Which player(s) should I trade away to get Elton Brand, who isn't expected back until mid to late February?

Question

Don't wanna give away too much, but have to give something reasonable to acquire him.

My Team (12 Team H2H points pased league, not rotisserie)

C - Amare Stoudemire
F - Chris Bosh
F - Andres Nocioni
F - John Salmons
F - Tim Thomas
F - Tyrus Thomas
G - Vince Carter
G - Rudy Gay
G - Rashad McCants
G - Tracy McGrady

Bench

Mehmet Okur
Josh Childress
Luke Ridnour

Answer 1

I'm in SoCal, and the local sports talk radio here seems to think Brand may not be of much use this season. Mid-to-late February is his timetable, but most Clipper sources seem to think that he's behind that schedule.

Even if he were to return, he won't start right away, nor will he be in game shape. He'll also be at high risk for reinjury for the balance of the season.

From a fantasy context, given the nature of his injury... I wouldn't trade for him. If you want him, I would wait until his owner needs to drop him because of other injuries, or roster needs.

Your team is pretty healthy, so a player on the floor is better than "dead weight" on your bench.

Wait.

Answer 2

From what i've heard Februrary is the earliest Brand will be back. But as you are, i am keeping an eye on him in one of my leagues. He is still a free agent.
The person who drafted him is expecting him to be back in time for fantasy playoffs and is expecting a big payoff. So i doubt you will get him easy. I would maybe go for a guard-foward package. Try some combo of Salmons/McCants with Nocioni/Thomas/Thomas/Okur. Look at the other guys team and see where he lacks stats wise. He will be more likely to deal if he needs help in certain areas.
And personally i would drop Ridnour. He lost his starting job and isnt getting much playing time. I would look at the free agents.

Answer 3

You are rolling the dice to acquire an injured player who is projected to return several months into the new year. Luke Ridnour is averaging onlr six points a game & that's as far as I would go. Brand is a star, but a star that is out for several months - and maybe longer - is giving you no points, assists, rebounds or steals....even an Ira Newble of the Cavaliers will give you more over the next several months.

Answer 4

Tim Thomas. I'm not too sold on Brand coming back and playing at that high of a level.. and when he does come back Tim's mins is going to get cut and his value drop anyway.

Answer 5

Its too early to say, one of those guys could be injured by then so who knows. Plus theres no telling how he will play when he does get back. And another thing is that whoever your trading with, it will be up to them who they would want based on what statistic they are trying to obtain.

Answer 6

elton brand's date of february has said to be too optimistic but u never know, when he comes back more than likely first 3-5 games back will be limited minutes and then how many games will be left and will he be worth it then?