The trade between the Colts and Browns involving Trent Richardson was significant for many reasons. It has ramifications for each team, obviously, and we'll see if he was worth the 1st round pick Indianapolis gave up. And let's be honest: We just don't see trades like this in the NFL anymore. Anytime teams agree to trade picks and players, it's news. But it's also a great example for fantasy owners on how to conduct a trade.
Usually, NFL owners run their teams do things very differently than we do. But forget about who "won" or "lost" the trade. The mechanics of it were spot on. Here's what happened, and what you should emulate in your own transactions:
1) Radio silence. This wasn't one of those situations where everyone knew it was happening and both sides were issuing denials while finalizing a deal. I was very surprised when it was announced, and I didn't hear anyone talking about it beforehand. Even if people knew that the Browns are looking to rebuild in a new direction, people weren't pinpointing trading Richardson to the Colts. Nobody knew until it was a done deal. When you trade, it should be the same way. You don't need other owners getting involved and either putting in their own offer, running up the price you have to pay or talking your trading partner out of the deal. You want it to be a complete secret until it's announced. Owners should be thinking "I wish I knew about that."
2) Targeted Trade Offer. I'm sure the Browns would have taken a top pick from most teams, but Cleveland is reportedly the club that initiated the trade with Indianapolis, not the other way around. In other words, the Browns saw a team with a need at a skill position and enough talent to have a "win now" approach, and they went after them. They didn't wait around for the Colts to contact them. That allowed the Browns to get the most for their player. What would Minnesota have offered for Richardson? How about Chicago? Those teams didn't really need him; the Colts did. Cleveland identified a trade partner and got what they wanted. When you trade, doesn't it make sense to find a team that feels good about its chances, but is clearly missing the kind of player you want to trade? I know that some league sites have a "trading block" option, but forget that. If you want to move someone, you have to contact teams yourself, and offer what they need. No guarantees, but that increases the odds that you get something done. And by not contacting everyone at the same time, you don't tip your hand that you're trying to move someone (see #1).
3) Safe Destination. One team that could have used Richardson had absolutely no chance to land him. The Steelers would benefit from an improved run game, but there's no way the Brown would have traded him within the division. They don't need to help a rival fill a need, even if they get a good pick out of the deal. Teams rarely trade as it is, but they almost never trade with a division opponent. It's not quite as important in fantasy football, but you should still avoid helping out a division rival or an upcoming team on your schedule. Suppose your trade partner is next week's opponent. If they only have one good running back and that back is on the bye, maybe you let them suffer one more week. Why hurt your own team? Depending on how your playoffs are seeded, you might have specific teams you want to keep weak. In any case, it doesn't hurt to factor that in when talking trade.
4) No gloating. NFL teams don't really do this, but take a lesson from them. Never brag about how you "won" a trade, even if you think you did. All trades should be perceived as a win by both sides, and you should do nothing to change that perception. It makes you a good trade partner, and that will help you in the future.
Honestly, I don't know if I would have traded Richardson away, but it might work out great for Cleveland. Indianapolis might regret parting with a first-rounder. But either way, it was a well-executed trade with no drama or desperation. I hope all your trades go the same way.
What other trade tips would you offer? What trade rules do your league mates consistently break? Share your thoughts below.