X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

NBA Trade Deadline: Forwards Who Are Better off Traded

The NBA Trade Deadline is just two days away, on February 18th. The rumor mill is buzzing, and one young forward -- Tobias Harris -- has already been shipped off by Orlando to Detroit in exchange for Brandon Jennings and Ersan Ilyasova.

As it stands now, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, and Oklahoma City Thunder appear to be miles ahead of every other team in basketball. However, there are a whole slew of teams that could sniff that top tier by adding a big-time player. These four forwards are currently in less-than-ideal situations, and could each provide a new team with a tremendous boost, while improving their own respective fantasy values in the process.

 

NBA Trade Deadline: Forwards Who Are Better off Traded

Blake Griffin

It's been a disappointing season so far for the Clippers' star forward. Griffin was close to returning from a quad injury in January when he punched a member of the team's equipment staff and injured his hand. He was suspended four games for the incident, and there is still no specific timetable for his return from the injury.

Griffin was an All-Star in each of his first five seasons in the NBA, and has averaged over 20 points in five of his six seasons, including this season, during which he has played 30 games and scored 23.2 points per game. He grabbed over 12 rebounds a game in his 2010-'11 Rookie of the Year, but the emergence of DeAndre Jordan has lessened his need to crash the boards. If he were traded to a team without a dominant rebounder, Griffin would have more rebounding opportunities.

The Boston Celtics are a logical landing spot for Griffin. They are battling for the second seed in the Eastern Conference, and could really make some noise in the postseason with a major acquisition (Griffin is expected back before the playoffs). Amir Johnson -- 7.5 points, 6.3 rebounds per game -- is the team's starting power forward, so anybody would really be an upgrade. The C's are missing a scoring threat inside, and Griffin would add another dimension to an already talented team. Additionally, Jared Sullinger leads the team in rebounds with 8.5 per game, so Griffin could definitely see his rebounding numbers increase in Boston.

A package of Marcus Smart, Kelly Olynyk, Jae Crowder and David Lee would be a favorable return to the Clippers for Griffin, allowing them to still push to win now. The Celtics may be unwilling to part with both Smart and Crowder, so they would prefer to ship a draft pick or two instead. The Clips are 18-5 since losing Griffin, so while they will obviously miss him, they can absolutely get by without him if they can strike a deal with Boston, especially if they add a lot of depth in the process.

 

Ryan Anderson

Anderson has been incredibly effective when his role is increased -- particularly when Anthony Davis is not playing -- but he tends to disappear from the court in many games. He is averaging 20.5 points in games in which Davis plays fewer than 10 minutes, but Davis averages over 35 minutes per contest and doesn't miss many games. Anderson is not quick enough to play small forward, and his game does not cater to the center position, so he is often left under-utilized. Anderson's name has been swirling around trade rumors, and he could have a new home very soon.

The Clippers have a need at power forward, especially if the aforementioned Griffin is moved. If they could haul in a strong return for Griffin and then grab Anderson from the Pelicans, they could be in a good position to still compete in the tough Western Conference. From an individual standpoint, Anderson would obviously benefit from getting out of Davis' shadow. Without Griffin in town, Anderson would start for the Clips, and would see consistent playing time stretching the floor while DeAndre Jordan dominates the interior. Additionally, playing alongside Chris Paul at the point instead of Norris Cole would surely provide him with a few more wide open looks on the perimeter.

 

Markieff Morris

Morris appeared to be turning a corner in his young career in 2014-'15, when he started all 82 games, played 31.5 minutes per game and posted 15.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per contest. However, after an offseason full of controversy, he found himself temporarily removed from the starting lineup, and even from the rotation altogether. He missed a ton of games throughout December and January by coach's decision, but has since re-obtained his minutes as a result of Alex Len suffering an injury and (likely) a desire on the part of the Pelicans front office to showcase him for a potential trade.

In September, Morris was fined for publicly demanding a trade, and in December, he was suspended for throwing a towel at then-head coach Jeff Hornacek. Then, in early February, he fought with teammate Archie Goodwin on the bench during a game. Needless to say, it has been a lost season so far for the 26-year-old forward, and he has no future with the Phoenix Suns.

With Chris Bosh potentially out for an extended period of time with a blood clot in his leg, the Miami Heat could be in the market for a power forward. Amar'e Stoudemire (14.2 minutes, 5.4 points an 4.5 rebounds per game) and Josh McRoberts (14.7 minutes, 3.1 points and 2.7 rebounds) are the top internal candidates to assume Bosh's role, so bringing someone in from the outside should be a priority. Center Hassan Whiteside attempts just 8.2 field goals per game, so Morris could see a decent number of looks down low as the team's primary post scorer.

 

Zach Randolph

Randolph has been an elite power forward for most of his time in the NBA, but is now 35 years old and is not as dynamic as he once was. He is averaging 9.4 boards for his career, and led the league in offensive rebounds twice despite being just 6'9". Additionally, he has scored at least 15 points per game in each of the last 11 seasons in which he played at least half the season. However, he currently sits at 14.2 points and 8.0 rebounds per game through 48 games in 2015-'16.

The Memphis Grizzles are a team that is built on the foundation of defense and they have finished with a winning percentage over .600 each of the last four years. But after all this time, they may be starting to crumble. Marc Gasol is out indefinitely with a broken foot. Mike Conley, Jeff Green, Courtney Lee, Mario Chalmers and Matt Barnes are all nearing free agency. Randolph is aging and has seen his role diminished. Still, the 15-year veteran has a lot to offer in the right environment, and he could be shipped out as the Grizzlies begin the rebuilding process.

The Toronto Raptors' scoring load is dominated by guards -- DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry combine for 44.4 points per game -- and they could look to add a post-presence before the deadline. Center Jonas Valanciunas is a strong two-way player, but the Raptors can use an upgrade from Luis Scola at power forward. Scola averages 22.9 minutes, 9.4 points and 5.3 rebounds. The Raptors have younger pieces they could move to Memphis, including Terrence Ross, Patrick Patterson, Lucas Nogueira, Bruno Caboclo and Delon Wright. This move would help the Grizzlies hit the restart button, and help the Raptors compete with the Cavaliers for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

 

NBA & Fantasy Basketball Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-11" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]

POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Zack Wheeler3 hours ago

Records 13 Strikeouts
LaMonte Wade Jr.3 hours ago

Out On Friday
Evan Phillips4 hours ago

Expected To Be Activated Next Week
Lucas Erceg4 hours ago

Exits After Getting Hit By Comebacker
Ja Morant4 hours ago

Cleared To Play Friday
Martín Pérez4 hours ago

Martin Perez Makes Early Exit On Friday
Brandon Williams4 hours ago

Available Against Grizzlies
Anthony Davis4 hours ago

Will Play Friday Night
Gary Trent Jr.4 hours ago

Available For Game 1 Against Pacers
Taurean Prince4 hours ago

Returns To Bucks Lineup Saturday
NFL5 hours ago

Justin Hardee Sr. Waived With Non-Football Injury
Isaiah Stewart5 hours ago

To Return For Game 1
Ausar Thompson5 hours ago

Available For Game 1
Rui Hachimura5 hours ago

On Track To Play Saturday
Austin Reaves5 hours ago

Ready To Go For Game 1
NFL5 hours ago

Bills Release Armani Rogers, Branson Deen
Luka Dončić5 hours ago

Luka Doncic Removed From Injury Report
Brandon Young5 hours ago

Set To Make MLB Debut On Saturday
LeBron James5 hours ago

Listed As Probable For Game 1
Ben Sheppard5 hours ago

Probable For Saturday's Game 1
Jacob Lopez5 hours ago

Recalled From Triple-A
NFL5 hours ago

Kolton Miller Absent From Raiders' Voluntary Offseason Program
Kevin Durant5 hours ago

To Houston Already Losing Steam
Matt Canterino6 hours ago

Twins Designate Matt Canterino For Assignment
Lauri Markkanen6 hours ago

Wants To Stay With The Jazz
NFL6 hours ago

Ross Blacklock Let Go By New York
Mickey Gasper6 hours ago

Sent To Triple-A St. Paul
Bennedict Mathurin6 hours ago

Expected To Play In Game 1 Saturday
Nicky Lopez6 hours ago

Designated For Assignment
Josh Smith6 hours ago

Still Out Of Lineup Friday Night
Pascal Siakam6 hours ago

Available For Playoff Opener
Zach Neto6 hours ago

Reinstated From Injury List, Will Make Season Debut Friday
Tyrese Haliburton6 hours ago

Returning From Two-Game Absence Saturday
Cade Cunningham6 hours ago

Available For Game 1 Against Knicks
Shohei Ohtani6 hours ago

Out Of Friday's Lineup For Birth Of First Child
Josh Hart6 hours ago

Back In Knicks Lineup Saturday
Eugenio Suárez6 hours ago

Eugenio Suarez Hits Grand Slam In Friday Afternoon's Loss
OG Anunoby6 hours ago

Good To Go For Game 1
Ian Happ6 hours ago

Hits Grand Slam In Massive Day At The Plate
Jalen Brunson7 hours ago

Available For Saturday's Game 1
Jazz Chisholm Jr.7 hours ago

Suspended For One Game, Will Appeal And Is Playing Friday
Kyle Tucker7 hours ago

Hits Go-Ahead Homer In Cubs Win
Carson Kelly7 hours ago

Crushes Two Homers In Crazy Cubs Win
NFL7 hours ago

Raiders Considering Drafting A Quarterback
Irv Smith7 hours ago

Sticking With Texans
Ryan Lindgren7 hours ago

Set To Return Saturday
NFL7 hours ago

Texans Expected To Draft Wide Receivers
Greg Dortch8 hours ago

Returning To Cardinals
Josh Manson8 hours ago

Available For Game 1
Mark Andrews8 hours ago

Could Be Traded Soon
Ondrej Palat8 hours ago

To Return For Start Of Playoffs
David Savard8 hours ago

Will Retire After Playoffs
Gavin Sheets8 hours ago

In Padres Lineup Against Astros
NFL8 hours ago

Raiders, Falcons Could Have Interest In Jalen Ramsey
Robert Thomas8 hours ago

Good To Go Saturday
Shea Langeliers8 hours ago

Back In Lineup On Friday
Matthew Tkachuk8 hours ago

Expected To Return For Game 1
8 hours ago

Raiders Are High On Ashton Jeanty
Alex Verdugo8 hours ago

Hitting Leadoff In Season Debut On Friday
Jason Robertson8 hours ago

Considered Week-To-Week
Rome Odunze8 hours ago

To Hopefully Get More Involved
NFL9 hours ago

Dolphins Could Draft A Quarterback
James Cook9 hours ago

Could Stay Away From Voluntary Workouts
Leon Draisaitl16 hours ago

Wins First Rocket Richard Trophy
Nikita Kucherov16 hours ago

Bags Third Art Ross Trophy
Bryan Rust16 hours ago

Scores Twice In Season-Ending Win
Igor Shesterkin16 hours ago

Shuts Out Lightning With 27 Saves
Dylan Cozens17 hours ago

Picks Up Three Points In Regular-Season Finale
Matvei Michkov17 hours ago

Caps Off Rookie Campaign With Three-Point Effort
Brady Tkachuk17 hours ago

Makes Early Exit For Precautionary Reasons
Jake Tonges1 day ago

Signs Exclusive-Rights Tender
Denver Broncos1 day ago

Broncos To Focus On RB Position In Next Week's Draft
Drew Lock1 day ago

Sam Howell, Drew Lock Expected To Compete For Backup Job
New York Giants1 day ago

Giants Leaning Toward Taking Best Player Available At No. 3
New Orleans Saints1 day ago

Ryan Ramczyk Announces His Retirement
Buffalo Bills1 day ago

Tre'Davious White Reunites With Buffalo
Aaron Rodgers1 day ago

Willing To Play For $10 Million A Year
Jakob Chychrun1 day ago

Returns Against Penguins
Rasmus Andersson1 day ago

Out Against Kings
Jonathan Huberdeau1 day ago

Sits Out Regular-Season Finale
Ryan Pulock1 day ago

Out On Thursday
Jake Sanderson1 day ago

Back In Action Thursday
Thomas Chabot1 day ago

To Be Rested Against Hurricanes
Claude Giroux1 day ago

Active On Thursday
Lucas Glover2 days ago

Looks To Rebound After Poor Performance
Daniel Berger2 days ago

Looking To Continue Solid Play At RBC
Sepp Straka2 days ago

Looking To Bounce Back At RBC
Justin Thomas3 days ago

Looking To Shake Off Poor Masters At RBC Heritage
Xander Schauffele3 days ago

Still Looking For Year's First Win At RBC Heritage
Maverick McNealy3 days ago

Is An Intriguing Play At RBC Heritage
Shane Lowry3 days ago

Looks To Shake Off Poor Masters Sunday At RBC Heritage
Will Zalatoris3 days ago

Eyes A Bounce-Back At RBC Heritage
Gary Woodland3 days ago

Could Add Some Surprise At Hilton Head
Sam Burns3 days ago

Hoping For Better Times At RBC Heritage
Sahith Theegala3 days ago

Still Trying To Put It All Together
Aaron Rai3 days ago

Might Be That Guy For Hilton Head
Robert MacIntyre3 days ago

All Or Nothing At RBC Heritage
Tom Hoge3 days ago

Still Playing Solid Heading To Hilton Head
Nick Dunlap3 days ago

Continues To Have Rough Stretch
Keegan Bradley3 days ago

Looks To Move On From Masters Performance
Matt Fitzpatrick3 days ago

A Boom-Or-Bust Option At RBC Heritage
Patrick Cantlay3 days ago

A Strong Play At RBC Heritage
Jordan Spieth3 days ago

Targets Another Strong RBC Heritage Showing
Collin Morikawa3 days ago

Eyeing Victory At RBC Heritage
Max Homa3 days ago

Breaks Through At The Masters
Alexander Volkanovski4 days ago

Reclaims Featherweight Title
Diego Lopes4 days ago

Drops Decision At UFC 314
Paddy Pimblett4 days ago

Remains Undefeated In The UFC
Michael Chandler4 days ago

Suffers TKO Loss
MMA4 days ago

Patricio Freire Gets Dominated In His UFC Debut
Yair Rodriguez4 days ago

Gets Back In The Win Column
Bryce Mitchell4 days ago

Gets Submitted At UFC 314
Jean Silva4 days ago

Gets Submission Win At UFC 314
Dominick Reyes4 days ago

Wins Third Fight In A Row
Austin Dillon5 days ago

Nabs His First Top-10 Finish Of The 2025 Season At Bristol
Ryan Blaney5 days ago

Bold Strategies Fall Flat, Still Musters A Top-Five Finish At Bristol
Christopher Bell5 days ago

Finishes In The Top 10 After Falling Back Midway At Bristol
Ty Gibbs5 days ago

Earns His First Top-Five Finish Of The 2025 Season At Bristol
Chase Briscoe5 days ago

Quietly Scores First Career Top-Five Finish At Bristol
William Byron5 days ago

Denny Hamlin Cuts Into William Byron's Points Lead
William Byron5 days ago

Makes Best Of His Mediocre Qualifying Run With Sixth-Place Finish
Alex Bowman5 days ago

Despite Engine Failure, Alex Bowman's Improved Speed Looks Promising
NASCAR5 days ago

A.J. Allmendinger Enters Playoff Picture With Surprise Bristol Top-10 Finish
Kyle Larson6 days ago

Will Compete For The Win At Bristol
Chase Elliott6 days ago

Is One Of The More Favorable DFS Options Available For Bristol
William Byron6 days ago

Is A Solid DFS Option For Bristol Lineups
Tyler Reddick6 days ago

Could Tyler Reddick Be A Sneaky DFS Option For Bristol?
NASCAR6 days ago

Is Bubba Wallace Worth Rostering For Bristol This Week?
Ross Chastain6 days ago

Could Ross Chastain Be A Worthy DFS Choice For Bristol?
Carson Hocevar6 days ago

Is Carson Hocevar Worth Rostering For Bristol DFS Lineups?
NASCAR6 days ago

Should Fantasy Managers Avoid Rostering A.J. Allmendinger In DFS For Bristol?
Ryan Preece6 days ago

Is Ryan Preece Worth Rostering For Bristol Lineups?
Austin Dillon6 days ago

May Be One Of The Top Value Options For Bristol DFS This Week
Noah Gragson6 days ago

Should DFS Players Consider Noah Gragson For Bristol Lineups?
Riley Herbst6 days ago

Is In Play For Bristol DFS Lineups