The NBA trade deadline arrives Thursday, and while blockbuster rumors swirl around names such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant, fantasy managers still need immediate help. Several lightly rostered players are stepping into larger roles and merit close attention on the waiver wire.
Point guards
Ty Jerome, Memphis Grizzlies (39.8% rostered) – After missing the first 46 games with a calf injury, Jerome debuted Saturday and started at point guard. In just 19 minutes he posted 20 points and six assists. With Morant sidelined, Jerome is positioned for heavy usage, likely moving Cam Spencer back to a reserve role.
Egor Demin, Brooklyn Nets (29.5%) – Demin set personal bests with 25 points and 10 rebounds Friday. Consistency and health remain issues, but on a rebuilding Nets squad he has as much responsibility as he can handle.
Shooting guards
Ayo Dosunmu, Chicago Bulls (31.2%) – Dosunmu has reached double figures in six straight contests, averaging nearly 20 points along with solid rebounds and assists while Josh Giddey nurses an injury.
Jaylon Tyson, Cleveland Cavaliers (33.8%) – Tyson has logged significant minutes all season, and Cleveland’s weekend trade of De’Andre Hunter to Sacramento opens even more time at small forward, keeping Tyson firmly in the rotation.
Small forwards
Saddiq Bey, New Orleans Pelicans (50.3%) – Bey has averaged 25.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.2 three-pointers over his last six games, emerging as a primary scoring option for New Orleans. His roster percentage is expected to climb quickly.
Ace Bailey, Utah Jazz (27.4%) – The rookie entered the weekend with six consecutive games in double figures, averaging 18 points and 2.3 threes. Although his scoring dipped Sunday, he grabbed a career-high 11 rebounds and should see extensive minutes for the rebuilding Jazz.
Power forwards
Kyle Kuzma, Milwaukee Bucks (26.0%) – Kuzma is starting at power forward while Antetokounmpo is out. He is supplying upper-teens scoring, double-double potential and 22 assists across his last four games. His role could shift if Antetokounmpo is dealt, but for now he remains a strong add.
Moussa Diabate, Charlotte Hornets (24.2%) – An every-night starter, Diabate has hit double figures in six straight outings, averaging 12.2 points and 9.5 rebounds while converting better than 75% from the field.
Centers
Wendell Carter Jr., Orlando Magic (23.4%) – Carter delivers steady production at 12.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, plus roughly one steal, block and three-pointer. Occasional 20-point eruptions add upside.
Yves Missi, New Orleans Pelicans (5.9%) – The rookie has intensified his defensive impact lately, averaging eight rebounds and 2.5 blocks in 23.3 minutes over his past four appearances.
With major trades still possible, roles can change quickly. For the moment, these under-rostered options offer immediate fantasy value ahead of Thursday’s deadline.
Source: ESPN
