Trading in fantasy football is an art form, not a science. Every time you pull that trigger on a trade, you could be making a championship-winning deal or a mistake that will haunt your team forever. There’s no true method to winning a trade, there are just too many factors at play. Pulling off a good trade takes time, instincts, negotiating and a little finesse.
As a person who has won many trades (and lost some too), I have put together some tips that you can use to make sure you are pulling off a winning trade next time you pull that trigger:
1. Come away with the best player.
This is a motto I live by, especially early in the season. Trading depth for a player you have targeted is the easiest way to win a trade. For most people, a package of 2-4 players for one looks like a great deal, but it’s not. Non-superstar players are always replaceable, especially if you have depth. Even if you are trading away starters, always strive for getting the player you are targeting. Never trade for depth unless you are desperate late in the season.
1b. Always get the players that will be dropped included.
If you do find yourself in an uneven deal where you are sending more players than you are receiving, make sure whatever player(s) your trade partner (TRP) is going to drop is included in the deal. This is an often overlooked part of a trade that could be the difference between joy and agony. If your TRP drops a player you are higher on, great, keep him and gain a free player. If not, you can always drop that player for the waiver guy you had your eye on. Either way, why should the rest of the league have an equal shot to get them?
2. Spot a weakness
When looking for a TRP, the best way to guarantee a favorable trade is to offer something he/she actually wants. Identify a strength you have, identify a weakness in your TRP, then look for a player you think can be an upgrade and STRIKE! If the weakness you’ve identified is one that your TRP is already concerned about and you have the solution to that problem, they will certainly be more willing to work a deal. For example, if I have WR depth and a TRP who is weak at WR but strong at RB, I can offer my WR2 + RB2 for their RB1. Your TRP might see that as an opportunity to be more balanced while not losing that much ground at RB. While you have a replacement WR2 waiting in the wings, you just made significant upgrade at RB.
3. Build depth
This is easier said then done. As I mentioned in Tip 1, the easiest way to win a trade is to swap depth for positional upgrades. In order to do this, you need to build depth. The best way to do that is to be active on the wire, even if you team is winning. If you think a waiver player is going to be great, don’t let the that little voice saying “you don’t really need him” destruct you. Get him. Stash him. Use him for bait later or, have him as insurance while keeping him off other squads. Either way, always be trying to upgrade through the wire.
4. Start negotiations low, but not too low.
You never want to go to someone with the trade you are willing to do. That’s bad practice. Always start negotiations by offering less that you are willing to offer. For example, If you want to give up your WR2 and RB2 for an RB1, offer your WR3 and RB2 first instead. This way, you have room to negotiate and make a better offer. Don’t go too low though, you might scare them away.
5. Plant the seed of doubt and watch it grow.
This is what I meant when I said, “a little finesse.” Winning a trade takes more than just negotiating, it takes weeks, or even months, of preparation. The only way to truly understand what I am talking about is with another example. So I present to you: How I Got Josh Allen in 2019.
The draft had come to a close and I knew I had a problem immediately. Targeting Josh Allen in the 11th round, I was poised to acquire a QB I thought had breakout star potential. All the teams had drafted a QB already, except myself, and I was cruising to my goal. Then, in an inexplicable move, John, a league veteran, took Josh Allen as a backup to Carson Wentz a few picks before me. The shock stuck with me for the rest of the draft. The plan was hatched immediately: Acquire Josh Allen.
Day 1: Plant the seed
The next day, John and I got together to hang out and fantasy came up. “I don’t understand why people roster 2 QBs so early in the season. Only 12 play you can stream no problem. It’s just a complete waste of a roster space.” I said, acting as if I had no idea what John’s roster looked like.
Day 3: Dig the seed deeper
As the season approached, the group chat was on fire with a debate over the young QBs of the previous draft and who was best: Mayfield, Darnold, Allen, Rosen or Jackson. It was my time to shine. I ripped into Allen. No accuracy, can’t throw, small school, no weapons. You name it I said it.
Day 8: Seize the Opportunity
Week 1 was played and Carson Wentz had just thrown 3 TDs against Washington, much to John’s delight, but some of his other players struggled. John was searching the wire, and I happened to be next to him. “Who should I drop?” John said, showing me his phone, being careful not to reveal his pick up candidate.
It was on.
“I would drop Allen. Wentz is money and holding two QBs is not a strategy I have. Plus JR sucks and he’s on the Bills.” I said.
“Yea that’s true,” agreed John as he contemplated.
“In fact, I have Mo Sanu on my bench. Instead of wasting FAAB, trade me Allen, solve your receiver issues.” I proposed.
Day 9: Trigger day
After negotiating for a while, the seeds finally blossomed and the hand shake sealed it. Josh Allen became a vital part of a deep playoff run for my team while Mo Sanu went on to be dropped shortly after.
Dynasty Bonus: Strike while the iron is hot
One of the worst parts about dynasty leagues is that often times, when a manager has a team that will take years to rebuild, they quit and leave behind an “orphan” team, leading to a bit of uncertainty. But as “Little Finger” on Game of Thrones put it: Chaos isn’t a pit, Chaos is a ladder.
As soon as your commissioner finds a replacement for the manager that quit, attack immediately. Get their number, DM, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp, PO Box or any way to communicate with them, right away. At no time will a manager ever be more eager to get rid of his players than right after taking over a team that a different manager built. They are going to want to clean house and that person’s trash can be the treasure you have been waiting for.
PRO TIP: Find out what his favorite team is and see if you can get him to pay up if you have a player from that team you can trade.
Like I said earlier, making trades is an art form, not a science, there is no way to know for certain that your trade will work, but follow these tips and you will put yourself in the right position to win every time.
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By Tim Petropoulos (@BRotoFFTim)
This article originally appeared on the site on April 19, 2020
For a second straight season, I am betting against Mahomes.