The fantasy basketball trade deadline has likely passed in redraft leagues. So this week we will focus on dynasty/keeper 9-category leagues. It’s time to sell Killian Hayes, Mitchell Robinson, Kyrie Irving, Markelle Fultz, and Kyle Kuzma.
Dynasty Divesting
Killian Hayes
Killian Hayes has been surprisingly decent this season after most of us assumed he was a complete bust. The problem here is Cade Cunningham should be back healthy next season. The playing time simply won’t be there for Killian. It’s also fair to assume rookie Jaden Ivey will continue to improve. So that’s two players ahead of Killian in the rotation. That’s not even factoring in potential free agents or players the Pistons draft who could get playing time over Killian as well. Killian Hayes has been a good source of assists and steals this season. If you can get anything you see as future fantasy basketball value for him you should make the trade now. He may not even be a rosterable player next season if there is a free-agent pool in your dynasty league. Killian Hayes is currently the 167th ranked per game (125th for total stats).
Mitchell Robinson
I personally have Mitchell Robinson in a keeper league. If he could stay healthy he would be a no-brainer keeper for me. That does not seem like a reasonable expectation. While Mitch is healthy and playing well it’s time to move him. On a per-game basis this season he’s the 55th-ranked player in 9-cat. Mitch has been a fantastic fantasy asset in rebounds, blocks, and field goal percentage. That’s not all! He comes with the low-low turnover rate of just 0.6 per game. He fits a punt points and free throw percentage build (two categories he’ll absolutely run into the ground). If you can get a young player that you think that has top-50 upside next season in exchange for Mitchell Robinson, make the move. In a good season, Mitchell is probably missing 20 games. In a bad season, he’s probably missing 40 or more.
Kyrie Irving
No matter how you feel about Kyrie Irving it’s hard to argue he’s reliable. Will it be an injury or will he be promoting something that offends a group of people? It just feels like every season Kyrie invents a new reason why he isn’t on the basketball court. Let’s not forget he threatened to retire if he was traded to an undesirable location or franchise. My rule with Kyrie and fantasy basketball is to never invest draft capital in him. He is currently playing basketball. I implore you to cash out now! Kyrie is consistently an elite fantasy basketball player when he’s on the court. He’s a significant positive contributor in points, threes made, assists, and free throw percentage. In a dynasty league, I would be looking to trade Kyrie for a younger player with upside. My suggestions would be to target Darius Garland, Trae Young, or Anthony Edwards.
Markelle Fultz
Markelle Fultz is currently playing well. He hasn’t lived up to expectations based on being a former number-one pick, but he’s playing like a quality NBA player. Markelle has been a top 100 player, per game, in fantasy basketball this season. He’s been delivering strong in assists and steals. Plus, he has a sneaky high field goal percentage for a point guard. The reason why I would sell him is I don’t see him as the long-term answer for the Magic. If Jalen Suggs or Cole Anthony pop things could be trending negatively for Fultz. Also, the Magic have some incoming draft picks in a guard-heavy draft. Markelle Fultz is going to have competition for minutes as soon as next season. This season has been a nice story for him and hopefully he continues to be an impactful player in the NBA, but it’s time to trade him. Look for managers with disappointing young players. Some examples could be Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. You could also look at some rookies that have shown flashes but aren’t quite there yet like an AJ Griffin, Malaki Branham, or Shaedon Sharpe.
Kyle Kuzma
The Kyle Kuzma truthers exist in droves. Don’t ask me why. Maybe it’s his weird fashion sense? Kuzma has been a top 150 fantasy basketball player, per game, and top 100 in total stats this season. Kuzma contributes in points, threes made, and rebounds. He won’t hurt you in assists, but steals, blocks, field goal percentage, free throw percentage, and turnovers are indeed rough. Kuzma turns 28 this summer. He’s probably never going to be in a better situation than the current high usage he’s getting in Washington. If possible I’d take Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., or Immanuel Quickley in a heartbeat over Kyle Kuzma.