2023-24 Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Week 4: Skylar Mays takes over for the Trail Blazers
Another week in, and this continues to shape up to be a great NBA season. There is a lot to digest, analyze, and consider on a daily basis, let’s take a look at some NBA Waiver Wire options I have my eye on. At the same time, don’t forget to take advantage of all of the other great tools we have here at Fantasy Alarm for the NBA season.
Fantasy Basketball NBA Waiver Wire Picks
Skylar Mays SG, Portland Trail Blazers
This might end up being more of a temporary solution, but production is production. Skylar Mays had his two-contract converted on Saturday into a standard contract after he finished with a double-double on Wednesday. In 37 minutes of action, Mays had 18 points and 11 rebounds and figures to continue to receive playing time in the near future. Not only did Malcolm Brogdon exit with a hamstring injury, but Anfernee Simons and Scoot Henderson are both banged up. While it may be a war of attrition, we have to follow the volume.
Haywood Highsmith SF, Miami Heat
After a delayed start to the season due to injury, Haywood Highsmith now has five games under his belt and is increasing his workload in each. Highsmith has returned to the starting lineup, and worked his way to 33 minutes of action and 13 shots on Saturday. While the problem is that the forward only made three shots, there is a lot to be optimistic about. As he shakes the rust off, Highsmith’s efficiency should improve.
Luke Kennard SG, Memphis Grizzlies
Seriously, two Memphis Grizzlies players here? Well, we did say that the Grizzlies had offense to fill with Morant out, so there is some logic there. Kennard is averaging 8.8 points per game with a few rebounds and assists, but that is not what we are after. Instead, let’s take a closer look at how Kennard gets his points. With 2.2 three-pointers per game, Kennard is a strong, category specific addition if that is an area you are deficient in.
Rui Hachimura SF/PF, Los Angeles Lakers
The dual eligibility at the forward position helps here, as you are likely trolling the waiver wire to fill a roster hole. Rui Hachimura is averaging 11 points and four rebounds per game, so he is also contributing at a solid level. Sticking with the theme of filling a specific need, Hachimura is averaging 1.4 steals per game which also helps. Additionally, while healthy so far, should LeBron James or Anthony Davis miss anytime with injury or rest, Hachimura would also be the beneficiary.
Nick Richards C, Charlotte Hornets
It’s all about playing time here for Nick Richards. If he received more of it than 16 minutes per game, than we wouldn’t be talking about Richards here. However, even in his limited playing time, he certainly has been productive and is clearly earning more of it. Richards is averaging 7.7 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, but for those looking for categorical help, the center also has 1.4 blocks per game.
Player News
ESPN’s Shams Charania reports the Magic signed PF/C Moritz Wagner has agreed to a one-year, $5 million deal.
Wagner tore his ACL in December, and he’ll miss time to start the 2025-26 season. Before suffering the injury, he averaged career highs in points (12.9), rebounds (4.9) and three-point percentage (36) in just 18.8 minutes per game. Once he returns, he’ll likely take on a similar role as a microwave scorer and spacer off the bench.
HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reports the Rockets have signed Kevon Harris to a two-way contract.
Harris appeared in 36 games for the Magic during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, averaging 4.0 points and 2.0 rebounds in 12.9 minutes. While he did not play in the NBA last season, the 6-foot-6 wing flourished in the G League, averaging 19.8 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. Harris is unlikely to impact fantasy basketball in Houston as a two-way contract player due to the Rockets’ depth.
Jahmai Mashack is headed to Golden State as part of the seven-team trade headlined by Kevin Durant.
Selected by the Rockets with the 59th overall pick in last month’s draft, Mashack was initially headed to Memphis via trade. Now he’s headed to Golden State as part of a trade that included an NBA record seven teams. Given his reputation as a rugged defender and “glue guy,” Mashack will look to earn an opportunity with the Warriors, who could use a low-cost contributor due to their current salary cap situation.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reports the 76ers signed Jabari Walker to a two-way contract.
To get a player of Walker’s experience level on a two-way contract is a shrewd piece of business by the 76ers. The 57th overall pick in the 2022 draft, Walker appeared in 60 games last season, averaging 5.2 points and 3.5 rebounds in 12.5 minutes. During the 2023-24 campaign, Walker started 23 of the 72 games he played, averaging 8.9 points and 7.1 rebounds in 23.6 minutes. With a healthy Joel Embiid and Andre Drummond, Walker’s minutes will likely be limited next season, but he’ll have some value on nights when Philadelphia is shorthanded in the post.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reports Jaxson Hayes and the Lakers have agreed to a one-year deal.
Hayes appeared in 56 games for the Lakers last season, making 35 starts. However, his role will be different in 2025-26, as Deandre Ayton has agreed to a two-year deal and will be the starting center. Hayes finished last season with averages of 6.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 0.9 blocks on 19.5 minutes per game. He did not provide consistent fantasy value as a starter, which should remain the case now that Hayes will be coming off the bench.
Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic reports the Suns are discussing a potential buyout for Bradley Beal.
Beal’s time in Phoenix has not been what anyone hoped it would be, due to the combination of injuries and underwhelming production. He’s been the focus of trade rumors in the past, but as one of two players in the league with a no-trade clause (LeBron James is the other), Beal has been incredibly difficult to move. Regarding a buyout, there are multiple issues at play. Accepting the deal would include Beal losing his no-trade clause, but he would be an unrestricted free agent once he clears waivers. The more significant issue is that Phoenix has already waived and stretched Nassir Little and E.J. Liddell, so they will need Beal to leave some money on the table. Per league rules, the amount of salary stretched cannot exceed 15 percent of the salary cap.