first-time8 min

Making Your First Trade

5 rules to not get ripped off

Why Trading is Scary (But Shouldn't Be)

If you've never done a fantasy trade before, it feels intimidating. What if you get ripped off? What if you trade away the next league winner?

Here's the truth: Most trades are pretty fair. Both sides usually think they're winning. That's what makes it a good trade!

Follow these 5 rules and you'll never get fleeced.

Rule #1: Only Trade From Strength to Fill Weakness

Bad trade: Trading your RB2 for a WR3 because you "need a receiver"

Good trade: Trading your RB4 (who you never start) for a WR3 (who you will start)

The Strategy:

  • Identify your weakest position (where you struggle to find starters)
  • Identify your deepest position (where you have multiple good options)
  • Trade depth for starters

    • Example:

    You have 4 startable RBs but only 2 good WRs. Trade your RB3 for someone's WR2. Now you have 3 RBs and 3 WRs. Much better balance!

    Rule #2: Use Trade Value Charts (But Don't Worship Them)

    Google "fantasy football trade value chart" and you'll find several. These rank players by approximate value.

    How to Use Them:

  • Find your player on the chart (example: 25 points)
  • Find their player on the chart (example: 24 points)
  • If values are within 3-5 points, it's probably fair

    • Don't Overthink It:

    Trade charts are a guide, not gospel. If you need a RB and they need a WR, a 25-for-20 trade might be perfect for both teams.

    The 2-for-1 Rule:

    When trading 2 players for 1, the side getting 1 player should get about 20% more value. Why? Because they're getting the best player and freeing up a roster spot.

    Rule #3: Always Check Their Roster First

    Before proposing a trade, look at THEIR team. What do they need?

    Bad Trade Offer:

    They have 4 good RBs. You offer them another RB for their WR1. Declined instantly.

    Good Trade Offer:

    They have 1 good RB and 5 WRs. You offer them your RB2 for their WR2. They actually consider it!

    The Key:

    Make offers that help BOTH teams. If they don't see how it helps them, they'll decline.

    Rule #4: Timing is Everything

    Best Times to Trade:

    After a Big Game (Sell High)

    Your player just scored 30 points? His value is at peak! Trade him now before regression.

    After a Bad Game (Buy Low)

    Their stud scored 5 points but you know he's still elite? Offer a trade while his owner is panicking.

    Tuesday-Wednesday (Waiver Wire Window)

    People are thinking about their rosters. They're more open to trades.

    Before/After Bye Weeks

    If their star RB is on bye this week and they're fighting for playoffs, they might trade him for players who can help NOW.

    Worst Time to Trade:

  • Sunday during games (people are emotional)
  • After your player gets injured (too late!)
  • Week 1-2 (too early to know player values)

    • Rule #5: The "48-Hour Regret Test"

    Before accepting ANY trade, ask yourself:

    "Will I regret this in 48 hours?"

    If yes, decline. If no, accept.

    Red Flags That Scream "DON'T DO IT":

  • You're trading a top-15 player for two top-40 players
  • You're trading your 2nd round pick for their 6th and 7th round picks
  • Your league mate is pushing you to accept "right now!"
  • You have to talk yourself into thinking it's fair
  • Multiple league members are telling you not to do it

    • Green Lights:

  • Both sides improve a weakness
  • Trade values are within 10% of each other
  • You can explain the logic in one sentence
  • You're excited about it (but not TOO excited)

    • How to Actually Propose a Trade

    Step 1: Message Them First (Optional but Recommended)

    "Hey, I'm looking for a RB. Would you consider trading [Player X]? I could offer [Player Y] or [Player Z]."

    This feels less aggressive than a cold trade offer.

    Step 2: Use Your App's Trade Interface

  • Select their team
  • Choose players to trade
  • Send offer

    • Step 3: Wait (Don't Pester)

    Give them 24-48 hours to respond. Don't send follow-up messages every hour.

    Step 4: If Declined, Ask Why

    "No worries! Out of curiosity, what would it take to get [Player X]?"

    Sometimes they'll tell you exactly what they want.

    Common Trade Mistakes Beginners Make

    ❌ Trading Based on Name Recognition

    "He was a 1st round pick last year!" doesn't matter if he's on IR this year.

    ❌ Panic-Trading After One Bad Week

    Your stud had a dud game. Don't trade him for 60 cents on the dollar. Be patient.

    ❌ Accepting Terrible Offers Because "I Need Help"

    Being desperate doesn't mean you should accept a bad deal. Use waivers instead.

    ❌ Trading With Only One Person

    Send the same offer to 3-4 teams. Someone will bite.

    ❌ Forgetting About Bye Weeks

    You trade for two WRs who both have a bye next week? Now you can't start either!

    ❌ Overvaluing Your Own Players

    "My 5th round pick for your 3rd round pick is fair!" No, it's not. Be realistic.

    Real Trade Examples (Good vs Bad)

    Good Trade Example:

    You give: Saquon Barkley (RB, top-10)

    You get: Stefon Diggs (WR, top-10)

    Why it's good: You have 4 RBs and 2 WRs. They have 4 WRs and 2 RBs. Both sides fill a need with equivalent value.

    Bad Trade Example:

    You give: Christian McCaffrey (RB, #1 overall)

    You get: Tony Pollard + Diontae Johnson (RB2 + WR2)

    Why it's bad: You're giving up the best player in fantasy. The side getting the best player almost always wins.

    Good Trade Example:

    You give: Travis Kelce (TE, top-3)

    You get: Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR, top-10)

    Why it's good: You're streaming TEs and need a WR. They need a TE. Both sides improve.

    Bad Trade Example:

    You give: Justin Jefferson (WR, top-5)

    You get: Injured player + "he'll be back in 3 weeks!"

    Why it's bad: Never trade a stud for an injured player unless you're already locked into playoffs.

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