NBA Trade Rumors: 3 Expiring Contracts Possibly on the Move

With the NBA trade deadline a little more than one month away, general managers are likely in the process of targeting potential trade pieces as the season rolls along.

Specifically, expiring contracts are in demand as big-name players enter the final year of their respective contracts. And since they come off the salary cap at the end of the season, it is financially beneficial for teams to acquire them.

Listed on the following slides are the names of three players (currently playing for teams in the Eastern Conference) who hold expiring contracts and could see themselves on different teams by the deadline.

Let’s get started!

Boris Diaw, Charlotte Bobcats

Boris Diaw has struggled this season and has not been in shape, but the French forward/center still can play an all-around game (averaging 8.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game) and is a potential offensive mismatch that a playoff-bound team would be willing to take a chance on.

The hope is that Diaw will play like he did when he was a member of the Phoenix Suns a few years ago.

Diaw’s ultimate bonus is that when he is playing at the center spot, he puts pressure on his defender to step out of the painted area due to his ability to shoot the three and roam the perimeter.

Mehmet Okur, New Jersey Nets

Mehmet Okur was brought in from the Utah Jazz before the start of the season and has appeared in 17 games this season as a Net. After dealing with injuries during the last two years with the Jazz, Okur is ready to become a contributor again.

A center who can shoot the three is something that playoff-bound teams may turn to when trying to add some pieces to their offensive arsenal. Okur would be a great addition to a team looking to add some offensive firepower to its bench.

Ronny Turiaf, Washington Wizards

Ronny Turiaf, known for his hustle and energy off the bench, is a legit NBA big man that can play at both the power-forward and center spots. Currently out with a wrist/finger injury (and appearing in only four games with the Wizards), Turiaf is most likely not in the team's future plans.

Turiaf arrived in Washington from the New York Knicks as part of a three-team trade that also involved the Dallas Mavericks. He would be a great addition to a team looking to add some size in the frontcourt, and when healthy, can be a great role player whose energy is contagious on the basketball court.