Dynasty and keeper leagues reward patience, vision and long-term planning. Unlike redraft formats where you start fresh each season, keeper leagues let you build a roster that evolves and grows stronger over time. The challenge? Balancing immediate production with future upside while identifying which players offer the best value across multiple seasons.
Our top 125 fantasy basketball keeper and dynasty rankings for 2025-26 help you navigate these decisions with confidence. Whether you're targeting a championship run this year or building toward sustained dominance, these rankings factor in age, contract situations, role security and breakout potential to guide your draft and trade strategies.
Managers who subscribe to RotoWire will be able to find the complete list of our Fantasy Basketball Keeper Rankings, which is 300 players deep.
Fantasy Basketball Dynasty Rankings 2025
Keeper Rank | Name | Team | Age | Pos |
1 | Victor Wembanyama | SAS | 21 | C |
2 | Nikola Jokic | DEN | 30 | C |
3 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | OKC | 27 | G |
4 | Luka Doncic | LAL | 26 | G |
5 | Cooper Flagg | DAL | 18 | F |
6 | Cade Cunningham | DET | 24 | G |
7 | Anthony Edwards | MIN | 24 | G |
8 | Paolo Banchero | ORL | 22 | F |
9 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | MIL | 30 | F |
10 | Evan Mobley | CLE | 24 | F |
11 | Chet Holmgren | OKC | 23 | C |
12 | Karl-Anthony Towns | NYK | 29 | C |
13 | Amen Thompson | HOU | 22 | G |
14 | Trae Young | ATL | 27 | G |
15 | LaMelo Ball | CHA | 24 | G |
16 | Jayson Tatum | BOS | 27 | F |
17 | Scottie Barnes | TOR | 24 | F |
18 | Jalen Williams | OKC | 24 | F |
19 | Jalen Johnson | ATL | 23 | F |
20 | Devin Booker | PHX | 28 | G |
21 | Tyrese Haliburton | IND | 25 | G |
22 | Donovan Mitchell | CLE | 29 | G |
23 | Domantas Sabonis | SAC | 29 | C |
24 | Josh Giddey | CHI | 23 | G |
25 | Jaylen Brown | BOS | 28 | F |
26 | De'Aaron Fox | SAS | 27 | G |
27 | Tyrese Maxey | PHI | 24 | G |
28 | Franz Wagner | ORL | 24 | F |
29 | Bam Adebayo | MIA | 28 | C |
30 | Tyler Herro | MIA | 25 | G |
31 | Jaren Jackson | MEM | 26 | F |
32 | Alperen Sengun | HOU | 23 | C |
33 | Anthony Davis | DAL | 32 | C |
34 | Jalen Brunson | NYK | 29 | G |
35 | Dyson Daniels | ATL | 22 | G |
36 | Darius Garland | CLE | 25 | G |
37 | Desmond Bane | ORL | 27 | G |
38 | Jamal Murray | DEN | 28 | G |
39 | Brandon Miller | CHA | 22 | F |
40 | Zion Williamson | NOP | 25 | F |
41 | Matas Buzelis | CHI | 21 | F |
42 | Ausar Thompson | DET | 22 | F |
43 | Trey Murphy | NOP | 25 | F |
44 | Ja Morant | MEM | 26 | G |
45 | James Harden | LAC | 36 | G |
46 | Kevin Durant | HOU | 37 | F |
47 | Stephen Curry | GSW | 37 | G |
48 | Pascal Siakam | IND | 31 | F |
49 | Derrick White | BOS | 31 | G |
50 | LeBron James | LAL | 40 | F |
51 | Austin Reaves | LAL | 27 | G |
52 | VJ Edgecombe | PHI | 20 | G |
53 | Ace Bailey | UTA | 19 | F |
54 | Dylan Harper | SAS | 19 | G |
55 | Ivica Zubac | LAC | 28 | C |
56 | Alex Sarr | WAS | 20 | C |
57 | Myles Turner | MIL | 29 | C |
58 | Jarrett Allen | CLE | 27 | C |
59 | Walker Kessler | UTA | 24 | C |
60 | Jalen Duren | DET | 21 | C |
61 | Dereck Lively | DAL | 21 | C |
62 | Deni Avdija | POR | 24 | F |
63 | Jordan Poole | NOP | 26 | G |
64 | Coby White | CHI | 25 | G |
65 | Zach LaVine | SAC | 30 | F |
66 | Lauri Markkanen | UTA | 28 | F |
67 | Zach Edey | MEM | 23 | C |
68 | Donovan Clingan | POR | 21 | C |
69 | Onyeka Okongwu | ATL | 24 | C |
70 | Isaiah Hartenstein | OKC | 27 | C |
71 | Mikal Bridges | NYK | 29 | F |
72 | OG Anunoby | NYK | 28 | F |
73 | Miles Bridges | CHA | 27 | F |
74 | Kyrie Irving | DAL | 33 | G |
75 | Joel Embiid | PHI | 31 | C |
76 | Stephon Castle | SAS | 20 | G |
77 | Reed Sheppard | HOU | 21 | G |
78 | Scoot Henderson | POR | 21 | G |
79 | Josh Hart | NYK | 30 | F |
80 | Toumani Camara | POR | 25 | F |
81 | Julius Randle | MIN | 30 | F |
82 | Kel'el Ware | MIA | 21 | C |
83 | Jaden McDaniels | MIN | 25 | F |
84 | Shaedon Sharpe | POR | 22 | G |
85 | Jalen Suggs | ORL | 24 | G |
86 | Immanuel Quickley | TOR | 26 | G |
87 | Dejounte Murray | NOP | 29 | G |
88 | Jalen Green | PHX | 23 | G |
89 | Cam Thomas | BKN | 24 | G |
90 | Anfernee Simons | BOS | 26 | G |
91 | Devin Vassell | SAS | 25 | F |
92 | Brandon Ingram | TOR | 28 | F |
93 | Fred VanVleet | HOU | 31 | G |
94 | Jimmy Butler | GSW | 36 | F |
95 | Rudy Gobert | MIN | 33 | C |
96 | Jakob Poeltl | TOR | 29 | C |
97 | Naz Reid | MIN | 26 | C |
98 | Nic Claxton | BKN | 26 | C |
99 | Zaccharie Risacher | ATL | 20 | F |
100 | Jaden Ivey | DET | 23 | G |
101 | Kon Knueppel | CHA | 20 | F |
102 | Egor Demin | BKN | 19 | G |
103 | Keegan Murray | SAC | 25 | F |
104 | Jabari Smith | HOU | 22 | F |
105 | Derik Queen | NOP | 20 | C |
106 | Nikola Vucevic | CHI | 34 | C |
107 | Deandre Ayton | LAL | 27 | C |
108 | Damian Lillard | POR | 35 | G |
109 | Bennedict Mathurin | IND | 23 | F |
110 | Jonathan Kuminga | GSW | 23 | F |
111 | Bilal Coulibaly | WAS | 21 | F |
112 | Mark Williams | PHX | 23 | C |
113 | Michael Porter | BKN | 27 | F |
114 | Kawhi Leonard | LAC | 34 | F |
115 | Kristaps Porzingis | ATL | 30 | C |
116 | RJ Barrett | TOR | 25 | F |
117 | Malik Monk | SAC | 27 | G |
118 | Andrew Nembhard | IND | 25 | G |
119 | DeMar DeRozan | SAC | 36 | F |
120 | Christian Braun | DEN | 24 | G |
121 | Payton Pritchard | BOS | 27 | G |
122 | Tre Johnson | WAS | 19 | G |
123 | Jared McCain | PHI | 21 | G |
124 | Gradey Dick | TOR | 21 | F |
125 | Brandin Podziemski | GSW | 22 | G |
Keeper leagues and dynasty leagues are becoming increasingly popular, thanks in large part to host sites that can compile data and history in an organized fashion. These leagues allow players selected in an NBA fantasy draft or acquired during the season to remain on your roster the following season, similar to real-life NBA.
Because fantasy basketball managers need to take multiple seasons into account, fantasy basketball rankings for keeper and dynasty leagues can look much different from re-draft leagues, which are only focused on the upcoming season as rosters reset the following year.
Elite Dynasty Tier Breakdown
Victor Wembanyama (SAS, Age 21, Rank #1) sits atop our dynasty rankings for obvious reasons. At just 21 years old, Wembanyama could dominate fantasy basketball for the next decade-plus. His unique combination of elite shot-blocking, three-point shooting, and all-around production makes him the most valuable dynasty asset in the game.
Nikola Jokić (DEN, Age 30, Rank #2) remains the second-most valuable keeper despite being 30 years old. Why? His game doesn't rely on athleticism. Jokic should deliver 4-5 more elite seasons, making him worth keeping even in the strictest dynasty formats.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC, Age 27, Rank #3) represents the perfect dynasty profile—elite production in his prime years with minimal injury history. At 27, SGA has at least five more peak seasons remaining and plays for a championship-contending team that will keep him featured.
Luka Dončić (LAL, Age 26, Rank #4) would rank higher if not for conditioning and injury questions. Still, at 26, he's entering his absolute prime and should dominate for another 5-6 seasons minimum.
Cooper Flagg (DAL, Age 18, Rank #5) represents the highest-ranked prospect in our dynasty rankings. While rookies carry inherent risk, Flagg's generational talent and immediate opportunity make him more valuable long-term than established stars past their prime.
The rest of the top 10: Cade Cunningham (24), Anthony Edwards (24), Paolo Banchero (22), Giannis Antetokounmpo (30), and Evan Mobley (24). Notice the age clustering—most are 22-24 years old, the sweet spot for dynasty value.
Dynasty Value Analysis by Age Bracket
The Youth Movement (Ages 18-23)
Exceptional young talent that makes dynasty formats exciting:
Top Young Assets:
- Cooper Flagg (18) - Rank #5
- Paolo Banchero (22) - Rank #8
- Amen Thompson (22) - Rank #13
- Jalen Johnson (23) - Rank #19
- Josh Giddey (23) - Rank #24
- Alperen Sengun (23) - Rank #32
Rookie/Sophomore Standouts:
- Brandon Miller (22) - Rank #39: Third-year breakout in progress
- Matas Buzelis (21) - Rank #41: High upside sophomore
- Ausar Thompson (22) - Rank #42: Elite defensive upside
- Ace Bailey (19) - Rank #53: Rookie forward prospect
- Dylan Harper (19) - Rank #54: Rookie guard with upside
These players offer 10+ years of potential production, making them incredibly valuable even if current output lags behind veterans.
The Prime Window (Ages 24-27)
The most valuable dynasty assets—established production with years remaining:
Elite Prime Assets:
- Cade Cunningham (24) - Rank #6
- Anthony Edwards (24) - Rank #7
- Evan Mobley (24) - Rank #10
- LaMelo Ball (24) - Rank #15
- Scottie Barnes (24) - Rank #17
- Jalen Williams (24) - Rank #18
- Tyrese Haliburton (25) - Rank #21
- Tyrese Maxey (24) - Rank #27
- Franz Wagner (24) - Rank #28
These players combine current elite production with 6-8 more prime seasons, making them safer than unproven youth but more valuable long-term than aging stars.
The Decision Zone (Ages 28-30)
Players in this range require careful evaluation—they're producing now but have shorter keeper windows:
Hold or Trade Decisions:
- Devin Booker (28) - Rank #20: Still worth keeping, 4-5 elite years left
- Jaylen Brown (28) - Rank #25: Declining dynasty value, consider selling
- Bam Adebayo (28) - Rank #29: Positional scarcity keeps value high
- Donovan Mitchell (29) - Rank #22: Trade candidate if rebuilding
- Karl-Anthony Towns (29) - Rank #12: Elite production justifies rank despite age
The Trade Window Opens: These players have value NOW but should be monitored closely. If you're rebuilding, trade them to contenders. If competing, maximize their remaining peak years.
The Veteran Elite (Ages 31+)
Older stars drop significantly in dynasty value but shouldn't be completely dismissed:
Still Valuable (If Competing):
- Anthony Davis (32) - Rank #33: Injury risk increases with age
- Nikola Jokić (30) - Rank #2: Exception due to game style
Trade Immediately (If Rebuilding):
- James Harden (36) - Rank #45
- Kevin Durant (37) - Rank #46
- Stephen Curry (37) - Rank #47
- LeBron James (40) - Rank #50
- Damian Lillard (35) - Rank #108
- Jimmy Butler (36) - Rank #94
- DeMar DeRozan (36) - Rank #119
These veterans have minimal dynasty value beyond 1-2 seasons. If you're not competing for a championship RIGHT NOW, trade them for younger assets immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fantasy basketball keeper league?
A fantasy basketball keeper league is a format where managers retain a specific number of players from their roster at the end of each season. Unlike redraft leagues that start fresh annually, keeper leagues allow you to build continuity and long-term strategy. Most keeper leagues let you keep between 3-8 players, though rules vary by league. This format rewards drafting young talent with breakout potential alongside established stars.
How many players should I keep in a keeper league?
The number of keepers depends on your league's rules, but most formats allow 3-5 keepers in standard leagues. Some deeper leagues permit up to 8-10 keepers. When deciding who to keep, prioritize players in their prime years (ages 24-28), rising stars with expanding roles, and elite producers regardless of age. Avoid keeping aging veterans past their peak unless they're still top-tier performers.
What's the difference between keeper and dynasty leagues?
Keeper leagues let you retain a limited number of players each season (typically 3-8), while dynasty leagues allow you to keep your entire roster indefinitely. Dynasty formats often include rookie drafts each year and require deeper strategic planning across multiple seasons. Keeper leagues balance continuity with fresh draft opportunities, whereas dynasty leagues emphasize long-term roster construction and asset management.
Should I draft young players or veterans in dynasty?
Balance is key. Elite young players (ages 22-26) offer the best dynasty value because they provide years of production. However, don't ignore productive veterans if you're competing for a championship. Target players in their age-24 to age-28 prime for optimal keeper value. Avoid reaching for rookies who lack defined roles, and be willing to trade aging stars (30+) before their value declines.
When should I trade away aging stars in keeper leagues?
Trade aging stars when they're still performing at a high level but showing signs of decline—typically around age 31-33. The best time to sell is when their production remains strong but regression is coming. Don't wait until injuries or reduced roles tank their value. Target the trade deadline when contending teams need veteran help, and acquire young assets or draft picks in return.
How do you value draft picks in dynasty formats?
Early first-round picks (top 3) are extremely valuable and worth solid keeper-level players. Mid-to-late first-round picks equal fringe keeper players or valuable young prospects. Second-round picks have modest value and work well as trade sweeteners. Third-round picks and beyond have minimal value unless you're in a very deep league. Always consider the draft class strength when evaluating pick values.
What age is peak value for dynasty players?
Players typically peak in dynasty value between ages 24-28. This sweet spot combines established production with multiple prime years remaining. Players under 23 carry upside but more risk, while those 29-30 still produce but have shorter windows. By age 31-32, dynasty value drops significantly. Elite superstars may maintain value longer, but most players decline after 30.
Should I punt categories in keeper leagues?
Punting categories can work in keeper leagues, but it's riskier than in redraft formats. Building a punt strategy limits your roster flexibility across multiple seasons and makes trades more difficult. Instead, focus on drafting well-rounded players who contribute across multiple categories. If you do punt, target young players who fit your build and can grow within that strategy for years to come.
How do I rebuild in a dynasty league?
Rebuilding requires trading veteran producers for young assets and draft picks. Start by identifying which aging players have trade value to contending teams. Target players aged 23 and under with clear paths to expanded roles. Accumulate first- and second-round picks over multiple years. Be patient—rebuilds typically take 2-3 seasons. Don't halfway rebuild; commit fully or stay competitive.
What makes a good dynasty trade?
Good dynasty trades balance immediate needs with long-term value. Contending teams should acquire proven veterans even if it costs young assets. Rebuilding teams should trade aging stars for youth and picks. Always consider age, opportunity, team context and league scoring format. The best trades create win-win scenarios where both teams improve based on their competitive windows.
Essential Fantasy Basketball Resources
Check out RotoWire's How to Play Fantasy Basketball guide for a complete walkthrough, but here is some basic advice:
- Check out custom NBA Fantasy Projections
- Look into Fantasy Basketball Mock Drafts
- Listen to a Fantasy Basketball Podcast
- Check in on Fantasy Basketball Player News
- Read Fantasy Basketball Articles
- Dive into RotoWire's Fantasy Basketball Draft Kit
- Study NBA Depth Charts
- See RotoWire's Fantasy Basketball Dynasty Rankings
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