NBA Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz on Players Likely on the Move Before Deadline
It seems this time of year is filled with plenty of speculation when it comes to NBA trades, but which players are actually going to be traded?
People are interested in the stars who could change teams, regardless of how unlikely a proposed trade may be. In fact, this might be the first time in a decade Pau Gasol doesn't end up in any rumors after happily signing with the Chicago Bulls this past summer.
While there will certainly be discussions about All-Stars changing teams, here is a look at some more likely deals that will go down. There is still a lot to be decided, but these men have a good chance of being traded in the coming weeks.
Norris Cole, Miami Heat
After a few years of providing little more than a spark off the bench for the Miami Heat, Norris Cole is a wanted man around the league.
An injury to Kemba Walker has forced the Charlotte Hornets to search for a potential replacement at the position, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports:
That being said, general manager Rich Cho told Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer, “I think one of the worst things you can do is lose (draft) picks and flexibility and then get caught in a corner."
This doesn't mean the Hornets will avoid making a deal, but they might want to stay out of the market for a star and instead look at a smaller replacement like Cole.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons are also looking for a point guard after losing Brandon Jennings to injury. Chris Haynes of the Northeast Ohio Media Group reported they are also considering a deal for Cole.
Detroit coach Stan Van Gundy explained (via Haynes) there is an immediate need for help but the organization must still remain cautious:
"We definitely got to get a third point guard, there's no question. To go out and get a guy who would be a huge difference maker, you probably have to give up something that would hurt you down the road.
We're not in panic time here. We're not going to do that and be sitting here in the summer kicking ourselves for trying to do something short-term that would hurt us in the long-term.
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It seems both teams would benefit from a player like Cole, who plays great defense and is capable of creating offense for himself despite his recent slump. The fact that he won't cost as much as an established starter at the position is even better.
In the weak Eastern Conference, this addition could be at least enough to secure a playoff spot for either team.
Tayshaun Prince, Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics acquired Tayshaun Prince as part of a three-team trade that sent away Jeff Green, and it seems even the Celtics didn't know what they were going to do with him.
Before he started suiting up for his new team, Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald reported general manager Danny Ainge had to discuss the options with the veteran player:
Prince seemed to like his surroundings enough to stay with Boston for now, although it remains to be seen what the next move will be.
Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald noted the coaching staff might want the small forward to stick around for the rest of the season, but still quoted league sources who said, "the Celts would still like to move Prince for a draft pick before the Feb. 19 NBA trade deadline."
As far as potential destinations are concerned, Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times explained why the Los Angeles Clippers would be a good fit, saying they "are currently without a true backup small forward and would be among the teams interested in adding Prince, 34, if he becomes available."
Bleacher Report's Sean Highkin even joked that Prince's recent 19-point effort in a win over the Utah Jazz was to impress his future team:
Boston could decide to keep him, but it makes more sense for a team in contention for a championship to give up a late draft pick for someone who can make a difference in the playoffs.
Derrick Williams, Sacramento Kings
Despite being far out of playoff contention, the Sacramento Kings are apparently set on being buyers at the deadline and willing to trade away some of their young talent.
According to Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders, the organization had previously been linked to Rajon Rondo and Josh Smith. While neither of these deals were completed, they clearly want to bring in a potential difference-maker this season.
Kennedy adds: "League sources say they have been shopping Derrick Williams, but [Nik] Stauskas was recently reported to be available as well. When there’s a team that is aggressively looking to make a trade and has attractive assets to pull one off, usually that means a deal will happen before the deadline. Keep an eye on the Kings."
A potential deal involving Nik Stauskas is interesting based on the fact he was selected with the No. 8 pick of the most recent draft. Still, just because he is available doesn't mean the team will want to make a deal that essentially gives up on the young talent.
On the other hand, Williams has shown just about everything you could see. The No. 2 overall pick was considered a bust in his years with the Minnesota Timberwolves, but his PER has amazingly dropped from 13.5 in just over two seasons with his first team to 12.0 in 105 games in Sacramento.
Neither of these numbers are considered even average, meaning the Kings would be smart to make a deal while other teams still think he has reclamation potential.
Williams has gotten some more playing time in recent weeks, although this seems to be more of a showcase than a real chance. Expect the forward to be on another team before the end of February.
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