NBA Trade Rumors: Buzz on Deron Williams, Nik Stauskas and More
Some years it takes quite awhile for the NBA trade market to heat up. That's certainly not the case in 2015. A flurry of activity has already taken place, and there are plenty of rumors and speculation about more possible deals on the horizon.
The trade deadline isn't until Feb. 19. While that leaves plenty of time for front offices around the league to wheel and deal, they haven't been waiting to make moves. It points toward a highly entertaining stretch of off-court action for fans around the league.
Perhaps the only question is whether there will be some blockbusters thrown into the equation or if the deals will revolve around secondary assets. With that in mind, let's check out some of the latest buzz with about a month until deadline day.
Deron Williams' Price Tag Falling?
Williams is currently sidelined by a rib injury. Even before the ailment popped up, his numbers continued to trend in the wrong direction. He's averaging 14 points and six assists while shooting below 40 percent from the field, his lowest production since his rookie campaign.
While the Illinois product hasn't played up to his usual standards, a Brooklyn Nets system that just hasn't worked is also playing a role in his struggles.
A combination of that and his contract means another team could acquire him for a lesser trade package, as noted by John Schuhmann of NBA.com: "But Williams' contract goes past 2016 (he has an early termination option that summer), when the Nets hope to complete their transition with a free agent shopping spree. So you probably don't need to give up much to get him."
There was a four-year stretch earlier in Williams' career where he averaged a double-double. Any teams interested in potentially acquiring him would have to determine whether a trade could revitalize him enough to return to that level.
If not, then the veteran point guard isn't even worth trading for at the reduced price. It wouldn't be a surprise to see a resurgence outside of Brooklyn, though. The Nets may just have to wait to see if a team gets more desperate for a flashy move near the deadline.
Nik Stauskas Now Available
The Sacramento Kings invested the eighth overall pick in Stauskas, but the rookie out of Michigan has failed to make much of an impact. He's averaging less than four points per game and is shooting just 33 percent from the field, including a 27 percent clip from beyond the arc.
Ken Berger of CBS Sports reports the Kings were originally hesitant to discuss the shooting guard in any offers but are starting to consider it.
He states the team is focused on finding somebody to pair with DeMarcus Cousins up front: "Determined to find an upgrade to complement inside force DeMarcus Cousins, the Sacramento Kings are seeking frontcourt help in a trade and are willing to discuss first-round pick Nik Stauskas in the deal, league sources told CBSSports.com."
Stauskas admitted it's been a tough start. He told Vincent Goodwill Jr. of the Detroit News: "I realize this happens to a lot of great players. They come into the league and struggle because they don't have it all figured out. It's humbling, and I can only get better from here."
He's far more talented than his numbers indicate, especially from a pure shooting perspective. Although being traded so quickly is often tough for a rookie, he would benefit from moving to a team where he could get more minutes. It's an interesting situation to track in the weeks ahead.
Thaddeus Young on the Block
The Minnesota Timberwolves are clearly focused on building toward the future. They are the owners of the league's second-worst record, and there isn't an easy fix available. So they will probably be quite active leading up to the deadline.
Young is one player who may be sent packing as a result. Marc Stein of ESPN reports Young is definitely available as part of the process, and one team that's already shown some interest is the aforementioned Nets:
Normally a 26-year-old player isn't somebody who would be on the block as part of a rebuild. But he's one of the few assets who would possess value on the trade market whom the Wolves are still willing to deal. So it makes sense his name has popped up.
The fact the Nets are interested sticks with the theme that they are trying to revamp the roster rather than rebuild it. Young may be better suited going to a contender where he can carve out a niche role for himself and chase a title, though.
