The NBA Trade Deadline is an absolute event, and one I circle on my calendar every year. I love hashing out what teams won, what teams lost, and what teams went crazy with their player evaluations. Along with that, I also love dissecting which players stand to gain dynasty value and which players stand to lose dynasty value. But what is even BETTER is if you can predict which transactions will happen and how dynasty values will adjust accordingly. By doing so, you can target certain players weeks ahead and come out ahead of your league.

In preparation of the 2024 trade deadline, I’ve outlined some buys, sells, and holds. Keep in mind that while some of the players may not seem to adjust in their forecasted ranking, I may still consider them buys, sells, and holds if I believe their value is viewed differently in the dynasty community. I’ll also offer some suggested trade targets and moves for teams in varying contending states.

“Current Ranking” is where I had the player in my 2023 December Rankings and the subsequent range. 

“Forecasted Ranking” is where that player would roughly land. 

All stats are as of January 21st.

Buys

D’Angelo Russell, G, Lakers

Current Ranking – 83 (79-92)

Forecasted Ranking – 83 (75-90)

This looks like the same dynasty ranking, so why is DLo a buy? Compared to others, I’m actually higher on DLo. I do think he has some real flaws (defense, lack of dynamic scoring) that hold back his on-court value, which is why he’s rumored to be traded. If the Lakers make any trades at the deadline, DLo is almost sure to be involved due to his solid matching salary of $17.3M and the two-year contract (including a player option). I doubt he would be a main piece of the team that acquires him, but he would be a decent bet to see a larger usage role in the near and mid-term. He’s only 28, and he’s not even playing all too badly – he’s just not what the Lakers need. He can be a solid source of points, threes, and assists on a consistent basis if moved. I would encourage contenders needing those listed stats to look at DLo as a buy option. I personally would move a struggling prospect like Jalen Green for him as a contender.

Jonathan Kuminga, F, Warriors

Current Ranking – 143 (142-153)

Forecasted Ranking – 126 (115-135)

I’m honestly not a huge Kuminga believer. I don’t think he has some untapped on-ball scoring role, and his style of play and skillset doesn’t lend to him earning minutes in an auxiliary role. Still, the Warriors should be looking to shake things up at the trade deadline. Whether that leads to more rotation minutes opening up on the Warriors or Kuminga being a main asset in a deal, both outcomes would lead to an increased opportunity for Kuminga. That would at least help him rack up some counting stats and increase his trade value for dynasty. Of course, there is the path that Kuminga really develops his game and becomes a key starter as well, transforming his potential into production.

Jabari Walker, F, Blazers

Current Ranking – 265 (260-291)

Forecasted Ranking – 237 (225-250)

We’ve already seen glimpses of what Walker can bring with extended minutes the past month – strong rebounding numbers with some other goodies across the board. I’m sure the Blazers are open to Jerami Grant trades, but even if they are unable to swing a deal, Walker should be a silly season hero. I think he also has room to grow and earn a sizable rotation role going forward. Walker looks primed to put up big numbers down the stretch, and dynasty managers in the short and long term should be rewarded. I’d be willing to trade any boom-bust prospects like Nick Smith Jr. for a bit more security in Walker, or veteran producers like Dario Saric for more long-term value with Walker.

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