Lance Stephenson
Lance Stephenson has professed his love for the Brooklyn Nets, but they haven’t felt the same towards him. “It would be a blessing [to play in Brooklyn],” Stephenson said. “But right now, Charlotte, that’s what I’m doing right now.” He is coming off a career year with average of 13.8 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists with the Indiana Pacers. He signed a deal with the Hornet this past off-season for 2 years $18 million and a team option for a third year. He simply has not jelled with the team and its core leaders, Kemba Walker and Al Jefferson. On the season, his assist numbers are up from last year, but that can be attributed to the injuries to Kemba Walker. Along with that, his +/- on the season is -4.6. Coach Clifford has sat Stephenson multiple times in the fourth quarter due to lack of ball movement and spacing on the floor. A deal can would benefit both sides.
Potential Suitors: Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, Brooklyn Nets
Arron Afflalo
Contrary to Lance Stephenson, Arron Afflalo hasn’t done anything detriment to the Nuggets. The team is not going to make the playoffs, and he could yield them assets to build for the future. There have been rumors that Coach Brian Shaw has lost the locker room, and new players could reshape the culture in Denver. On the season, Afflalo is averaging 14.5 points per game – his lowest since the 2010-11 season. His defense hasn’t waivered, though. According to NBA.com, Affalo’s matchups have shot 2.1% worse from the field against him than they do on the season.
Potential Suitors: Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls
Goran Dragic and Isiah Thomas
The Suns are in a predicament with their two point guards. Goran Dragic is due to hit free agency this offseason and Isiah Thomas was just signed to a 4 year $27 million contract. Dragic would be the player that comes to mind as the most likeliest to be dealt, but according to Marc Stein of ESPN, the Suns would rather trade Isiah Thomas because he tends to be ball dominant. Dragic has been linked to the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers, as well. Trades to those teams would make sense as they have had trouble with their starting point guards’ production. Thomas would be traded to provide his next team as a Sixth Man ideally. No teams have been leaked to him, however.
Potential Suitors for Dragic: Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets
Enes Kanter
Anyone who plays fantasy basketball rushed to pick up Rudy Gobert after his coming out block party. That left Enes Kanter to sit. Coming out of Kentucky, Kanter was supposed to be a dominant force. He plays 29 minutes per game and is frustrated with empty promises made by head coach, Tyrone Corbin. Utah has 19 wins on the season and has not shot at making the playoffs. Still, Kanter is in only his third season and would bring back a good package for Utah to keep rebuilding. As far as a potential suitor, no teams or leaked stories have come out about Kanter, but teams like the Wizards and Clippers could use some rebounding from the big man.