25 NBA Trades That Will Go Down Before the Deadline
By Michael Terrill
@MichaelTerrill
25 NBA Trades That Will Go Down Before the Deadline
Even though the NBA trade deadline is still a couple of months away, it’s still never too early to start discussing possible trades. If the general managers throughout the league have already contacted each other about possible deals, there is no reason why we can’t brainstorm some ideas as well.
Omer Asik is the hottest name in trade rumors at the moment, which is why his name will be featured frequently. That brings up the point that although this slideshow is all about specific trades that are expected to be go down, it still has possible deals that involves the same player. For instance, Asik is speculated to be traded to one team, while he also is rumored to be involved in a three-team trade with another. The fact that he is practically guaranteed to be dealt prior to the NBA trade deadline is why it is okay for him to be mentioned multiple times.
Even though there are several teams that are assumed to be open to shop players, the fact that it will be a seller’s market makes it that much harder to come up with accurate trade possibilities. Obviously, the Milwaukee Bucks should be sellers at the deadline, especially if they continue with the worst record in the league. However, it’s hard to imagine what teams will take on their questionable players.
Make sure to click through the slideshow to see 25 NBA trades that will go down before the deadline. Also, make sure to comment below on whether you believe the deals will happen or if there are other trades you would like to see go down.
Kevin Love to Los Angeles Lakers
Kevin Love is expected to stay with the Minnesota Timberwolves past the conclusion of next season. In fact, the man really isn’t enjoying his time in Minnesota right now, which means there’s a very good possibility that he will be dealt at the trade deadline. The most obvious place for him to go is the Los Angeles Lakers. That’s the team he has hinted that he intends to sign with when he becomes a free agent in 2015. The Lakers have several pieces they are willing to move, especially for someone of Love’s talent.
Joakim Noah to Portland Trailblazers
The Chicago Bulls are dissembling, which means Luo Deng will not be the last person to go before it’s all said and done. One really can’t blame the team for tanking. There’s no identity without the star players. Joakim Noah could very well be the next person to get dealt, which means there will be several different organizations that will speak up about him. One in particular that seems eager is the Portland Trailblazers.
Joakim Noah to Boston Celtics
If Noah to Portland doesn’t fall through, don’t be surprised if the Boston Celtics get in on the action. It’s been rumored that Celtics general manager Danny Ainge is interested in making a splash at the deadline, and a trade for Noah would definitely do the trick. I understand the Celtics would be crazy to give up draft picks for Noah considering it’s such a deep draft and the team is currently hovering around the bottom of the Eastern Conference. However, Noah could do wonders for Boston going forward.
Arron Affalo to Toronto Raptors
The Orlando Magic have been quiet about the possibility of trading Arron Affalo. The thing with that is Affalo is having a career year in a season where the Magic are going nowhere. The organization would be crazy not to consider dealing Affalo, for the right price that is. The good news is the Toronto Raptors are eager to get the engine running at the trade deadline. Even though the fan base appreciates the team in the fourth side, that doesn’t mean management won’t break the team up for the right player. A package deal that includes Terrence Ross could be in the works over the next few weeks.
Mike Dunleavy to Houston Rockets
Once again, the Bulls have the look of a team ready to give up on the season and clean house. Mike Dunleavy could be one of four Chicago players getting ready to take a hike. The good news for the Bulls is that they should get something decent in return for the sharpshooter. Houston Rockets forward/center Donatas Motiejunas has stated he wants out of Houston, which means Dunleavy would be a perfect trade. Of course, the Rockets would have to give up more than just Motiejunas in the deal. However, it would be worth it because Dunleavy would be a great backup for James Harden.
David Lee to Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder need offense and the Golden State Warriors need defense. For that reason, David Lee to the Thunder for Serge Ibaka appears to be a trade that both teams could agree to, especially since both would benefit greatly in their own way. Even better, the contracts match up so it’s a deal that wouldn’t be too hard to pull off.
Ben Gordon to Los Angeles Lakers
Ben Gordon is on the trade block. The Charlotte Bobcats have reportedly talked to several teams about a deal for the guard, which is why there will be two options in this slideshow for Gordon. The first one will be Gordon and a draft pick to the Los Angeles Lakers for Pau Gasol. The Lakers want to get rid of Gasol, and even though they want an All-Star caliber guard in return, a solid draft pick should sweeten the deal.
J.R. Smith to Charlotte Bobcats
The second trade option for Gordon is the New York Knicks. It was revealed that the Knicks are very interested in trading J.R. Smith. However, there aren’t many teams that will take a chance on him, especially since he has put forth such a dismal season. The good news for New York is that Charlotte is one team that would be willing to roll the dice.
Kirk Hinrich to Golden State Warriors
The Warriors appear on this list again. It’s been revealed that Golden State is very interested in acquiring as many pieces as possible in order to make a deep postseason run. It’s hard to say which players the organization would be willing to part ways with in order to get the necessary deals done. However, the fact that the Chicago Bulls appear determined to get rid of Kirk Hinrich means it won’t take much for Golden State to land him.
Anthony Morrow to Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are one of the best defensive teams in the league. In fact, if they conquer the Eastern Conference it will be because of just that. However, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to have a player that can knock down shots from the outside, which is exactly what Anthony Morrow would give them. On top of that, the Pacers would be able to get rid of Chris Copeland, which could be a need for the New Orleans Pelicans depending on what else happens before the trade deadline.
Andre Miller to Oklahoma City Thunder
It’s no secret that the Denver Nuggets are determined to move Andre Miller prior to the trade deadline. There are several teams that have already shown interest, but don’t be surprised if the Thunder is the organization that eventually lands him. Oklahoma City needs some experience at the guard position, especially with Russell Westbrook out for several more weeks. Miller hasn’t been all that productive this season, but experience is definitely something he has on his resume. One player the Nuggets would like in return is defensive specialist Thabo Sefolosha, who is someone the Thunder can afford to part with.
Gary Neal to Minnesota Timberwolves
Gary Neal has already worn out his welcome with the Bucks, which probably isn’t a huge deal for him considering how bad the team is. Look for Milwaukee to trade Neal to the Minnesota Timberwolves at the deadline. The Bucks and Timberwolves had done enough deals over the years to have a smooth transaction in one of the busiest times of the year in the NBA. Minnesota can give up several pieces to match Neal’s salary, including a draft pick. At this point, Milwaukee will take whatever they can get.
Jimmer Fredette to Denver Nuggets
The Sacramento Kings are determined to acquire Miller in a trade, so much so that they are willing to deal Jimmer Fredette and a future second round draft pick. There’s no question Miller is on his way out the door. It’s just a matter of which team will trade for him.
Jodie Meeks to San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs have an abundance of point guards, and what they need is another talented shooter. For that reason, the Spurs will trade Cory Joseph to the Lakers for Jodie Meeks. Meeks has been on fire from beyond the arc this season and is converting 44 percent of his shot attempts.
Nazr Mohammed to Los Angeles Clippers
As I already stated, it’s become evidently clear that the Bulls are prepared to save some money in a season that is all but lost. That means they would have no issue in trading Nazr Mohammed to the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers need someone that can control the middle defensively, which is exactly what Mohammed does. In return, Chicago would receive Reggie Bullock, who has the potential to be an outstanding shooting guard down the road.
Ryan Anderson to Memphis Grizzlies
It’s no secret that Ryan Anderson wants off the New Orleans Pelicans so it’s just a matter of time until he’s traded. Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies are shopping Zach Randolph and have shown plenty of interest in Anderson. This is a deal that could very well happen sooner than later.
Omer Asik to Boston and Jeff Green to Cleveland in 3-Team Trade
There’s no question Asik is going to get dealt, it’s just a matter of which team will take on his expensive contract. One rumor that is circulating is a three-team trade that would send Asik to the Boston Celtics, Jeff Green to the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Houston Rockets would get a future first-round draft pick. Cleveland always had an interest in Green and Asik could make Boston a contender.
Omer Asik to Boston Celtics Straight Up
If the previous deal fell through then the Celtics could still get Asik straight up for Brandon Bass and Courtney Lee. As I said, many believe the acquisition of Asik would make Boston a legitimate threat in the Atlantic division, which is why no one should be surprised if they do indeed land him.
Rajon Rondo to Sacramento Kings
Even though the Celtics have denied the possible trade of Rajon Rondo, one thing we have learned over the years is don’t listen to general managers in the months leading up to the trade deadline. Anything is possible. It’s a known fact that the Sacramento Kings have heavy interest in Rondo, which why they would give up a huge packaged deal to get him. The rumor is that the Kings would give up Isaiah Thomas, Ben McLemore, Marcus Thornton, Jason Thompson and two first-round draft picks. It’s the kind of offer that Boston would be insane not to at least think over.
Danny Granger to New Orleans Pelicans
A deal that would see the Indiana Pacers send Danny Granger to the Pelicans for Eric Gordon has been discussed for quite some time. However, that doesn’t mean it still won’t happen. The fact that the Pacers are doing just fine without Granger means he’s expendable. Meanwhile, the Pelicans have shown interest in Granger and also have looked into trading Gordon.
Pau Gasol to Boston Celtics
Make no mistake about it. The Los Angeles Lakers are serious about trading Pau Gasol. With that being said, they will only do it if they get an All-Star-caliber point guard in return. Enter the Celtics and Rondo. Of course, the only way a deal like this would happen is if Boston sent an expensive expiring contract along with Rondo, such as that of Gerald Wallace. I’m not entirely sure if the Celtics would want to do this deal for obvious reasons. In fact, it’s the most out-there possible trade in the slideshow. However, don’t be surprised if a crazy deal such as this one happened.
Jameer Nelson to Golden State Warriors
The Orlando Magic has put Jameer Nelson on the trade block, along with a few other players on the roster. There are several possible options for Nelson but the Magic have been serious about getting a first-round draft pick in return for him. If that first-round pick can occur in 2015 then I fully expect the Golden State Warriors to pull the trigger. The Warriors need some depth behind Stephen Curry and Nelson is the man to provide it.
Greg Monroe to Philadelphia 76ers
Greg Monroe’s time with the Detroit Pistons is on the verge of being over. There are several different trade options that the Pistons can put together. With that being said, I believe one would be packaging Monroe, Charlie Villanueva and sending them to the Philadelphia 76ers for Thaddeus Young and Lavoy Allen. Both sides have been rumored to trade mentioned players. More importantly, the deal would benefit both teams.
Evan Turner to Cleveland Cavaliers
Obviously, if the previous trade goes down then there’s a good chance Evan Turner stays put. However, I believe if anyone gets traded from the 76ers before the deadline it will be Turner. It’s hard to say how much Philadelphia can get for him, and more importantly, what the right deal is. One option would be to trade Turner to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Dion Waiters and a draft pick. The Cavaliers have stated Waiters will not be traded, but at the same time, he just doesn’t mesh well with the team. Meanwhile, it’s hard to imagine the 76ers re-signing Turner, which is why he has to go.
Ryan Anderson to Houston Rockets
Just when you thought there would be no more talk about Asik he pops up one more time. There are heavy rumors suggesting the Rockets will trade Asik to the Pelicans for Anderson. This trade was rumored over the offseason and it appears to be gaining steam once again.
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