The NBA Season: Trade Market Insights for Fantasy Basketball

Nov 20, 2024 at 7:56 PM
We are now well into the NBA season, with a substantial sample size to analyze. This gives us a better understanding of the trade market for fantasy basketball. Let's delve into some players who are worth considering in terms of buying low, selling high, or holding onto based on the first month of the season.

Uncover the Hidden Gems in the NBA Trade Market

Buy

Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls: The trade from the Thunder to the Bulls has set Giddey up for a potential boost in his fantasy value. Last season, he averaged 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game with the Thunder, but they limited his playing time to 25 minutes. Now with the Bulls, he has started every game and is averaging 27 minutes per game. However, his scoring numbers aren't outstanding as he is shooting just 41.6% from the field. In the past two seasons, he shot at least 47.5%, so his efficiency should improve as the season progresses. A few recent blowouts have affected his playing time; out of the Bulls' 15 games, he has logged at least 28 minutes in 10 of them. He remains a good source for rebounds and assists, making this a great buy-low opportunity.

Collin Sexton, Utah Jazz: After averaging 18.7 points per game last season, Sexton is averaging 15.8 points per game this year despite shooting 44.4% from behind the arc. The reason for his production decline is that his usage rate has dropped from 27.5% last season to 24.6% this season. Sexton has one more season left on his contract at a reasonable salary of $19.2 million next season. There is a possibility of his usage rate increasing due to trades, and even if it doesn't, he can still provide value to fantasy managers. It doesn't cost much to acquire him in a trade right now.

Sell

Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat: After missing four straight games with an ankle injury, Butler returned and had a great game against the 76ers, recording 30 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal in 34 minutes. For the season, he is averaging 17.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. His numbers would be better if not for the injury. Butler turned 35 years old in September, and asking him to stay healthy this season is a challenge. He is healthy now but has a history of missing games. It might be a good time to float him in trade offers before he gets injured again.

Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards: Currently, Kuzma is averaging just 17.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. His scoring has declined due to shooting just 40.9% from the field and 29.2% from behind the arc. However, he is showing signs of regaining his efficiency, shooting 46.3% from the field over the past five games since returning from a groin injury. It might take another week for his averages to improve, but it's time to start thinking about trading him in fantasy. He often finds himself on the bench in the fourth quarter due to the team's blowouts.

Hold

Dyson Daniels, Atlanta Hawks: Daniels is in the running for the Most Improved Player award. After playing limited minutes with the Pelicans in his first two seasons, he is now averaging 34 minutes per game for the Hawks. He has made the most of his expanded role, averaging 14.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 3.4 steals, 1.1 blocks, and 1.2 3-pointers per game. The Hawks are getting healthier with Bogdan Bogdanović returning from his hamstring injury. Despite this, Daniels has likely cemented his position as a starter and will continue to get plenty of minutes. He is a great option for steals and should not be panicked about due to Bogdanović's return.

Josh Hart, New York Knicks: Hart is off to a great start, averaging 13.7 points, 8.9 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.2 3-pointers per game. He has shot 58.4% from the field, a significant improvement from last season's 43.4%. Hart has shot at least 50.4% from the field in the past two seasons. With his excellent performance in multiple areas, it might seem like a good time to sell high. However, holding onto him could be the right move as he is playing 37 minutes per game and will continue to get a lot of playing time with the Knicks' thin bench. His versatile skill set and the coaching style of Tom Thibodeau make him a very appealing option.