The NBA trade deadline takes place on March 25. It can be a massive day for fantasy basketball managers too. Each deal shifts values for both teams involved. Keep a close eye on the moves. There could be a player or more sitting on the waiver wire that could swing your league with increased playing time following a deadline deal.
Fantasy managers could be looking to make a trade of their own to move up in the standings. Here are five players worth moving this week.
Check out our Week 13 dynasty trade value chart
Buy
Three players fantasy managers should attempt to acquire before the trade deadline.
Gordon Hayward (CHA – SG/SF)
Hayward is having an outstanding first season in Charlotte, but things are about to improve. The 31-year-old will have to take on more playmaking and shot creation responsibility with LaMelo Ball out for an extended period with a fractured wrist. More opportunities means more fantasy value.
Hayward has averages of 20.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.3 steals per game on the season, on outstanding percentages. He ranks 37th on FantasyPro’s Player Rater, which is almost a full round ahead of his 47th overall consensus ADP. Do not be surprised to see Hayward be a top 30 player down the stretch as his playmaking duties tick up. He is a player to watch moving forward.
Dennis Schroder (LAL – PG)
Schroder should also see an increased opportunity in Los Angeles. LeBron James suffered a high ankle sprain in Sunday’s game and is looking at an extended absence. The Lakers are already without Anthony Davis, meaning they need scoring and playmaking. Schroder is the natural option to pick up the slack. He has averaged over 19 points and six assists per game for an entire season when leaned on as a primary option.
Schroder has performed on par with his ADP so far this season, making the current buying opportunity a bit sweeter. The 27-year-old could easily be a top 60 player while both of the Lakers’ stars are out. Los Angeles has no reason to rush either back, so Schroder could have the keys to the offense for the next month. Trading for him now might be the reason you make the playoffs in your league.
Tyrese Haliburton (SAC – PG/SG)
Haliburton has been a pleasant fantasy surprise this season. After slipping to 12th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, expectations were low for the 21-year-old entering his rookie season. Haliburton had an ADP of 131 and was on the waiver wire in plenty of leagues to start the year. He sits 59th on the Player Rater, and that should only move up.
The Kings are reportedly sellers at the trade deadline, which should only create more opportunities for Haliburton in the offense. The 20-year-old is taking just 10.1 field goal attempts per game on the season. Expect Haliburton to be a top 50 player the rest of the way. Play it off like his current fantasy manager is selling when you are acquiring him for below his value the rest of the way.
Sell
Here are two players to trade away during Week 14.
Chris Paul (PHO – PG)
CP3 is having another outstanding as he currently sits 18th on the Player Rater. The 35-year-old is fresh off his 11th All-Star appearance, and he has the Suns in prime playoff contention.
There is a reason Paul slipped to 41st in ADP this season. He has been outstanding on the court, but injuries have been a factor in recent years. CP3 has played more than 70 games just twice since 2012. The jam-packed schedule could see the veteran rested in the second half, and injury could plummet his value.
Now is the perfect time to sell high. Trade Chris Paul for any player ranked inside the top 25. It is an opportunity to eliminate some risk as the stretch run approaches.
Richaun Holmes (SAC – PF/C)
Holmes broke out last season, but most wrote it off as a fluke during draft season. He had a consensus ADP of 120 as most took the Hassan Whiteside signing as something that may limit Holmes minutes. Instead, he is playing more and producing better numbers than his breakout. Holmes currently sits 28th on the Player Rater.
Now is the perfect time to sell high. Holmes could be traded at the deadline because he is on an expiring contract. There is no guarantee his fantasy value would not plummet in a new situation. Eliminate the risk and deal him for any player ranked inside the top 40.
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Tyler Watts is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Tyler, follow him @tylerpwatts.