The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 5, and the league already feels like it’s leaning toward chaos.
Contenders are hunting upgrades. Rebuilders are ready to cash out veterans. And a handful of star names are floating in rumors that could swing both the real playoff race and fantasy leagues overnight.
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This is the window where fantasy seasons tilt. A player changing teams can gain usage, lose it, see minutes spike, or suddenly become a headache. If you want an edge, this is the stretch where staying early beats reacting late.
Here are the biggest names to monitor as the deadline approaches and what they could mean for fantasy:
Why the Deadline Matters for Fantasy
Trades change context fast. A scorer landing on a contender might get cleaner looks and more efficiency. A playmaker moving to a deeper roster could lose touches. Veterans sent to rebuilding teams might see shutdown risk. Young players can pop overnight if a starter gets moved.
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Usage shifts. Roles shift. Fantasy value follows. The key is anticipating movement before your league wakes up.
Stars and High-End Trade CandidatesZach LaVine
LaVine remains one of the most obvious names to watch. Scoring guards with shot creation travel well, and contenders are always looking for perimeter firepower.
Fantasy angle: If LaVine lands on a competitive roster with spacing and pace, his scoring efficiency could jump. If he ends up in a messy rotation, it could get volatile.
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Dejounte Murray
Dejounte Murray’s fantasy ceiling hinges on whether a trade expands his playmaking role or compresses usage on a contender.Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
(Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports)
Murray’s blend of playmaking, defense, and scoring makes him an attractive target for teams needing a two-way guard. He’s expected to be off the injury list soon, too.
Fantasy angle: A move to a more structured offense could stabilize his assists and steals. A bigger role elsewhere could raise his ceiling.
Jonathan Kuminga
Kuminga has made it clear he wants a bigger role, and a trade would likely bring exactly that.
Fantasy angle: This is one of the biggest upside swings on the board. A team willing to feature him could unlock a breakout run in points, rebounds, and athletic stocks.
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Others to keep on the radar:
Dorian Finney-Smith as a 3-and-D wing upgrade.
Veteran guards and rotation scorers who could open minutes for younger teammates.
The biggest fantasy winners at the trade deadline are often young players who inherit minutes and usage after veterans are moved. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
(Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images)Fantasy Winners If Trades Happen
The biggest winners are usually not the stars themselves. They are the players left behind.
A traded starter can unlock:
A young scorer stepping into more shots.
A bench guard becoming a full-time playmaker.
A role player suddenly seeing thirty minutes per night.
Think of backup guards, emerging wings, and younger bigs on teams rumored to sell. Those are often the real fantasy lottery tickets. Also watch players who could land in better offenses. A moderate scorer joining a high-efficiency system can quietly jump a tier.
Fantasy Losers to Watch
Not every move helps. A star sent to a crowded contender could lose usage. A veteran shipped to a tanking team might see inconsistent minutes. Players on rebuilding rosters could face rest days down the stretch.
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If your roster leans veteran-heavy, especially on non-contenders, this is the time to evaluate risk.
How to Prep Your Roster Right Now
If you’re serious about winning:
Stash upside players on teams likely to sell.
Monitor beat writers and insider reports daily.
Keep one flexible roster spot for quick waiver adds.
Be willing to trade a steady veteran for a rising asset.
Deadlines don’t reward hesitation. They reward preparation.
Summary
The Feb. 5 trade deadline has all the ingredients to reshape fantasy leagues. Stars could move. Roles could flip. Young players could surge. And one well-timed waiver add could decide a playoff run. Stay alert. Stay aggressive. And don’t wait until the move happens to start planning for it.
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Because by mid-February, your roster might not look the same. And neither will your league standings.
People Also Ask
Who are the top NBA trade deadline candidates 2026?
Zach LaVine, Dejounte Murray, and Brandon Ingram lead rumor lists.
How do NBA trades affect fantasy basketball?
New teams can boost or tank usage, minutes, and stats.
When is the 2026 NBA trade deadline?
February 5, 2026 … last chance for in-season roster changes.
Which players could see fantasy boosts at the deadline?
Stars landing on contenders often gain counting stats.
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Should I stash players before the NBA trade deadline?
Yes … potential risers can be waiver gold if traded.
What happens to fantasy value if a star is traded to a bad team?
Value usually drops due to fewer wins and minutes.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the Fantasy section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.