Trade Strategy

What should you look for in a trade? It should be one of two things, improving your current position or improving future position.

Improving current position means trading a player or combination of players to give you better talent at one spot. This usually means a starting position, but could be a backup at a particularly vulnerable spot on your team.

Improving future position means either getting a good keeper prospect or future draft picks in return for your player.

How do you make a trade? Approach an owner who has a need. Offer him a decent deal and be willing to negotiate. If the other owner takes your first offer, that isn't your fault. If you need to negotiate, that's okay too. It makes owners feel safer if everyone knows that you negotiate for trades. If you try to 'win' every trade by not accepting other owners counter offers, no one will want to trade with you.

It doesn't really matter if one side comes off better in the short run as long as you fill your need. If you have three good starting QB's but need a second WR, trade with an owner who has three good WR's and questionable QB's. It doesn't matter if everyone thinks that QB is more important. You've got a surplus, and you have a need at WR.

Identify your need. Identify your potential trade partners needs. Make an offer (it can be in your favor). If the other owner makes a counter offer, think it over. If it fills your need and doesn't weaken you in another area, trade. Or continue making offers until both sides can agree.

If you are solid at all your positions, and the league allows it, trade for future draft picks. Take an owner who needs a second starting WR. If you've got two top WR, a good #3 and a halfway decent backup, trade that #3. Try and get a future pick. The other owner is more competitive this year, and you are in a better position next year.

This is really sneaky if you think about it. If you can trade for a couple of extra picks each year, you can create a continuous demand. Think about position dominance. If you get an extra pick or two, and use those extra picks on one position, you can get good keeper prospects or at least take chances on guys who might breakout. Owners want those prospects or breakout players. You can trade them for more picks. Each time you do this you better your future position, while worsening your opponents future position.

Three things to consider. First, don't trade away your future draft picks. They are the foundation for a winning team. Second, don't trade away a starter unless you have a good backup. You'll worsen your chances of winning this year. Third, remember that both sides can get what they want in a trade, you just have to be willing to work at it.