The Grizzlies’ Zach Edey and Ja Morant made RotoWire’s keepers list for the upcoming 2025-26 fantasy season.
In this article, we’ll break down the Best Keeper and Upside Keeper for all 15 Western Conference franchises — blending current production with future potential. Whether you’re building around proven All-Stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards, or hunting for breakout potential with Christian Braun, Zach Edey or Chet Holmgren, this guide offers a detailed look at which players to hold tight and which ones could explode in value down the line.
Check out the Eastern Conference Keepers Guide.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Best Keeper: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
2024-25 FP/G: 54.1
The MVP. He’ll be turning 27 next season and has racked up three consecutive top-five fantasy seasons. Whether it’s a points league or a category league, there aren’t many better options than Gilgeous-Alexander, who looks set to dominate for years to come with an elite, balanced two-way game that rivals some of the greatest guards in NBA history.
Upside Keeper: Chet Holmgren
2024-25 FP/G: 34.6
A broken hip and the Thunder’s tendency to win in blowout fashion limited Holmgren to 27.4 minutes per game this year. For his career, when playing 30-39 minutes (57 appearances), Holmgren has averaged 18.3 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 2.8 blocks and 0.8 steals. That also includes shooting 53.2 FG%, 77.3 FT% and hitting 1.7 3-pointers at 38.6%. Health and minutes will go a long way for Holmgren, even if he remains a No. 3 offensive option.
Houston Rockets
Best Keeper: Amen Thompson
2024-25 FP/G: 35.7
This was a competition between Thompson and Alperen Sengun, who are the same age. But Thompson appears to be showing more upward trajectory and flashes of superstardom, especially on defense. He forced coach Ime Udoka’s hand to stay in the starting lineup over Jabari Smith Jr. and averaged 15.7 points, 9.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.4 blocks per 36 minutes while not being prioritized on offense. If the ball flows through him more often, there’s untapped potential.
Upside Keeper: Reed Sheppard
2024-25 FP/G: 10.7
This is a risk/reward play after the No. 3 overall pick in 2024 played just 12.6 minutes per game. Shooting efficiency and a lack of foul-drawing was a major issue for Sheppard, but he showed off his upside as a defensive disruptor, averaging 1.9 steals and 0.9 blocks per 36 minutes. Investing in Sheppard as a keeper is a long play based on pedigree. Many smaller guards have struggled in their rookie seasons.
LA Clippers
Best Keeper: James Harden
2024-25 FP/G: 45.0
Harden will be turning 36 years old in 2025-26, but he’s coming off a top-five fantasy campaign. He’s adjusted his game with age and has remained highly effective as a passer and three-point shooter. Harden being the best keeper on the Clippers is partially a consequence of the team not having any blue-chip prospects, or many young players in the rotation at all, but it seems his game is aging just fine.
Upside Keeper: Ivica Zubac
2024-25 FP/G: 39.8
Zubac is coming off the best year of his career and was in the running for Kia NBA Most Improved Player. He’ll be entering his age 28 season as one of the most efficient double-double threats in the league. Being the pick-and-roll partner for Harden gives him a high floor, but Zubac has become one of the best hook-shot makers in the league as well, so he’s able to score even when not being set up.
Denver Nuggets
Best Keeper: Nikola Jokić
2024-25 FP/G: 64.3
The three-time MVP finished second in voting this season, averaging an efficient 30/13/10 triple-double with 1.8 steals. There’s not a safer No. 1 overall pick in redraft fantasy leagues, and he’s the easy selection for best keeper on the Nuggets. He’s entering his age-30 season, but his game should translate with age, and he’s rarely injured.
Upside Keeper: Christian Braun
2024-25 FP/G: 29.1
Peyton Watson was also in contention here, but he didn’t have the breakout campaign that Braun did in 2024-25. Braun jumped into the starting lineup and became one of the best transition players in the NBA, finishing with a fantastic 58 FG% for 15.4 points per game. He also continued his development as a 3-point shooter. If he can start adding more playmaking to his repertoire, he’ll become a complete player.
Los Angeles Lakers
Best Keeper: Luka Dončić
2024-25 FP/G: 52.5
How much is left to say about Dončić? Aside from some missed time due to injury, he’s been one of the best players in the NBA since his second year. He showed he can play well alongside LeBron James, and Dončić ultimately looks to take over the Lakers when LeBron decides to hang it up.
Upside Keeper: Dalton Knecht
2024-25 FP/G: 14.4
After the Lakers technically traded Knecht at the deadline before Mark Williams failed his physical, there seems to be a good chance Knecht is actually on the move this summer. Either way, this is a long-term play. Knecht electrified Crypto.com arena on more than one occasion, but ultimately the surrounding cast was too talented and too experienced for Knecht to get big minutes as a rookie. Still, he averaged 17.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists – good numbers for his first year in the Association.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Best Keeper: Anthony Edwards
2024-25 FP/G: 43.4
Edwards continues to make strides in his game. In 2024-25, he turned into a much more prolific 3-point shooter, making 4.1 per game and leading the league in total 3-pointers (320). He did so while still getting to the free-throw line often and putting together balanced two-way stat lines. The sky is the limit for the three-time All-Star, who will be entering his age 24 season.
Upside Keeper: Naz Reid
2024-25 FP/G: 28.3
Reid had his ups and downs in the 2025 playoffs, but longtime fantasy managers know the 25-year-old is one of the best per-minute big man producers in the NBA. Whether or not he remains in Minnesota, a starting role could be in his near future. In games that he’s seen 30-39 minutes, Reid has averaged 18.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.5 combined steals-plus-blocks.
Memphis Grizzlies
Best Keeper: Ja Morant
2024-25 FP/G: 39.7
Injuries have held Morant back, but he’s still one of the best point guards in the league when healthy. He’ll be entering his age 26 seasons having averaged 25.7 points, 7.4 assists, 5.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals across the past four years (177 games). Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane are both fair alternatives for Memphis’ best keeper, but Morant wins by being the team’s go-to offensive option.
Upside Keeper: Zach Edey
2024-25 FP/G: 24.9
Edey had a productive rookie season and established himself as one of the best rebounders in the NBA, especially on the offensive glass. He saw just 21.5 minutes per game while adjusting to the NBA game, averaging 9.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.0 assists while shooting 58.0 FG%. He also shot a decent 18-for-52 (34.6%) from deep and 90-for-127 (70.9%) from the charity stripe. If the center can start seeing closer to 30 minutes per game consistently, he should be a relatively high pick in fantasy.
Golden State Warriors
Best Keeper: Stephen Curry
2024-25 FP/G: 40.7
Despite turning 37 years old this year, Curry continues to put together elite fantasy seasons. He finished as the ninth-ranked player in eight-category formats (both per-game and total), averaging 24.5 points and 4.4 made 3-pointers on 45/40/93 shooting, 6.0 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 32.2 minutes. Age and injury concerns are fair, but his game is aging extremely well.
Upside Keeper: Jonathan Kuminga
2024-25 FP/G: 26.4
Kuminga’s role has fluctuated often throughout his career, with 2024-25 being no exception in both the regular season and playoffs. Despite being the No. 7 overall pick in 2021, he still hasn’t quite earned the trust of the coaching staff. It wouldn’t be surprising if he landed a bigger role on a different team, and that’s what fantasy managers should hope for as a best-case scenario. Over the past two seasons, he’s averaged 22.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.1 steals per 36 minutes.
Sacramento Kings
Best Keeper: Domantas Sabonis
2024-25 FP/G: 45.1
Sacramento’s direction is a bit unclear following the trade of De’Aaron Fox. But Sabonis continues to put up stellar numbers in his late-20s. He led the NBA in rebounds per game (13.9) for a third straight season, also posting 19.1 points on 59.0 FG% and 6.0 assists. There just aren’t many big men in the NBA able to compete with that production.
Upside Keeper: Devin Carter
2024-25 FP/G: 9.7
Carter’s rookie season got off to a tough start, as he needed shoulder surgery to correct a torn labrum suffered during pre-draft workouts. He made his NBA debut in early January and appeared in 36 games, seeing 11.0 minutes per. His shooting percentages (37/30/59) were rough, even for someone not expected to be a highly-efficient shooter in the NBA. Still, he established his presence in other ways, averaging 12.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.9 steals per 36 minutes. Grabbing him now in keeper formats would be a good move for a rebuilding squad.
Dallas Mavericks
Best Keeper: Anthony Davis
2024-25 FP/G: 51.7
Davis is divisive in the fantasy community. His per-game production is excellent, but the injuries continue to pile up. There should be more touches for him on this Dallas squad than there were with the Lakers, especially while Kyrie Irving is sidelined. Davis might not be an elite long-term option, but fantasy managers in keeper leagues trying to win a title in the immediate future have to consider him.
Upside Keeper: Derek Lively II
2024-25 FP/G: 26.5
Lively has been splitting time at center with Daniel Gafford, who is 26 years old and on an expiring contract next season. The 21-year-old Lively should be the future of the center position for Dallas, as the franchise seems committed to playing Anthony Davis at power forward. Some injuries have limited Lively to 91 total games in his first two seasons, but he’s put up strong per-36-minute numbers of 13.5 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.3 blocks. You could make the argument that Cooper Flagg would be Dallas’ best keeper if he’s selected with their first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Portland Trail Blazers
Best Keeper: Deni Avdija
2024-25 FP/G: 33.2
It’s difficult to know what’s going on in Portland – who will be on the team in the near future; who will step up and asset themselves as the go-to option; how they will find minutes for all their young players. But one thing we saw was Avdija step up in a big way down the stretch, as he did for the Wizards in the previous season. From the New Year onward, Avdija averaged 17.0 points and 1.3 3-pointers on 51/39/74 shooting, 8.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.3 combined steals-plus-blocks. The 24-year-old has a well-rounded, two-way skillset that translates well to fantasy and should ensure a high floor for his career.
Upside Keeper: Donovan Clingan
2024-25 FP/G: 23.0
Portland’s roster has no shortage of intriguing young talent, including Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson. Clingan is still behind Deandre Ayton in the rotation, but I’m not worried about that for a long-term play. As a rookie, Clingan was a 99th percentile block rate and 98th percentile rebounding rate, translating to 14.3 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per 36 minutes. He needs to improve his cardio and stay out of foul trouble, but those are numbers I want to invest in.
Phoenix Suns
Best Keeper: Devin Booker
2024-25 FP/G: 41.5
Kevin Durant was in contention for this section, but the eight-year age gap between him and Booker is enough for me to lean on Phoenix’s franchise player. Now, the Suns are definitely due for a shakeup. Durant was available at the deadline, and who knows what the time might look like in 2025-26. Whatever happens, though, I trust Booker to put up awesome numbers comparable to KD.
Upside Keeper: Ryan Dunn
2024-25 FP/G: 15.3
I would also hear an argument for Oso Ighodaro here, who showed intriguing potential as a springy center with passing vision. Dunn’s shooting was inconsistent as a rookie, as expected, shooting 31.1% from deep. But he was a disruptive and versatile defender, averaging 1.1 steals and 1.0 blocks per 36 minutes. Hopefully his defense alone allows him a growing role over time, with which he can improve his 3-ball.
San Antonio Spurs
Best Keeper: Victor Wembanyama
2024-25 FP/G: 54.6
Wembanyama’s second season was unceremoniously cut short due to a blood clot issue – thankfully, not a long-term concern of the Spurs. He was the frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year, averaging 3.8 blocks and 1.1 steals per game in addition to his 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists. All signs point to the 21-year-old being one of the best players in the NBA much sooner than later.
Upside Keeper: Stephon Castle
2024-25 FP/G: 26.6
Devin Vassell and Jeremy Sochan also got consideration here, but Castle probably qualifies as a more upside-focused play given his great Kia NBA Rookie of the Year campaign. His role fluctuated throughout the season, and his shooting percentages weren’t especially efficient. However, he still averaged 16.6 points, 4.9 assists and 4.0 rebounds in the 47 games he started. Castle will be 20 years old when next season begins and further cement himself as a reliable third or fourth offensive option.
New Orleans Pelicans
Best Keeper: Trey Murphy III
2024-25 FP/G: 36.0
Murphy’s ascent has been phenomenal, and his 2024-25 campaign was so impressive that I’ve vaulted him above Zion Williamson for the Pelicans’ best keeper. His season started slowly and ended badly with a torn labrum, but during a 45-game stretch, Murphy averaged 22.1 points and 3.1 made 3-pointers on 46/37/90 shooting, 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.9 combined steals-plus-blocks. New Orleans’ future is cloudy, but it’s easy to invest in Murphy long term for fantasy.
Upside Keeper: Zion Williamson
2024-25 FP/G: 44.6
Having just completed his sixth season, Williamson has appeared in 214 games. Again, he played great when on the floor, averaging 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 2.1 combined steals-plus-blocks in 28.6 minutes. But from a fantasy perspective, his health is too unreliable for him to be considered anything but an upside option.
Utah Jazz
Best Keeper: Walker Kessler
2024-25 FP/G: 35.7
Initially, I placed Lauri Markkanen here, but I just don’t know what we’re getting out of him anymore while he’s on Utah, and if he gets dealt out of Utah, will he be better than a No. 3 offensive option wherever he lands? So I’m turning to Kessler, who is coming off a career year, where he encouragingly played 30.0 minutes per game. That allowed his great per-minute production to flourish, and he averaged 11.1 points on 66.3 FG%, 12.2 rebounds, 2.4 blocks and 1.7 assists. I don’t expect massive development for the remainder of Kessler’s career, especially as a shooter, but it’s clear he can actualize his top-50 upside sooner than later.
Upside Keeper: Taylor Hendricks
2024-25 FP/G: 20.0
A serious leg injury resulted in Hendricks’ sophomore campaign being cut short after three appearances, so we’re still essentially working off his rookie season. The 21-year-old was the No. 9 overall pick in the 2023 Draft and projects as a 3-and-D forward who could moonlight as an undersized center. While Hendricks didn’t score at volume as a rookie, he averaged 2.2 3-pointers, 1.3 blocks and 1.2 steals per 36 minutes. That’s the baseline for great fantasy upside.
