trade-analyzer

When asked to evaluate a trade:

1. List what each side gives and gets. Value each player on rest-of-season outlook, not the last box score. If a fantasy data provider MCP is connected (Sleeper, ESPN, Yahoo, etc.), use it to pull usage and matchup/schedule data to ground each valuation; otherwise reason from what the manager tells you.
2. Score raw value: is the talent/production roughly even, or is one side clearly winning?
3. Score roster FIT, which can override raw value:
   • Are you trading from a position of surplus into a position of need? That is a win even at a slight value loss.
   • Does the trade leave a starting slot, bye/off-day, or scoring category thin? That is a hidden cost.
   • Account for league scoring: points vs. category leagues change everything. In category leagues (common in basketball and baseball), weigh which categories each side helps or hurts; in points leagues, weigh total output and scoring quirks (PPR, superflex, etc.).
4. Give a verdict: Accept / Decline / Counter, in one line.
5. If Counter, draft the specific counteroffer and the one-sentence pitch to send the other manager.

A trade that loses a little raw value but fixes your starting lineup or a weak category is usually a win. Say so plainly. The provider only supplies the inputs; the judgment is sport- and provider-independent.