Yesterday, we thought the biggest trade already happened that moved 12 players between four teams. And then there was calmness just a few hours before the trade deadline started to crank up. So let’s dig in and see if you can capitalize on these trades from the wire, drop a player and enjoy the boost your pick gets. Here are the trade deadline frenzy and hot picks.
Trade Deadline Winners
- D’Angelo Russell – He is probably the biggest name that got moved at the trade deadline. He got traded to the Timberwolves along with Spellman and Evans for Andrew Wiggins and two draft picks. If I might say, the Warriors might have been holding him back a little because let’s face it, they’re on tank mode. This trade clearly improves Russell’s fantasy value. The Wolves are currently 10.5 games behind the 8th seed but I don’t see them not playing Russell at all. They would want to have as many runs as they can have with Towns as their anchor and D’Lo at the point. He is currently averaging 23.6 points, 6.2 assists and 3.7 rebounds while playing 32.1 minutes this season.
- Andrew Wiggins – Wiggins had a terrific start of the season and even surpassed expectations though they were not that high. The question was, will he be able to keep it up through the course of the entire season. And the answer to that was clearly not. After having minor injuries and time off, he’s been having a hard time finding his groove back again. Kudos to those who sold him high, btw. Clearly, he needed a fresh start and a new environment with a great culture. The Warriors organization clearly has that. All we can hope for now is he helps himself turn this around. With Steph and Klay out, he should have a lot of opportunities to play well.
Hold or Drop?
- Larry Nance Jr. – Tough luck for Nance Jr. owners who held on to him this long. After getting a few good games under his belt, this trade happened. The Cavs acquired Andre Drummond which is exactly the opposite of what the owners wanted. We’ve held on to him this long hoping that either Love or Thompson gets traded. Instead, they added Drummond which pushes Nance further back in the rotation unless he starts playing 4. And even then, he still has Love to fight for that spot. Let’s hope the Cavs decide to sit out their veterans and let Nance play.
- Marcus Morris – He is traded to the Clippers. He is not going to have the same touches he has in New York. But he should still be able to put up some value especially in deeper leagues. The threes are still going to be there which the Clippers need and the rebounds.
Waiver Wire Pickups and Fliers
- Jordan Poole/Ky Bowman – With Russel going to the Timberwolves and Burks and Robinson III going to the Sixers can be good for Jordan Poole. Ky Bowman might also get some reps.
- Isaiah Hartenstein – The rockets clearly don’t have a big man to play at the paint. Hartenstein can be that guy. He might get a few runs after several straight DNPs if they will need length. He’s a flier because the Rockets seem to be all in on their analytics-backed, small-ball style of play.
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