Fantasy Basketball Trade Tips: Buy Lows, Sell Highs & Holds

The trade market is officially open for business. With Atlanta already sending Trae Young to Washington and the NBA trade deadline approaching, roster values are beginning to shift across the league. Savvy fantasy basketball managers don't have to wait for the next blockbuster to act, though, as this is often the best time to capitalize on slumps, hot streaks and changing team directions. Whether you're looking to buy low on proven talent, sell high on an unexpected breakout or stay patient with a struggling star, these fantasy basketball trade tips will help you navigate the market and position your roster for the stretch run.

Buy

Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat

Adebayo is in the midst of a disappointing stretch that has seen him average just 13.0 points over his last 10 games. He attempted 12.1 shots per game during that span, which isn't far off from his season average of 13.6 attempts. However, the main reason for his decline in scoring is that he shot just 41.3% from the field.

Even with Adebayo struggling with his efficiency, he provided 10.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game during that 10-game span. With him attempting more three-pointers this season, his overall shooting percentage has declined to 45.6%. Still, it's difficult to complain too much with him providing 16.8 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 three-pointers per game. This might be an opportunity to acquire him at a slight discount in a trade.

Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs

Much like Adebayo, Castle has gone cold from the field. Over his last nine games, he has shot just 34.2%, including 24.1% from behind the arc. That left him to average 13.9 points and 0.8 three-pointers. On the bright side, he still averaged 5.2 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.2 steals over those nine matchups.

Castle is not a good three-point shooter. He shot 28.5% from behind the arc during his rookie season and has shot 27.3% this season. Still, he is shooting 46.1% from the field this year while providing 17.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 1.3 steals. He should remain a very valuable fantasy option during the second half of the season, so try to acquire him now before he gets his shot back on track.

Sell

Andrew Nembhard, Indiana Pacers

Nembhard is having a breakout season with his averages of 17.5 points, 7.1 assists and 1.9 three-pointers. With Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) out, Nembhard has played 32 minutes per game and recorded a career-high 23.9% usage rate. Prior to this season, he had never posted a usage rate higher than 16.3%.

While Nembhard is thriving, the Pacers are not. They have the second-worst record in the NBA as they find themselves basically out of the playoff hunt already. Entering Wednesday, they are 9.5 games behind the Bulls for the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference. They could become a tanking team during the second half, which might mean rest days are on the horizon for Nembhard. See if you can trade him now for a player with a better outlook down the stretch.

John Collins, Los Angeles Clippers

Entering Monday's game against the Hornets, Collins was in the midst of his best stretch of the season. Across the previous five games, he averaged 19.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.2 blocks and 3.2 three-pointers. It certainly helped his cause that he played 33 minutes per game during that span. However, he also showed efficiency that is not sustainable, shooting 72.2% from the field and 69.6% from behind the arc.

Collins came back to reality against the Hornets, posting three points and five rebounds over 30 minutes. Ivica Zubac recently returned from injury and has been playing more each night, so Collins could see his playing time dip again soon. In a disappointing season that has seen him average just 13.1 points and 5.0 rebounds, this might be a rare opportunity to sell high on him in a trade.

Hold

Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies

The Hawks decided to take their franchise in another direction when they traded Young to the Wizards. It appears that the Grizzlies are prepared to do the same with Morant. Morant is currently out with a calf injury, but it was reported last week that Memphis is entertaining offers to deal him before the trade deadline.

Injuries and poor shooting have plagued Morant this season. He has appeared in just 18 games and shot 40.1% from the field. Never a great three-point threat, he has shot an abysmal 20.8% from deep so far. His value is at a low point right now, so don't trade him at a discount. A move to a new team could revitalize him for the stretch run.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Atlanta Hawks

One of the reasons why the Hawks wanted to trade Young is because of how poorly their defense performed when he was on the floor. They have been much better when Alexander-Walker plays more minutes. Not only is Alexander-Walker a big upgrade on the defensive end of the floor, but he is having the best offensive season of his career with his averages of 20.7 points and 3.0 three-pointers.

With Young out of the picture, Alexander-Walker is set up to start alongside Dyson Daniels for the remainder of the season, barring another trade. The Hawks acquired CJ McCollum in the trade with the Wizards, but he has come off the bench in both of his first two games with his new team. McCollum is not a good defender and is in the later stages of his career, so he will likely remain in that bench role moving forward. There's no need to consider selling high on Alexander-Walker as he could remain a stellar fantasy option moving forward.