Cooper Flagg is having an impressive run with the Dallas Mavericks. Saddiq Bey and Ty Jerome are also performing well. Meanwhile, Zach LaVine, Shaedon Sharpe, and DeMar DeRozan are currently not providing much in the way of fantasy value for their managers.
With Thursday’s NBA trade deadline now behind us, it’s time for Risers and Fallers to evaluate the next steps for these players as the season unfolds.
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Risers
Cooper Flagg, PG/SF/PF, Dallas Mavericks (99.5% rostered in ESPN leagues)
Flagg has emerged as the standout player in fantasy over the past two weeks, boasting averages of 33.4 points, 1.8 3-pointers, 8.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.4 blocks with 53% shooting from the field and an 84% free throw success rate during his last five games.
In Dallas, Flagg is leading the charge, albeit the Mavs are struggling overall, having secured only three wins in their last 13 outings, now trailing the Portland Trail Blazers by four games for the final play-in spot in the West. The Mavs effectively traded Luka Doncic for 34-year-old Khris Middleton and some lesser assets, with Naji Marshall being the only player who seems poised to assist Flagg.
Thankfully for fantasy managers, Flagg and the Mavericks are keen on him clinching the Rookie of the Year Award, which suggests he will see significant playing time, despite the team’s struggles. also, his former college teammate Kon Knueppel is also in the mix for the award, which may ensure Flagg continues to receive ample minutes down the stretch.
If you drafted Flagg, buckle up for this exciting ride. or, if you’re considering trading him while he’s hot, now is the moment. make sure you receive substantial value in return for the NBA’s current hottest player.
Saddiq Bey, SF/PF, New Orleans Pelicans (51.2% rostered)
Bey has been one of the biggest surprises of the season and is currently on a hot streak, averaging 23.1 points, 3.3 3-pointers, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists on 47% shooting from the floor and an impressive 91% from the free-throw line over his last seven games. He shows no signs of slowing down.
While the Pelicans have only secured 13 wins and could potentially finish last in the West, there’s no reason for New Orleans to stop utilizing the 26-year-old swingman. Bey’s performance exceeds his name recognition, making him a trade target. Just be cautious not to overpay, as he has only been a top-90 player this season.
If you plan to trade Bey for a couple of reliable players to enhance your roster depth, his value is peaking right now.
Ty Jerome, PG, Memphis Grizzlies (53.8% rostered)
Jerome has only participated in three games this season but has been impactful in each one, averaging 22.3 points, 2.3 3-pointers, 2.7 rebounds, and 7.0 assists on 61% shooting—an excellent start to his tenure with the Grizzlies.
but, he’s managed this in just 20.2 minutes per game, and Memphis might aim to keep him around that limit for the remainder of the season.
besides, the Grizzlies are well-stocked at point guard with Ja Morant, Cam Spencer, Scotty Pippen Jr., and Walter Clayton Jr., all vying for playing time, assuming Morant’s situation remains unchanged. despite Morant doesn’t play again, Jerome still faces strong competition.
The limited minutes and teammate competition are significant concerns, especially as the Grizzlies are likely to proceed cautiously with Jerome, who is recovering from a serious right calf strain. In fact, he’s already been ruled out for Friday’s early game of a weekend back-to-back, although he is expected to suit up for Saturday’s game.
Jerome’s fantasy value is at its peak, and trading him for a more stable asset on a playoff-bound team is a wise move. but, it’s improbable he maintains this level of performance throughout the season on a team rich in point guard talent that is currently out of the playoff race.
Fallers
Zach LaVine, SG/SF, Sacramento Kings (81.7% rostered)
The Kings were unexpectedly quiet at the trade deadline, opting not to move Domantas Sabonis, DeRozan, or LaVine, despite having Russell Westbrook, which creates a logjam of four players needing the ball to be effective.
LaVine has only averaged 18.0 points, 2.0 3-pointers, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists over his last five contests. While the scoring numbers may appear acceptable, the rest of his stat line is lacking as competition for touches among those named players hampers LaVine’s effectiveness.
Currently, the Kings sit at the bottom of the West and are unlikely to make the playoffs, so the chances of LaVine missing games as the season progresses seem high.
LaVine’s name still holds some value, and his 18 points per game serve as a reasonable selling point if you’re considering a trade. but, it’s been a disappointing season for both LaVine and the Kings, so moving him for whatever you can get seems wise.
Shaedon Sharpe, SG/SF, Trail Blazers (80.8% rostered)
Similar to LaVine, Sharpe’s scoring has been decent with averages of 21.0 points over his last six games. but, his contributions in other areas have been minimal, as shown by his averages of 2.5 3-pointers, 3.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.2 blocks during that stretch.
Scoot Henderson is expected to return from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him all season, Jrue Holiday is back to full health, and the Trail Blazers are clinging to a tenuous play-in position in the West.
Sharpe’s scoring prowess may catch the eye of some fantasy managers, but his lackluster stat lines in other categories are concerning. If Portland falls out of playoff contention, they might limit Sharpe’s minutes and begin offering more playing time to younger players in need of development, including Henderson.
Consider trading Sharpe to a manager seeking scoring and aim to acquire a more well-rounded fantasy player in return. Packaging Sharpe for someone like Dyson Daniels, Josh Giddey, or Payton Pritchard could provide future benefits.
DeMar DeRozan, SF/PF, Kings (96.9% rostered)
DeRozan finds himself in a similar predicament, scoring points while underperforming in other aspects. His contributions beyond points and shooting efficiency simply aren’t sufficient for fantasy owners.
The Kings’ decision not to trade away one of their veterans at the deadline is surprising, and there simply isn’t enough ball distribution among DeRozan, LaVine, Westbrook, Sabonis, De’Andre Hunter, and eventually Keegan Murray upon his return from injury.
As mentioned previously, the Kings are at the bottom of the West with little chance of making the playoffs, raising concerns about DeRozan’s playing time for the remainder of the season. Trading him to a fantasy manager in search of points and shooting percentages makes sense, and while his fantasy value is currently low, it has been stagnant throughout the season. Aim to get what you can in a trade and move on.
