It’s quiet, too quiet. The NBA trade deadline is less than a week away, and no moves have been made since Trae Young was shipped to Washington three weeks ago.
While the Giannis Antetokounmpo rumors have gained steam, there seems to be a lack of real news elsewhere. The Lakers may trade for De’Andre Hunter, OK; Dalton Knecht has reportedly requested a trade, figures; Ivica Zubac could be on the move, sure. What gives?
Without legitimate chatter and reporting surrounding anyone except Antetokounmpo, this is sure to be a chaotic week for fantasy managers. Correctly maneuvering through these next few days can make all the difference in capturing a championship. Let’s dive into fantasy basketball trade advice, including players to buy and sell, for this week.
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Fantasy Basketball Trade Advice (Week 15)
Trade For
Josh Giddey (PG, SG, SF – CHI)
Taking a swing on Josh Giddey ahead of the All-Star break may pay off huge dividends later down the road. The Bulls lead guard has played in just four games since the turn of the new year due to a left hamstring injury. Giddey averaged 13.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and six assists in those outings.
Giddey’s season as a whole, however, has been much more productive. Among players currently eligible to fill a point guard spot in Yahoo! leagues, Giddey ranks 10th in fantasy points per game. Perhaps Giddey can be had in your league at a discount relative to his cost a couple of months ago. With the extra time off in the coming weeks, he may soon return to his pre-injury form.
Players Ranked Higher to Trade For Him:
Trade Away
Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF, C – MIL)
Relax. This is just a thought exercise, an offering of a different perspective.
Should Giannis Antetokounmpo be traded before next week’s deadline, major shifts in the NBA power balance will follow. Those kinds of trades are often monumental in terms of assets. They often take time, too.
What if Antetokounmpo isn’t moved? Do the Bucks have a real incentive to play him? If he is traded, how long does it take for him to return from yet another calf injury?
Per FOX Sports, Antetokounmpo has appeared on a Bucks injury report with a calf injury 12 times since the start of 2025. Considering his latest injury and that offers for him are even being entertained, Milwaukee is ostensibly punting the season.
The closer we get to the trade deadline, the clearer the picture gets. For now, it’s murky. Fantasy managers who roster Antetokounmpo should consider all options.
Players Ranked Lower to Trade Him For:
Trade For
Domantas Sabonis (C, PF – SAC)
Consider making a move for Domantas Sabonis along a similar line of thinking to trading for Josh Giddey.
Sabonis is one of the best centers in fantasy when healthy, full stop. Coming off back-to-back seasons with averages of at least 19 points, 13 rebounds and six assists, the Sacramento big man hasn’t been able to find a groove this year because of a knee injury.
Since his return on January 16th, Sabonis has played in all of the Kings’ games but one and averaged 12.6 points, 9.2 rebounds and 4.9 assists on 62.1% shooting from the field. As he begins to get his feet under him again, Sabonis will be more and more productive.
Players Ranked Higher to Trade For Him:
Trade Away
Deandre Ayton (C – LAL)
Deandre Ayton’s 59.1-fantasy point outburst against the Wizards came at a great time for fantasy managers growing frustrated with his recent poor play. The Lakers center went for 28 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. It’s just the fourth time Ayton has posted at least 20 points and 10 rebounds with multiple blocks this season.
Unfortunately, though, those games are scattered throughout a mass of outings, resulting in just 25 or so fantasy points. With Austin Reaves potentially returning during the Lakers’ current road trip, fewer opportunities will be available to Ayton, who shoots just nine times per game as is.
Players to Trade Him For Who Are Ranked Lower:
