Fantasy Basketball Buy Low Trade Candidates

With a week of basketball in the books, many fantasy owners are either delighted or incredibly frustrated with their team. Some of the NBA’s top players have unperformed, but owners should not fret. Here are a few guys to hold onto or target as a buy low trade candidates for your Fantasy Basketball team. 

Ty Lawson (PPG: 10.3, APG: 6.5, RPG: 4.3)

After being the ring master in a high-flying Denver Nuggets offense, many expected Ty Lawson to make a seamless transition onto a loaded Houston Rockets roster. That has not been the case, with Lawson being a relatively ineffective shooter (shooting around 37%) and failing to produce his usually healthy assists total. With Lawson’s weak performance, the Rockets have gotten off to a rocky 1-3 start.

Live Feed

Clipperholics

Lawson however seems to be getting more comfortable in the Rockets offensive system, producing a solid 14 points and 11 assists in a win over the Thunder. It seems that Lawson has had a slight adjustment period, but is beginning to look much more comfortable in the Rockets offense. Those looking for assist help should look his way, as he could easily average double-digit assists.

Chandler Parsons (PPG: 5.5, APG: 2.0, RPG: 2.5)

Parsons start at glance is quite poor, but it’s not fair to judge considering his minutes restriction. Parsons has only played in two games this year, averaging a mere 13 MPG as he works his way back from a severe knee injury. Parsons is in that awkward spot of not being able to be stashed in a IR spot due to his active playing, but not contributing enough to warrant a start.

If an owner finds an open spot on their team for Parsons, the relatively small investment would be a smart one. Parsons has the ability to contribute in all categories on a Mavericks team that is desperate for his scoring touch. He should be back to his regular minute total soon and will produce solid numbers.

Gordon Hayward (PPG 12.0, APG: 2.7, RPG: 3.7)

The former Butler Bulldog had one of the biggest breakout campaigns last season, averaging 19.3 points per game and developing a tendency to make big shots in clutch moments. On a Jazz team with a relatively lack of perimeter shooting, Hayward seemed to be line for a healthy scoring total, but that has not been the case. Hayward has shot poorly so far this year (35% from the field), with the Jazz relying on its strong frontcourt play.

Hayward though should begin to shoot better as the offense begins to open up a bit more. Some shooters take some time to feel their way into the season, with Hayward have a tendency to start slow. Hayward has a strong chance to increase his point totals, while also being a great passer in a Jazz offense without a true point guard.

Monta Ellis (PPG: 11.3, APG: 3.8, RPG: 2.3)

Making a name for himself as one of the most dynamic guards in the NBA, Ellis has been a solid fantasy contributor for nearly a decade. With him signing to the Indiana Pacers this off-season, Ellis looked to have one of his best fantasy seasons yet, being the secondary scorer on a Pacers team desperate for perimeter shooting. However, Ellis has had a rough start, scoring a mere 11.3 points per game and a lackluster 34% field goal percentage.

Ellis’ poor start may be mostly due to bad luck. The Pacers have played some of the NBA’s strongest defensive teams in their early slate, including the Memphis Grizzlies and Utah Jazz. As the Pacers start to play easier opponents and Ellis gets more familiar with coach Frank Vogel’s system, he should be back to averaging a high point total with an air share of assists.