There’s no better time to hunker down and assess your fantasy basketball team than during All-Star weekend. With the fantasy playoffs about a month away, the teams at the top are looking to bolster their rosters while the teams teetering on the edge of contention are vying for that final trade piece.
There’s plenty to think about in Week 17.
Check out the latest fantasy basketball expert consensus rankings
Fantasy Basketball Trade Advice (Week 17)
Trade For
Amen Thompson (HOU – PG, SF, SG)
In just over two months, Amen Thompson has gone from G League standout to averaging 30.6 minutes in his last seven games for the Rockets. In those games, Thompson is tallying 12.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 0.7 blocks and 1.7 steals on 59.7% shooting per night. However, beware of the virtually nonexistent three-point shooting and the 41.2% free throw rate. Again, that’s over Thompson’s last seven.
Because of injuries to Fred VanVleet, Cam Whitmore and Tari Eason, Thompson is getting the chance to cement himself in Houston’s lineup for the last 28 games of 2024.
Players to Trade Him For Who Are Ranked Higher: Grant Williams, Saddiq Bey, Obi Toppin
Trade Away
Onyeka Okongwu suffered a sprained left toe on Monday and he’s set to be re-evaluated after the All-Star break. As will Clint Capela, though for a groin injury. That same groin injury has kept Capela out since Feb. 3 which opened the door for Okongwu in the starting lineup. The former USC Trojan took advantage and has averaged 16 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks since.
According to a report, Capela is set to return to practice post-All-Star break, meaning Okongwu likely returns to his backup role relatively soon. Certainly, play this situation by ear, but if both centers are set to return in the near future, consider shipping Okongwu while his price is this high.
Players to Trade Him For Who Are Ranked Lower: Brandon Miller, Jalen Johnson
Trade For
In just three games, Tre Mann has become the second-most productive guard on the Hornets behind the sidelined LaMelo Ball. There doesn’t seem to be a definitive return date for Ball’s ankle injury, and there certainly isn’t any playoff incentive in playing him. Just like that, Mann is the go-to lead guard.
Mann has played 27, 34 and 30 minutes in his three games as a Hornet – all wins, by the way. He’s attempting 11.7 shots per game, which more than triples his average as a Thunder this season. What’s more, is that he’s stuffing the stat sheet as he’s snagging seven boards and dishing out 7.3 assists in Charlotte.
Mann is a solid short-term add for any guard-needy team looking to make a playoff push in a deeper league.
Players to Trade Him For Who Are Ranked Higher: Jaden Hardy, Payton Pritchard
Trade Away
Jonas Valanciunas’ monthly minute averages this season have been strange, to say the least. In three games in October, the big man averaged 24.3 minutes, and in the following months, he found himself at 26.4, 29.9, 23.3 and 20.3 so far in February. For reference, Valanciunas has yet to miss a game this season.
To make matters worse, all of Valanciunas’ last five games have seen him take less than 10 shots and just one of those games was a loss. The Pelicans featuring Valanciunas isn’t conducive to wins apparently. With his playing time and volume waning, it’s best to get out now while you can.
Players to Trade Him For Who Are Ranked Lower: Brook Lopez, Jalen Duren
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