NBA Players that Should be Traded Before the Deadline
We are approaching the most exciting point of the NBA season — The Trade Deadline. Every year there are teams that pleasantly surprise and teams that horribly disappoint. Names of both scrubs and stars begin to surface in possible trades as fans speculate about how their team could successfully piece together a championship contender. Let’s take a look at the players that are most likely to be traded before this year’s deadline.
Carmelo Anthony (New York Knicks):
Carmelo Anthony is clearly the hottest name being talked about these days. The Knicks continue to lose despite acquiring PG Derrick Rose, C Joakim Noah, and others. Melo has a full no-trade clause meaning he controls his own destiny. He can approve or disapprove of any trade Phil Jackson may agree to. He has already informed the Knicks of the teams he would waive his no-trade clause for. That short list includes Cleveland, LA Clippers, possibly Boston and even OKC. This puts the Knicks in a very difficult situation as it’s going to be hard to receive anything decent in return. Despite this difficulty, I have confidence that Phil will move Melo and begin the rebuilding process.
Nerlens Noel or Jahlil Okafor (Philadelphia 76ers):
With the emergence of Joel Embiid, the Sixers dont have the extra minutes or space on the court to give all three of their lottery-pick bigs playing time. One must go. Nerlens Noel is the one most likely to be traded as he possesses more defensive ability than Okafor and has continuously talked about his unhappiness in Philly. The Sixers will get more in return for Noel than Okafor. However, the Sixers can boost Okafor’s trade value by giving him more playing time, something he has severely lacked coming off a strong rookie showing.
Rajon Rondo, Dwyane Wade, or Jimmy Butler (Chicago Bulls):
The Bulls are slowly self- destructing. Rondo went off in a nInstagram post clearly throwing shade at D. Wade and J. Butler. The coach has since thought about trading Rondo or simply buying him out. He also held a meeting where the younger Bulls players expressed their concern with Wade’s work ethic and his practice habits (or lack thereof). As of now the main focus is on Rondo and figuring out what to do with him. I expect him to be out of Chicago very soon. If the Bulls want to start over then they should keep Butler and trade the other two, but then again they would get the most value out of Butler. It’s a tough call in Chicago, but I believe the Bulls are secretly looking into every option and seeing who they can get for anyone on their roster, including Jimmy Butler.
DeMarcus Cousins (Sacramento Kings):
Boogie!! Who doesn’t love this guy? I feel bad for him. The man puts his heart and soul into this game and Sacramento can’t win a game. He does get his technicals, but he’s just so fed up with losing. It’s time to trade him. They can get a lot of talent in return that can push this team to win more or begin the rebuilding process. Holding onto Boogie like this is useless. They are not progressing with him and he is only getting older. Stop wasting time and move the big man.
Brandon Knight or Eric Bledsoe (Phoenix Suns):
The Suns should make one of these guys available. They are still losing and have young players who should get more minutes to develop. Knight is the second highest paid player on the team and is coming off the bench. It is time to switch things up in Phoenix. Trade Brandon and ride with Eric.
Ricky Rubio (Minnesota Timberwolves):
Ricky Rubio can pass the ball. That’s all. His overall play has slowed down and Minnesota has two younger guards in Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn who are ready for more minutes. Ricky’s time in Minnesota is coming to an end, but LaVine’s recent injury may take him off the market as the Wolves will be struggling to find other guards qualified enough to replace LaVine until he returns, at least until the offseason.
Goran Dragic (Miami Heat):
Miami Lost Lebron. Miami Lost Bosh. Miami Lost Wade. They have no one left except for Whiteside, their current franchise cornerstone. The team has experienced some recent success with the emergence of Waiters Island, but Goran Dragic can get the Heat some needed players or picks that can (seriously) start the rebuilding process.
