The first big domino of the 2026 NBA trade season has fallen as Trae Young is off to Washington. The deal, which sees CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert headed to Atlanta in return, materialized as quickly as any that involves All-Star talent. Young requested a trade to the Wizards — who even does that by the way — and, boom, there he went.
As discussed in past fantasy basketball trade advice columns, the trade deadline represents lurking volatility and uncertainty like nothing else for your fantasy squad. You must monitor the status of all of your players.
With Young in Washington, Ja Morant rumors will replace that noise, adding a new name to the mix. Things are a-changin’ across the NBA.
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Fantasy Basketball Trade Advice (Week 12)
Trade For
Dyson Daniels (PG, SF, SG – ATL)
With Jalen Johnson likely untouchable in your league, Dyson Daniels immediately stands out as an intriguing trade candidate because of his versatility.
Of the top 35 players in fantasy points per game currently eligible to fill a shooting guard spot in Yahoo! leagues, Daniels ranks last in points per game (11.7). Fear not, as among that same group, Daniels ranks ninth in rebounds (6.5), 10th in assists (6.1) and second in steals (1.9) per game. Furthermore, those figures see a jump in games without Young in the lineup.
In short, Daniels’ fantasy production doesn’t rely on scoring, and with 19.3 points, 8.9 assists and 28 minutes per game up for grabs with Young out of town, expect increased involvement for Daniels.
Players Ranked Higher to Trade For Him:
Trade Away
Trae Young (PG – WSH)
Recent reporting from multiple sources suggests the same thing: Trae Young won’t be playing much for Washington this season. Marc J. Spears, Brian Windhorst and Wizards beat writer Josh Robbins are all echoing the same sentiment, per Bleacher Report.
Remember when the Raptors landed Brandon Ingram at the trade deadline last year and then… well, just didn’t play him at all? There’s reason to believe Washington will do the same with their newly acquired star guard.
In turn, fantasy managers should be looking to offload Young for anything they can get.
Players Ranked Lower to Trade Him For:
Trade For
Jusuf Nurkic (C – UTA)
Among players who have played at least five games in the last two weeks, Jusuf Nurkic — yes, Jusuf Nurkic — ranks 24th in fantasy points per game (45.92). The Utah big man is rostered in 52% of Yahoo! leagues and 35.7% of ESPN leagues.
In his last 10 games, Nurkic is posting 15 points, 10.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 0.9 steals per game. Nurkic is as under-the-radar as you can get, and he may not be all that difficult to acquire.
It’s important to note that Nurkic is battling a toe injury, and he’s missed five of Utah’s last 15 games. If your team is deep enough to overcome nagging injuries, Nurkic will be a productive addition when active.
Players Ranked Higher to Trade For Him:
Trade Away
Cam Thomas (PF, SF, SG – BKN)
Cam Thomas spent nearly two months sidelined with a hamstring injury and has returned with greater efficiency, but with not much volume and production.
Since coming back from injury, Thomas has played in six games, averaging 17.3 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 21.6 minutes per game. Bear in mind that Thomas is on a minutes restriction, but the opportunities have dried up to some extent.
With bringing next to nothing outside of scoring, his injury history, Michael Porter Jr. monopolizing the offensive load and a deep Nets rotation, Thomas is simply not a reliable fantasy asset.
Players Ranked Lower to Trade Him For: