NBA teams made several significant moves at the trade deadline, including Jimmy Butler joining the Golden State Warriors. The Miami Heat sent Butler to the Warriors in exchange for Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, PJ Tucker, and a protected first-round pick. This swap has significant implications for fantasy basketball managers.
Butler’s Addition
The Warriors’ acquisition of Butler adds a defensive edge and scoring threat to their team. With Butler, Golden State can rely on multiple positions defensively and is an unselfish, high-IQ two-way player who raises the team’s floor. He also comes with a reported two-year, $121M extension.
Fantasy Outlook
Butler has averaged 17/5/5 this season and projects to see a bump in points per game as the second option on offense. His arrival should increase his fantasy value by at least two rounds by the end of the season. However, Draymond Green’s role might decline slightly with Butler becoming another facilitator for the Warriors.
Wiggins’ Landing Spot
Andrew Wiggins now joins the Miami Heat, but this move is less favorable for his fantasy prospects. He’ll be pushed to third in the pecking order, and the Heat are giving more minutes to Nikola Jović, Kel’el Ware, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. Fantasy managers should keep Jović and Ware rostered, while Kyle Anderson and PJ Tucker are irrelevant to fantasy.
Schröder’s Move
Dennis Schröder is headed to the Utah Jazz as part of a deal that also sent Lindy Waters III to the Detroit Pistons. While this swap might be unusual, it makes sense given Schröder’s contract expires at $13M at the end of the season.
Fantasy Outlook for Schröder
For fantasy managers rostering Isaiah Collier and Keyonte George, don’t worry about Schröder’s arrival just yet. He might not have a significant impact on their minutes in the rotation until his own situation is resolved.
Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-trade-deadline-fantasy-basketball-implications-of-jimmy-butler-to-the-warriors-025717914.html