-
Follow Us
On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
We are two weeks out from the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline, and somehow, three injured superstars are still hovering over the rumor mill like storm clouds.
Giannis Antetokounmpo. Anthony Davis. Ja Morant.
None of them are healthy at the moment. None are expected to play before the deadline. And yet, their names keep popping up in trade chatter because talent like this almost never becomes available. If even one of them moves, fantasy leagues could feel the shock immediately.
This is the kind of deadline where seasons get flipped overnight.
Why Injured Superstars Are Still in Play
Normally, injuries cool trade talks. With stars, it can do the opposite. Contenders get desperate. Front offices gamble. Owners chase upside. And teams stuck in the middle sometimes decide it is better to reset than tread water. Elite talent changes timelines, even when that talent is rehabbing.
And in fantasy, context matters just as much as health.
Giannis Antetokounmpo: The Franchise-Altering Domino
Antetokounmpo dealing with calf issues has not slowed speculation. When he plays, he is still a category-tilting monster. Points, rebounds, assists, defensive stats. He remains a fantasy anchor. If he stays put, he remains a top-tier building block. If he moves to a contender with better spacing and shooting, his efficiency could climb and his playmaking numbers could spike. A trade involving Antetokounmpo would also create a ripple effect. Teammates left behind could see massive usage increases. Young players could suddenly become must-adds. Handcuffs matter here.
Fantasy takeaway: Monitor teammates closely. A Giannis move would create instant waiver chaos.
Anthony Davis: Elite Ceiling, Constant Risk
Anthony Davis continues to live in that frustrating space between dominant and unavailable. When healthy, he is still one of the best fantasy bigs alive. Scoring, boards, blocks, defensive impact. The problem has always been durability, and that concern only grows if he lands on a team with long-term caution in mind. A trade to a contender could stabilize his value if it keeps him motivated and competing. A trade to a team going nowhere could introduce shutdown risk down the stretch.
Fantasy takeaway: Davis still carries top-tier upside, but managers need contingency plans. His value hinges on both health and destination.
Ja Morant: High-Voltage, High-Variance
Ja Morant remains one of the league’s most electric guards when he is right. But an array of injuries has clouded his season, and Memphis has tough choices to make depending on direction. If Morant lands on a team that gives him the ball and lets him run, assists and scoring could surge. If he joins a roster with multiple creators, his usage might dip, even if efficiency rises.
Fantasy takeaway: Morant’s ceiling remains massive. His floor depends on role clarity and team structure.
The Real Fantasy Winners Might Not Be the Stars
The sneaky value play at the deadline is not always the superstar. It is the player who inherits minutes.
The young guard who becomes a starter. The wing who suddenly gets 12 more shots a night. The backup big who turns into a double-double machine. If Antetokounmpo, AD, or Morant moves, the fallout will create breakout candidates overnight. Those are the adds that win leagues.
How to Prepare Right Now
If you are playing to win, not just survive:
- Stash upside players on teams rumored to sell.
- Keep a flexible roster spot for rapid waiver moves.
- Track beat reporters and insiders daily.
- Be willing to trade name value for stability if needed.
The first managers to react usually gain the biggest edge.
Summary
The Feb. 5 deadline still has superstar chaos written all over it. Giannis. Davis. Morant. Injured, yes. But still powerful enough to reshape franchises and fantasy standings with one phone call. If one of them moves, values will spike, roles will flip, and waiver wires will light up.
Final advice? Stay ready. Stay aggressive. Because one trade could be the difference between chasing a title and watching someone else celebrate.
People Also Ask
Who are the top NBA trade deadline candidates 2026?
Giannis, AD, and Ja Morant top the injury-riddled list.
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 moves.
Which injured stars could be traded before the deadline?
Giannis (back), Anthony Davis (adductor), Ja Morant (shoulder).
Should I stash players before the NBA trade deadline?
Yes ... teammates could see big minutes if a star is dealt.
What happens if Giannis or AD is traded to a contender?
Fantasy value usually spikes with more wins and counting stats.
More must-reads:
- Suns player speculates on Giannis Antetokounmpo's trade destination
- Suns' Dillon Brooks labels LeBron James the most overrated NBA player
- The 'Super Bowl host cities' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
