The Guide To Smarter Trading

Everyone wants to draft well, but in-season trading is equally, if not more important, to success by season's end. In many cases, however, fantasy owners simply don't know how to best use trades to improve. These are the rules to guide you in not only making great trades, but making a lot of them.

Your Goal Is To Make Both Teams Better, Not "Win" The Trade

Trying to trade three mediocre players for one stud is the fastest way to ruin a trading relationship. Don't try to pull a fast one on other owners, because you gain a rep and it taints your trade prospects down the line. Make a deal that improves your team and your trade partner's. They'll remember it in the future.

Be Prepared To Give Something To Get Something

If you want to land a major star, get ready to give up some excellent talent to get it! Too many fantasy owners are afraid to take a risk and give up big names to get other ones. Don't be. Once big names get thrown around, the entire process becomes more fun and exciting. Quickly, you will become one of the first owners your league mates turn to.

Pay Attention To The "Throw Ins"

The second and third pieces in trades are tremendously important. Trading star for star is great, but getting an additional mid-tier player or two can make all the difference. Chances are a trade partner won't blow up a big trade over these guys, so if you've identified a player or two you think can contribute, stick to your demands. On the flip side, don't be too stingy with your own guys. Remember Rule No. 1, which is to make both teams better. You're trying to make your team the best it can be, not sink your trade partner.

Allow Your Mind To Change

You may start off talks with a player in mind you want to acquire, but it may not be the only way to achieve your goal. Go into trade talks knowing what stats you need instead of targeting specific players, and you might open new doors.

Don't Forget The Little Guy

You don't always need to trade for the biggest name on another owner's team. Target lower or mid-tier players sometimes that do what you need, just on a bit smaller a scale. Many times starting the conversation there can lead to an expansion of your deal, and the big guns wind up on the table.