2023-24 Fantasy Basketball Buy or Sell: Friday, January 26

Adam King discusses what to do with several NBA players in Fantasy Basketball Leagues this week. (January 26)

G'day RotoBallers! Another week down as we rapidly approach the trade deadline in many leagues, as well as the fantasy playoffs. For those still in the running for a postseason berth, a trade could prove pivotal, and narrowing your categorical focus is a viable strategy. If you can execute a trade at this time of the season, both managers can walk away feeling validated and in a better spot ahead of the playoffs.

However, executing a trade can be harder said than done. Not all managers love the idea of a trade, especially if they believe they will be the attempted target of a fantasy heist. Ensure you know your league and who might be willing to consider a player swap. While the option does exist, I recommend not having a league veto system. Ensure your commissioner is knowledgeable and transparent, and allow them to dictate trade decisions.

With all that out of the way, here are our current sell-high and buy-low candidates as you prepare for Week 15 of the fantasy basketball season.

Collin Sexton, G - Utah Jazz

Baller Move: Sell High

Sexton has been playing arguably the best basketball of his career over the past month, putting up borderline top-40 numbers in nine-category leagues. With averages of 21.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.8 three-pointers, it's fair to say he has been on a heater. Couple that with shooting percentages of 54.0 from the field and 88.4 from the line, and we have a pretty clear sell-high window.

Despite a recent three-game losing skid, the Jazz have been much better of late, winning 10 of their last 14 games. After a slow start to the season, they have managed to put themselves back in the playoff discussion, thanks in large part to the impressive play of Sexton. However, while his numbers have been sensational, if we dig a little deeper, there is one slightly concerning trend: his playing time. Over the past month, he has seen just 25.5 minutes per game, likely not enough to sustain top-40 value moving forward.

If we assume Sexton remains in his current role moving forward, a regression is likely going to happen at some point. If his shots begin to rim out, he could very quickly go back to being more of a top-100 player primarily rostered for his points only. Managers who are concerned with said regression could consider trying to move him while the going is good. If you could land a top-60 player in a trade, that could be a win ROS.

Dejounte Murray, G - Atlanta Hawks

Baller Move: Sell High

No matter the format, a lot of fantasy managers are drawn to those players who can score and even more so those who score when it matters most. Over the past 120 days, Murray has been able to deliver in both those categories, scoring at least 22 points in five straight games, adding back-to-back game-winners for good measure. He has also cobbled together strong counting stats, averaging 6.8 rebounds and 6.8 assists in that time.

A recent concussion to Trae Young has only fueled the fire when it comes to Murray's opportunities, allowing him to play as the primary option on offense. Despite constant trade rumors, it's fair to say Murray has been able to put together his most noteworthy stretch of the season. However, when we look at his recent performances in terms of pure fantasy rank, he has been a little underwhelming. This is mainly due to the fact he has just seven combined steals and blocks in the past five games, adding 15 turnovers.

Dejounte Murray hits the game-winner back-to-back nights. pic.twitter.com/vLknbrf9ye

— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) January 20, 2024

 

While some managers may be a little hesitant when it comes to targeting Murray in fantasy due to the trade rumors, it could also be an opportunity to up-sell what he could do on another team. If you can find someone who can be a little more points-focused, trying to cash in on his recent uptick in scoring makes sense. Packaging this as a scenario where a new role could lead to continued shot-making opportunities could be all that you need to try and secure a top-30 fantasy asset.

Jordan Poole, G - Washington Wizards

Baller Move: Buy Low

New coach, new attitude? Managers will be hoping that is the case in Washington, specifically when it comes to what Poole can or cannot do on a basketball court. Thus far this season, Poole has been a disaster. Frankly, that might be putting it nicely. Taken inside the top 50 in a lot of drafts, he has been arguably the bust of the season, currently ranking well outside the top 150 in standard formats.

Across 43 games, he is averaging 16.5 points per game on 41.1 percent shooting, adding 2.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.0 steals, and 2.0 three-pointers. The Wizards have played one game following the removal of head coach Wes Unseld Jr., during which Poole showed signs of life. He ended with 18 points, two rebounds, two assists, two steals, two blocks, and three triples in 28.3 minutes. While this is far from mind-blowing, it could be a step in the right direction.

This is a very small sample size and honestly, it's not the first time we have said this. Despite glimpses throughout the season, Poole typically goes back to being underwhelming quite quickly. However, if you are sitting comfortably in your standings and you can afford to take a bit of a risk, Poole makes for a worthwhile upside swing. Managers are potentially at the point where they are considering dropping him if he has another bad performance. Keeping that in mind, now is the time to strike.

Terry Rozier, G - Miami Heat

Baller Move: Buy Low

Two games into his Miami career, it's safe to say Rozier has been mildly disappointing. In those two games, he is averaging 8.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.0 three-pointers. The Heat have also lost both games, one of those being to a Memphis squad missing four of their regular starters. Coming from a situation in Charlotte when Rozier was able to do what he wanted on the court, Miami is going to be a tougher nut to crack in terms of fantasy value.

Managers need only think back a few months to when James Harden was moved to Los Angeles. Initially, the chemistry was rough, and the results were less than ideal. Rozier is obviously not the same level of player as Harden, but this is a somewhat similar situation. If you look beyond the numbers and consider the poor shooting, Rozier has actually been decent. He makes a few more shots and his points bump up to 14.0 per game to go with his serviceable peripheral stats.

Part of the vision of Terry Rozier in Miami. Ability to attack and finish in pick and roll even vs. a drop. Keeping an eye on the paint touches/finishes. pic.twitter.com/e3Xu5Y4rNK

— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) January 25, 2024

Granted he is not going to have the same upside he had with the Hornets, but Rozier should still be able to flirt with top-80 production moving forward. He is outside the top 250 over the past week, meaning his managers may have lost all faith in him. If he fits what you are trying to accomplish this season, Rozier could be worth targeting. Offering a consistent top-100 player might be just enough to lure him onto your squad.