NBA Trade Deadline Stash Targets || 2025-26 Fantasy Basketball
Watch Here - NBA Trade Deadline Stash Targets || 2025-26 Fantasy Basketball
Every year around the NBA trade deadline, fantasy managers panic while the smart ones get prepared. The real life February 5th deadline may have passed, but your fantasy leagues deadline may still be a few days or even weeks from now. So, now is the time to look at stash candidates you should add before things really shake out. Some players are already making noise. Others are quietly poised to benefit from roster upheaval around the league. In this video for BLEAV in Fantasy Basketball, hosts D-Mac and Matty G break down a lineup of stash targets worth picking up now so you can get ahead of the competition and possibly win your league.
Why Stashes Matter Before the Deadline
As the trade deadline nears, minutes and roles can shift quickly. When a star gets traded, that suddenly opens up playing time for someone else. This is the essence of “silly season” in fantasy basketball. If you have the roster space, adding potential breakout guys now can pay huge dividends in the final weeks of the season.
Just like the hosts emphasize, this is prime time to look beyond the usual suspects and target players with upside and opportunity.
Top Stash Candidates to Target Now
Jalen Smith: Big Upside Big Man
One of the most talked-about stash players right now is Jalen Smith of the Chicago Bulls. If Bulls veteran Nikola Vučević is dealt, Smith could see a major increase in minutes and fantasy production. He has shown double-double ability and shot blocking in limited time, and a bigger role could turn him into a weekly starter in deeper leagues.
Even before any transactions, he has flashed efficiency and counting stats in limited minutes, making him a risk worth taking on your waiver wire.
Day’Ron Sharpe and Nets Frontcourt Options
Day’Ron Sharpe is another player with stash appeal, especially if the Brooklyn Nets decide to deal veterans like Nic Claxton or other big men. Sharpe has shown per-minute production that suggests he could flourish if given a larger role.
The Nets are in a weird spot this year with inconsistencies and possible tanking, so rookies and second-year players could see irregular minutes. Keep an eye on minutes patterns and add guys like Sharpe before someone else jumps on them.
Danny Wolf: Minutes Equal Production
Danny Wolf, another Nets forward, stands out because of his playing time; he’s been logging 28 to 29 minutes recently. That kind of volume opens up real fantasy value, especially in categories like rebounds, blocks, and even assists for a big man.
Rookie minutes are always a bit volatile, but Wolf’s increased minutes make him a particularly intriguing stash if his efficiency trends upward.
Jarace Walker: Rookie With Role Potential
Jarace Walker is a name to watch in deeper leagues. On a team that could be exploring youth and tanking scenarios, Walker has shown moments of scoring pop and defensive ability that could translate to consistent value if he earns a steady role.
Tanking teams often give younger players extended run late in the season, and Walker fits that profile as athletic, versatile, and capable of contributing across multiple stat categories.
Jazz Players to Watch
Ty Jerome: Sell High or Add Now
Ty Jerome has been making noise since returning from injury, with about 20 minutes per game and strong scoring efficiency. While his role might fluctuate depending on team needs and potential trades, he is a solid stash if available. He could even be a sell-high candidate in trade negotiations, but owning him now gives you flexibility either way.
Ace Bailey: Emerging Steal
Ace Bailey has had some big scoring nights and, despite occasional inefficiency, is playing enough minutes to be fantasy relevant. If the Utah Jazz continue to embrace youth or move veterans, Bailey could see his opportunity expand.
Kyle Filipowski: Big Man Minutes
Kyle Filipowski can be a useful stash, particularly if Jazz rotations shift due to trades or injuries. He has logged extended minutes in recent outings and can contribute rebounds, steals, and blocks when given the chance, all valuable for fantasy managers.
Other Interesting Stash Picks
Obi Toppin: Injury Return Upside
Obi Toppin has been dealing with injury this season, but he previously provided significant fantasy value when on the floor. If your league has an injured reserve spot, stashing him could be a savvy long-term play for when he returns.
Jeremiah Fears: Opportunity on Struggling Team
While Jeremiah Fears is not yet a household name, he has shown enough scoring and role growth for the struggling New Orleans Pelicans that fantasy managers might consider adding him if there’s room. Young teams out of playoff contention often give these players extended run late in the season.
Jonathan Kuminga: Trade Watch*
Jonathan Kuminga has been a name floating around trade discussions. While inconsistent due to injuries and rotations, a change of scenery via potential trade could unlock scoring and usage that make him a worthwhile stash for those in deeper leagues.
*Kuminga was traded to the Hawks following the recording of this video, meaning this could be the exact opportunity he needs to start balling out for fantasy managers
Guys to Keep, Not Rush to Trade
Lauri Markkanen: Hold for Value
Lauri Markkanen is nearly universally rostered and not technically available in most leagues, but if you have him, don’t rush to trade him just yet. Unless he gets moved to a contender and sees minutes chopped, holding Markkanen could position you to sell high after a strong performance or increased role.
Aaron Nesmith: Sprinkling Upside
Aaron Nesmith has been hot at times and fits well into some rotations due to his scoring ability. He has bounced in and out of waiver wires but is trending up and could make a difference down the stretch for those who pick him up now.
Final Thoughts Before the Deadline
The trade deadline is about more than big names getting swapped. It is about the ripple effects that create opportunity for the lesser-known players who suddenly find themselves with expanded roles. The guys listed here all have scenarios where increased minutes and responsibility could boost their fantasy value, but you have to add them before the news breaks.
Whether it is a young rookie like Jarace Walker or a big man like Jalen Smith, these players are worth watching closely and adding to your roster if available. Set alerts for every trade rumor by following reputable sources like Shams Charania and other NBA insider accounts.
Add now, stay patient, and get ready to watch your league advantage grow as the NBA’s wildest period of the season unfolds.
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