Aging Fantasy Basketball Stars Losing Value 2026

You can toss all the “beauty comes with age” and “it ages like a fine wine” shenanigans out the window: When it comes to basketball, age tends to mean that play is on the decline. And heading into late January, we are seeing several 35-plus superstars dip in the rest-of-season rankings.

Here’s a look at which aging basketball stars are losing fantasy value, and what fantasy managers should do to keep their rosters strong.

Why Aging Stars Lose Fantasy Value Mid-Season

By January, the preseason hype has faded, and the September predictions are tossed to the side. That can mean superstars who were highly valued before the season tipped off haven’t lived up to expectations by mid-January. Reduced athleticism, recurring injuries, team changes, and general decline from peak years can all contribute to a decrease in fantasy value.

Signs of Decline to Watch

Take note of how often the more seasoned superstars on your fantasy roster are sitting out of games. Is it just one game in a back-to-back, or are those “load management” days becoming more frequent? Is that nagging injury from October still keeping this player out “for precautionary reasons” in January?

Managers should also keep an eye on overall efficiency. Heck, some players just aren’t as sharp of shooters as they used to be. Age can really be a B like that.

The Top Aging Stars Losing Value Right Now

LeBron James’ rest-of-season value is capped by minutes management and scheduled rest. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers (41)

James is King of the Old Dudes at 41 years old, and it appears age has caught up to his game. His production is the lowest it has been since his rookie season, as he shares more play time with the young guns on his team. Those load management days have also become more frequent. James is still a productive player, but the dip in playing time means a dip in his fantasy value.

Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers (34)

Kawhi Leonard remains efficient when active, but unreliable availability drives his fantasy risk.Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Leonard was enjoying a nice scoring surge that started at the end of December and landed him on our “6 Sell High Candidates” list. Since then, a lingering knee issue has sidelined him. Injuries have plagued Leonard throughout his career, and his limited playing time due to knee and ankle injuries this season has impacted his ROS outlook.

Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors (37)

Stephen Curry still wins threes and points, but managed workloads reduce weekly floor stability.© David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Curry is still an elite shooter and is the NBA’s leading 3-point shooter this season, plus he ranks 10th overall in points per game (27.1). But, like with James, age can erode reliability. He isn’t playing quite as many minutes this season as the Warriors manage the workload of their aging core. Plus, he dealt with a quad injury in December.

Kevin Durant, Houston Rockets (37)

The forward has built a career on switching to different teams and making an impact wherever he goes. (He joined a stacked Curry-led Warriors roster and won Finals MVP twice.) Durant has been productive in his first season with the Rockets, but isn’t playing the superstar role on the young roster. There are also some questions about his durability as he gets closer to 40.

Paul George, Philadelphia 76ers (35)

Paul George’s fantasy value is undermined by durability risk and inconsistent availability.Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

George is still a talented player, but his durability has come into question and his numbers have dipped across the board this season. He is currently dealing with yet another knee injury, and his history of bumps and bruises adds to the decline in his ROS ranking.

What to Do with These Declining Vets

Lucky for fantasy managers, there are options when it comes to having aging veterans on the roster. They can be sold high during point surges, and their recognizable name can be traded for players who are healthier, more reliable, etc. And if the league is shallow enough, you can simply cut an injured vet from your roster altogether.

Of course, managers don’t have to part with one of these players. If you’re convinced an injured veteran will bounce back when they return to the court, you can stash them on IR.

Risks and Outlook

The risks with players like the five above are straightforward: You could end up selling high on a player who bounces back in a big way down the stretch, or you could hold onto an ailing veteran who brings your roster down. Taking a long look at the current health of these players and what their teams’ schedule looks like.

Also: Note what moves their team is making ahead of the NBA trade deadline. A big trade could change the dynamic of the team and lead to less playing time for your vet. Weigh these facts accordingly.

Conclusion

Even NBA superstars get old. And as their physical prowess and efficiency begin to decline, so does their fantasy value. Review the seasoned veterans on your roster who aren’t performing at quite the same level and decide whether you want to risk stashing them or if it’s time to sell high.

NBA News

Aging Fantasy Basketball Stars Losing Value 2026

Why Aging Stars Lose Fantasy Value Mid-Season

Signs of Decline to Watch