Thursday’s slate of nine games is a much more grand return from the All-Star break than Wednesday’s Lakers-Hornets make-up contest. For NBA teams and fantasy managers alike, Thursday marks the beginning of the final push to the postseason.
Depending on your league’s schedule, there are likely just a couple of weeks of regular season play remaining before it’s win-or-go-home. Hopefully, you’re in a position to challenge for the title. If not, maybe a big-time trade can get you there.
Week 17 of trade advice, let’s begin.
Check out the latest fantasy basketball expert consensus rankings
Fantasy Basketball Trade Advice (Week 17)
Trade For
Luka Doncic said there was “A lot of rustiness on my part,” after Wednesday’s loss to Charlotte. He wasn’t lying.
Doncic has played in three games since the shocking trade and has averaged fewer fantasy points than Jose Alvarado, Thomas Bryant and Carlton Carrington (four games played each) over the last two weeks.
His poor performances thus far weren’t exactly expected, but they should be understandable. The perennial MVP candidate is learning, adapting and healing all at once and on the fly.
Doncic’s fantasy value is just about as low as it can get at the moment.
Players to Trade Him For Who Are Ranked Higher: LeBron James (F – LAL), Cade Cunningham (G – DET)
Trade Away
Zion Williamson is a game-time decision for Thursday’s game against Dallas and it’s already been determined he will not participate in both legs of any back-to-back this season. New Orleans has four scheduled back-to-backs left.
Putting your faith in Williamson to stay healthy and in New Orleans to not shut him down to tank seems unwise. The Pelicans have the second-worst record in basketball and are 1-9 in their last 10 games.
This is the perfect time to sell high on Williamson as he’s missed just two of those last 10, averaging 27.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists.
Players to Trade Him For Who Are Ranked Lower: Josh Hart (G – NYK), Amen Thompson (G – HOU)
Trade For
Having not been named an All-Star, Tyrese Maxey’s career year is flying under the radar because of Philly’s misfortunes. Maxey ranks fourth in the NBA in scoring, fifth in usage rate and is very reliable in fantasy.
The Sixers didn’t trade Paul George at the deadline nor shut Joel Embiid down for the rest of the season, so you can only assume they’re gunning for a playoff berth. Maxey will be relied upon now more than ever.
Players to Trade Him For Who Are Ranked Higher: LeBron James (F – LAL)
Trade Away
Brandin Podziemski (PG, SG – GSW)
Jonathan Kuminga‘s incoming return is good news for the Warriors, but not so much for Brandon Podziemski, who’s been playing well of late.
In 28 games played alongside Kuminga this season, Podziemski has posted 8.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. In the 14 games without him, the sophomore guard has averaged 12.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game.
Also, factor in Jimmy Butler‘s recent arrival and it’s hard to feel great about Podziemski sustaining his recent form.
Players to Trade Him For Who Are Ranked Lower: Ausar Thompson (F – DET), Cameron Johnson (F – BKN)
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