Today marks the last day of NBA action before the All-Star break. This week-long recess gives fantasy managers the perfect time to assess their roster and playoff chances.
Whether you’re facing an uphill climb or a smooth road to the playoffs, there are always ways to improve your odds. Trades can come in the form of star-chasing or asset gathering. Either strategy can bring about positive results if you play your cards right.
It’s Week 16 of Trade Advice, let’s get started.
Check out the latest fantasy basketball expert consensus rankings
Fantasy Basketball Trade Advice (Week 16)
Trade For
After a hip fracture kept him out for three months, Chet Holmgren was able to play in two games before the break (he is a game-time-decision tonight). Outside of registering nine blocks across both contests, the big man posted pedestrian numbers. Expected, of course.
Holmgren could be three years into his career but a broken foot in 2022 delayed his rookie year until last season in which he played in all 82 games. A wrong step and nasty fall this past November have been the only injuries he’s suffered. There shouldn’t be any health concerns going forward outside of him getting back into game shape.
Mark Daigneault has an incentive to play his star forward as Holmgren needs to be conditioned ahead of the playoffs.
Players to Trade Him For Who Are Ranked Higher: Isaiah Hartenstein (C – OKC), Paul George (F – PHI)
Trade Away
Isaiah Hartstein was great in Chet Holmgren’s absence. The seventh-year big man is having a career year, averaging 11.2 points, 11.9 rebounds, four assists and 35.38 fantasy points per game.
It’s important to note the duo will start together going forward. They opened Monday’s game as starters and helped demolish New Orleans. Hartenstein took just six shots, tied for his lowest in a game since January 3rd.
The former Knick wasn’t brought to Oklahoma City to score, after all. There are also now fewer rebounds at large playing alongside a fellow seven-footer.
Players to Trade Him For Who Are Ranked Lower: Chet Holmgren (PF, C – OKC), Josh Giddey (G – CHI)
Trade For
If you play in a league that doesn’t subtract points for field goal attempts, Miles Bridges is the guy for you. The forward is averaging 19 of them in February while posting just 20.6 points per game this month.
Even if your league does penalize inefficiency, Bridges is averaging more fantasy points in the last two weeks than LeBron James, Paolo Banchero and Steph Curry (in Yahoo! default scoring).
With a myriad of injuries to Charlotte’s roster, Bridges is producing with heavy volume.
Players to Trade Him For Who Are Ranked Higher: Zach LaVine (G – SAC)
Trade Away
Devin Vassell is in the middle of his worst month of the season, statistically speaking. His 14.9 points per game on 42.7%/27.7%/75% shooting splits in February leaves a lot to be desired. Especially when you consider his floor is rather low as he only averages 6.4 combined rebounds and assists.
The arrival of De’Aaron Fox has meant mixed signals for Vassell. They’ve played five games together — Vassell has two single-digit scoring games and two games with at least 20.
Players to Trade Him For Who Are Ranked Lower: RJ Barrett (F – TOR), Kyle Kuzma (F – MIL), Kelly Oubre Jr. (F – PHI)
Subscribe: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeart | Castbox | Amazon Music | Podcast Addict | TuneIn
