Trades, trades and more trades. Not only is the trade deadline approaching in the NBA, but fantasy managers had plenty of trades in mind for their squads for this week's mailbag column submissions. Let's see if there's any deals worth pulling the trigger on.
Would you trade Chris Duarte and Cole Anthony for Marcus Morris Sr. and Kevin Huerter? - @WESYAP
Just a few short weeks ago, there is no way that you'd even consider making this trade. However, Anthony has gone into a slump, averaging 10.9 points and shooting 34.2 percent from the field over his last seven games. The good news is, he did still average 5.0 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game during that stretch, so he hasn't been a complete disaster.
Even with Anthony's recent struggles, I wouldn't make this deal. He and Duarte both have significantly higher upsides than Morris and Huerter. Even serving as a starter over a five-game stretch with Bogdan Bogdanovic (knee) out, Huerter only had modest averages of 12.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists. With Bogdanovic making his return Wednesday against the Kings, Huerter posted just eight points and one assists across 19 minutes.
In a dynasty league, I was offered Klay Thompson, Zion Williamson, Damian Lillard, Alperen Sengun and a third-round pick for Jayson Tatum and Bam Adebayo. I don't want to move those two, but it's a fair offer. What do you think? - @InfamousD
There is a lot to unpack here. If
Trades, trades and more trades. Not only is the trade deadline approaching in the NBA, but fantasy managers had plenty of trades in mind for their squads for this week's mailbag column submissions. Let's see if there's any deals worth pulling the trigger on.
Would you trade Chris Duarte and Cole Anthony for Marcus Morris Sr. and Kevin Huerter? - @WESYAP
Just a few short weeks ago, there is no way that you'd even consider making this trade. However, Anthony has gone into a slump, averaging 10.9 points and shooting 34.2 percent from the field over his last seven games. The good news is, he did still average 5.0 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game during that stretch, so he hasn't been a complete disaster.
Even with Anthony's recent struggles, I wouldn't make this deal. He and Duarte both have significantly higher upsides than Morris and Huerter. Even serving as a starter over a five-game stretch with Bogdan Bogdanovic (knee) out, Huerter only had modest averages of 12.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists. With Bogdanovic making his return Wednesday against the Kings, Huerter posted just eight points and one assists across 19 minutes.
In a dynasty league, I was offered Klay Thompson, Zion Williamson, Damian Lillard, Alperen Sengun and a third-round pick for Jayson Tatum and Bam Adebayo. I don't want to move those two, but it's a fair offer. What do you think? - @InfamousD
There is a lot to unpack here. If you're going to trade away Tatum and Adebayo in a dynasty league, you're going to need to get a massive haul in return. Tatum is only 23 years old, while Adebayo is 24. They also both have the ability to stuff the stat sheet in multiple areas.
While there are plenty of big names coming back in this deal, I don't like it. Williamson has already proven to be one of the league's biggest injury risks, and his weight could be a problem long term. Thompson is almost 32 years old and is coming off of significant injuries, so who knows how he is going to hold up in the coming seasons. Meanwhile, Lillard's injury this season has taken some of the shine off of him, but even as he approaches the age of 32, he's a dominant fantasy option. While you're right that it's a fair proposal, giving up two young stars like Tatum and Adebayo is too much in a deal with plenty of question marks on the other side.
I was just offered Kawhi Leonard for Nikola Vucevic in my dynasty league where I'm already planning for next season. I have to do that, right? - @InfamousD
Another question from @InfamousD, who's really looking to wheel-and-deal. This trade is interesting considering Vucevic's struggles with his efficiency this season and Leonard's lengthy injury history. There is hope that Leonard returns this season, but if he does, it will likely be close to the playoffs and he'll certainly be eased back into action.
While I wouldn't fault you or wanting to make this trade, I wouldn't do it. I usually don't draft Leonard because he is extremely cautious with injuries and could have a lot of rest days in his future. As bad as Vucevic has been from the field, it's difficult to complain about a guy who is averaging 16.6 points, 11.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.2 blocks and 1.7 three-pointers per game.
What do you think of trading Klay Thompson for Wendell Carter Jr.? I'm light on bigs. - @ShawnJMcFarland
I'm all for this trade. Thompson hasn't played more than 26 minutes in a game this season and the Warriors have no reason to rush him back into significant playing time. They want him healthy for the playoffs, so don't be surprised to see him sit out at least one game of back-to-back sets for the remainder of the regular season.
Carter has played well since being dealt to the Magic, forming a productive frontcourt with Mo Bamba. With averages of 13.4 points and 10.0 rebounds per game, he's averaging a double-double for the first time in his career. Although he doesn't provide a lot of blocks for a big man, he somewhat makes up for that with his averages of 2.6 assists and 1.3 three-pointers. While his checkered injury history is a bit concerning, this trade is appealing, especially if you need a big man.
Who would you prefer in a 10-team, nine-category league? De'Andre Hunter or Alperen Sengun? @dreines
The upside that Sengun brings is tantalizing. Despite only averaging 18 minutes per game, he has averages of 8.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.9 blocks. There is the possibility that he sees more playing time over the second half of the season, especially if the Rockets trade away Christian Wood.
If we knew that Wood was definitely going to be traded, then I'd pick Sengun. However, with that still up in the air, I prefer Hunter. He's played well since returning from injury, averaging 15.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 0.8 steals, 0.9 blocks and 1.9 three-pointers across eight games. With Cam Reddish no longer in the picture, he should remain in a prominent role moving forward.
