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André Snellings
Multiple Authors
The NBA trade deadline brought a flurry of deals, impacting players from superstars to benchwarmers. The landscape of the league has shifted significantly in the aftermath.
These trades have created new opportunities for incoming players while leaving gaps for the outgoing ones that teams must address. Today, we’ll explore some players whose fantasy value has seen a boost following this activity.
Cooper Flagg, PG/SF/PF, Dallas Mavericks
Though Flagg remained with the Mavericks, the departure of Anthony Davis marks a turning point for the team. Dallas is now focused on building its future around Flagg, who has recently emerged as the clear go-to player, averaging 32.0 PPG, 7.7 RPG, and 4.0 APG over his last six games. Previously a frontrunner for NBA Rookie of the Year and a solid top-50 fantasy prospect, if Flagg maintains this form, he could become a top-10 fantasy player post-All-Star Break.
Evan Mobley, PF/C, and Jarrett Allen, C, Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers made a significant move by trading the injured Darius Garland for future Hall of Famer James Harden. While there are uncertainties about how Harden’s high-usage style complements Donovan Mitchell and his potential playoff performance, his exceptional playmaking skills are unquestionable. He’s adept at dismantling opposing defenses and creating opportunities for teammates, making him an excellent fit for running the pick-and-roll/pop with the big men.
Enter Mobley and Allen:
Mobley is a versatile scorer both inside and out; with Harden as his facilitator, he has the potential to consistently average over 20 points while improving his shooting percentage, which was near a career-high of 58.0% two seasons ago.
yet, Mobley is currently sidelined with an injury and has yet to team up with Harden. Meanwhile, Allen has embraced his role as the roll man with the new point guard, averaging 25.5 PPG on an impressive 75.0% shooting in his first two games alongside Harden, compared to his season average of 14.5 PPG at 61.5% shooting. While this scoring rate may not be sustainable, both Mobley and Allen are likely to see enhancements in their scoring and efficiency moving forward.
Anfernee Simons, PG/SG, Chicago Bulls
Previously a key scorer for Portland, Simons moved to Boston last offseason. During his final three years with the Trail Blazers, he averaged 21.0 PPG and 3.3 three-pointers per game, but with the Celtics, he mostly played as a backup. Following his trade to Chicago, he’s positioned for a chance to start as a primary scoring option on a rebuilding team. In his first three games with the Bulls, all starts, Simons averaged 20.0 PPG and 3.7 three-pointers per game. though he hasn’t played yet with Josh Giddey, who is currently injured, even when Giddey returns, the Bulls lack offensive depth, giving Simons a green light to shoot.
Bennedict Mathurin, SG/SF, LA Clippers
Mathurin alternated between starting and coming off the bench with Indiana, demonstrating his ability to score consistently in the mid-upper teens. In his debut with the Clippers, he began as a sixth man, although his future role is not entirely clear. yet, he has ample opportunities with the Clippers. For years, the Clippers relied on offense from stars like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, and more recently Leonard and Harden. Last season, Norman Powell transitioned from a sixth-man role to averaging over 20 PPG, and Mathurin has the potential to follow in those footsteps, especially with Garland still sidelined and Leonard’s health always in question.
Ty Jerome, PG, Memphis Grizzlies
Jerome joined the Grizzlies this offseason after serving as a spark plug for the Cavaliers last season. He was largely sidelined due to injury but returned a couple of weeks ago to a Grizzlies team that is currently rebuilding following the trades of Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. The trade of Jackson has opened up opportunities for new offensive leadership, and Jerome seems set to fill that void. Currently, he is on a minutes restriction, playing around 20 minutes per game but is producing one point per minute and roughly an assist every three minutes. Once his limitations are lifted, Jerome could deliver striking numbers if he can maintain his pace of 35.6 PPG36 and 10.4 AP36.
