This dynasty trade was made during roster cut downs in early-September. This is a 14-team 0.5ppr superflex league with unique settings. Starting lineups are 1-2-2-1-2Flex-1SFlex-3IDP-1K Some highlights of the scoring include 0.1 points per return yard, big play-big game bonuses as well as boosted passer scoring across the board.
The Approach
Entered the final week before roster cuts, Sammie Coates and Davante Adams were outside the final cuts. Unfortunately, no other teams expressed interest in trading for my projected cuts. I had to be aggressive in order to package up to save a roster spot and realized my best chance to make a deal was to sell production. With the regular season on the horizon, team mindsets have shifted slightly toward a redraft mentality.
This led to targeting Jonathan Stewart and James White as players holding enough value to my league mates to make a deal. I sent out offers to half the league sending some combination of Stewart, White and picks in order to receive a player upgrade, or a rookie pick. The below trade was accepted without counter or negotiation.
The Trade
Gave Jonathan Stewart, James White
Received Kenneth Dixon
While I was hoping to get back a 2017 1st in a deal, I will happily add another share of Kenneth Dixon to my portfolio, while consolidating a roster spot. Dixon is in a wide open situation in Baltimore and many analysts expect him to be the feature back by mid-season.
Stewart and White would be contributors to my title run, but I believe I have enough depth. I do not believe either player has value past the 2017 season.
My Post Trade Roster
Russell Wilson, Cam Newton, Drew Brees
Todd Gurley, Charles Sims, Jerrick McKinnon, Kenneth Dixon, Christine Michael, Dwayne Washington
Brandin Cooks, Mike Evans, Keenan Allen, Kevin White, Jordan Matthews, Donte Moncrief, Tyler Lockett, Rishard Matthews, Davante Adams, Sammie Coates
Zach Ertz, Eric Ebron, Jimmy Graham, Maxx Wiliams
2017 1,1,2,2,2,4,5,5
2018 1,1,2,3,4,5
Takeaways
Roster cuts are challenging in shallow leagues. Making package-up trades in shallow leagues is even harder. Even when you are able to find a weak team with very little talent at the back end of their roster, they most likely are not interested in paying for players you may end up cutting. While challenging, these consolidation trades are possible when you offer middle of the roster players.
If your roster cuts were as painful as mine this year, take the time to write yourself a note to remind yourself. Set an alarm on your phone to read it next July. Hopefully the 2017 roster cuts will not be as painful!
