The Psychology Behind Trading (2 Viewers)

[darksideofoz]

there have been many times when someone sends me an offer for a player I'm not really looking to move, and they will ask me why I didn't send a counter offer. I tell them I'm not motivated to move this player, so you can do the work of trying to find a deal close enough to start talking. Usually that will end the discussion and always makes me feel like they were just fishing for a trade fondle.

 

[JohnnyU]

there have been many times when someone sends me an offer for a player I'm not really looking to move, and they will ask me why I didn't send a counter offer. I tell them I'm not motivated to move this player, so you can do the work of trying to find a deal close enough to start talking. Usually that will end the discussion and always makes me feel like they were just fishing for a trade fondle.

Yes, that will usually end the discussion

 

[Payne]

Instead of placing a player on the trading block, how about you initiate an offer?

Optimally, teams do both but the trade block is a great way to stir up additional interest. A lot of times, I look through rosters for a beneficial trade for both teams and can't really find anything, but that doesn't mean there is no deal. Another team may not be offering a deal because they don't think you would be willing to let certain players go.

I love to trade which is why I am heavily adding to my dynasty leagues this year. Always tweaking my teams. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't but it's fun either way. Playing in a dynasty league with little action isn't my bag. I know some take a different view and that's fine.

I will send feelers out to owners that have players I am interested in first. If I don't get the replies I am looking for, or no replies at all, I will then use the Trade Block to see what else might be out there.

 

[pinkstapler]

Great thread to catch up on over the weekend. Can always tells a topic is poignant when it keeps coming back to my mind when I'm away from the boards.

I'll say to those who've stopped using the trade block feature; I feel ya and was there for a 2-3 year stretch. What made me come back to using it, and has helped a lot, is I announce in league chat my general philosophy on the trade block. I generally have 50-80% of my roster up there, and I tell the league those players I value largely at "consensus" value, or a little under (I won't say the "or a little under" part in leagues with notorious low ballers hah). But if I DON'T have a player on the trade block, it's because I value those guys ABOVE consensus. I wouldn't expect anyone to value them as highly as I do, so if you are trying to trade for those guys just know, I'm very likely not willing to move them for what may appear in value charts/trade calcs as "fair/equal". It helps not only make the trade block more usable and active; but really helps limit a lot of what I think causes the highest quantity of bad offers, which is people trying to buy a dip. A popular fantasy outlet writes an article about players to target in trades, most of the time because those players are coming off an injury/had a decline in production/are in what appears to be a bad situation. These are the guys I don't put on the block and when I put it out there to the league I am overvaluing them, it often prevents a lot of those "I'll give you a future 2nd (late) for Breece Hall" type offers.

Spinning off that, and circling back to the psychology behind trades; whether I am making a first offer, or countering bad offers, or trapped in one of those awkward "I'm doing you a favor by taking player X off your hands for you" dialogues, I find it works real well to deliver bad or controversial news by putting the focus and onus of things on myself. It can be very disarming so people are a little less argumentative, and sometimes it winds up softening a hard stance other owners have to the point I actually get a decent trade done. The trade block thing above is basically an example of that. Rather than trying to debate on how Jayden Reed is 100% outplaying his situation and could be a WR1 on another team and he's very much worth more than what the community thinks let alone whatever terrible offer you just made me for him; I'll just say "yeah I'm crazy, just something about the guy I can't shake off, so I'm way off base on his price. It's actually kind of embarrassing what I'd value him at in a trade, so I don't even want to waste your time going back and forth on it." It helps keep trade discussions from turning into a FBG forum thread, which is what I hate haha. I mean I love doing it here, but not when I'm trying to work out trades. IDC to debate another owner's opinions on my players, or quite frankly even their own players, outside just knowing what that opinion is so I have enough info to either make an offer or move on. It feels like too many trades turn into some kind of projection debate where people are trying to change other people's opinions on a player. It's not a good trade tactic, and normally results in sour feelings IMO. I'll gladly throw out some self-deprecation to get out of that, or avoid it all together. And again, sometimes it has a positive effect anyhow where people look at it like an exchange of weakness and they'll come right back with "I feel ya, that's how I am with Justin Fields." You wind up getting more information, a more relaxed trade partner, and don't hurt future chances at getting a different deal done.

 

[Lehigh98]

I run hot and cold on how active I am in trying to make trades. Sometimes it's fun and works out, often it's more a PITA with some of the guys and their approaches in my main league. Alot of times when I start looking at it, I get paralysis by analysis from all the options in our 24-team, 2-copy league.

A couple things I do to help get things going:
- Check trade trackers on sites like DLF and KTC for completed trades that I like to get ideas for offers that I may not have considered.
- Reach out in PMs directly with general positions I'm looking to add / trade, much more responsive than the trade block.
- Key point on the psychology side: When there is some interest, I send multiple offers/options at the same time. In my personal experience, it seems like people are more likely to click accept when they look at 2 or 3 offers and mentally highlight one as "good/better" than the others rather than evaluating one trade offer in a vacuum. And sometimes they even accept an offer that I didn't think was the best, but they did.

 

[oldmanhawkins]

Very helpful thread to read through for me. I never receive offers from 10 out of the 11 other league members in either of the leagues I am in. I think this is primarily because they just aren't as active, but it's worth reflecting on if it is because I don't lead with my best offer very often. There really isn't much of a point in offering Player A + a 3rd for Player B if I'd give the 2nd now that I think about it. I previously figured it would gauge interest and folks wouldn't assume my first offer was my best. If I instead put my best on the table and they counter asking for more, negotiations have begun which is a positive.

 

[Gally]

One thing about lowball offers that I send out. You all know how sometimes an owner, maybe you, will counter a bad offer with something so outrageously over the top in your direction that it isn't really a serious response? It's meant to be more of a cheap shot, like hey dude your offer sucked. But if you want to badly overpay here is a counter...

Well... sometimes that outrageous counter is actually less than what I was willing to pay, but because I stared so low... and then I snap accept and they send a message that says "crap I was kidding and didn't think you'd take that" and I'm like "have a nice day"

I personally am not a fan of sending bad offers because you’re pissed at their offer. I just reject and go pour some tea. To me it’s kind of childish. Even if they do it a lot, how hard is it to just reject? Then if they send you a message you can just say you’re not close with your offers and that you’re not interested in trading right now. That usually ends it. You take the high road and stay civil.

Agreed. At worst, I'll just let their offer sit there with no response at all.

I can’t do that. I’m one of these guys that can’t let their email inbox get too many on the 1st page. I just reject and keep rejecting until they get the message. I can tire out and outlast anyone. After all, I’m retired and have nothing but time.

Agreed. I just don't understand the people that let offers rot on the vine. I will either reject or counter an offer withing a day of receiving it. Usually it's within 5 minutes of actually seeing the offer. It's not that hard. Again, I believe this comes back to confidence in their evaluation skills. Those that have it, it's easy. Those that don't will himm and haaaa for days and never do anything

 

[JohnnyU]

One thing about lowball offers that I send out. You all know how sometimes an owner, maybe you, will counter a bad offer with something so outrageously over the top in your direction that it isn't really a serious response? It's meant to be more of a cheap shot, like hey dude your offer sucked. But if you want to badly overpay here is a counter...

Well... sometimes that outrageous counter is actually less than what I was willing to pay, but because I stared so low... and then I snap accept and they send a message that says "crap I was kidding and didn't think you'd take that" and I'm like "have a nice day"

I personally am not a fan of sending bad offers because you’re pissed at their offer. I just reject and go pour some tea. To me it’s kind of childish. Even if they do it a lot, how hard is it to just reject? Then if they send you a message you can just say you’re not close with your offers and that you’re not interested in trading right now. That usually ends it. You take the high road and stay civil.

Agreed. At worst, I'll just let their offer sit there with no response at all.

I can’t do that. I’m one of these guys that can’t let their email inbox get too many on the 1st page. I just reject and keep rejecting until they get the message. I can tire out and outlast anyone. After all, I’m retired and have nothing but time.

Agreed. I just don't understand the people that let offers rot on the vine. I will either reject or counter an offer withing a day of receiving it. Usually it's within 5 minutes of actually seeing the offer. It's not that hard. Again, I believe this comes back to confidence in their evaluation skills. Those that have it, it's easy. Those that don't will himm and haaaa for days and never do anything

Analysis paralysis?

 

[Gally]

One thing about lowball offers that I send out. You all know how sometimes an owner, maybe you, will counter a bad offer with something so outrageously over the top in your direction that it isn't really a serious response? It's meant to be more of a cheap shot, like hey dude your offer sucked. But if you want to badly overpay here is a counter...

Well... sometimes that outrageous counter is actually less than what I was willing to pay, but because I stared so low... and then I snap accept and they send a message that says "crap I was kidding and didn't think you'd take that" and I'm like "have a nice day"

I personally am not a fan of sending bad offers because you’re pissed at their offer. I just reject and go pour some tea. To me it’s kind of childish. Even if they do it a lot, how hard is it to just reject? Then if they send you a message you can just say you’re not close with your offers and that you’re not interested in trading right now. That usually ends it. You take the high road and stay civil.

Agreed. At worst, I'll just let their offer sit there with no response at all.

I can’t do that. I’m one of these guys that can’t let their email inbox get too many on the 1st page. I just reject and keep rejecting until they get the message. I can tire out and outlast anyone. After all, I’m retired and have nothing but time.

Agreed. I just don't understand the people that let offers rot on the vine. I will either reject or counter an offer withing a day of receiving it. Usually it's within 5 minutes of actually seeing the offer. It's not that hard. Again, I believe this comes back to confidence in their evaluation skills. Those that have it, it's easy. Those that don't will himm and haaaa for days and never do anything

Analysis paralysis?

Something like that. They just don't know what to do because they don't have confidence in their evaluations and don't want to "lose" or make a mistake.


ETA: I have probably benefited from trades not accepted by others than I have when actually accepted.

 

[JohnnyU]

One thing about lowball offers that I send out. You all know how sometimes an owner, maybe you, will counter a bad offer with something so outrageously over the top in your direction that it isn't really a serious response? It's meant to be more of a cheap shot, like hey dude your offer sucked. But if you want to badly overpay here is a counter...

Well... sometimes that outrageous counter is actually less than what I was willing to pay, but because I stared so low... and then I snap accept and they send a message that says "crap I was kidding and didn't think you'd take that" and I'm like "have a nice day"

I personally am not a fan of sending bad offers because you’re pissed at their offer. I just reject and go pour some tea. To me it’s kind of childish. Even if they do it a lot, how hard is it to just reject? Then if they send you a message you can just say you’re not close with your offers and that you’re not interested in trading right now. That usually ends it. You take the high road and stay civil.

Agreed. At worst, I'll just let their offer sit there with no response at all.

I can’t do that. I’m one of these guys that can’t let their email inbox get too many on the 1st page. I just reject and keep rejecting until they get the message. I can tire out and outlast anyone. After all, I’m retired and have nothing but time.

Agreed. I just don't understand the people that let offers rot on the vine. I will either reject or counter an offer withing a day of receiving it. Usually it's within 5 minutes of actually seeing the offer. It's not that hard. Again, I believe this comes back to confidence in their evaluation skills. Those that have it, it's easy. Those that don't will himm and haaaa for days and never do anything

Analysis paralysis?

Something like that. They just don't know what to do because they don't have confidence in their evaluations and don't want to "lose" or make a mistake.

If I were one of these people I would ask myself a question. How do I improve on that? Kind of one of the things I want people to get out of this thread.

 

[Gally]

One thing about lowball offers that I send out. You all know how sometimes an owner, maybe you, will counter a bad offer with something so outrageously over the top in your direction that it isn't really a serious response? It's meant to be more of a cheap shot, like hey dude your offer sucked. But if you want to badly overpay here is a counter...

Well... sometimes that outrageous counter is actually less than what I was willing to pay, but because I stared so low... and then I snap accept and they send a message that says "crap I was kidding and didn't think you'd take that" and I'm like "have a nice day"

I personally am not a fan of sending bad offers because you’re pissed at their offer. I just reject and go pour some tea. To me it’s kind of childish. Even if they do it a lot, how hard is it to just reject? Then if they send you a message you can just say you’re not close with your offers and that you’re not interested in trading right now. That usually ends it. You take the high road and stay civil.

Agreed. At worst, I'll just let their offer sit there with no response at all.

I can’t do that. I’m one of these guys that can’t let their email inbox get too many on the 1st page. I just reject and keep rejecting until they get the message. I can tire out and outlast anyone. After all, I’m retired and have nothing but time.

Agreed. I just don't understand the people that let offers rot on the vine. I will either reject or counter an offer withing a day of receiving it. Usually it's within 5 minutes of actually seeing the offer. It's not that hard. Again, I believe this comes back to confidence in their evaluation skills. Those that have it, it's easy. Those that don't will himm and haaaa for days and never do anything

Analysis paralysis?

Something like that. They just don't know what to do because they don't have confidence in their evaluations and don't want to "lose" or make a mistake.

If I were one of these people I would ask myself a question. How do I improve on that? Kind of one of the things I want people to get out of this thread.

I think the biggest way to get over this is to realize that a bad trade is not the end of the world and sometimes might even work in your favor. Just have fun with it and don't treat it like the end of the world if you "lose" a trade.

 

[JohnnyU]

One thing about lowball offers that I send out. You all know how sometimes an owner, maybe you, will counter a bad offer with something so outrageously over the top in your direction that it isn't really a serious response? It's meant to be more of a cheap shot, like hey dude your offer sucked. But if you want to badly overpay here is a counter...

Well... sometimes that outrageous counter is actually less than what I was willing to pay, but because I stared so low... and then I snap accept and they send a message that says "crap I was kidding and didn't think you'd take that" and I'm like "have a nice day"

I personally am not a fan of sending bad offers because you’re pissed at their offer. I just reject and go pour some tea. To me it’s kind of childish. Even if they do it a lot, how hard is it to just reject? Then if they send you a message you can just say you’re not close with your offers and that you’re not interested in trading right now. That usually ends it. You take the high road and stay civil.

Agreed. At worst, I'll just let their offer sit there with no response at all.

I can’t do that. I’m one of these guys that can’t let their email inbox get too many on the 1st page. I just reject and keep rejecting until they get the message. I can tire out and outlast anyone. After all, I’m retired and have nothing but time.

Agreed. I just don't understand the people that let offers rot on the vine. I will either reject or counter an offer withing a day of receiving it. Usually it's within 5 minutes of actually seeing the offer. It's not that hard. Again, I believe this comes back to confidence in their evaluation skills. Those that have it, it's easy. Those that don't will himm and haaaa for days and never do anything

Analysis paralysis?

Something like that. They just don't know what to do because they don't have confidence in their evaluations and don't want to "lose" or make a mistake.

If I were one of these people I would ask myself a question. How do I improve on that? Kind of one of the things I want people to get out of this thread.

I think the biggest way to get over this is to realize that a bad trade is not the end of the world and sometimes might even work in your favor. Just have fun with it and don't treat it like the end of the world if you "lose" a trade.

I get what you’re saying, but for me personally I would want to know why I have analysis paralysis and improve on it, but that’s just me.

 

[Gally]

One thing about lowball offers that I send out. You all know how sometimes an owner, maybe you, will counter a bad offer with something so outrageously over the top in your direction that it isn't really a serious response? It's meant to be more of a cheap shot, like hey dude your offer sucked. But if you want to badly overpay here is a counter...

Well... sometimes that outrageous counter is actually less than what I was willing to pay, but because I stared so low... and then I snap accept and they send a message that says "crap I was kidding and didn't think you'd take that" and I'm like "have a nice day"

I personally am not a fan of sending bad offers because you’re pissed at their offer. I just reject and go pour some tea. To me it’s kind of childish. Even if they do it a lot, how hard is it to just reject? Then if they send you a message you can just say you’re not close with your offers and that you’re not interested in trading right now. That usually ends it. You take the high road and stay civil.

Agreed. At worst, I'll just let their offer sit there with no response at all.

I can’t do that. I’m one of these guys that can’t let their email inbox get too many on the 1st page. I just reject and keep rejecting until they get the message. I can tire out and outlast anyone. After all, I’m retired and have nothing but time.

Agreed. I just don't understand the people that let offers rot on the vine. I will either reject or counter an offer withing a day of receiving it. Usually it's within 5 minutes of actually seeing the offer. It's not that hard. Again, I believe this comes back to confidence in their evaluation skills. Those that have it, it's easy. Those that don't will himm and haaaa for days and never do anything

Analysis paralysis?

Something like that. They just don't know what to do because they don't have confidence in their evaluations and don't want to "lose" or make a mistake.

If I were one of these people I would ask myself a question. How do I improve on that? Kind of one of the things I want people to get out of this thread.

I think the biggest way to get over this is to realize that a bad trade is not the end of the world and sometimes might even work in your favor. Just have fun with it and don't treat it like the end of the world if you "lose" a trade.

I get what you’re saying, but for me personally I would want to know why I have analysis paralysis and improve on it, but that’s just me.

I provided a reason for it. Afraid to make a mistake from lack of confidence is the reason for the paralysis. What reasons do you think cause it?

 

[JohnnyU]

One thing about lowball offers that I send out. You all know how sometimes an owner, maybe you, will counter a bad offer with something so outrageously over the top in your direction that it isn't really a serious response? It's meant to be more of a cheap shot, like hey dude your offer sucked. But if you want to badly overpay here is a counter...

Well... sometimes that outrageous counter is actually less than what I was willing to pay, but because I stared so low... and then I snap accept and they send a message that says "crap I was kidding and didn't think you'd take that" and I'm like "have a nice day"

I personally am not a fan of sending bad offers because you’re pissed at their offer. I just reject and go pour some tea. To me it’s kind of childish. Even if they do it a lot, how hard is it to just reject? Then if they send you a message you can just say you’re not close with your offers and that you’re not interested in trading right now. That usually ends it. You take the high road and stay civil.

Agreed. At worst, I'll just let their offer sit there with no response at all.

I can’t do that. I’m one of these guys that can’t let their email inbox get too many on the 1st page. I just reject and keep rejecting until they get the message. I can tire out and outlast anyone. After all, I’m retired and have nothing but time.

Agreed. I just don't understand the people that let offers rot on the vine. I will either reject or counter an offer withing a day of receiving it. Usually it's within 5 minutes of actually seeing the offer. It's not that hard. Again, I believe this comes back to confidence in their evaluation skills. Those that have it, it's easy. Those that don't will himm and haaaa for days and never do anything

Analysis paralysis?

Something like that. They just don't know what to do because they don't have confidence in their evaluations and don't want to "lose" or make a mistake.

If I were one of these people I would ask myself a question. How do I improve on that? Kind of one of the things I want people to get out of this thread.

I think the biggest way to get over this is to realize that a bad trade is not the end of the world and sometimes might even work in your favor. Just have fun with it and don't treat it like the end of the world if you "lose" a trade.

I get what you’re saying, but for me personally I would want to know why I have analysis paralysis and improve on it, but that’s just me.

I provided a reason for it. Afraid to make a mistake from lack of confidence is the reason for the paralysis. What reasons do you think cause it?

Yes, I believe that was mentioned in OP. Reasons? Some of it could be confidence for lack of knowledge, and some could be because of a personality trait. I’ve seen lots of knowledgeable owners who don’t like to trade and they do very well and have multiple titles.

 

[JohnnyU]

One thing about lowball offers that I send out. You all know how sometimes an owner, maybe you, will counter a bad offer with something so outrageously over the top in your direction that it isn't really a serious response? It's meant to be more of a cheap shot, like hey dude your offer sucked. But if you want to badly overpay here is a counter...

Well... sometimes that outrageous counter is actually less than what I was willing to pay, but because I stared so low... and then I snap accept and they send a message that says "crap I was kidding and didn't think you'd take that" and I'm like "have a nice day"

I personally am not a fan of sending bad offers because you’re pissed at their offer. I just reject and go pour some tea. To me it’s kind of childish. Even if they do it a lot, how hard is it to just reject? Then if they send you a message you can just say you’re not close with your offers and that you’re not interested in trading right now. That usually ends it. You take the high road and stay civil.

Agreed. At worst, I'll just let their offer sit there with no response at all.

I can’t do that. I’m one of these guys that can’t let their email inbox get too many on the 1st page. I just reject and keep rejecting until they get the message. I can tire out and outlast anyone. After all, I’m retired and have nothing but time.

Agreed. I just don't understand the people that let offers rot on the vine. I will either reject or counter an offer withing a day of receiving it. Usually it's within 5 minutes of actually seeing the offer. It's not that hard. Again, I believe this comes back to confidence in their evaluation skills. Those that have it, it's easy. Those that don't will himm and haaaa for days and never do anything

Analysis paralysis?

Something like that. They just don't know what to do because they don't have confidence in their evaluations and don't want to "lose" or make a mistake.


ETA: I have probably benefited from trades not accepted by others than I have when actually accepted.

Responding to your ETA. Not something I would want to make a habit out of

 

[Gally]

One thing about lowball offers that I send out. You all know how sometimes an owner, maybe you, will counter a bad offer with something so outrageously over the top in your direction that it isn't really a serious response? It's meant to be more of a cheap shot, like hey dude your offer sucked. But if you want to badly overpay here is a counter...

Well... sometimes that outrageous counter is actually less than what I was willing to pay, but because I stared so low... and then I snap accept and they send a message that says "crap I was kidding and didn't think you'd take that" and I'm like "have a nice day"

I personally am not a fan of sending bad offers because you’re pissed at their offer. I just reject and go pour some tea. To me it’s kind of childish. Even if they do it a lot, how hard is it to just reject? Then if they send you a message you can just say you’re not close with your offers and that you’re not interested in trading right now. That usually ends it. You take the high road and stay civil.

Agreed. At worst, I'll just let their offer sit there with no response at all.

I can’t do that. I’m one of these guys that can’t let their email inbox get too many on the 1st page. I just reject and keep rejecting until they get the message. I can tire out and outlast anyone. After all, I’m retired and have nothing but time.

Agreed. I just don't understand the people that let offers rot on the vine. I will either reject or counter an offer withing a day of receiving it. Usually it's within 5 minutes of actually seeing the offer. It's not that hard. Again, I believe this comes back to confidence in their evaluation skills. Those that have it, it's easy. Those that don't will himm and haaaa for days and never do anything

Analysis paralysis?

Something like that. They just don't know what to do because they don't have confidence in their evaluations and don't want to "lose" or make a mistake.


ETA: I have probably benefited from trades not accepted by others than I have when actually accepted.

Responding to your ETA. Not something I would want to make a habit out of

The point is that other teams being paralyzed can hurt them. I am not immune to mistakes. Sometimes my trade offers end up helping the other team more.

 

[JohnnyU]

One thing about lowball offers that I send out. You all know how sometimes an owner, maybe you, will counter a bad offer with something so outrageously over the top in your direction that it isn't really a serious response? It's meant to be more of a cheap shot, like hey dude your offer sucked. But if you want to badly overpay here is a counter...

Well... sometimes that outrageous counter is actually less than what I was willing to pay, but because I stared so low... and then I snap accept and they send a message that says "crap I was kidding and didn't think you'd take that" and I'm like "have a nice day"

I personally am not a fan of sending bad offers because you’re pissed at their offer. I just reject and go pour some tea. To me it’s kind of childish. Even if they do it a lot, how hard is it to just reject? Then if they send you a message you can just say you’re not close with your offers and that you’re not interested in trading right now. That usually ends it. You take the high road and stay civil.

Agreed. At worst, I'll just let their offer sit there with no response at all.

I can’t do that. I’m one of these guys that can’t let their email inbox get too many on the 1st page. I just reject and keep rejecting until they get the message. I can tire out and outlast anyone. After all, I’m retired and have nothing but time.

Agreed. I just don't understand the people that let offers rot on the vine. I will either reject or counter an offer withing a day of receiving it. Usually it's within 5 minutes of actually seeing the offer. It's not that hard. Again, I believe this comes back to confidence in their evaluation skills. Those that have it, it's easy. Those that don't will himm and haaaa for days and never do anything

Analysis paralysis?

Something like that. They just don't know what to do because they don't have confidence in their evaluations and don't want to "lose" or make a mistake.


ETA: I have probably benefited from trades not accepted by others than I have when actually accepted.

Responding to your ETA. Not something I would want to make a habit out of

The point is that other teams being paralyzed can hurt them. I am not immune to mistakes. Sometimes my trade offers end up helping the other team more.

I understood what you were saying.

 

[barackdhouse]

I tend to respond quickly as well. But it doesn't have to be analysis paralysis if you just want to sit on it for a while without making a rushed decision. I have a wife two kids a cat and a dog and a minivan that is dying at speed (I think it's the ignition module) and even though I type novel length stuff around here I really do have lots of other non FF things to do.

I also do lots of conditional stuff (in my mind privately) like ok if I can make this deal with owner A then that frees up the possibility to do this other deal with owner B. But I might have other offers similar to the one with A, say with teams C and D. Well, if C or D take an offer I may want to rescind the others, or I may want to then and only then initiate something with B. Or, maybe only after a different deal goes through (or fails) am I willing to hit accept on the offer sitting in my box.

There are a multitude of possible reasons to sit on an offer that have nothing to do with evaluation skills or anal paralysis. hehe

but all of that is for offers that are actually reasonable because otherwise it's typically just a quick rejection. if it's blatantly in my favor then a quick google search of the involved players and typically a quick accept.

 

[Ilov80s]

I haven't read much of the thread here but there 2 very specific types that I run into over and over

1. Bullies: only want to make a trade if they can win big, they like the idea of beating someone, almost impossible to reason with

2. Thrillseekers: they just like to trade, love to gamble and it's about making the deal more than it is about anything else, for them the action is the juice

 

[JohnnyU]

How to Make Trades That Actually Help Your Dynasty Team!​

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[massraider]

There's plenty of annoying trade partners.


The psychology of trading should be, how do you deal with the annoying guy? There IS an answer for each type.

I never say, what do you want for Kamara? I always rather include a name, or float a few names, it's more interesting for the other owner.

I like to tell them, send me a list of names you can part with. If someone approaches me, and wants a guy, that's what I tell them.

I trade for picks during the season, and come draft day, my favorite move is to jump into the league chat during the draft, and say, "looking for a WR for this next pick!"

Some people are stuck on a rookie, but in despair because they know he's gone before their next pick. They start feeling froggy, and sometimes they jump

 

[Statorama]

I would guess that most of us are in at least one league that's been around for years. To me, that's when the trading psychology comes into play.

Very first thing is to know your leaguemates. There are guys that hoard and overvalue rookies / 2nd year players / draft picks, guys that are conservative, guys that take chances, guys that push all-in right before playoff time, etc. Know who's a fan of what team/player. Know the personality of the guys you'll be trading with.

Get a reputation as a guy that offers deals that make sense. Put yourself in the other guys shoes - Before you hit enter think "If I were this guy, why would I accept this deal?". The hardest thing for people to do is remove their biases when making an offer. You've done the homework/research/scouting. But if your offer to them is a bunch of Player X is ready to break out! Player Z is an injury away from being a star! The other guy isn't thinking that. If he was, he'd be making you offers. If you offer a "C +" package for the other guys "B + or A-" players, your leaguemates will start tuning you out. Start with something that makes sense and work around the edges. Get people excited when they see you offered them a trade.

 

[JohnnyU]

I would guess that most of us are in at least one league that's been around for years. To me, that's when the trading psychology comes into play.

Very first thing is to know your leaguemates. There are guys that hoard and overvalue rookies / 2nd year players / draft picks, guys that are conservative, guys that take chances, guys that push all-in right before playoff time, etc. Know who's a fan of what team/player. Know the personality of the guys you'll be trading with.

Get a reputation as a guy that offers deals that make sense. Put yourself in the other guys shoes - Before you hit enter think "If I were this guy, why would I accept this deal?". The hardest thing for people to do is remove their biases when making an offer. You've done the homework/research/scouting. But if your offer to them is a bunch of Player X is ready to break out! Player Z is an injury away from being a star! The other guy isn't thinking that. If he was, he'd be making you offers. If you offer a "C +" package for the other guys "B + or A-" players, your leaguemates will start tuning you out. Start with something that makes sense and work around the edges. Get people excited when they see you offered them a trade.

Today in a dynasty league I offered a guy Zay Flowers, Bhayshul Tuten, and Cam Skattebo for Tee Higgins and a 2026 2nd (probably late). He countered the same deal replacing the 2nd for a 3rd. We couldn’t agree on a deal.

That’s fine, but this kind of negotiation makes me wonder about the psychology behind both our refusal. My reason was that I thought my deal was already giving a lot. I’m sure his thinking was that giving the best player in the deal (Higgins) required those three without him giving the 2nd, but a 3rd was OK.

I tried other offers like Flowers and Tuten for Higgins or Flowers and Skattebo for Higgins, but no cigar. You would have thought a deal could have happened, but I gave up.

We both had our hard line in the sand that neither wanted to cross. That’s OK, but I’m kind of perplexed a deal didn’t get done.

 

[Mister CIA]

Another, have not read the entire thread so this may be a duplicate, BUT, once I scaled back to a single dynasty team, my trading activity went down. I attribute it to the old problem of overvaluing the players on one's roster, where before with multiple rosters the pool of players I viewed favorably was larger. I joined a startup last month, so will be interesting to note the change in my outlook.

Also, my method is to periodically sit down and look at the other rosters in my league and see what their (perceived) needs are and see if I can construct a deal that looks to serve their interest. If I think I don't see a deal that makes sense to the other owner, I move on.

Also, I think it loosens up the conversation if you approach the owner aboout *THEIR* timeline: rebuilding, win-now, etc.. Maybe they are holdng on for one more season of win-now, or maybe they change their mind if you engage on the topic and give them something to think about.

 

[Proteus]

It rarely works out for me. Either:

1. The guy thinks I'm stupid.

2. The guy doesn't bother to read my roster and plainly see what my needs are.

or

3. The guy turns into a snake oil salesman telling me all the reasons why he's overpaying and I'm crazy to pass up his amazing offer.

It's tiresome as hell.

When it does work, it's because the guy and I both agree that we are making BOTH teams better. This takes a modicum of research as well as respect for the trade partner. Both hard to come by.

 

[Statorama]

I would guess that most of us are in at least one league that's been around for years. To me, that's when the trading psychology comes into play.

Very first thing is to know your leaguemates. There are guys that hoard and overvalue rookies / 2nd year players / draft picks, guys that are conservative, guys that take chances, guys that push all-in right before playoff time, etc. Know who's a fan of what team/player. Know the personality of the guys you'll be trading with.

Get a reputation as a guy that offers deals that make sense. Put yourself in the other guys shoes - Before you hit enter think "If I were this guy, why would I accept this deal?". The hardest thing for people to do is remove their biases when making an offer. You've done the homework/research/scouting. But if your offer to them is a bunch of Player X is ready to break out! Player Z is an injury away from being a star! The other guy isn't thinking that. If he was, he'd be making you offers. If you offer a "C +" package for the other guys "B + or A-" players, your leaguemates will start tuning you out. Start with something that makes sense and work around the edges. Get people excited when they see you offered them a trade.

Today in a dynasty league I offered a guy Zay Flowers, Bhaysul Tuten, and Cam Skattebo for Tee Higgins and a 2026 2nd (probably late). He countered the same deal replacing the 2nd for a 3rd. We couldn’t agree on a deal.

That’s fine, but this kind of negotiation makes me wonder about the psychology behind both our refusal. My reason was that I thought my deal was already giving a lot. I’m sure his thinking was that giving the best player in the deal (Higgins) required those three without him giving the 2nd, but a 3rd was OK.

I tried other offers like Flowers and Tuten for Higgins or Flowers and Skattebo for Higgins, but no cigar. You would have thought a deal could have happened, but I gave up.

We both had our hard line in the sand that neither wanted to cross. That’s OK, but I’m kind of perplexed a deal didn’t get done.

No shame with that offer, and those are the kinds of trades I like to see on my desk. This would definitely trigger a discussion (sounds like it did). "For it to be a second, I'd need X instead of Skattebo" and I'd name some guy on your bench that shouldn't hold up the deal. But to be honest, I like the deal you offered.

 

[JohnnyU]

I would guess that most of us are in at least one league that's been around for years. To me, that's when the trading psychology comes into play.

Very first thing is to know your leaguemates. There are guys that hoard and overvalue rookies / 2nd year players / draft picks, guys that are conservative, guys that take chances, guys that push all-in right before playoff time, etc. Know who's a fan of what team/player. Know the personality of the guys you'll be trading with.

Get a reputation as a guy that offers deals that make sense. Put yourself in the other guys shoes - Before you hit enter think "If I were this guy, why would I accept this deal?". The hardest thing for people to do is remove their biases when making an offer. You've done the homework/research/scouting. But if your offer to them is a bunch of Player X is ready to break out! Player Z is an injury away from being a star! The other guy isn't thinking that. If he was, he'd be making you offers. If you offer a "C +" package for the other guys "B + or A-" players, your leaguemates will start tuning you out. Start with something that makes sense and work around the edges. Get people excited when they see you offered them a trade.

Today in a dynasty league I offered a guy Zay Flowers, Bhaysul Tuten, and Cam Skattebo for Tee Higgins and a 2026 2nd (probably late). He countered the same deal replacing the 2nd for a 3rd. We couldn’t agree on a deal.

That’s fine, but this kind of negotiation makes me wonder about the psychology behind both our refusal. My reason was that I thought my deal was already giving a lot. I’m sure his thinking was that giving the best player in the deal (Higgins) required those three without him giving the 2nd, but a 3rd was OK.

I tried other offers like Flowers and Tuten for Higgins or Flowers and Skattebo for Higgins, but no cigar. You would have thought a deal could have happened, but I gave up.

We both had our hard line in the sand that neither wanted to cross. That’s OK, but I’m kind of perplexed a deal didn’t get done.

No shame with that offer, and those are the kinds of trades I like to see on my desk. This would definitely trigger a discussion (sounds like it did). "For it to be a second, I'd need X instead of Skattebo" and I'd name some guy on your bench that shouldn't hold up the deal. But to be honest, I like the deal you offered.

These are the kind of deals that I like to dive into the mental reasons for an impasse. Is the stubbornness warranted? Ot Is it biting your nose off to spite your face? Or is it knowing the limits you’re willing to go and sticking to it? I’d like to think the latter.

 

[InDitkaWeTrust]

I would guess that most of us are in at least one league that's been around for years. To me, that's when the trading psychology comes into play.

Very first thing is to know your leaguemates. There are guys that hoard and overvalue rookies / 2nd year players / draft picks, guys that are conservative, guys that take chances, guys that push all-in right before playoff time, etc. Know who's a fan of what team/player. Know the personality of the guys you'll be trading with.

Get a reputation as a guy that offers deals that make sense. Put yourself in the other guys shoes - Before you hit enter think "If I were this guy, why would I accept this deal?". The hardest thing for people to do is remove their biases when making an offer. You've done the homework/research/scouting. But if your offer to them is a bunch of Player X is ready to break out! Player Z is an injury away from being a star! The other guy isn't thinking that. If he was, he'd be making you offers. If you offer a "C +" package for the other guys "B + or A-" players, your leaguemates will start tuning you out. Start with something that makes sense and work around the edges. Get people excited when they see you offered them a trade.

Today in a dynasty league I offered a guy Zay Flowers, Bhaysul Tuten, and Cam Skattebo for Tee Higgins and a 2026 2nd (probably late). He countered the same deal replacing the 2nd for a 3rd. We couldn’t agree on a deal.

That’s fine, but this kind of negotiation makes me wonder about the psychology behind both our refusal. My reason was that I thought my deal was already giving a lot. I’m sure his thinking was that giving the best player in the deal (Higgins) required those three without him giving the 2nd, but a 3rd was OK.

I tried other offers like Flowers and Tuten for Higgins or Flowers and Skattebo for Higgins, but no cigar. You would have thought a deal could have happened, but I gave up.

We both had our hard line in the sand that neither wanted to cross. That’s OK, but I’m kind of perplexed a deal didn’t get done.

No shame with that offer, and those are the kinds of trades I like to see on my desk. This would definitely trigger a discussion (sounds like it did). "For it to be a second, I'd need X instead of Skattebo" and I'd name some guy on your bench that shouldn't hold up the deal. But to be honest, I like the deal you offered.

These are the kind of deals that I like to dive into the mental reasons for an impasse. Is the stubbornness warranted? Ot Is it biting your nose off to spite your face? Or is it knowing the limits you’re willing to go and sticking to it? I’d like to think the latter.

What's the hit rate of 2nd round picks? ~25%. How about 3rd round picks? ~ 10%. I think both offers were closer than either of you think. It's kind of amazing that the deal DIDN'T get done.

 

[Instinctive]

I would guess that most of us are in at least one league that's been around for years. To me, that's when the trading psychology comes into play.

Very first thing is to know your leaguemates. There are guys that hoard and overvalue rookies / 2nd year players / draft picks, guys that are conservative, guys that take chances, guys that push all-in right before playoff time, etc. Know who's a fan of what team/player. Know the personality of the guys you'll be trading with.

Get a reputation as a guy that offers deals that make sense. Put yourself in the other guys shoes - Before you hit enter think "If I were this guy, why would I accept this deal?". The hardest thing for people to do is remove their biases when making an offer. You've done the homework/research/scouting. But if your offer to them is a bunch of Player X is ready to break out! Player Z is an injury away from being a star! The other guy isn't thinking that. If he was, he'd be making you offers. If you offer a "C +" package for the other guys "B + or A-" players, your leaguemates will start tuning you out. Start with something that makes sense and work around the edges. Get people excited when they see you offered them a trade.

Today in a dynasty league I offered a guy Zay Flowers, Bhaysul Tuten, and Cam Skattebo for Tee Higgins and a 2026 2nd (probably late). He countered the same deal replacing the 2nd for a 3rd. We couldn’t agree on a deal.

That’s fine, but this kind of negotiation makes me wonder about the psychology behind both our refusal. My reason was that I thought my deal was already giving a lot. I’m sure his thinking was that giving the best player in the deal (Higgins) required those three without him giving the 2nd, but a 3rd was OK.

I tried other offers like Flowers and Tuten for Higgins or Flowers and Skattebo for Higgins, but no cigar. You would have thought a deal could have happened, but I gave up.

We both had our hard line in the sand that neither wanted to cross. That’s OK, but I’m kind of perplexed a deal didn’t get done.

No shame with that offer, and those are the kinds of trades I like to see on my desk. This would definitely trigger a discussion (sounds like it did). "For it to be a second, I'd need X instead of Skattebo" and I'd name some guy on your bench that shouldn't hold up the deal. But to be honest, I like the deal you offered.

These are the kind of deals that I like to dive into the mental reasons for an impasse. Is the stubbornness warranted? Ot Is it biting your nose off to spite your face? Or is it knowing the limits you’re willing to go and sticking to it? I’d like to think the latter.

That's the kind of thing when I go back and look at the rookie drafts and I'm like...if i think Higgins is worth getting no way that's the deal breaker. I probably value non-first round rookie picks lower than 90% of people and love extracting them when i think i can and throwing them around like candy to get proven guys that matter. The offer if I look at our drafts is like a Flowers, a 2nd, and a 4th for Higgins and a 2nd, and he comes back with Higgins and a 3rd...for Flowers, a 2nd, and a 4th.

I ask myself - would I do Flowers and a 2nd for Higgins? Probably. So adding in Tuten for a 3rd seems like found money.

 

[JohnnyU]

I would guess that most of us are in at least one league that's been around for years. To me, that's when the trading psychology comes into play.

Very first thing is to know your leaguemates. There are guys that hoard and overvalue rookies / 2nd year players / draft picks, guys that are conservative, guys that take chances, guys that push all-in right before playoff time, etc. Know who's a fan of what team/player. Know the personality of the guys you'll be trading with.

Get a reputation as a guy that offers deals that make sense. Put yourself in the other guys shoes - Before you hit enter think "If I were this guy, why would I accept this deal?". The hardest thing for people to do is remove their biases when making an offer. You've done the homework/research/scouting. But if your offer to them is a bunch of Player X is ready to break out! Player Z is an injury away from being a star! The other guy isn't thinking that. If he was, he'd be making you offers. If you offer a "C +" package for the other guys "B + or A-" players, your leaguemates will start tuning you out. Start with something that makes sense and work around the edges. Get people excited when they see you offered them a trade.

Today in a dynasty league I offered a guy Zay Flowers, Bhaysul Tuten, and Cam Skattebo for Tee Higgins and a 2026 2nd (probably late). He countered the same deal replacing the 2nd for a 3rd. We couldn’t agree on a deal.

That’s fine, but this kind of negotiation makes me wonder about the psychology behind both our refusal. My reason was that I thought my deal was already giving a lot. I’m sure his thinking was that giving the best player in the deal (Higgins) required those three without him giving the 2nd, but a 3rd was OK.

I tried other offers like Flowers and Tuten for Higgins or Flowers and Skattebo for Higgins, but no cigar. You would have thought a deal could have happened, but I gave up.

We both had our hard line in the sand that neither wanted to cross. That’s OK, but I’m kind of perplexed a deal didn’t get done.

No shame with that offer, and those are the kinds of trades I like to see on my desk. This would definitely trigger a discussion (sounds like it did). "For it to be a second, I'd need X instead of Skattebo" and I'd name some guy on your bench that shouldn't hold up the deal. But to be honest, I like the deal you offered.

These are the kind of deals that I like to dive into the mental reasons for an impasse. Is the stubbornness warranted? Ot Is it biting your nose off to spite your face? Or is it knowing the limits you’re willing to go and sticking to it? I’d like to think the latter.

That's the kind of thing when I go back and look at the rookie drafts and I'm like...if i think Higgins is worth getting no way that's the deal breaker. I probably value non-first round rookie picks lower than 90% of people and love extracting them when i think i can and throwing them around like candy to get proven guys that matter. The offer if I look at our drafts is like a Flowers, a 2nd, and a 4th for Higgins and a 2nd, and he comes back with Higgins and a 3rd...for Flowers, a 2nd, and a 4th.

I ask myself - would I do Flowers and a 2nd for Higgins? Probably. So adding in Tuten for a 3rd seems like found money.

I had to read that three times, but I understand what you’re saying. I simply wasn’t willing to give up Flowers, Skattebo, and Tuten for Tee Higgins and a 3rd. If he lets a deal not to be made because he wouldn’t replace the 3rd with a 2nd then so be it. I actually like Tuten and Skattebo. So I ended the negotiations right there and I’m good with it.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

I would guess that most of us are in at least one league that's been around for years. To me, that's when the trading psychology comes into play.

Very first thing is to know your leaguemates. There are guys that hoard and overvalue rookies / 2nd year players / draft picks, guys that are conservative, guys that take chances, guys that push all-in right before playoff time, etc. Know who's a fan of what team/player. Know the personality of the guys you'll be trading with.

Get a reputation as a guy that offers deals that make sense. Put yourself in the other guys shoes - Before you hit enter think "If I were this guy, why would I accept this deal?". The hardest thing for people to do is remove their biases when making an offer. You've done the homework/research/scouting. But if your offer to them is a bunch of Player X is ready to break out! Player Z is an injury away from being a star! The other guy isn't thinking that. If he was, he'd be making you offers. If you offer a "C +" package for the other guys "B + or A-" players, your leaguemates will start tuning you out. Start with something that makes sense and work around the edges. Get people excited when they see you offered them a trade.

Today in a dynasty league I offered a guy Zay Flowers, Bhaysul Tuten, and Cam Skattebo for Tee Higgins and a 2026 2nd (probably late). He countered the same deal replacing the 2nd for a 3rd. We couldn’t agree on a deal.

That’s fine, but this kind of negotiation makes me wonder about the psychology behind both our refusal. My reason was that I thought my deal was already giving a lot. I’m sure his thinking was that giving the best player in the deal (Higgins) required those three without him giving the 2nd, but a 3rd was OK.

I tried other offers like Flowers and Tuten for Higgins or Flowers and Skattebo for Higgins, but no cigar. You would have thought a deal could have happened, but I gave up.

We both had our hard line in the sand that neither wanted to cross. That’s OK, but I’m kind of perplexed a deal didn’t get done.

No shame with that offer, and those are the kinds of trades I like to see on my desk. This would definitely trigger a discussion (sounds like it did). "For it to be a second, I'd need X instead of Skattebo" and I'd name some guy on your bench that shouldn't hold up the deal. But to be honest, I like the deal you offered.

These are the kind of deals that I like to dive into the mental reasons for an impasse. Is the stubbornness warranted? Ot Is it biting your nose off to spite your face? Or is it knowing the limits you’re willing to go and sticking to it? I’d like to think the latter.

That's the kind of thing when I go back and look at the rookie drafts and I'm like...if i think Higgins is worth getting no way that's the deal breaker. I probably value non-first round rookie picks lower than 90% of people and love extracting them when i think i can and throwing them around like candy to get proven guys that matter. The offer if I look at our drafts is like a Flowers, a 2nd, and a 4th for Higgins and a 2nd, and he comes back with Higgins and a 3rd...for Flowers, a 2nd, and a 4th.

I ask myself - would I do Flowers and a 2nd for Higgins? Probably. So adding in Tuten for a 3rd seems like found money.

I had to read that three times, but I understand what you’re saying. I simply wasn’t willing to give up Flowers, Skattebo, and Tuten for Tee Higgins and a 3rd. If he lets a deal not to be made because he wouldn’t replace the 3rd with a 2nd then so be it. I actually like Tuten and Skattebo. So I ended the negotiations right there and I’m good with it.

I think there's a pretty decent gap between a 2nd and 3rd rounder too. I know you're talking 2026 but in terms of this year, that's the difference in a Tuten or Skattebo vs Devin Neal or DJ Giddens, Cam Ward vs maybe Jaxson Dart or Jalen Milroe, or Tre Harris, Jayden Higgins, or Jack Bech vs Elic Ayomanor or Jalen Royals. Obviously, we don't know who will hit and who won't but we know their current value and it's a decent gap.

I would have held out for a 2nd with Tee if I'm giving up all 3 of those pieces too.

 

[socrates]

It is always best to know your leaguemates. Here are some of the most common archetypes. You probably have some of them in your leagues.

Trader Joe is never satisfied with his team. He will trade up, trade down, and trade sideways, only to package it up and trade it all away again tomorrow. Joe will send you multiple offers every week, sometimes the same offer you already declined a couple of days earlier; he can’t keep up. He is like a novice day trader with an itch that can’t be scratched. He won a title back in 2017 thanks to a trade that paid off for him, and now he is hoping to strike gold again. You have to sort through a lot of offers and counter-offers, but doing business with Joe can net you some finds, especially when he's off his ADHD meds.

Mull-it-Over Mark always wants to sleep on it but can never make a decision. He suffers from roster paralysis: “If I trade away Tracy, Skattebo will surely get injured.” “This might be the year Treylon Burks finally breaks out. I can’t let him go now.” Don't expect Mark to get back to you any time soon.

Gullible Gary trusts you and believes you are sincerely just trying to improve his team. He probably writes off his league dues as a charitable donation, so don’t feel too bad.

P****-Whipped Pete joined the league because you’ve been friends since high school. He’s a devoted dad and husband, but his wife doesn’t let him watch any games (“Sunday is family day, Pete!”), so you have to remind him when to pick up a kicker to cover a bye week. Pete is clueless as to who is even on his roster: “You want to trade for Dalton Kincaid? Do I even have him?” Pete will likely abandon his team by Halloween, and don’t expect him to get back to you on Sunday mornings. He's a good guy, but a terrible fantasy manager.

Shady Shane was a used car salesman in another life. He can shine a turd with the best of them. He unrealistically inflates the values of his own players: “Quentin Johnston was a first round pick just a couple of seasons ago, and this is the magical year 3. He's gonna cost you.” “Keaton Mitchell ran a 4.37 at the Combine. You can’t teach that kind of speed.” Meanwhile, he is quick to highlight any weaknesses of your players: “Brock Purdy was Mr. Irrelevant.” “Tucker Kraft wasn’t even the top TE taken by his own team in the 2023 Draft. He will be nothing within a year.” You have gotta ask yourself, “if Tucker Kraft is so awful, why does he want him?” It's best to put Shane on your ignore list.

Boisterous Bob is the league braggart. He's quick to remind you that he won 2 of the last 5 league championships. He ain’t about to let you get the best of him in a trade, “so don’t even try!” Bob’s trade offers are usually more lopsided than a one-legged badger, so it's best to just hit reject and move on.

Headline Hank is always looking for the next big thing. He makes 5 free agent moves per week based on “insider information” he reads somewhere online. Hank traded away half of this season’s rookie picks early last season to acquire Jordan Mason, so now he’s back to rebuilding. When one of your reserves breaks out, sell high to Hank.

 

[Gruden's Keyboard]

Trading sucks.

 

[JohnnyU]

Trading sucks.

……until it doesn’t

 

[Gruden's Keyboard]

Call me old fashioned, but I believe you should try to win with your original team...

 

[darksideofoz]

Call me old fashioned, but I believe you should try to win with your original team...

Old fashioned doesn't seem like the correct moniker

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Call me old fashioned, but I believe you should try to win with your original team...

I would call that philosophy many things. “Old fashioned” would not be one of them.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

It is always best to know your leaguemates. Here are some of the most common archetypes. You probably have some of them in your leagues.

Trader Joe is never satisfied with his team. He will trade up, trade down, and trade sideways, only to package it up and trade it all away again tomorrow. Joe will send you multiple offers every week, sometimes the same offer you already declined a couple of days earlier; he can’t keep up. He is like a novice day trader with an itch that can’t be scratched. He won a title back in 2017 thanks to a trade that paid off for him, and now he is hoping to strike gold again. You have to sort through a lot of offers and counter-offers, but doing business with Joe can net you some finds, especially when he's off his ADHD meds.

Mull-it-Over Mark always wants to sleep on it but can never make a decision. He suffers from roster paralysis: “If I trade away Tracy, Skattebo will surely get injured.” “This might be the year Treylon Burks finally breaks out. I can’t let him go now.” Don't expect Mark to get back to you any time soon.

Gullible Gary trusts you and believes you are sincerely just trying to improve his team. He probably writes off his league dues as a charitable donation, so don’t feel too bad.

P****-Whipped Pete joined the league because you’ve been friends since high school. He’s a devoted dad and husband, but his wife doesn’t let him watch any games (“Sunday is family day, Pete!”), so you have to remind him when to pick up a kicker to cover a bye week. Pete is clueless as to who is even on his roster: “You want to trade for Dalton Kincaid? Do I even have him?” Pete will likely abandon his team by Halloween, and don’t expect him to get back to you on Sunday mornings. He's a good guy, but a terrible fantasy manager.

Shady Shane was a used car salesman in another life. He can shine a turd with the best of them. He unrealistically inflates the values of his own players: “Quentin Johnston was a first round pick just a couple of seasons ago, and this is the magical year 3. He's gonna cost you.” “Keaton Mitchell ran a 4.37 at the Combine. You can’t teach that kind of speed.” Meanwhile, he is quick to highlight any weaknesses of your players: “Brock Purdy was Mr. Irrelevant.” “Tucker Kraft wasn’t even the top TE taken by his own team in the 2023 Draft. He will be nothing within a year.” You have gotta ask yourself, “if Tucker Kraft is so awful, why does he want him?” It's best to put Shane on your ignore list.

Boisterous Bob is the league braggart. He's quick to remind you that he won 2 of the last 5 league championships. He ain’t about to let you get the best of him in a trade, “so don’t even try!” Bob’s trade offers are usually more lopsided than a one-legged badger, so it's best to just hit reject and move on.

Headline Hank is always looking for the next big thing. He makes 5 free agent moves per week based on “insider information” he reads somewhere online. Hank traded away half of this season’s rookie picks early last season to acquire Jordan Mason, so now he’s back to rebuilding. When one of your reserves breaks out, sell high to Hank.

I’m some combo of Trader Joe sans meds & Shady Shane, polishing turds.

 

[socrates]

It is always best to know your leaguemates. Here are some of the most common archetypes. You probably have some of them in your leagues.

Trader Joe is never satisfied with his team. He will trade up, trade down, and trade sideways, only to package it up and trade it all away again tomorrow. Joe will send you multiple offers every week, sometimes the same offer you already declined a couple of days earlier; he can’t keep up. He is like a novice day trader with an itch that can’t be scratched. He won a title back in 2017 thanks to a trade that paid off for him, and now he is hoping to strike gold again. You have to sort through a lot of offers and counter-offers, but doing business with Joe can net you some finds, especially when he's off his ADHD meds.

Mull-it-Over Mark always wants to sleep on it but can never make a decision. He suffers from roster paralysis: “If I trade away Tracy, Skattebo will surely get injured.” “This might be the year Treylon Burks finally breaks out. I can’t let him go now.” Don't expect Mark to get back to you any time soon.

Gullible Gary trusts you and believes you are sincerely just trying to improve his team. He probably writes off his league dues as a charitable donation, so don’t feel too bad.

P****-Whipped Pete joined the league because you’ve been friends since high school. He’s a devoted dad and husband, but his wife doesn’t let him watch any games (“Sunday is family day, Pete!”), so you have to remind him when to pick up a kicker to cover a bye week. Pete is clueless as to who is even on his roster: “You want to trade for Dalton Kincaid? Do I even have him?” Pete will likely abandon his team by Halloween, and don’t expect him to get back to you on Sunday mornings. He's a good guy, but a terrible fantasy manager.

Shady Shane was a used car salesman in another life. He can shine a turd with the best of them. He unrealistically inflates the values of his own players: “Quentin Johnston was a first round pick just a couple of seasons ago, and this is the magical year 3. He's gonna cost you.” “Keaton Mitchell ran a 4.37 at the Combine. You can’t teach that kind of speed.” Meanwhile, he is quick to highlight any weaknesses of your players: “Brock Purdy was Mr. Irrelevant.” “Tucker Kraft wasn’t even the top TE taken by his own team in the 2023 Draft. He will be nothing within a year.” You have gotta ask yourself, “if Tucker Kraft is so awful, why does he want him?” It's best to put Shane on your ignore list.

Boisterous Bob is the league braggart. He's quick to remind you that he won 2 of the last 5 league championships. He ain’t about to let you get the best of him in a trade, “so don’t even try!” Bob’s trade offers are usually more lopsided than a one-legged badger, so it's best to just hit reject and move on.

Headline Hank is always looking for the next big thing. He makes 5 free agent moves per week based on “insider information” he reads somewhere online. Hank traded away half of this season’s rookie picks early last season to acquire Jordan Mason, so now he’s back to rebuilding. When one of your reserves breaks out, sell high to Hank.

I’m some combo of Trader Joe sans meds & Shady Shane, polishing turds.

I probably fall closer to the Mull-it-over-Mark end of the trade spectrum. I have chosen to roster these particular players on my team for a reason, and it is hard to abandon that position.

 

[dozer]

Here’s something I mix in once in a while:

Say I’m having pretty good trade discussions with an owner named Stan, but he’s still mulling it over. I will text Stan something like, “That player is currently off the table until I hear from Stan”

Then Stan will text back a question mark or something, and I’ll be like “Opps! That text was meant for another owner!”

 

[Gally]

I would guess that most of us are in at least one league that's been around for years. To me, that's when the trading psychology comes into play.

Very first thing is to know your leaguemates. There are guys that hoard and overvalue rookies / 2nd year players / draft picks, guys that are conservative, guys that take chances, guys that push all-in right before playoff time, etc. Know who's a fan of what team/player. Know the personality of the guys you'll be trading with.

Get a reputation as a guy that offers deals that make sense. Put yourself in the other guys shoes - Before you hit enter think "If I were this guy, why would I accept this deal?". The hardest thing for people to do is remove their biases when making an offer. You've done the homework/research/scouting. But if your offer to them is a bunch of Player X is ready to break out! Player Z is an injury away from being a star! The other guy isn't thinking that. If he was, he'd be making you offers. If you offer a "C +" package for the other guys "B + or A-" players, your leaguemates will start tuning you out. Start with something that makes sense and work around the edges. Get people excited when they see you offered them a trade.

Today in a dynasty league I offered a guy Zay Flowers, Bhaysul Tuten, and Cam Skattebo for Tee Higgins and a 2026 2nd (probably late). He countered the same deal replacing the 2nd for a 3rd. We couldn’t agree on a deal.

That’s fine, but this kind of negotiation makes me wonder about the psychology behind both our refusal. My reason was that I thought my deal was already giving a lot. I’m sure his thinking was that giving the best player in the deal (Higgins) required those three without him giving the 2nd, but a 3rd was OK.

I tried other offers like Flowers and Tuten for Higgins or Flowers and Skattebo for Higgins, but no cigar. You would have thought a deal could have happened, but I gave up.

We both had our hard line in the sand that neither wanted to cross. That’s OK, but I’m kind of perplexed a deal didn’t get done.

No shame with that offer, and those are the kinds of trades I like to see on my desk. This would definitely trigger a discussion (sounds like it did). "For it to be a second, I'd need X instead of Skattebo" and I'd name some guy on your bench that shouldn't hold up the deal. But to be honest, I like the deal you offered.

These are the kind of deals that I like to dive into the mental reasons for an impasse. Is the stubbornness warranted? Ot Is it biting your nose off to spite your face? Or is it knowing the limits you’re willing to go and sticking to it? I’d like to think the latter.

What's the hit rate of 2nd round picks? ~25%. How about 3rd round picks? ~ 10%. I think both offers were closer than either of you think. It's kind of amazing that the deal DIDN'T get done.

This is my view as well. I value picks much less than almost everyone else in my leagues. That is not to say I just give them away willy-nilly because I know other's value them quite a bit but by and large I would much rather part with picks to get known players than hoard picks for the sake of hoarding picks.

 

[Gally]

Here’s something I mix in once in a while:

Say I’m having pretty good trade discussions with an owner named Stan, but he’s still mulling it over. I will text Stan something like, “That player is currently off the table until I hear from Stan”

Then Stan will text back a question mark or something, and I’ll be like “Opps! That text was meant for another owner!”

I would say that is somewhat similar to the guy that sends a trade offer and then revokes it about 20 minutes later. Gives you just enough time to start thinking on it and then takes the dangling carrot away to give you the feeling you need to accept and never got the chance. I hate that guy.......but it always gives me a tinge of regret and I hate when that happens.

 

[InDitkaWeTrust]

Here’s something I mix in once in a while:

Say I’m having pretty good trade discussions with an owner named Stan, but he’s still mulling it over. I will text Stan something like, “That player is currently off the table until I hear from Stan”

Then Stan will text back a question mark or something, and I’ll be like “Opps! That text was meant for another owner!”

I would say that is somewhat similar to the guy that sends a trade offer and then revokes it about 20 minutes later. Gives you just enough time to start thinking on it and then takes the dangling carrot away to give you the feeling you need to accept and never got the chance. I hate that guy.......but it always gives me a tinge of regret and I hate when that happens.

Personally I hate both tactics and will usually shut it down completely if either of them turn up. I've also had guys email me saying they have other offers pending and at that point, I'm like "get what you can" and peace out of the trade talks. Probably not a smart or rational thing to do on my part, but I detest being manipulated.

 

[JohnnyU]

Here’s something I mix in once in a while:

Say I’m having pretty good trade discussions with an owner named Stan, but he’s still mulling it over. I will text Stan something like, “That player is currently off the table until I hear from Stan”

Then Stan will text back a question mark or something, and I’ll be like “Opps! That text was meant for another owner!”

I would say that is somewhat similar to the guy that sends a trade offer and then revokes it about 20 minutes later. Gives you just enough time to start thinking on it and then takes the dangling carrot away to give you the feeling you need to accept and never got the chance. I hate that guy.......but it always gives me a tinge of regret and I hate when that happens.

Personally I hate both tactics and will usually shut it down completely if either of them turn up. I've also had guys email me saying they have other offers pending and at that point, I'm like "get what you can" and peace out of the trade talks. Probably not a smart or rational thing to do on my part, but I detest being manipulated.

I may be off topic here, but you could look at it another way, as a courtesy being given. If someone has the same player(s) offers out to multiple teams, there is nothing wrong with letting those teams know the same player(s) has been offered in multiple trades.

 

[InDitkaWeTrust]

Here’s something I mix in once in a while:

Say I’m having pretty good trade discussions with an owner named Stan, but he’s still mulling it over. I will text Stan something like, “That player is currently off the table until I hear from Stan”

Then Stan will text back a question mark or something, and I’ll be like “Opps! That text was meant for another owner!”

I would say that is somewhat similar to the guy that sends a trade offer and then revokes it about 20 minutes later. Gives you just enough time to start thinking on it and then takes the dangling carrot away to give you the feeling you need to accept and never got the chance. I hate that guy.......but it always gives me a tinge of regret and I hate when that happens.

Personally I hate both tactics and will usually shut it down completely if either of them turn up. I've also had guys email me saying they have other offers pending and at that point, I'm like "get what you can" and peace out of the trade talks. Probably not a smart or rational thing to do on my part, but I detest being manipulated.

I may be off topic here, but you could look at it another way, as a courtesy being given. If someone has the same player(s) offers out to multiple teams, there is nothing wrong with letting those teams know the same player(s) has been offered in multiple trades.

It could be if the trading partner mentions it upfront. Invariably, though, it happens in the middle of a negotiation as a scare/FOMO tactic.

 

[JohnnyU]

Here’s something I mix in once in a while:

Say I’m having pretty good trade discussions with an owner named Stan, but he’s still mulling it over. I will text Stan something like, “That player is currently off the table until I hear from Stan”

Then Stan will text back a question mark or something, and I’ll be like “Opps! That text was meant for another owner!”

I would say that is somewhat similar to the guy that sends a trade offer and then revokes it about 20 minutes later. Gives you just enough time to start thinking on it and then takes the dangling carrot away to give you the feeling you need to accept and never got the chance. I hate that guy.......but it always gives me a tinge of regret and I hate when that happens.

Personally I hate both tactics and will usually shut it down completely if either of them turn up. I've also had guys email me saying they have other offers pending and at that point, I'm like "get what you can" and peace out of the trade talks. Probably not a smart or rational thing to do on my part, but I detest being manipulated.

I may be off topic here, but you could look at it another way, as a courtesy being given. If someone has the same player(s) offers out to multiple teams, there is nothing wrong with letting those teams know the same player(s) has been offered in multiple trades.

It could be if the trading partner mentions it upfront. Invariably, though, it happens in the middle of a negotiation as a scare/FOMO tactic.

It could be either way. Maybe he didn’t have the player offered to several teams initially, but did so soon after. That wouldn’t be a scare tactic.

 

[JohnnyU]

How many days do wait before revoking an offer? Unless it was a mistake, I usually will let the trade offer sit between 3 to 5 days. I figure that is long enough to let someone think on it, otherwise they weren’t interested to begin with and didn’t care to reject it.

 

[efactor]

How many days do wait before revoking an offer? Unless it was a mistake, I usually will let the trade offer sit between 3 to 5 days. I figure that is long enough to let someone think on it, otherwise they weren’t interested to begin with and didn’t care to reject it.

Depends on the owner somewhat. If I can see the team has been on the site, I’ll assume they saw the trade. I’ll give it a couple hours and then revoke. Otherwise 3-4 days.

You either like the trade or not. If it’s good enough to accept or make a counter, shouldn’t take long to decide that. My pet peeve is teams that seem unable to just hit the reject button and just let the trade sit. It’s not going to hurt my feelings if you reject

 

[Gally]

Here’s something I mix in once in a while:

Say I’m having pretty good trade discussions with an owner named Stan, but he’s still mulling it over. I will text Stan something like, “That player is currently off the table until I hear from Stan”

Then Stan will text back a question mark or something, and I’ll be like “Opps! That text was meant for another owner!”

I would say that is somewhat similar to the guy that sends a trade offer and then revokes it about 20 minutes later. Gives you just enough time to start thinking on it and then takes the dangling carrot away to give you the feeling you need to accept and never got the chance. I hate that guy.......but it always gives me a tinge of regret and I hate when that happens.

Personally I hate both tactics and will usually shut it down completely if either of them turn up. I've also had guys email me saying they have other offers pending and at that point, I'm like "get what you can" and peace out of the trade talks. Probably not a smart or rational thing to do on my part, but I detest being manipulated.

I may be off topic here, but you could look at it another way, as a courtesy being given. If someone has the same player(s) offers out to multiple teams, there is nothing wrong with letting those teams know the same player(s) has been offered in multiple trades.

It could be if the trading partner mentions it upfront. Invariably, though, it happens in the middle of a negotiation as a scare/FOMO tactic.

It's only a scare tactic if it's not true. If you indeed make similar offers to multiple teams then it's just being transparent.

 

[Gally]

My pet peeve is teams that seem unable to just hit the reject button and just let the trade sit. It’s not going to hurt my feelings if you reject

I hate it when they let offers rot on the vine. Just decline if you don't want it. No big deal.