I picked up a team (https://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseFinances.aspx?fid=4504) that was 91-71 last year so I figured it would be the first non-rebuilding team I picked up. I quickly discovered that there are 4 players making more than $18MM that are over 33 years old. I have had to cut just about everything to support the current payroll. For instance I have 5 Rule 5 players on my roster. It turns out that the team is not really good (also their owner might not be very good either).

With that being said I don't see how I can compete with this high of a payroll and no major prospects to speak of. I do have one asset in Ethan Bell (https://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerRatings.aspx?pid=6452031). Although he is 33 years old he still appears to be a stud. The downside is he is expensive, making $20MM this year and next.

My question for those who have more experience in this game. What should I be asking for in return if I was to trade him? Is an expensive player making lots of money worth premium prospects? Should I just ask for salary relief? Some combination of the two? I figure this trade could have a large effect on how quickly I am able to make this team competitive so I want to make sure I get this right.

Thanks for any help.

That guy is worth every penny of the $20M. Hopefully you have $20M in training and he will be a stud for another 5 seasons or so. I personally wouldn't trade him, but if you need to you better get studs in return.