The trade deadline is fast approaching and the rumor mill will begin to churn even more. Many teams (some deserving, others not so much) are still in the playoff hunt. The surprising Suns are definitely going to be buyers. Here are some possible trade candidates.
Omer Asik
Asik supposedly had a deadline back in December of when he had to be traded by the Rockets, but I’m not buying it. He is a rim protector that can score the basketball. Last season he set career highs with 10 points and 11 rebounds per game. Big men are hard to come by and I’m sure one team will be calling the Rockets’ phones. Right now, he is nursing a sore knee but is looking to return to play Saturday night.
Potential landing spots: Celtics, Knicks, Trail Blazers
Thaddeus Young
The lanky lefty has 1 year and a player option left on his current deal. His value is high right now and the 76ers are looking to capitalize. The problem is that they’re trying to get 1st round picks for the 2014 draft and teams are very reluctant to give that up. The Suns have shown interest in Young and they have the 1st round picks to pull off the trade.
Potential landing spots: Suns, Lakers, Rockets
Evan Turner/Spencer Hawes
Heck, the whole 76ers roster is on the block besides MCW and Nerlens Noel. Turner is a great distributor whose offensive game hasn’t progressed as well in the NBA. The Clippers have been eager to upgrade their SF position seeing as Jared Dudley has been horrible. Potential landing spots for Turner are the Bobcats, Hawks, and Clippers. Spencer Hawes probably has the best chance of being traded since he is an offensively skilled big man. Much like Asik, I expect the same teams to try to pry Hawes away from the 76ers.
Dion Waiters
Waiters has been a cancer to the Cavaliers locker room. Sources say that he took off his jersey at halftime during a recent game and threatened not to play. He even got kicked out of practice and played his regular minutes the next game. What a mess. Waiters has been linked to Chicago (not sure why?). He would like to be traded to the 76ers because he thinks he can be a “star.”
Potential landing spots: Bulls, Bobcats, 76ers, Grizzlies, and Warriors
Pau Gasol
Gasol may not be his young self anymore, but he can still contribute to a championship contender. He’s dealing with a groin injury and teams will want to see how he responds. The Lakers need draft picks badly, and the Suns have the picks to give. Look for a deal to eventually to get done. Something to the tune of Emeka Okafor, Archie Goodwin, and a 1st round pick for Gasol would be my guess.
Potential landing spot: Suns
Greg Monroe
There has been talk of Josh Smith trade rumors (every year), but Monroe is more likely to get traded. Smith’s massive contract is almost impossible to move. He’s also struggling at the 3 and Andre Drummond is cemented into the 5. Since Greg is a restricted FA this offseason, it could leave him the odd man out. The Wizards have been heavily linked to Monroe, but have been reluctant to include Bradley Beal in any deal.
Potential land spots: Wizards, Suns
Arron Afflalo
Afflalo is having a career year and it’s coming at the right time. The Magic are going nowhere and have Victor Oladipo waiting in the wings to take over the starting shooting guard position. Afflalo has shown that he can score in a variety of ways and could certainly help any playoff contender. Look for a Western Conference team to acquire him. It should be mentioned that the Grizzlies will be in the market for a small forward.
Potential landing spots: Grizzlies, Clippers, Spurs
Rajon Rondo
Rondo’s name will most likely be the biggest name in amidst the trade rumors. I’m not quite sure he wants to be a part of a rebuilding project and has said he’d like to play for the Knicks (why?). The team is holding out hope they can somehow package players to entice Danny Ainge to pull the trigger. I doubt the Knicks can piece together a package that the Celtics would like. However, crazier trades have happened.
Potential landing spots: Knicks