The NBA is full of well-rounded fantasy stars. Guards like LaMelo Ball, James Harden and Trae Young all rank in the top 20 in fantasy points because of their passing and scoring abilities. Big men like Nikola Jokic, Alperen Sengun and Victor Wembanyama are incredible fantasy producers thanks to their versatility.
It isn’t likely that top-20 players become available for trade, but making moves for similar, lesser-known stars is key in making a championship push in April. It’s Week 5, let’s get into it.
Check out the latest fantasy basketball expert consensus rankings
Fantasy Basketball Trade Advice (Week 5)
Trade For
Christian Braun (DEN – SG, SF)
Christian Braun, the 6-foot-6 guard, ranks 11th in the NBA in field goal percentage (58%). He has started all of Denver’s 17 games and played at least 30 minutes in all but two.
With as high of a floor as any, Braun is an attractive fantasy asset because of his great efficiency, 4.9 rebounds and 1.9 stocks (steals + blocks) per game. Rostered in just 55% of Yahoo! Leagues, Braun is a diamond in the rough and isn’t a household name yet.
Players to Trade Him For Who Are Ranked Higher: Collin Sexton (G – UTA), Terry Rozier (G – MIA)
Trade Away
Mikal Bridges (NYK – SG, SF, PF)
In his first 18 games as a Knick, Mikal Bridges is averaging 15.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.6 blocks per game. He has by no means been bad this year — his 30.8% clip from three could be better — but at nearly a quarter of the way through the season, this may be the best we get.
Capitalize on Bridges’ big name and attempt to offload him. Santi Aldama, Tari Eason and Bennedict Mathurin are three players who have scored more fantasy points than Bridges and are all rostered in fewer than 60% of Yahoo! leagues. Bridges is rostered in 96% of leagues.
Players to Trade Him For Who Are Ranked Lower: Ivica Zubac (C – LAC), OG Anunoby (F – NYK)
Trade For
Santi Aldama (MEM – C, PF, SF)
Santi Aldama has had a sneaky good season for a Grizzlies squad that is again struggling to stay healthy. The Spaniard is one of five Grizzlies to play in all 19 of their games. He’s averaged career-highs in all but blocks and three-point percentage.
Aldama should come at a cheap price despite his surprisingly solid ceiling. Some of his best performances include games of 13 points and 17 rebounds, 28 points and 11 rebounds and 11 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists.
Players to Trade Him For Who Are Ranked Higher: Royce O’Neale (F – PHO), Kelly Oubre Jr. (F – PHI)
Trade Away
After a rough start, Russell Westbrook has put together some really strong games off the bench. The former MVP is riding a six-game double-digit scoring streak that includes a triple-double and two games with four made threes. Before last week, Westbrook had just five games with at least four made threes since the 2021-22 season.
Westbrook’s fantasy value doesn’t hinge on three-point shooting, but his recent hot streak brings sustainability into question. History tells you Westbrook won’t be able to keep up his current form.
Players to Trade Him For Who Are Ranked Lower: Shaedon Sharpe (G – POR)
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