The NBA’s February 19 Trade Deadline is two weeks away and, as you’d expect, the rumour mill is already churning.
Here’s the latest buzz to get you up to speed.
Nets reject Nuggets’ play for Lopez
The Skinny: According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the Brooklyn Nets rejected a trade with the Nuggets that would’ve seen Denver acquire Brook Lopez in exchange for J.J. Hickson, JaVale McGee and one of the first-round picks the Nuggets acquired in the Timofey Mozgov deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Analysis: It’s no surprise the Nets rejected this deal because it doesn’t make a whole lot sense for them financially or in terms of their on-court product.
Lopez can opt out of his deal at the end of this season, and like most players with decent talent, it should be expected that he’ll do just that. Since Brooklyn is looking to shave down their costs, cutting Lopez’s salary is something they’re probably banking on if a deal doesn’t come through.
The acquisition of Hickson and McGee would keep their payroll as inflated as it is now, as both players are under contract through next season without any special conditions attached. Not to mention the fact that neither guy is as good as Lopez and the Nets don’t have a first-round pick in the draft, meaning there’s no point trying to tank this season.
The Pistons want a point guard (or do they?)
The Skinny: Despite Stan Van Gundy stating that he wouldn’t give up assets for a point guard, the Detroit Pistons have been linked to the Miami Heat’s Norris Cole and the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Mo Williams.
Analysis: Can the Pistons make the playoffs? That’s the question going through Van Gundy’s mind. And the lack of surety there explains why he may be hesistant to give up future assets for the sake of a playoff push that might not bear fruit.
If the Pistons opt to go for it despite the injury to Brandon Jennings, the hole at the point will obviously need to be addressed. And dangling Jonas Jerebko for Cole won’t get the job done. Williams is an intriguing piece who could fit Detroit’s mould, but with teams like the Cavaliers, Clippers and Heat also in the running, the competition for him may be too steep.
Other players on the block
The Skinny: Here’s a list of players who are also on the trading block, according to Sean Deveney of the Sporting News.
- Lance Stephenson, Charlotte Hornets
- Goran Dragic, Phoenix Suns
- Greg Monroe, Detroit Pistons
- Jonas Jerebko, Detroit Pistons
- Roy Hibbert, Indiana Pacers
- Deron Williams, Brooklyn Nets
- Arron Afflalo, Denver Nuggets
- Reggie Jackson, Oklahoma City Thunder
- Jordan Hill, Los Angeles Lakers
- Jeremy Lin, Los Angeles Lakers
- Jose Calderon, New York Knicks
- Taj Gibson, Chicago Bulls
- Brandon Bass, Boston Celtics
Analysis:
- Lance Stephenson: He’s been the subject of trade rumours since early in the season. No reason the Hornets wouldn’t continue to shop him at the deadline if they want to get rid of him.
- Goran Dragic: The Suns’ best player but since he’s able to opt out of his current deal at season’s end and gun for money more commensurate with his skill level, the Suns may not be able to keep him after locking up Eric Bledsoe for big money.
- Greg Monroe: Monroe will be a UFA at the end of this season and given how Detroit slighted him as an RFA, he likely wants to get out of the Motor City.
- Jonas Jerebko: As evidenced by the aborted deal with the Heat, the Pistons are shopping Jerebko, who is a surprisingly valuable asset—due $4.5 million this season on an expiring contract.
- Roy Hibbert: Hibbert can opt out of his contract at the end of the season, but given how his production has plummeted, it’s unlikely he’ll get more than the $15.5 million he’s due, making him difficult to move. Sill, he’s a legit rim-protecting big man, and if the Pacers really are shopping him, there are a number of teams that could use one.
- Deron Williams: Playing at a mediocre level with far too much money still owed him while also being an injury liability, it’s easy to see why the Nets want to trade Williams. Good luck finding takers.
- Arron Afflalo: With an opt out for next season, Afflalo is a very attractive option for a contender looking for that elusive three-and-D role player.
- Reggie Jackson: OKC’s acquisition of Dion Waiters diminished Jackson’s role, and with him likely to opt out this summer there’s no reason for the Thunder to keep him around.
- Jordan Hill: Hill’s a good offensive big man that the Lakers weren’t willing to part with at the beginning of the season. With the team in full-on tank mode, though, why not trade him? He’s essentially an expiring contract with a $9-million team option for next season.
- Jeremy Lin: A $15-million expiring deal for a point guard with some real offensive talent. The Lakers should be able to get some pieces for Lin.
- Jose Calderon: The Knicks are desperate to unload the former Raptor, but at age 33 and with two more seasons left at $7 million per, it’s no wonder they’re not getting many bites.
- Taj Gibson: Very curious. Gibson is a big part of the Bulls’ core and is on a team-friendly contract for another two seasons, at least. There’s no reason for Chicago to shop him unless there’s something going on behind the scenes.
- Brandon Bass: A perfect rental. Bass is on a $6.9-million expiring deal and can bring playoff experience, solid rebounding and a little offensive punch to a postseason-bound team looking for frontcourt help.
Ray Allen’s decision coming after all-star break?
The Skinny: Free agent sharpshooter Ray Allen will reportedly choose the team he wants to play for after the all-star break.
Analysis: This may not be a trade rumour, but it’s big nonetheless as Allen’s championship pedigree, veteran leadership and Hall of Fame-calibre shooting stroke could help any team in the league. Among those that have been linked to him in the past are the Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards and, most recently, Atlanta Hawks.