There is a tenet of Taoism called wei wu wei that essentially translates as “action without action,” or “doing without doing.” This concept springs from the idea that those who are in harmony with the Tao behave in a natural and uncontrived way. In a truly harmonious fantasy-football trade negotiation, there’s very little effort involved. Two owners with contrasting strengths and needs agree to help balance each other. This pureness of purpose leads to an uncontrived negotiation. Both sides agree to what’s fair and walk away happy: action without action, doing without doing.

The trouble is that in most leagues, fewer than half of your rival owners are capable of such a negotiation. You may have to foist harmony upon them yourself. (Call it Western-style Taoism.)

How do you impose a harmonious trade upon a rival owner? You do it by eliminating negotiation.

Begin with a side-by-side roster evaluation based not your own perspective but rather on the perspective of the other owner. What does he perceive his team needs to be? At what positions is he satisfied enough with the depth to consider parting with a player? Which of your players does he covet? You could come right out and ask him all of these questions directly, but then you’ve entered into a negotiation. You’re seeking to bypass negotiation and proceed straight to an agreement.