Under new head coach Becky Hammon, the Las Vegas Aces are the fantasy basketball bonanza we have never known we needed. They lead the WNBA with per-game averages of 91 points, 32 free throws, 9.3 3-point attempts and 36.8 rebounds. Las Vegas also leads the league in pace (100.2).
The Aces enter Tuesday with a 10-2 record and, according to our Stats and Information Group, have a 99.9% chance of making the playoffs and a 53.5% chance of making the WNBA Finals. Kelsey Plum (34.4 fantasy points per game), A'ja Wilson (33.9), Jackie Young (33.1), Dearica Hamby (25.8) and Chelsea Gray (25.5) are all averaging over 25 FPPG.
On top of that, according to Elias Sports Bureau, Las Vegas has the easiest remaining schedule. All of these players should be kept on your roster for the rest of the season.
One player in particular who has flourished under Hammon in her new role as a starter is Plum, who was named the league's Sixth Woman of the Year a season ago. With 19.8 points on 46.8% shooting from beyond the arc, to go with 6.0 assists and 3.5 rebounds through 33.3 minutes per game, Plum has reached a new peak of her game. Plum and the other Aces are on a mission, so hang on for the ride.
Now, let's look at three players you should consider trading for and two others (both big names) you should trade away.
Trade for
Jackie Young, G, Las Vegas Aces: Averaging 23.5 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.0 APG, and 1.5 SPG in 33.5 MPG, Young has been an integral part of the Aces success this season. Through the team's first 11 games, she has averaged career highs in every category. Young is off to a strong start and, despite missing Sunday's game with an ankle injury, looks like an early frontrunner for Most Improved Player honors. Due to the ankle injury, the Aces won't play again for nearly a week. Young has plenty of time to recover. Make your move now.
Satou Sabally, F, Dallas Wings: In one of the league's most dynamic backcourts, Arike Ogunbowale and Marina Mabrey keep defenses on their toes at all times. This attention opens up other opportunities in the frontcourt. Sabally presents a matchup problem at the 4 and handles the ball very well. In 23.8 MPG, she has averaged 11.8 PPG, 6.2 RPG, and 2.5 APG. You should prioritize Sabally in a trade because the Wings have the third-easiest schedule moving forward.
Diana Taurasi, G, Phoenix Mercury: Taurasi, the WNBA's all-time leading scorer, has been inconsistent so far this season. The Mercury, who acquired Tina Charles and Diamond DeShields in free agency but have been without perennial All-Star and MVP candidate Brittney Griner, were considered potential championship contenders with their lineup of Olympians, All-Stars and young talent. However, the 3-8 Mercury haven't had the season they had envisioned and are now 11th in the WNBA standings. The 39-year-old Taurasi, who is in her 18th WNBA season, is not going down without a fight. During the past two games, she has averaged 43 fantasy points and 35 minutes per game. The only team with a more favorable remaining schedule is the Aces. Because of all of these factors, Taurasi should be prioritized in trades.
Trade away
Elena Delle Donne, F, Washington Mystics: Before the season began, the Mystics made it clear that Delle Donne would get sporadic rest and the team has lived up to that promise, giving their star forward the occasional night off. When Delle Donne is active she's been superb, averaging 31.9 fantasy points per game. Due to how the WNBA's schedule is structured, every game matters a lot in fantasy basketball, especially when you take into account the roster size and the fact that you only have one IR spot in ESPN standard leagues. Delle Donne's workload will continue to be monitored as the Mystics have an 85.7% chance of making the playoffs with their 7-5 record, and that will continue to be a concern for fantasy managers.
Sue Bird, G, Seattle Storm: Bird is a 12-time All-Star, she's won five Olympic gold medals and four WNBA championships. She is one of the greatest athletes not just in the league, but in the world. That said, Bird's performance this season has been inconsistent. While shooting 31.1% from the field, she has averaged 8.7 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 6.6 APG, and 1.3 SPG in 27.1 MPG. Bird had a season high 34 fantasy points against the Connecticut Sun on Sunday. Her value is at its peak right now and fantasy managers should look to capitalize on her name recognition.