With a quarter of the season already gone, we all have a pretty good idea of where each team is headed in the future. LeBron’s Heattles look like a two time champion, but Paul George and the Pacers look like they can challenge them. The Bulls are missing Derrick Rose, again. The Clippers and Nets are having trouble meshing, but eventually I think they will get it together. Finally, the Celtics, Bucks, and Bobcats are just plain ugly and are in the hunt for the #1 overall pick.
Along with where teams are right now, you might notice that perhaps a few players could be traded within the next 2 months. Here’s a list of who has a chance of being dealt.
Kyle Lowry
Lowry has become expendable with the addition of Grevis Vazquez. Being an unrestricted free agent next year, there are rumors that the Knicks are preparing an offer for him and will send Metta World Peace, Raymond Felton, and a 2018 1st round pick for Lowry. If anything, this will allow Lowry to exploit his game for a payday this summer and it allows the Knicks to rid themselves of Metta.
Omer Asik
Asik had bad luck when Dwight Howard decided to join the Rockets. Omer was coming off a productive year and just needed to play in order to keep developing. Omer has had a tough time getting playing time and the Rockets have vowed to trade him by December 19th. One place that makes sense is the 76ers. They rank last in opponents points per game at 109.3 points. They are also 22nd in opponent’s points per game in the paint. Asik would provide a big presence in the middle to lower those numbers. Asik would be a huge sleeper in Fantasy Basketball Money Leagues.
Dion Waiters
Waiters has been playing horrendous in the last 3 of his 4 games. Other than a 30 point fluke, he scored 6 points or fewer in those 3 games. Waiters doesn’t get along with Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson. He claims that they play “buddy ball.” He simply hasn’t lived up to the #4 overall status that was unfairly put on him. A team that could be looking for his services would be the Bulls. They lack a scoring guard thanks to the bad luck of Derrick Rose. Waiters is light years away from Rose but it would be an upgrade over Marquis Teague, who was briefly in the D-League.
Jason Thompson
After acquiring Derrick Williams, Jason Thompson may have become expendable by the Kings. Williams is expected to start along with Rudy Gay, which leaves Thompson the odd man out. He is overpriced based off of his production (7.5 points and 5.7 rebounds). A couple teams that could bite are the Magic and the Heat. The Magic are 26th in the league in points per game in the paint. They might be able to dangle Glen Davis for Thompson. You can’t rule out the Heat, either. They have been exposed by bigger teams in the Pistons and the Pacers. The key to beating them is to be physical and have a bigger lineup. It would be hard to match up salaries, but I wouldn’t put anything against Mr. Riley.
Carmelo Anthony
Yes, I’m predicting that we’re going to have another ‘Melo Saga. I don’t think the Knicks can afford to lose him to free agency. I think the Knicks will look at what the Jazz did with Deron Williams and the Nuggets with Carmelo. Each team got pieces back that didn’t make them hit the cellar. If the Knicks do end up keeping Carmelo, I simply don’t see him staying. Having the chance to play with Kobe, competing for a championship, AND getting max money is too much to pass up. He would definitely be the next big thing for the Laker after Kobe retires. The problem is who is going to want to rent him? The Grizzlies would be interesting. They have lacked a scoring forward ever since the Rudy Gay trade to the Raptors. Zach Randolph could be a match. He owns a player option for $17.8 million, which he will certainly pick up, for next season. The Grizzlies are near the bottom in scoring per game, as well. A Zach Randolph, Jamaal Franklin, and 1st round pick for Carmelo