Traders and decliners: Is it time to consider dealing Flagg while his value is at its highest?

Cooper Flagg is excelling for the Dallas Mavericks. Saddiq Bey and Ty Jerome are also performing well. In contrast, Zach LaVine, Shaedon Sharpe, and DeMar DeRozan are currently not providing significant fantasy value to their owners.

With Thursday’s NBA trade deadline now behind us, it’s time for Risers and Fallers to analyze the best course of action for these players for the remainder of the season.

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Risers

Cooper Flagg, PG/SF/PF, Dallas Mavericks (99.5% rostered in ESPN leagues)

Flagg has emerged as the top fantasy player over the past two weeks, averaging 33.4 points, 1.8 three-pointers, 8.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.4 blocks, shooting 53% from the field and 84% from the free-throw line in his last five games.

In Dallas, Flagg is standing out, although the Mavericks are struggling, winning only three of their last 13 games and trailing the Portland Trail Blazers by four games for the final play-in position in the Western Conference. The Mavericks effectively traded Luka Doncic for 34-year-old Khris Middleton and some additional assets, with only Naji Marshall appearing to be a potential contributor alongside Flagg.

Fortunately for fantasy managers, Flagg and the Mavericks are focused on his pursuit of the Rookie of the Year Award, suggesting he will continue to receive ample playing time despite the team’s challenges. Additionally, the presence of former college teammate Kon Knueppel competing for the same award may further ensure Flagg’s significant minutes for the remainder of the season.

If you drafted Flagg, enjoy his performance. However, if you are considering trading him while he is in form, now is an opportune moment. Just ensure that you receive substantial value in return for the league’s most in-form player.

Saddiq Bey, SF/PF, New Orleans Pelicans (51.2% rostered)

Bey has been one of the season’s most unexpected breakout players and is currently on a scoring spree, averaging 23.1 points, 3.3 three-pointers, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, shooting 47% from the field and 91% from the free-throw line over his last seven games. He shows no signs of slowing down.

Although the Pelicans have only 13 wins and may finish at the bottom of the Western Conference, there is no reason for New Orleans to limit the playing time of the 26-year-old swingman. Bey’s performance exceeds expectations, and he could be a viable trade target. However, be cautious not to overvalue him, as he has been a top-90 player throughout the season.

If you aim to trade Bey for a couple of solid players to enhance your roster depth, his value is currently at its peak.

Ty Jerome, PG, Memphis Grizzlies (53.8% rostered)

Jerome has participated in only three games this season but has made a significant impact, averaging 22.3 points, 2.3 three-pointers, 2.7 rebounds, and 7.0 assists on 61% shooting, marking a strong start to his tenure with the Grizzlies.

However, he has achieved these numbers in just 20.2 minutes per game, and Memphis may aim to maintain that playing time moving forward.

Moreover, the Grizzlies have a crowded point guard position with Ja Morant, Cam Spencer, Scotty Pippen Jr., and Walter Clayton Jr. all vying for minutes, assuming Morant has not played his final game for the franchise. Even if Morant does not return, Jerome will still face significant competition for playing time.

The limited minutes and competition from teammates are concerning, and the Grizzlies are likely to be cautious with Jerome as he recovers from a serious right calf strain. He has already been ruled out for Friday’s game in the first half of a back-to-back weekend set, although he is expected to play on Saturday.

Jerome’s fantasy value is unlikely to rise higher than it is now, and trading him for a reliable player on a playoff-contending team is advisable. However, it is improbable that he maintains this level of performance throughout the season on a team with a surplus of point guards that is currently outside of playoff contention.

Fallers

Zach LaVine, SG/SF, Sacramento Kings (81.7% rostered)

The Kings were unexpectedly inactive at the trade deadline, opting not to move Domantas Sabonis, DeRozan, or LaVine, while still having Russell Westbrook, resulting in four players who require the ball to be effective.

LaVine has averaged only 18.0 points, 2.0 three-pointers, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists over his last five games. While the scoring is adequate, the rest of his statistics are lacking, as the competition for touches with the aforementioned players is hindering LaVine’s effectiveness.

The Kings currently sit at the bottom of the Western Conference and have little chance of making the playoffs, increasing the likelihood that LaVine may miss games as the season progresses.

LaVine’s reputation still holds some value, and his 18 points per game can be a selling point if you wish to trade him. This season has been disappointing for both LaVine and the Kings, and it appears unlikely to improve as the season continues, especially given Sacramento’s inactivity at the trade deadline. It is advisable to trade him for whatever value you can secure.

Shaedon Sharpe, SG/SF, Trail Blazers (80.8% rostered)

Similar to LaVine, Sharpe’s scoring is acceptable, averaging 21.0 points over his last six games. However, his contributions in other areas are minimal, as indicated by his averages of 2.5 three-pointers, 3.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.2 blocks during that span.

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 barely holding onto a play-in spot in the Western Conference.

Sharpe’s scoring ability may attract interest from other fantasy managers, but his overall stat lines are deficient in most categories. If Portland falls out of playoff contention, the team may limit Sharpe’s minutes and provide more opportunities to younger players needing 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 with a player like Dyson Daniels, Josh Giddey, or Payton Pritchard could yield benefits in the future.

DeMar DeRozan, SF/PF, Kings (96.9% rostered)

DeRozan finds himself in a similar situation, scoring points but struggling in other areas. He is not contributing significantly to fantasy owners outside of accumulating points and shooting efficiently, which is insufficient.

The Kings’ decision not to trade one of their veterans at the deadline is surprising, and there are not enough opportunities for all the players on a roster that includes DeRozan, LaVine, Westbrook, Sabonis, De’Andre Hunter, and eventually Keegan Murray upon his return from a sprained left ankle.

As previously mentioned, the Kings are in last place in the Western Conference and are unlikely to reach the playoffs, putting DeRozan’s playing time at risk for the remainder of the season. Trading him to a fantasy manager in need of points and shooting percentages is a logical move, and while his fantasy value is currently low, it has been throughout the season. Secure whatever you can in a trade and move on.