Welcome to The Learning Curve. I don’t have all the answers…and that’s kind of the point.
Last week, I briefly mentioned trading Bucky Irving in another league and politely moved along. There was more to that story.
I sent Bucky away for Zach Charbonnet. Then Bucky scored 31.50 points Thursday night, apparently his way of requesting an exit interview.
My first thought? I screwed this up.
This week, he scored 6.90. Was I supposed to feel better now? Charbonnet was still unavailable, and I was watching Bucky’s scores as if they could explain my decision.
Apparently, I traded the player and kept the emotional attachment.
I Had a Very Convincing Salesman
When I made the deal, I thought I could afford to wait. I wasn’t starting Bucky every week, my bench offered other FLEX options, and Charbonnet could occupy an open IR spot until healthy. I liked his potential, and acquiring him before he returned felt like an opportunity to buy low.
But Bucky’s two disappointing games after a productive opening to the season had frustrated me. Somehow, I had more patience available for the player who wasn’t on my team yet.
I was both the salesman and the customer. The customer asked surprisingly few questions.
I could explain why I wanted Charbonnet. What I hadn’t examined closely enough was whether Bucky was a price my roster could afford.
The Part That Didn’t Fit in IR
Bucky wasn’t starting every week, but he was available to cover a running back spot or my FLEX. Charbonnet represented someone I hoped could help later. Putting him in IR saved bench space, but it didn’t leave me with an available running back.
Then TreVeyon Henderson got hurt, and my depth suddenly felt a lot less comfortable.
I couldn’t have known that injury was coming. But I could have looked more carefully at who would be available if one of my remaining backs couldn’t play. I had counted my FLEX options and felt covered. A receiver could help me there, but he couldn’t fill a required running back spot.
Buying low still has a price. In my case, part of that price was the coverage I surrendered while waiting.
The Trade Is Still Unfinished
Bucky’s big game made me regret the deal. His quieter game could tempt me to defend it. Neither reaction tells me enough. His latest score didn’t restore my depth, and Charbonnet’s contribution to my team remains an open question.
I can acknowledge that frustration influenced me and that I underestimated the immediate cost. I can also give the trade time without demanding that it justify itself every Sunday.
That’s harder than writing it.
I’m hoping Charbonnet helps me reach the playoffs. Hope is allowed, but it can’t replace an honest assessment of what my roster needs while I wait.
This is part of why I write The Learning Curve. Sharing a lesson doesn’t mean I’ve mastered it. Sometimes writing these articles makes me notice how easily I talk myself around something I thought I understood. The reflection is for me, too.
This Week’s Learning Curve Challenge
Before your next trade, remove the outgoing player from your lineup. Then imagine one remaining starter unavailable. Who fills that required position? Who covers the next bye? Can your roster handle the wait if the player you receive needs time?
You might still make the deal. But liking the player you’re getting is only part of understanding how the trade affects your team.
As for mine, the verdict can wait. The salesman, however, is getting a few more questions next time.
Trust your process. Have some fun. And remember, we’re all somewhere on the curve.
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