Week 8 is here in Fantasy Basketball, and it’s time to face hard truths about our rosters. At least one team in each league drafted Michael Porter Jr., Damian Lillard, Robert Covington, Luka Doncic, and Bam Adebayo early in drafts. The current return on those selections has been tears, frustration, and a dearth of production leaving your team vulnerable to your fellow General Manager adversaries.
However, if timed correctly, General Managers can take advantage of depreciated stat lines and frustrated owners to acquire impact players below their projected stat lines. This is the Buy Low. Simple.
Let’s explore players that are currently in the “buy low” category and potential players we could use to entice another manager to part with their high upside players.
Please remember, the trade options below are merely suggestions. We all know the type of managers that wouldn’t trade their favorite players for anything. There is no guarantee, only ideas for comparable players that don’t have as high upside as the buy-low target.
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Buy Low Targets: Finding Value in a tough Landscape
Luka Doncic – DAL – PG/SG
While many were hopeful Luka would take the jump to the fantasy elite this year, his value instead is down instead. The drop in value is primarily due to a regression in points and FG%. Was it his participation in the Olympics during the summer, the switch to Jason Kidd as head coach? It is impossible to know for sure, but it is most likely the extra 20 lbs he admitted to be carrying. There are signs pointing to a resurgence. Doncic’s usage rate continues to increase over the last two weeks, paired with a rise in FG%. As we move forward into midseason, Doncic will begin to hit his stride here shortly.
Players to consider trading to Buy Low:
Trae Young, DeMar DeRozan, Donovan Mitchell, Zach LaVine, Ja Morant, Jayson Tatum
Khris Middleton – MIL – SG/SF
Middleton’s numbers are down across the board. Middleton had an extended basketball season with a trip to the NBA Finals, immediately followed by a trip to the Olympics. It makes some sense that he is a step or two slow this season. The Milwaukee Bucks are rounding into form, and Middleton has time to get into his rhythm. Look for a run by Middleton after the Christmas Day games or the All-Star Break, which is perfect timing for the contending fantasy team looking to make a run in the playoffs.
Players to consider trading to Buy Low:
Gordon Hayward, Montrezl Harrell, Derrick White, D’Angelo Russell,
Bradley Beal – WAS – SG
After a hot start to the season, the Washington Wizards have fallen back to earth a bit. Beal’s lack of production could be one reason why. After scoring over 30 points per game in 2020-2021, Beal’s ability to score is drastically different, averaging only 22 points per game. It is only a matter of time before Beal’s shooting catches up and his numbers increase. See if you can get him now before his value rises.
Players to trade to Buy Low:
Zach Lavine, Malcolm Brogdon, Cole Anthony, Anthony Edwards, Jarami Grant
Robert Williams – BOS – C
Is Robert Williams a top 75 player or not? His rankings say absolutely, but the box score will leave many owners unsure. As a big man specialist (Field goal percentage, rebounds, blocks, low turnovers), Williams oozes top-40 potential and is almost certain to deliver if he can stay healthy and work back to 30 minutes per game. In the four games since he has been back from injury, Williams has logged just over 20 minutes and produced 9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks, on nearly 80% shooting. The numbers aren’t there yet, but you can see where this can go, right? With health, Williams will be better and attain 10 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks, on 70% shooting. Sign me up.
Players to trade to Buy Low:
Mo Bamba, Bobby Portis, Wendall Carter Jr.
De’Aaron Fox – SAC – PG
In 2020-2021, Fox averaged 25 points, 2 threes, 7 assists, 1.5 steals, on 47% shooting from the field. Collectively, we knew his one weakness was free throw percentage (71%). Every manager knew he was one step from making the leap from star guard to fantasy stud. Heading into 2022, it seems Fox is about 5 steps from fantasy stardom. His numbers are down across the board: 20 points, 5.5 assists, 1.3 steals, 42% field goal percentage. The one category he didn’t fall back in is Free throw % (73%). Fox is a real NBA trade target, and a fantasy one as well. Whether it is on the Sacramento Kings, or somewhere else, Fox can turn it around. Especially if you have a punt FT build, try and buy low.
Players to consider trading to buy low:
Marcus Smart, Derrick White, Kyle Lowry, Russell Westbrook, Jrue Holiday
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