NBA trades can drastically alter the value of stars, role players, and even draft picks. Here is an update on some trade rumors, and my recommendations to help you win. With each player, I have also included market implied odds that they are traded this season .
Trae Young (ATL → WAS)
The Trae Young trade has already been completed, and he appears to be in a much better situation. The Wizards have been in desperate need of a playmaking point guard, but it is unknown if Young is truly part of the long term vision. When Trae Young returns from injury, we can expect him to put up solid scoring and assist numbers, which has been common throughout his career.
Of course, the problem is his health. I highly suggest you avoid Trae in redraft or season long leagues, as rumors about his health and the Wizards incentive to tank fly around. However, he is a very interesting asset in dynasty league. Assuming Trae is back to nearly full health, he can be a productive asset in both points and category leagues. If you have a good base of assets, and are looking to compete in the near future, Trae is a potential buy low if his manager is desperate.
Keon Ellis (82%)
Keon’s status in the trade market is a major question mark. Sacramento seems to be asking for a king’s ransom for a great 3&D player. Keon has played quite a few minutes recently, especially in the intermittent loss of Zach Lavine. There are two potential positive outcomes for Ellis, but both require the Kings to make major moves.
First, Sacramento seems willing to deal Keon, and a change of scenery could see him scoring much more than he has this season. He is has been one of the better shooters in the league throughout his career, but has seen very little volume this season. A new team could give him a major boost in shooting volume
However, the Kings could also opt to keep Keon and move some other pieces. The Kings are certainly in a dire situation, so it seems very likely they will make a sizable move. If any of the more ball dominant options get moved, we would hope to see Keon get some more shots up.
The defensive prowess Ellis has shown will always get him minutes on the court. However, he has struggled offensively, and changes will need to be made for him to truly shine. Keon is 26 years old, and still has many years of productive shooting and defense ahead of him. Trade for Keon as an upside play if his manager does not understand his current situation.
Ja Morant (71%)
Ja Morant’s situation is clearly the most confusing. He has been one of the best guards in the NBA since he got to the league, but has had trouble staying on the court consistently. Trade rumors are starting to heat up quickly after it was reported for the first time that the Grizzlies were willing to deal him. So where are the most likely places for him to land, and what can we expect his role to be?
Brett Siegal has reported that the Kings, Heat, and Timberwolves are potential places for Ja to land, all of which would see major shifts in his role. Overall, it seems likely that Ja will likely see a slight decline in production on a new team. He also carries high injury risk.
Ja is not a buy in redraft leagues, and likely not in dynasty either. However, if his manager is extremely desperate, you might be able to get him for great value. Consider asking his price, but only if you are willing to take on risk.
Trey Murphy III (6%)
Rumors have flown around about the Pelicans willingness to trade Trey Murphy, who has been a great scorer this season. He has recently dropped 35+ in back to back games, highlighting his upside. Murphy is near career highs in usage, and for good reason. In all likelihood a Murphy trade would lead to him seeing less opportunity, as he a target mostly for contenders.
For this reason, a Trey Murphy trade would likely negatively impacts his fantasy value in both redraft and dynasty formats. In the long run, he will be fine, and remains a great dynasty asset. Still only 25, with plenty of prime years remaining.
A Trey Murphy III trade is unlikely this trade deadline, but if it happens, tread carefully in trying to acquire him. Hold Trey in both dynasty and redraft formats.
Jonathan Kuminga (80%)
Kuminga has been one of the most confusing players in the league for the past few seasons. We know the potential is there, but he has been held back by his organization. Of course, we do not truly know how productive he could be on a different roster, but it can’t be much worse than it is currently. Kuminga is currently 23, and has a lot of time to develop. His efficiency has been very concerning, and has been a net negative to the Warriors when on the court.
However, we also know that teams have been interested in acquiring him for quite some time. It seems that most destinations would be a benefit for his fantasy value, at least in the short term. A trade to Sacramento seems the most likely, but possibly the least ideal for his development and production.
Kuminga is an extremely risky asset, but this volatility might be what pushes your team closer to a championship. Only acquire Kuminga if you feel like you are running our of time to go all in, or if his manager is extremely desperate. Hold on if there is not trade value present.
This trade deadline is shaping up to be extremely interesting, with multiple high profile names seemingly on the move. Making moves before expected trades take place can be a great way to front run increases in production and fantasy value. Be careful with some of these players, but boldness in the trade market is often what wins leagues. Join our Discord if you have trade questions. The community is always willing to help!