Fantasy NBA: Trade Ty Jerome, Drop Draymond Green as New Season Begins
Early-season stats suggest Ty Jerome's value is peaking while Draymond Green's production lags, prompting managers to reshuffle rosters.
By Tunde Bailey ·
The opening week of the NBA season has produced stark contrasts in fantasy basketball value. While some players are exceeding expectations with high-scoring performances, others are struggling to find a rhythm. For managers looking to adjust their lineups, the data from the first few games points to specific trades and drops that could improve standings.
Ty Jerome of the Memphis Grizzlies is currently rostered in nearly 90 percent of ESPN leagues. He posted 45 points in the season opener against Utah and added 28 points and five assists in the second game against Golden State. However, experts note that these games came against teams that started the season poorly. Because his shooting pace may be difficult to sustain, Jerome is considered a strong candidate for trade. Managers are advised to offer him in exchange for struggling veterans like Trey Murphy III or Brandon Miller, who are expected to bounce back later in the season.
Dennis Schroder of the Charlotte Hornets offers a different type of opportunity. Currently rostered in fewer than 10 percent of leagues, Schroder recorded 25 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three three-pointers against Miami. Although Coby White is out with a calf strain, Schroder provides a reliable source of points and assists on the waiver wire. Managers seeking steals, three-pointers, and blocks may need to look elsewhere, but Schroder is a viable grab for those needing scoring and playmaking depth.
Jalen Smith of the Chicago Bulls is another player gaining momentum. He has averaged 14.5 points, eight rebounds, and 1.5 steals in his first three games. The Bulls are thin at center, with Zach Collins and Tobe Awaka seeing limited minutes. This situation gives Smith a chance to play approximately 25 minutes per game. While health concerns exist, he is considered a solid pickup for managers who can find him on waivers. The return of Nic Claxton from a hamstring injury will likely reduce Smith's playing time in the future.
On the falling side, Myles Turner of the Milwaukee Bucks has seen his stock drop despite still holding a starting position. He averaged 7.7 points and 4.3 rebounds over the first three games and scored zero points in a loss to Philadelphia. Kel'el Ware, who played 29 minutes, finished with 19 points and 13 rebounds in that same game. Turner remains a lowball trade target, but his role may diminish if the coaching staff prefers Ware.
Onyeka Okongwu of the Atlanta Hawks is struggling to produce offense while teammates like Jalen Johnson and Aaron Wiggins excel. Okongwu has not scored more than 10 points or grabbed more than six rebounds in any of the first three games. He recorded his first block and steal of the season on Saturday. While he is a versatile big man, his offensive role is currently limited. Managers are advised to make offers for him before he potentially heats up, though he remains a fifth or sixth option on the Hawks offense.
Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors is the most notable drop. The 36-year-old has scored a total of seven points, with one steal and one block, in two games. He sat out the second game of a back-to-back set. With the Warriors struggling competitively, Green and Stephen Curry are taking nights off to manage workload. Green's production does not justify a roster spot in most leagues. Managers are encouraged to drop him in favor of players like Jalen Smith, Yaxel Lendeborg, or Wendell Carter Jr. His name recognition exceeds his current statistical output.
