TAP FOR 6 MONTHS OF PREMIUM FREE 💰
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

Underperforming NBA Stars: Fantasy Basketball Buy/Sell And Trade Advice

A raucous, high-scoring All-Star game followed the best All Star Saturday ever, with stars shining across the board in the Skills Challenge, Three Point Contest, and Dunk Contest. Aaron Gordon’s performance on Saturday night alone makes me want to place a waiver claim in all leagues.

In the spirit of creativity and togetherness, let’s let loose a little bit and not focus on any particular positions. There’s not a lot time to waste, as we must talk about your best players as you make your championship push.

The idea of this column is simple. These players all have value, but you have to assess whether or not they will give you the best chance to win down the stretch. Buying low and selling high is extremely important at this point in the season. Now is the time to make some aggressive moves.

Featured Promo: New Novig users get a $25 purchase match (50% discount up to $25) on your first Novig deposit, and 6 free months of RotoBaller's "Big-4" Premium Pass (NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL) which includes exclusive tools for Betting, Props, DFS and more! CLAIM IT NOW

Position Eligibility Based on Yahoo! Fantasy Basketball Player List

 

Trade, Hold, Or Drop for Fantasy Basketball

Serge Ibaka (PF/C, OKC)

Serge Ibaka doesn’t seem like himself these days. Sure, 2.2 blocks a game is nothing to scoff at, but anyone who drafted him was probably expecting better overall production. Over the past month, I-block-a has only averaged 1.8 blocks per game. On top of that, he is only scoring 12.7 points per game with 6.7 rebounds. In his last seven games, Ibaka has five single-digit efforts.

This is definitely a noticeable drop off from his numbers last season, when he averaged 14.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks. Ibaka isn’t really an inside player either, so his efficiency was never really good enough to compensate for a lack of production in his volume stats. Is it time to trade Ibaka under the guise of letting someone else buy low?

Ibaka is always going to be deemed a safe early pick every fantasy draft, but his value just won’t increase much this season. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are as great as they have ever been, and take up the majority of the offense. Ibaka’s reliance on a mid-range game makes him an unattractive option heading down the line, as these single digit efforts are likely to continue.

His last game before the All Star break was very good, as he scored 18 points, 3 blocks, and 7 rebounds against a weak defensive team in the New Orleans Pelicans. Use his ADP and this big game to try to get yourself another big man. Check to see if the Greg Monroe owner in your league is a rankings slave.

Verdict: Trade him.

 

Goran Dragic (PG/SG, MIA)

Dragic has probably been the toughest high-end pick to own all season, and he certainly hasn’t made writing about him any easier. Dragic returned from injury at the end of January, but has still failed to display any sense of consistency in his play. Dragic has averaged 11.6 points with 6.4 assists and 3.6 rebounds.

His doesn’t really chip in too much in terms of threes and steals, making him effectively, late-round flier material. I’ll take the blame here, as I’ve been praising his potential all season, and how Wade just has to be out a quarter of the season due to injury. With little time left for Dragic to turn things around and provide adequate return on your investment, what should you do with him?

It’s time to give up and admit that his great numbers during his Phoenix days were just a flash in the pan with a high-paced offense. Dragic just hasn’t found his shooting touch this season -- or during any of his tenure in Miami -- and I would advise the All Star Break as the right time to throw any remnants of preseason ADP out the door. Dragic’s mediocre efficiency and his bad free throw shooting as of late has made him an even less attractive asset to hold on to.

At this point, I would much rather stream hot guards off the waiver wire, or pick up Dennis Schroder anticipating a trade involving Jeff Teague. That being said, assists are hard to come by and point guards with good name value can still nab you a decent return. Shop aggressively and hope something (anything) good lands on your lap.

Verdict: Trade him.

 

Chris Bosh (PF/C, MIA)

Chris Bosh may be an All Star this season, but his recent lack of efficiency heading into the All Star break isn’t going unnoticed by us. In his last six games, Bosh has averaged 18.0 points and 5.7 rebounds. These volume stats are decent but not great. However, he has only shot 40.7% from the field and 30.8% from three.

While a cold streak is acceptable at this stretch in the season, Bosh does look to be a decent candidate to shop around. Minute limits are possible down the stretch. With Hassan Whiteside around, Bosh’s rebounding numbers may continue to stay low as well. His name value and real life skills surpass his fantasy value, and his low FG% and blocks total as a big man will always limit his value. Should you look to trade him?

Bosh is definitely an asset you want to use name value sell. The best case scenario this season would have been for Bosh to return first or second round value like he did last season before injury. However, Bosh has become a mid-range player with average efficiency. He doesn’t hit enough 3’s for you to consider him a serious contributor in that category either -- he is essentially a poor man's Kevin Love if you're trying to punt FG% or blocks in favor of 3 pointers, and being called "a poor man's Kevin Love" is definitely not a good thing these days.

If you’re doing well enough with three point shooting, try shopping him to see if you can get his teammate Hassan Whiteside or rookie Kristaps Porzingis. Even experienced fantasy owners are prone to making trades like these due to name value alone, and you’ll have yourself a better fantasy asset as you finish the season.

Verdict: Trade him.

 

NBA & Fantasy Basketball Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-11" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]

 

POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Cameron Johnson

Upgraded to Questionable
Luinder Avila

Seen as Potential Starting Pitcher
Nikola Jokić

Nikola Jokic Considered Questionable for Saturday
Stephen Curry

Out Saturday, Doesn't Have Timeline for Return
Cade Winquest

an Option for Yankees Opening Day Roster?
Miles McBride

to Miss 6-8 Weeks
Spencer Miles

Rule 5 Pick Spencer Miles Could Earn Bullpen Spot With Toronto
Kyle Kuzma

Unavailable Against Pacers
Boston Red Sox

Red Sox Still Looking to Make Prospect-Based Trade for a Bat
Domantas Sabonis

Won't Play Friday Against Clippers
Anthony Banda

Dodgers Designate Anthony Banda for Assignment
Peyton Watson

Out at Least Four Weeks
Scott Barlow

Agrees to One-Year Deal With Athletics
CFB

Rutgers Hiring South Dakota Head Coach Travis Johansen as Defensive Coordinator
Max Schuemann

Athletics Designate Max Schuemann for Assignment
Kyle Farmer

Braves Invite Kyle Farmer to Spring Training
Tsung-Che Cheng

Red Sox Claim Tsung-Che Cheng Off Waivers From Nationals
Victor Mesa Jr.

Rays Claim Victor Mesa Jr. Off Waivers From Marlins
Owen Miller

Cubs Sign Owen Miller to Minor-League Deal
Edwin Uceta

Wins Arbitration Case Against Rays
Reese Olson

Might Not be Ready for Opening Day
Brent Suter

Angels Sign Brent Suter to One-Year Deal
Ben Rortvedt

Dodgers Claim Ben Rortvedt Off Waivers From Reds
Paul Goldschmidt

Yankees Remain in the Mix to Sign Paul Goldschmidt
Bryan Ramos

Cardinals Claim Bryan Ramos Off Waivers From Orioles
Graham Ashcraft

Wins Arbitration Case
Andy Ibáñez

Andy Ibanez Claimed Off Waivers by Athletics
Jasson Domínguez

Jasson Dominguez Could Begin Season in Minor Leagues
Vinicius Oliveira

Looks For His Seventh Consecutive Win
Mario Bautista

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 113
Kyoji Horiguchi

Set For UFC Vegas 113 Co-Main Event
Amir Albazi

Looks To Bounce Back
Rizvan Kuniev

Looks For His First UFC Win
Jailton Almeida

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Marc-Andre Barriault

In Dire Need Of Victory
Michal Oleksiejczuk

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Michael Penix Jr.

Says he's Ahead of Schedule After Knee Surgery
Ryan Brasier

Finalizing Deal With Rangers
Cleveland Browns

Jim Schwartz Resigns as Browns Defensive Coordinator
Malik Nabers

Says his Rehab has Been "Phenomenal"
CFB

Oklahoma Hiring Former NFL Defensive Lineman DeShawn Williams to Analyst Role
Dominick Barlow

Lands Standard Contract With 76ers
Jalen Suggs

Records First Career Triple-Double vs. Nets
Isaiah Jackson

Not Available Friday vs. Kings
CFB

Jahmal Edrine Charged with Sexual Assault, No Longer Enrolled at Virginia
Jakob Chychrun

Makes Big Impact in Thursday's Win
Kristaps Porzingis

Unlikely to Debut Saturday vs. Lakers
Ivica Zubac

Not Ready for Indiana Debut on Friday
Brandon Bussi

Shuts Out Rangers With 16 Saves
Grayson Allen

Exits Early vs. Warriors
Anze Kopitar

Reaches 1,300 Career Points
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Exits Early with Hamstring Soreness
Mark Stone

Becomes First Vegas Player With 100 Multi-Point Games
Daniil Tarasov

Injured in Battle of Florida
Andrei Kuzmenko

Hurt Versus Vegas
John Carlson

Suffers Lower-Body Injury
Matthew Stafford

Named 2025 NFL MVP, Will Return in 2026
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Takes Home Offensive Player of the Year Honors
Christian McCaffrey

Named Comeback Player of the Year
Bobby Portis

Questionable to Play Friday
Tetairoa McMillan

Named Offensive Rookie of the Year
Myles Garrett

Unanimously Wins Defensive Player of the Year Award
Nikola Vučević

Nikola Vucevic Set for Celtics Debut Friday
Joel Embiid

Good to Go Against Lakers
Andrew Nembhard

Ready to Return Friday
Pascal Siakam

Available Friday
Ty Jerome

to Sit Out Friday's Action
Deni Avdija

Considered Questionable for Friday's Matchup
Brad Marchand

Evan Rodrigues Among Panthers Absentees Thursday
Calum Ritchie

Rejoins Islanders Lineup as Second-Line Center
Zach Benson

Sits Out Second Straight Game
Pierre-Luc Dubois

Available Against Predators
Rickard Rakell

Out Thursday
Brayden Point

Won't Play in Olympics
Jonathan Huberdeau

to Have Season-Ending Hip Surgery
CFB

Houston, Vanderbilt, Tennessee Land Top-Three QBs in 2026 Class
Joe Mixon

Committed to Playing in 2026
CFB

Michigan Signs Top-15 Recruiting Class Despite Coaching Change
CFB

USC Finishes with No. 1 Signing Class in 2026
Valeri Nichushkin

Sets Up Three Goals Wednesday
CFB

Trinidad Chambliss Denied Medical Redshirt Waiver By NCAA
Ryan O'Reilly

Delivers Three Assists in Overtime Loss
Matt Boldy

Records Historically Fast Hat Trick Wednesday
Jet Greaves

Gives Blue Jackets Second Straight Shutout
Wyatt Kaiser

Hurt Against Blue Jackets
Sandis Vilmanis

Injured in Wednesday's Win
Jack Hughes

Out Thursday
CFB

Sam Leavitt to be Limited In Spring Practice
Jordan Love

Avoids Offseason Surgery
Matt Fitzpatrick

Back in Action at WM Phoenix Open
Sahith Theegala

Riding Hot Start Into WM Phoenix Open
J.J. Spaun

Looks to Regain Form at WM Phoenix Open
Viktor Hovland

a Volatile Option at WM Phoenix Open
Rasmus Hojgaard

Aims to Build on Solid Start to 2026
Brian Harman

Looks to Find Form at WM Phoenix Open
Daniel Berger

Has the Tools to Go One Step Higher at Scottsdale
Max Greyserman

Searching for Consistency at WM Phoenix Open
Jake Knapp

Wants Revenge at WM Phoenix Open
CFB

Joey Aguilar Granted Temporary Restraining Order Against NCAA
Joel Dahmen

Carrying Momentum Into WM Phoenix Open
Corey Conners

Unlikely to Contend at Scottsdale
Sepp Straka

Seeks a Rebound After The American Express
Jordan Spieth

Healthy Heading to WM Phoenix Open
Keith Mitchell

Building Momentum for Event in Scottsdale
Tom Hoge

The Tom Hoge Roller Coaster Heads to Scottsdale for WM Phoenix Open
Rickie Fowler

Worth a Look at WM Phoenix Open
Xander Schauffele

Making Second Appearance at Phoenix Open
Collin Morikawa

Needs a Bounce-Back at Waste Management Phoenix Open
Hideki Matsuyama

Has a Shot to Challenge at the Waste Management Phoenix Open
Max Homa

Playing Well Heading to Waste Management Phoenix Open
Ben Griffin

Will Need to Find Approach Game to Compete in Phoenix
Michael Penix Jr.

Matt Ryan Not Committing to Michael Penix Jr. as the Starting QB
NASCAR

Billy Horschel Unlikely to Right the Ship in Phoenix
Matthew Stafford

Doesn't Need Offseason Back Surgery
CFB

Joey Aguilar Files New Lawsuit Against NCAA Seeking Sixth Year of Eligibility
Davante Adams

Expected to Return to Rams in 2026
Los Angeles Rams

Rams Sign Sean McVay, Les Snead to Contract Extensions
Diego Lopes

Outclassed At UFC 325
Alexander Volkanovski

Dominates Diego Lopes
Dan Hooker

Stopped In The Second Round
Benoît Saint Denis

Benoit Saint Denis Extends His Win Streak
Rafael Fiziev

Suffers Second-Round TKO Loss
MMA

Maurício Ruffy Gets Back In The Win Column
San Francisco 49ers

49ers Set to Name Raheem Morris Their Defensive Coordinator
Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Close to Naming Klint Kubiak the Next Head Coach
Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals Finalizing Deal to Make Mike LaFleur the Next Head Coach
CFB

Gus Malzahn Retiring from Coaching
Breece Hall

Jets Want to Re-Sign Breece Hall, Could Use Franchise Tag
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF