Malaki

Branham

Acquired from Dallas for Tyus Jones, Branham has yet to join the Hornets. His absence does not affect fantasy basketball, as it’s unknown how — or if — he’ll fit into the rotation.

Branham was traded to Dallas as part of the Anthony Davis trade, but now he’ll be back in the Southeast division. Branham should be a solid depth scorer, though with Charlotte trying to push for the postseason, he likely won’t play enough minutes to make much of an impact.

Two players that have already been moved at this deadline will be swung once again. Jones will provide a veteran ball handler for a young team that has lacked a consistent option at point guard this season. Having Jones in the rotation will help Cooper Flagg’s development without resulting in extra wins. Jones could be a solid source of assists if he is able to playing at least 20 minutes per game, though he will likely come off the bench.

Branham has been a volume scorer through the first four seasons of his career, which has led to some productive nights. However, he hasn’t been able to carve out a sustained role. He’ll get the chance in Dallas, and he could be a strong option during silly season. He’s only 22 years old, so there is still some upside here, but it is unlikely that he ends up as a long-term guard option for the Mavs.

The firsts include the Thunder pick in 2026 and a protected Warriors pick in 2030. Davis is set to be re-evaluated in late February, but managers shouldn’t expect to see him play much down the stretch as the Wizards look to improve their lottery odds. However, Davis joins Trae Young and a talented young core in Washington, and they should add another top pick this summer. Davis will form an elite defensive tandem down low with Alex Sarr that should allow Washington to return to the postseason as early as 2027, assuming they plan to keep him around.

Most of Branham’s points came during garbage time, but he was able to lead Washington in scoring in this game. As has been the case for the entirety of his career, he has the ability to be an electric scorer, but he wasn’t able to contribute much else statistically. The 17 points were a new season high, which was great to see, but he should be left on the waiver wire.

Branham’s role has been a minimal one, and even when he’s gotten the chance to play extra minutes, he hasn’t done much in the box score. His absence won’t have much of an impact on the Wizards’ rotation and certainly won’t alter fantasy lineups.

Branham will be available to suit up after initially being listed as questionable. However, his role this season has been minimal, so he likely won’t see the floor much in this game.

Branham is still dealing with a sprained right thumb. His availability does not affect fantasy basketball, as the former first-round pick is not guaranteed to play rotation minutes.

Kispert played 13 minutes off the bench before having to exit due to hamstring tightness. While there may be a few more minutes available to Malaki Branham, Tre Johnson is ahead of him in the pecking order regarding playing time.