The NBA trade deadline is officially over. Some big names are on the move, most notably Nikola Vucevic heading to Chicago and Victor Oladipo heading to Miami. Here are a few names to look out for as an NBA fantasy manager.
Fantasy managers want to know what to do with their players who are on the move. Here’s what to do with some of today’s biggest names.
Nikola Vucevic
Nikola Vucevic is one of the names to look out for as an NBA fantasy manager. Nikola Vucevic is now a member of the Chicago Bulls. It is obvious that he will be the team’s starting center, which is good for his fantasy value.
However, Vucevic will now share the ball with Zach Lavine and Lauri Markannen, two incredibly skilled young talents. While he may see his workload drop from the level it was at in Orlando, he will still be an elite fantasy option, delivering plenty of points and rebounds.
For fantasy owners who roster Nikola Vucevic, the choice is clear: keep him. Unless offered a remarkable package, there are few better players than Vucevic in fantasy basketball.
Victor Oladipo
Victor Oladipo has finally gotten his wish of being traded to the Miami Heat granted.
He will likely be the starting shooting guard in the rotation, shifting Butler down to small forward. However, this is not certain. If Oladipo starts, he will likely shift Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson into having smaller roles.
For fantasy owners holding Oladipo, a trade might be worth a look. There’s no reason to rush one or take a lousy offer, but with the uncertainty in his new role, it might be smart to look for value.
However, if news breaks out that Oladipo will get the start, it could be a good idea to hang on. He is incredibly talented both offensively and defensively and can provide a meaningful contribution.
Lamarcus Aldridge
Lamarcus Aldridge has finally been bought out from the Spurs. However, he has not arrived at any destination as of the time of this writing.
Aldridge was having his worst season since his rookie year before being bought out by the Spurs. He averaged his lowest point total since his rookie campaign and his fewest minutes played since then.
Fantasy managers might find this a good time to trade for Aldridge, though. A change of scenery might help the big man get more minutes, and as a result, more meaningful statistical contribution.
If Aldridge heads to Miami, as he is expected to, fantasy owners can benefit by scooping him up at a low price. He will play a significant role on the Heat team, as he will likely start as the team’s power forward. On a contender like Miami, Aldridge should be counted on to contribute.
Rajon Rondo
Rajon Rondo is on his way to the Los Angeles Clippers. Less than a year after winning a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, he is back to LA, but this time on the other side of the locker room.
Rondo will likely have a very significant role with the Clippers. The Clippers needed a point guard desperately. Patrick Beverly and Reggie Jackson were their only two options before the deal.
Rondo’s playmaking ability, and his recently improved three-point shot, will ensure he starts, or at least enjoys heavy minutes, as a member of the Clippers.
As a result, fantasy managers should add Rondo from the waiver wires if he’s still there. Otherwise, try to make a trade for him. He will surely produce.
Lou Williams
Lou Williams was on the other hand of the aforementioned deal involving Rajon Rondo. He is now a member of the Atlanta Hawks, where his role will shrink even further.
Williams is having his worst campaign since the 2013-14 season. He is averaging his lowest points total since that time and is averaging his lowest minutes total since that time.
Don’t expect this to change in Atlanta. There is plenty of depth at the shooting guard spot, including Bogdan Bogdanovic, Kevin Huerter, and De’Andre Hunter, when he returns. The Hawks will be sure to prioritize their young guys, and Williams will likely worsen his already poor performance this season.
Fantasy managers rostering Williams should trade him immediately. Managers should take the best value possible, even if it does not seem like much. Williams might soon find himself on the waiver wire in many leagues.
