7 Buy-Low Fantasy Basketball Players January 2026

CJ McCollum (Atlanta Hawks)

Being part of a big trade can certainly impact a player’s fantasy value, but McCollum appears to be settling in nicely in Atlanta. The veteran guard has eclipsed 20 points in four of his first eight games with the Hawks and has been solid from three-point range. His usage rate should remain high heading into the second half, making him a solid buy-low candidate.

Jalen Duren (Detroit Pistons)

Athlon recently put Duren in the strong tier among centers. He ranks fifth in the league with a team-leading 10.6 rebounds per game and adds nearly a block per night on one of the NBA’s best defenses, plus he adds scoring efficiency. He has high usage for a center, so he could easily boost your roster.

De’Aaron Fox (San Antonio Spurs)

We’ve also recently touched on Fox’s buy-low candidacy. His shooting efficiency has been inconsistent in his first full year in San Antonio, and that appears to correlate with when the Spurs match up against the stingiest defenses. Fox is still top-tier when it comes to assists and steals, and his shooting percentage appears to be leveling out heading toward the All-Star break. Expect another level of play from Fox in the second half.

Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks)

Another high-usage veteran, Towns combines the league’s most rebounds (11.4 RPG) with consistent scoring (20.5 PPG at 47% shooting). The dip in his fantasy stock is due to a mix of sharing scoring responsibilities and the fact that he’s tied to recent trade rumors. However, Towns’ value could skyrocket if he’s traded to a team where he would be the main scoring threat.

Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Miami Heat)

The young forward has been getting plenty of playing time with Tyler Herro sidelined and has become a reliable fantasy asset. He is consistent in rebounds and assists, while also shooting over 51% from the field. Herro has only played 11 games this season and is currently dealing with a rib injury, which will give Jaquez more opportunities to produce.

Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers)

It’s understandable that managers are frustrated with Garland right now, as he is dealing with a toe sprain and typically takes time to build his game up when he returns to action. This makes him buy-low bait since he has a ton of upside when he’s healthy, although there is always risk with buying low on an injured player. (More on that in just a bit.)

Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento Kings)

Speaking of injuries: The Kings forward has returned from a long layoff due to a torn meniscus and appears to be back to playing regular minutes. And while Sacramento continues to have a doozy of a season, Sabonis is shooting over 60% from the field while returning to his duties as a clutch rebounder. He’s also at the center of some pretty heavy trade talk, and his upside would multiply if he went to a contender.

How to Land These Trades

Packaging Tips

Now that you know which players you could buy low, just how in the heck do you go about acquiring them? Your best course of action is to target managers in “win now” mode looking for immediate help. Then, you should offer to trade for a player on a hot streak. (Here are some young sell-high candidates to consider.)

Risks to Consider

As we hinted at with Garland, buying low on an injured player can backfire if said player is sidelined for a long period of time. There is also a chance that what looks like a short slump for a player turns into a lengthy cold spell. Neither scenario is ideal, so savvy managers should weigh their options carefully.

Conclusion

Buy-low season is short, and smart owners will want to make moves quickly. Scan your league for the top buy-low candidates and start making offers before the other managers pick up on a player’s potential. Buying low now could be the move that turns your season around for the better.

People Also Ask

Who are the best buy-low fantasy basketball players right now?
Players like Bam Adebayo, De’Aaron Fox, and Jalen Duren top the list due to temporary dips.

Is Bam Adebayo a buy-low in fantasy?
Yes ... his recent slump is temporary with elite upside intact.

When is the best time to buy low in fantasy basketball?
Mid-season slumps before the All-Star break are prime windows.

How do I find buy-low players in fantasy hoops?
Look for secure roles, strong underlying stats, and recent underperformance.

Should I trade for struggling stars before the deadline?
Yes ... frustrated owners often sell low on talent ready to rebound.

What risks come with buy-low trades?
Some dips are permanent — check role security and injury history.