NBA Trade Rumors: Latest Chatter Around the Association as Deadline Looms
The trade deadline is less than a week away (Thursday), and there figures to be plenty of moves before the dust settles.
After all, there seems to be a clear separation this year between those teams that have a chance to contend for an NBA title and those who would be better served building for the future. With that in mind, let’s dig into some of the latest chatter around the Association.
Jarrett Jack for Jason Terry?
Ken Berger of CBS alerts us that the Cleveland Cavaliers and Brooklyn Nets may be looking to swap some big names that have disappointed on the court this season:
Even though the Nets are certainly in competition for a playoff spot, they clearly recognize the value of future draft picks with the talent that is currently residing at the collegiate level. Moving Terry and acquiring Jack, who has struggled to match his early-season production in Cleveland, may be the best way to do that.
Ohm Youngmisuk and Marc Stein of ESPN.com had this to add to the rumor:
"But it's believed that the Cavs, if they decided to go ahead with such a move, would try to find a third team to absorb Terry's contract. Terry, 36, has one season left on his deal after this one at $5.85 million and is averaging just 4.5 points on 36.2 percent shooting in 16 minutes per game.
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It makes sense from Cleveland’s perspective to avoid paying Terry when Kyrie Irving, Dion Waiters and Luol Deng are all on the roster at guard and small forward.
Chase Budinger and J.J. Barea Could be on the Move
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports points out that there could be some movement between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Memphis Grizzlies:
"The Memphis Grizzlies are discussing a deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves centered on forward Chase Budinger and guard J.J. Barea, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
Memphis wants to include forward Tayshaun Prince into the package and the deal could be expanded to include guard Tony Allen, league sources told Yahoo Sports. Components of a proposed deal are still fluid.
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The report notes that Minnesota is looking to add defensive toughness to its roster in a late push for the postseason. Allen certainly fits that bill, although he has dealt with injuries for much of the season.
While Barea certainly has his upsides, the Timberwolves seem to think they can make the playoffs without the guard if this trade was the happen.
Eric Gordon on the Way Out?
Sean Deveney of Sporting News passes along the report that the New Orleans Pelicans have been trying to move Eric Gordon for the majority of the season.
It has been somewhat of an awkward fit with Tyreke Evans on the roster as well, and the Pelicans appear willing to move Gordon even though Jrue Holiday and Ryan Anderson have suffered injuries.
Gordon has two more years and $30 million remaining on his contract, so he isn’t an easy sell.
However, if we are to project ahead, there are few players that could be moved at the trade deadline with as much pure talent as the swingman, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if a contender took a chance on him.
Gordon’s natural scoring ability and versatility could fit right in with multiple playoff teams. If he does get moved, it could shape the postseason race in whichever conference he ends up in.
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