As we approach the halfway point of the NBA season, it feels like the right time to recognize our early-season MVPs and highlight some players to watch moving forward.
The NBA trade deadline has now passed, but we have already seen a few players move. We want you to be prepared for any fantasy ramifications if more players are moved this offseason.
One thing that will often be repeated is how a lot of the best fantasy basketball players are those who are elite but also can contribute at a high level. With that in mind, here’s a look at the best to do it in the first half of the season as well as some sell-high/buy-low options as the postseason nears.
First Half MVPs
Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Seven-time All-Star Nikola Jokic is in a tier of his own when it comes to fantasy value, averaging 28.8 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game. If this holds, this will be the second straight season that he averages a triple-double with over 28 points per game.
On top of this, he averages 1.4 steals per game and just under a block per game as well. Whether your league is categories or points, Jokic is the clear top option, and it should come as no surprise that he has won three NBA MVP awards and was the Finals MVP in the only NBA Finals that he ever played in.
Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers
In what appears to be a return to form after a topsy-turvy 2024-25 season, Luka Doncic seems to have settled into Los Angeles with a new look and incredible stats. Doncic is currently the leading scorer in the NBA at over 33 points per game, while sitting right around his career averages in rebounds and assists.
It appears that LeBron James is content letting Doncic run the show and represents a fine second option, but the confidence to lead and be the main option will continue to have Doncic as an elite fantasy option.
With the volume of threes that he takes and the fact that his three-point percentage is the lowest since 2019, I think there is potential for growth in that department, further solidifying him as the clear second-best option in the game today, from a fantasy perspective at least.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
After one of the most accomplished seasons in NBA history, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has established himself as an elite fantasy option. While he doesn’t flirt with triple-doubles regularly like other players, his incredible consistency is what makes him a high first-round pick with a high floor.
He has the second-longest active streak of consecutive 20-point games in NBA history, at 121. Gilgeous-Alexander possesses incredible skills and shot share on his team and averages over two combined blocks and steals per game. Look for him to be among the first guards off the board year after year, and for the potential to increase on his 31.8 points per game if he continues to be needed in the fourth quarter.
Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers
The emergence of Tyrese Maxey as a legitimate superstar in this league is an excellent story of talent and hard work, making a beautiful marriage with the incredible talent of Philadelphia.
Maxey has seen steady improvement across the board year over year, and his increased production in steals and blocks has vaulted him into my top five players in the league.
If this season’s output holds, this will be his first season averaging over 30 points per game. He is also among the league leaders in steals per game and averages a block per game. Even with Joel Embiid in the fold and VJ Edgecombe’s emergence, he is the leader of this offense, and his role is safe as such.
Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
Ever since getting picked first overall in 2021 by the Detroit Pistons, Cade Cunningham has been as advertised and has really put them back on the map after some years of mediocrity.
Cunningham is a reliable fantasy option who has improved in terms of both efficiency and counting stats. He has 21 double-doubles on the year and is averaging 25.3 points, 9.6 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game, to go along with two threes.
One underappreciated value that I think gets overlooked a lot is usage, and Cade is Detroit through and through. Any time there is a big moment, he has the ball, and he plays every game until the final whistle, which is rare these days, unfortunately.
Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
Jalen Johnson has played so well that he has taken over the lead role in Atlanta and made them feel comfortable trading four-time All-Star Trae Young. In fact, the team performed significantly better without him out there, winning just two games with Young in the lineup this season.
Anyway, Johnson is a real-life and fantasy superstar. He is averaging 23.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. He took his game to new heights, averaging a triple-double in December and playing with the same confidence as ever.
Look for him to be even more valuable in dynasty formats as the Hawks look to build a team to get the most out of Johnson.
Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers
The silent assassin is healthy as ever, and at age 34, is co-leading the league in steals at 2.1 per game and has the highest scoring average of his career at 27.9 points per game. Leonard is shooting more threes than ever, is hitting over 94% of his free throws, and looks totally locked in to complete this incredible season.
People were concerned about how the Clippers started their season, but when you dig deeper, they won just two of the 10 games Leonard missed, which led him to take over as the offense’s leader completely, and that has helped his fantasy value immensely.
With James Harden out of town now and not replaced with anyone close to the level of his usage, I think he could rise even more for the rest of this season. Leonard provides points and steals at an elite level and blocks, assists, rebounds, and threes at a solid level, too. The ability to get contributions from so many categories from one player is why he is an elite fantasy option.
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
If you watched the Spurs dismantle the Lakers, you saw just what sort of talent Spurs center Victor Wembanyama possesses in all facets of the game.
The NBA has never seen a player with the ability to impact the game as Wembanyama can. Nobody has ever seen someone with the shooting stroke that Wembanyama has at 7-foot-4, and obviously, at that height, he has an elite rebounding and shot-blocking prowess.
In each of his first two seasons, he led the NBA in blocks per game and presents as an elite option for his ability to dominate his strongest categories consistently. He contributes with assists and steals, but those are not the main reasons to target him.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
With the trade deadline coming and going and Giannis Antetokounmpo remaining in Milwaukee, he has retained his value for when he returns, likely before the month ends. Antetokounmpo has proven to be one of the best players in the world for some years now, and the “Greek Freak” continues to be a multi-category force who provides a nightly double-double threat.
For such an elite scorer, he shoots at an extremely high percentage, which is valuable in a league where most of the league’s top scorers are volume shooters who shoot at much lower percentages.
He has one of the highest floors, in terms of nightly output, of any player in the league across multiple categories, with very little downside aside from a low free-throw percentage, which is a sacrifice I would take for 28 points and 10 rebounds with a block and a steal per game.
Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
Donovan Mitchell is the driving force of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and he does it by taking a lot of shots and being very effective from long distance. In fact, he has been so effective from three that his 37.7% mark would be a career-best if he maintains it.
Outside of his threes and scoring prowess, he has a knack for getting in passing lanes and being disruptive, averaging 1.5 steals per game. To find players with such a combination of two-way effectiveness is someone to target early in drafts.
Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
In fantasy circles, it was always wondered if Jamal Murray could translate his incredible playoff success and stats into regular-season numbers, and this year, it seems like he has done just that.
Murray has jumped from 21.4 points per game last season to 25.8 this year, and this is not at the expense of facilitating. His assist numbers are actually up to a career high of 7.6, which is a nice jump from six last season.
Aside from the above, Murray also has career highs in shots, threes, free throws taken and made, and rebounds. The offense seems to be more fluid with Michael Porter Jr. elsewhere, and Murray taking the next step may be just why.
Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
While many hoped for Anthony Edwards to be in the top five in a fantasy setting by now, owners should definitely be more than pleased with the way that Edwards contributes to their team.
Edwards has been a key contributor since the day he arrived in Minnesota, but now he is a 39.7% three-point shooter, averaging 3.4 threes per game and contributing modestly across the board.
The Wolves didn’t make a major splash this time around, so Edwards’ outlook remains as elite as always. Some lower-level additions coming in to take on some defensive responsibilities could actually contribute to a surge in efficiency for Edwards.
Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
When Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles tendon at the end of last season, the entire world turned its attention to Jaylen Brown to take his game to new heights this season.
Everyone knows what he is capable of, and it earned him Finals MVP honors, but he has always had a running mate. He has silenced any doubters by maintaining his counting stat production and increasing his scoring to 29.4 points per game.
He is a rare fantasy MVP that I would think a slight regression next season would not only be acceptable but also expected. The dynamics of the entire team are off, and he is amazing in his role. Enjoy his stellar season for now and know he is capable of this.
Deni Avdija, Portland Trail Blazers
The Israeli sensation, Deni Avdija, has taken a massive leap in his second year in Portland and has been among the most valuable assets in fantasy this year. He is averaging 25.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game.
He could also fall under the Best Value section below, but I would say he’s the “best of the rest,” which is why he is a notch above the rest of the value plays. With the way he fits in Tiago Splitter’s team, I wouldn’t be surprised if he stayed in a feature role, which makes him very appealing in keeper/dynasty formats.
Fantasy Basketball’s Best Value Picks So Far
Michael Porter Jr., Brooklyn Nets (ADP 62.8)
When Michael Porter Jr. left Denver for Brooklyn, we weren’t sure how it would pan out, but you could tell by the way he talks off the court and plays that he is playing free and better than ever.
He is averaging a career-high 25 points per game, with career highs in rebounds and assists as well. He is a bit of a liability in terms of defensive counting stats, but has been getting the job done and could find himself part of the Nets’ plans. Now that he remains in Brooklyn, where he is the guy, I expect this level of success to continue.
Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz (ADP 97.1)
Finland’s finest, Lauri Markkanen, is having another incredible year in Utah and has played his way into the sixth-ranked power forward in the NBA. While it was evident from day one that Utah was the perfect place for him to blossom into his complete profile as a hooper, pushing his scoring to 26.9 points per game has been a great fit.
Still, every year when the Jazz fall out of contention, his name comes up, and while a lot of teams will call for him, his fantasy value is somewhat tied to having such an expanded offense that is perfect for him.
Kon Kneuppel, Charlotte Hornets (ADP 122.6)
Between some uncertainty about how he would translate to the NBA and the Hornets’ depth on the wing, it was a wild card drafting Kon Kneuppel, but if you did, you got a top-50 player after pick 100. Kneuppel has been the best rookie so far this season, showing a smooth stroke from three and enough efficiency that he won’t hurt the team in any category.
His 3.4 threes per game would make that pick in the 120s worth it alone, but he is a strong option for now and for dynasty formats. He has top-25 potential if he increases his assists, but I think he has found a great role in Charlotte and is a part of why they are so fun to watch.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Atlanta Hawks (ADP 133.9)
A move from Minnesota to Atlanta has advanced Nickeil Alexander-Walker into prominence, and he has showcased exactly what he can do when he has the freedom to play his game. He had never started more than 21 games in a season before this year, and he has started 39 of 46 with Atlanta, and this looks to be his role moving forward.
A fearless shooter, he has been a weapon from beyond the arc, hitting 3.1 threes per game at 37.6%. He has proven that with consistent reps, he is a strong free-throw shooter, and his stock is trending way up right now.
Ryan Rollins, Milwaukee Bucks (ADP 135.9)
A gem from the second round of the 2022 Draft, the Warriors traded him in rapid succession to bring in Chris Paul, and now it looks like they could’ve afforded to be patient with him as opposed to making that move.
In any case, Milwaukee is where Rollins ended up and has found a home, and he should be considered for fantasy teams in all formats. With Cole Anthony shipped away, there should be even more shots for Rollins to continue his upward trajectory as well.
Rollins has been a bright spot in what has been a tumultuous 2025-26 season and has proven capable in this league. He averages 16.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, proving to be a multi-category contributor, and is currently ranked as the sixth-best shooting guard in the NBA per ESPN Fantasy Rankings.
NBA Players Who Could Thrive in New Homes
Jaren Jackson Jr., Utah Jazz
In a surprise move for many, Jaren Jackson Jr. was traded to the Utah Jazz, with Utah looking to secure its franchise center now rather than wait. The former NBA Defensive Player of the Year has been a consistent three-level scorer, an elite shot blocker, and has been an All-Star twice. Overall, his career numbers are 18.6 points per game, 5.6 rebounds, a steal, and an impressive 1.9 blocks per game.
So far, in an extremely small sample size, Jackson Jr. has averaged 22 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2.5 steals per game, and the Jazz are playing competitive basketball. He should thrive in this environment, and in dynasty formats, I think he has increased in value, as this move shows where their direction is for next year and beyond.
Trae Young, Washington Wizards
Trae Young saw the potential of the Wizards’ roster and made it known that it was his preferred destination if he were to be traded. They have some young talent, and since adding Young, they have also added 10-time NBA All-Star Anthony Davis, so it is clear they want to try to improve things.
Trae Young’s outlook is much higher in Washington than it was in Atlanta with the emergence of the aforementioned Jalen Johnson, as he will have high usage, two talented bigs to feed, and young shooters ready to roll.
Kristaps Porzingis, Golden State Warriors
The Warriors would not trade for a player if they didn’t think they could maximize the player’s skill set, and I think Steve Kerr will get a lot out of Kristaps Porzingis. This Warriors team needed size, and this unicorn has it, along with skill and shooting ability.
His championship pedigree will also fit in with Stephen Curry and the Warriors. They paid a heavy price for his services, but I think he can help the Warriors regain their swagger.
Jared McCain, Oklahoma City Thunder
To be the first player Sam Presti trades away a first-round pick for should say enough about the upside of this move, but in any case, McCain is just what the doctor ordered for the Thunder, and it will help his fantasy value in category leagues.
McCain should go side by side with Ajay Mitchell in running the second unit, and his skill set fits perfectly in this offense. Look for an increase in efficiency, and with Oklahoma City having been bitten by the injury bug, McCain will often get extended run once he settles in.
Darius Garland, Los Angeles Clippers
Darius Garland has been second fiddle to Donovan Mitchell for years now, and he has shown flashes of being really good, but hasn’t had the keys to the offense on a fully manned team yet, and I think this could be a major addition for the Clippers.
Kawhi Leonard is the Clippers embodied, but he has shown the willingness and ability to cede to other star players for the sake of winning. I think when healthy, they could be a force for years to come.
Fantasy Basketball Players to Buy or Hold
Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder
After missing the first 19 games of the season due to recovery from his offseason wrist surgery, it appears that Jalen Williams is slowly but surely gaining consistency as the season goes on. Williams is the clear second option in a prolific Oklahoma City offense and provides value in several categories.
Owners who were patient with “J-Dub” will reap the rewards as he now appears fully healthy. His scoring decrease is almost directly correlated with his career-worst three-point percentage, his threes are down by a full three per game, and he is shooting well below his career 37.5% mark. I expect this to return to the mean and for him to continue his month-over-month improvement in scoring.
If you already have good shooting on your team in redraft category leagues, I think this may be the last window of opportunity to trade for him before his value returns to normal. In all dynasty formats, I recommend keeping him if you have him and trading for him if he becomes available. I would view this hamstring injury as an opportunity to get him at an extremely reasonable cost, rather than worrying about long-term injury risk.
Ty Jerome, Memphis Grizzlies
The Cavaliers’ biggest mistake of the season was letting Ty Jerome walk, as he was a perfect fit in their system, and the Lonzo Ball experiment did not pan out.
Now in Memphis, Ja Morant’s status has been cloudy all season, and now that Jerome is in the fold and Jaren Jackson Jr. is elsewhere, there will be no rush to push or overwork Morant as the focus turns to next year. But Jerome will ball wherever he is, and he has once again found a home in a place where he is capable of leading the offense.
Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers
Donovan Clingan is developing into an elite big man option, as he has been piling up games with 14 or more rebounds and blocking shots at an extremely high level.
He shoots the occasional three and shoots overall at a high percentage, but his work on the glass and on defense make him an extremely valuable asset in all formats, and the sky is the limit for him in dynasty formats.
Ajay Mitchell, Oklahoma City Thunder
It is clear that Ajay Mitchell is extremely important to the Thunder’s success, and before his injury, the Thunder were 37-6. While they still sit at an NBA-best 41-13, they have lost seven of the 13 games they have been without Mitchell’s services.
The second-year guard is a multi-category contributor for a reasonable price, as the only thing holding him back from more fantasy numbers is that he plays just 26.3 minutes per game. Mitchell averages 14.1 points per game, 3.7 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game.
Dyson Daniels, Atlanta Hawks
One of the best steals category players is Dyson Daniels, who was the steals champion just one season ago. Since Trae Young was moved, he has taken his all-around game to another level, averaging 10.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 1.8 steals per game over his last 15 games.
While there are plenty of other avenues to find points and threes, Daniels presents as a strong option to rack up fantasy points in other categories, especially for a guard. His prospects for dynasty only get stronger, as he is learning not to settle for low-percentage shots and stick to what he is good at, which will only lead to more efficiency.
Fantasy Basketball Players to Avoid or Trade
Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
It seems like Morant is past his off-the-court antics, but he is still not on the court much and has actively stated that he will not be dunking as much. Okay, that last one was just me being bummed.
Part of being a valuable asset in fantasy is participating. Morant is an elite scorer but doesn’t contribute consistently in any other category. Also, for leagues where it is relevant, he has a high turnover rate. That comes with usage, but you can find better assets where the sacrifice is worth it because they will be contributors who offset the negative.
Cameron Johnson, Denver Nuggets
It took a very long time for Cameron Johnson to appear comfortable in Denver, and he is still in a lesser role and is not producing at the level he has shown himself capable of.
He doesn’t do much outside of making threes that shows up on the stat sheet, and even that is an extremely streaky output. He is averaging career lows as a full-time starter in points, rebounds, and threes per game, and could be left alone in all except the deepest of fantasy formats.
Jordan Poole, New Orleans Pelicans
There are two reasons players become journeymen: one is that they are solid role players who fit into any system, and the other is that they got a fat contract and didn’t live up to it. Poole fits into the latter.
He has shown flashes of being a good shooter, but he has shown much more negative in his game, both from a fantasy standpoint and real-life impact. He has had trouble being consistent enough to earn consistent roles at all of his stops.
This is mainly because he misses shots and piles up turnovers when he has usage, and it seems like Poole is a player that can be left on the waiver wire in just about all formats.
