Jerome trade value peaks; Green, Turner fall

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ty Jerome has generated strong trade interest following a hot start to the season. The shooting guard posted 45 points against Utah on opening night and followed that with 28 points and five assists against Golden State. While Jerome is rostered in 89.7% of ESPN leagues, analysts suggest his current value is at a peak. His performance has been aided by matchups against the struggling Warriors and Jazz. However, experts caution that sustaining this shooting pace over a full season is difficult. Managers are advised to trade Jerome for veterans like Trey Murphy III or Brandon Miller who may see a statistical rebound.

Other players showing upward momentum include Charlotte Hornets point guard Dennis Schroder and Chicago Bulls forward Jalen Smith. Schroder, who is rostered in only 9.7% of leagues, recorded 25 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three three-pointers against Miami. He is considered a solid waiver-wire target for managers needing assists and scoring, though his role may diminish when Coby White returns from a calf strain. Smith has scored between 14 and 15 points in his first three games while averaging 8.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals. With limited competition at center for the Bulls, Smith appears set for around 25 minutes per game, though a return by Nic Claxton could alter his role.

Conversely, several highly rostered players have seen their stock decline. Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner has averaged just 7.7 points and 4.3 rebounds over three games. He did not score a point in a loss to Philadelphia on Saturday, a game in which he played only 20 minutes due to foul trouble. Meanwhile, Kel'el Ware contributed 19 points and 13 rebounds in 29 minutes. Turner remains a starter but is viewed as a lowball trade target if the Bucks continue to rely on Ware.

Atlanta Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu is another player whose value has slipped. Despite being rostered in 80% of leagues, he has not scored more than 10 points or recorded more than six rebounds in any of his first three games. His lack of production coincides with a strong start from teammates such as Aaron Wiggins and Jalen Johnson. Managers are advised to make offers for Okongwu before his performance improves, as he may struggle to generate offense while his supporting cast is healthy.

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is the most notable faller. The 36-year-old has recorded just seven points, two blocks, one steal, and one three-pointer in two games. He sat out the second night of a back-to-back set on Saturday. With the Warriors competing poorly, analysts expect both Green and Stephen Curry to receive regular rest. Given his low output, Green is a candidate for the bench in most leagues. Managers are encouraged to drop him in favor of players like Jalen Smith, Yaxel Lendeborg, or Wendell Carter Jr.