There is a bit of reshuffling in the lineups this week with coaches working out their post-trade rotations while also bringing back previously injured players into the fold. There is plenty of potential to land a player who will produce more in the fantasy playoffs than in the regular season. Let’s take a look at some waiver wire candidates for post-trade deadline week.
Gordon Hayward (Owned in 58% of Yahoo Leagues): Hayward has returned strong from his shoulder injury and put up 40 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, two blocks and a steal in his first two games back. Utah is giving him a ton of chances and he is proving his worth in plenty of leagues.
Derrick Williams (28%): Despite Andrei Kirilenko‘s return to the rotation, Williams continues to log good minutes and production and should continue to do so until Kevin Love returns. Over his last eight games, Williams is averaging 30 MPG, 16 PPG and 8.8 RPG.
Emeka Okafor (65%): Okafor is playing his best ball in a long time right now and the depleted Wizards are giving him double-digit shot attempts almost every game now. Over his last five, Okafor is averaging 15.6 PPG, 10.4 RPG, one BPG, and shooting 57% from the court.
Maurice Harkless (17%): Although the Magic are reshuffling after the J.J. Redick trade, the 19-year-old rookie looks like he is staying right where he is. Over his last four games, Harkless is averaging 35 MPG, 17 PPG, seven RPG, one SPG, and 15 FGA per game.
Carl Landry (38%): Landry is getting increased time and opportunities with Andrew Bogut out with a sore back. In his last two games, Landry has put up 30 points, 17 rebounds, two blocks, two steals, and is shooting a ridiculous 81% from the floor. He’s a great short-term pickup until Bogut returns.
Trevor Ariza (39%): Ariza figures to have a bigger role now that Jordan Crawford is gone. In his last two games, Ariza is averaging 30 MPG, 17 PPG, four RPG, 4.5 APG, two SPG, and is shooting 57% from the floor. Look for him to produce a lot more with the Wizards desperate for scorers.
Carlos Delfino (28%): Delfino figures to be a full-time starter at forward with Patrick Patterson sent to Sacramento. Although he struggled to find his shot in his first two games as starter, he is averaging 17 PPG, five RPG, four APG, and five 3PPG in his last two games. He is worth a pickup in most leagues.
Thaddeus Young (81%): If you are in one of the leagues where an impatient owner dropped the 24-year-old after he got hurt, grab him now. Young returned Sunday with 36 minutes, 11 points, 10 rebounds, and four steals against the Knicks. Prior to his injury, he was averaging 15 PPG and 7.5 RPG and is worth owning in every league.
Tobias Harris (2%): Harris came over in the J.J. Redick-centered trade from Milwaukee. He wasn’t a big part of the rotation for the Bucks but he saw 25 minutes in his first game with the Magic and put up 14 points, six rebounds, and three blocks. This could be a steal going forward and he is available in almost every league.
