, Williams and Deandre Ayton. I expect at least one of them to be moved by the deadline.