Is there a more exciting regular season narrative in basketball than what can happen during NBA trade deadline season?
It’s easy to argue that it is in fact the most exhilarating whirlwind of player movement in the sport. Teams can change from borderline contenders to squads with legitimate championship hopes (ask the Lakers and Pau Gasol), and exciting teams can see an acquisition blow up in their face, robbing them of their championship potential.
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The same is true for your fantasy basketball team. One correct move, and you could turn your squad from playoff-bound to championship caliber. The hardest part is establishing who to target, and who you can get cheaper than their actual value.
Of course this will vary from league-to-league and owner-to-owner. Your ability to change your excess assets into these potential fantasy basketball steals will rely on the angle you take, among a multitude of other things.
Trade equations can be quite confusing, but here I have a short list of players you should be targeting at your trade deadline, simplifying the process a bit.
The Buy-Low Injury Guys
Kemba Walker, Point Guard, Charlotte Hornets
Why his owner will trade him: Walker has been a frustrating player this season, and now finds himself out until mid-March with a torn meniscus.
The latest Associated Press report, via ESPN, has Walker hopeful to return March 11. If that timeline holds true, that pretty much rules out the point guard for the remainder of the regular season for most fantasy basketball leagues.
If his fantasy owners have been holding on to him, they’d likely be receptive to gaining some depth in a swap. Buying damaged goods can lead to some bargains.
Why you want him: If you’re bound for the playoffs, and can put together a package of a few players that aren’t necessarily vital to your team’s success, Walker could be a nice get once the tournament roll around.
His field goal percentage is dreadful, but he’ll likely average near 20 points per game with 5 assists, a three-pointer, and a steal. Those are fantastic numbers, and if they can be had for pennies on the dollar, an acquisition could propel your team to new heights when it counts.
This is the riskiest of all the suggestions listed here, so don’t trade any players you can’t live without in any Walker deal.
Blake Griffin, Power Forward, Los Angeles Clippers
Why his owner will trade him: Panic. Pure panic.
Griffin recently underwent elbow surgery and the timetables on his return are mixed. ESPN reported that the surgery to remove a staph infection in his right elbow would keep the power forward out at least three weeks. The LA Times said, pre-surgery, that Griffin could miss anywhere from 10 days to six weeks.
Assuming at least three weeks, and settling on a timetable of four weeks post-surgery, Griffin would return in the second week of March. Griffin’s owner certainly could be looking to flip the Clippers star for a player that can help them right now.
Why you want him: Pretty much any fantasy basketball owner wants Blake Griffin, but only teams secure with their playoff odds need apply here.
Griffin was drafted in the late first by ESPN ADP measure, and will take a decent package to acquire, even if he’s injured. However, if you’re confident that you’ll be in the playoffs, it would be a wise investment to swap some depth for the services of Griffin for the playoffs.
The Clippers will make sure he’s heavily involved as soon as he can be (their playoff fate may depend on it), and that means 20-plus points, seven-plus rebounds, and five-plus assists per game for your fantasy basketball team.
He’ll be difficult to get on the cheap, but his availability is one you want to inquire on.
The Disappointments Poised To Turn It Around
Derrick Rose, Point Guard, Chicago Bulls
Why his owner will trade him: Rose has been an extremely frustrating player to own, and to watch on many nights this season. From his sporadic availability to his refusal to attack the basket consistently, his owners (and Bulls fans) have been tested to their wit’s end.
The highlights, like his 30-point, seven-assist effort versus Cleveland before the All-Star break, have been enjoyed, but marred by inconsistency. Many Rose owners would likely welcome a more stable player in return for a player they likely invested a high pick in.
Why you want him: The old Derrick Rose is still in there, he only emerges in necessary situations. When Rose is attacking the basket, and relying less on three-pointers, he’s one of the best players in the game with the ability to amass points and assists in any game.
The numbers show an upward trend in support of Rose’s production. He’s shown an increase in his point per game, as well as his minutes workload, as the season has progressed. There’s no guarantee he keeps up his production, but his team is getting healthier, and Rose has proven that he can play his best ball when he wants to.
After the All-Star break, posturing for the playoffs will be of the utmost importance, so we could be looking at some big performances down the stretch.
Kevin Love, Power Forward, Cleveland Cavaliers
Why his owner will trade him: There is a ton of negativity surrounding Love’s situation on the Cavaliers. He’s on a team that was hyped to be the offensive juggernaut of the league, specifically with Love’s seamless fit into the Cavaliers offense.
The Cavaliers have been very good offensively, but Love’s fit with the team has been questionable. He’s being asked to spread the floor for LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, and his numbers have taken the hit that Chris Bosh knew was coming.
The value of a player is somewhat determined by the expectations that one has/had for that player. Even though the numbers are still good (17 points per game, 10.4 rebounds per game, 1.7 three-pointers per game), they probably could still be classified as “disappointing”.
Why you want him: Besides the stat-line posted above, it’s likely that Love’s involvement increases (or at the very least, is regulated to greater efficiency) as the regular season comes to a close. If Love isn’t on board with his role offensively, he’s going to bolt in the off-season; a disaster scenario for the Cavaliers.
LeBron James, the point guard and quasi-GM of this team, knows the possibility is there. Against the Lakers, James made an effort to get Love going to the tune of 32 points on 18 shots.
He could certainly have a few of those games down the line, but his current season averages statistically are still very good fantasy-wise.
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