Fantasy NBA: Trade Ty Jerome, drop Draymond Green after slow start

Ty Jerome has emerged as the primary offensive option for the Memphis Grizzlies, prompting fantasy managers to consider trading him at a premium. The guard scored 45 points in the season opener against Utah and added 28 points and five assists in a subsequent game against Golden State. Jerome is currently rostered in 89.7% of ESPN fantasy leagues. Despite his hot start, his value may be peaking. Both the Jazz and Warriors have struggled early in the season, which has aided Jerome's statistics. The Grizzlies have structured their offense to facilitate his scoring, but sustaining this pace for a full campaign is unlikely. Managers should look to move Jerome for a struggling veteran who is expected to bounce back, such as Trey Murphy III or Brandon Miller.

Dennis Schroder continues to perform well for the Charlotte Hornets despite a history of frequent team changes. The veteran point guard has played for 12 different teams in his career. He recorded 25 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three three-pointers in a recent game against Miami. Schroder is currently rostered in only 9.7% of leagues. Coby White is listed with a calf strain and is expected to return, which will likely reduce Schroder's role. Schroder is a viable waiver wire addition for managers needing assists and points, though he may not provide as many steals, three-pointers, or blocks.

Jalen Smith is providing stability for the Chicago Bulls at the center position. The forward has scored 14 or 15 points in each of his first three games. He averages 8.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game and has made four three-pointers in his last two contests. Smith is currently rostered in 22.8% of leagues. The Bulls have depth issues at center, with Zach Collins and Tobe Awaka seeing limited minutes. Smith appears positioned for approximately 25 minutes of action per game if he remains healthy. Managers should consider adding him, though the eventual return of Nic Claxton from a hamstring injury could impact his role.

Myles Turner is facing increased competition for playing time within the Milwaukee Bucks. The center failed to score in a loss to Philadelphia and has averaged just 7.7 points and 4.3 rebounds over three games. While he has blocked six shots and made four three-pointers, his shooting efficiency has been poor. Kel'el Ware has stepped up, recording 19 points, 13 rebounds, a steal, two blocks, and two three-pointers in 29 minutes on Saturday. Turner played only 20 minutes that night due to foul trouble. Turner remains the starter, but Ware is a fantasy asset to monitor. Turner is an easy target for lowball trades.

Onyeka Okongwu is struggling to find a rhythm for the Atlanta Hawks. The center has not scored more than 10 points or recorded more than six rebounds in any of the team's first three games. He recorded his first block and steal of the season on Saturday. Okongwu is currently rostered in 80% of leagues. The Hawks have several players in strong form, including Jalen Johnson and Aaron Wiggins. This depth may limit Okongwu's offensive output while his teammates are healthy. However, his ability to shoot threes and produce in multiple statistical categories makes him a candidate for trade offers before his production potentially improves.

Draymond Green is showing signs of a diminished role for the Golden State Warriors. The 36-year-old forward is rostered in 26.7% of leagues. He sat out the second night of a back-to-back set on Saturday. Through two games, Green has scored a total of seven points and recorded two blocks, one steal, and one three-pointer. The Warriors are struggling on the court, and both Green and Stephen Curry are receiving rest. Green's current production may not warrant a roster spot in most fantasy leagues. Managers should consider dropping him for Jalen Smith, Yaxel Lendeborg, or Wendell Carter Jr.

The first week of the season has established clear trends in player value. Jerome, Schroder, and Smith have shown increased utility, while Turner, Okongwu, and Green have seen their stock decline. These shifts are driven by performance metrics, injury status, and team dynamics. Managers should adjust their rosters to reflect these early-season realities.