Memphis' Gigi Jackson is averaging 13.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.1 3-pointers over his last 14 games.
Thursday saw a flurry of moves ahead of the 2024 NBA trade deadline. With so many players switching teams, there are plenty of fantasy basketball implications. Let's discuss some players to consider adding a discount wire due to trade.
Nick Richards, Charlotte Hornets (55% available)
There is no timetable yet for the return of Mark Williams (back). With his departure, Richards was locked in as the Hornets' starting center. Over 28 games in that role, he averaged 9.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks.
The Hornets were rumored to be looking to move Richards at the deadline. Not only did he stay, but they traded PJ Washington to the Mavericks. The Hornets got Grant Williams in return, but he's unlikely to press Richards for minutes. With the possibility that Richards could be the Hornets' starting center for several more weeks, if not the entire season, he shouldn't be in many of these leagues.
Marvin Bagley III, Washington Wizards (61% available)
Bagley was already traded this offseason, sent from the Pistons to the Wizards. He is currently battling a back injury that has caused him to miss three straight games and will be out again on Friday. Before that, he averaged 15.5 points and 8.4 rebounds in eight games. During that span, he logged 24.1 minutes per game.
The Wizards were active at the deadline trading Daniel Gafford to the Mavericks. They also acquired Richaun Holmes in the deal, who was supposed to serve as a backup at the five. Once Bagley is healthy, a clear path to the starting center job is open to him. Because the Wizards play at the fastest pace in the league, Bagley's consistent 30 minutes per game gives him the ability to make a difference in fantasy basketball.
Shanti Altama, Memphis Grizzlies (74% available)
The Grizzlies entered the season with a roster that continued to struggle throughout the season. Altama is one of the few healthy options they have left, but he has struggled with injuries at times. He started each of his last nine games, averaging 11.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.3 3-pointers over that span.
Even with their depth issues, the Grizzlies traded Xavier Tillman Sr. to the Celtics on Wednesday. Then they traded David Roddy to the Suns on Thursday. While Tillman was battling his own injury, he averaged 26.0 minutes over his last nine games. Roddy averaged 26.9 minutes over his last 15 games. Aldama should be locked in for about 30 minutes on a nightly basis, leaving him as an attractive waiver-wire option.
GG Jackson II, Memphis Grizzlies (83% available)
Jackson has been a pleasant surprise for the Grizzlies. Although he hasn't played a ton, he has averaged 23.9 minutes over his last 14 games. He made the most of his opportunity, averaging 13.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.1 3-pointers. He has played at least 25 minutes in a game eight times. In those eight games, he averaged 18.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.9 3-pointers.
Like Altama, Jackson should benefit from Tillman and Roddy no longer being in the picture. Unlike Altama, Jackson hasn't suffered any recent injuries. If the Grizzlies decide to rest players, Jackson won't sit them out. For those in deep formations, he is an amazing option to add.
Marcus Chaucer, Detroit Pistons (89% available)
The Pistons made a flurry of moves at the deadline. They entered with a very deep defense, but were exposed after trading Alec Burks and Monte Morris. They also released Gillian Hayes, who averaged 24.0 minutes per game as a starter for most of the season.
With the Pistons making several subtractions at guard, Chaucer is going to get a chance to play. He couldn't have posted more than 17 points, 11 assists, two steals and three 3-pointers in 38 minutes against the Trail Blazers on Thursday. He won't play as much on a nightly basis when newly acquired Quentin Grimes is in the fold, but he has a clear path to at least 25 minutes a game moving forward.
Simone Fontecchio, Detroit Pistons (93% available)
The Pistons acquired Fontecchio from the Jazz earlier in the week. He started in his last 20 appearances for the Jazz, averaging 9.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.8 3-pointers over 26.6 minutes per game. They have plenty of depth up front, however, with freshman Taylor Hendricks waiting in the wings to take on an expanded role.
Fontecchio could immediately step into a significant role for the Pistons. In addition to moving on from Burks, Morris and Hayes, they also traded away Bojan Bogdanovic. Auser Thompson should also take on a bigger role, but given the Pistons' reluctance to give him heavy minutes, it wouldn't be surprising to see Fontecchio log at least 25 minutes a night moving forward. That would make him a valuable source for three references.
Trey Mann, Charlotte Hornets (96% available)
Mann saw his playing time steadily decrease during his tenure with the Thunder. He struggled with his ability during his freshman campaign, shooting 39.3% from the field. However, he shot 36.0 percent from behind the arc. Overall, he averaged 10.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.6 3-pointers over 22.8 minutes per game.
He only appeared in 13 games this season, and the Thunder traded him to the Hornets, who landed them Gordon Hayward. Lamelo Ball (ankle) is currently out and has a history of injury problems. The Hornets are only playing for a high draft pick at this point, so they're unlikely to push the ball into play due to injuries. He's worth a speculative addition in deeper leagues, with the possibility of seeing Mann hover around 25 minutes per game.
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