Buying or Selling Latest 2015 NBA Rumors Entering February
The 2015 NBA trade deadline is a mere two weeks away. Rumors have been swirling regarding players of all calibers, but the question is: How many of these teased transactions will actually come to fruition?
Although there's no crystal ball to tell us the future, it's time to play a little game of "buy or sell." Are you buying that Brook Lopez could be on the move? How about Michael Carter-Williams, or any of the numerous other players who have been victims of the rumor mill?
We've already seen big names swap teams this season, and there's a chance we're not done with significant moves just yet. The playoff picture is becoming more clear as the year progresses, and moves made before the Feb. 19 deadline could prove crucial to the final standings for both conferences.
Brook Lopez
1 of 10
Once upon a time, the Brooklyn Nets were in serious discussions with the Oklahoma City Thunder regarding Brook Lopez. According to ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard, Lopez and Kendrick Perkins were the centerpieces of a potential deal that could have taken place in mid-January.
Although the transaction would have helped Brooklyn in terms of salary, the return talent scared the team away. As a Nets source told Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, "There was nothing we liked."
With the Thunder seemingly out of the picture, there are still likely to be suitors for the talented big man. This includes the Denver Nuggets, who are looking to acquire Lopez for J.J. Hickson and JaVale McGee, according to ESPN's Marc Stein.
Here's the problem: The Nets aren't going to like what they're offered from just about anybody. Teams are hesitant to give up significant pieces with Lopez's injury history—not to mention his current contract—and Stein noted in the same report that the Nets were "firm in their refusal to take it," referring to the Nuggets' offer.
As Broussard noted in his column above, Lopez is no stranger to rumors. '"I've been on the trade block for six-and-a-half years now," the center said. "So it's no big deal."'
Six-plus years of hearing rumors can't be fun, but Lopez has learned to block it out. Chances are, this season's trade gossip will end up like years' past.
Much ado about nothing.
Sell
Jamal Crawford
2 of 10
On Jan. 27, ESPNLosAngeles.com's Arash Markazi stated that, "[Jamal] Crawford is often mentioned in trade talks because he's the only real asset the Clippers have outside the starting lineup and his contract is one of the more attractive ones in the NBA."
Markazi isn't wrong. The Los Angeles Clippers don't have many traditional trade assets, and that makes Crawford a victim of their constant search to add depth and versatility.
All that said, the sixth man is far from expendable, as Markazi notes when he states, "They would have to get a lot in return for the reigning Sixth Man of the Year and current NBA leader in bench scoring."
Unless a deal comes along that the Clips simply can't refuse, don't believe that Crawford could be on the move. He's averaging 15.7 points in 26 minutes per game, and his player efficiency rating (PER) of 17.7 is fourth on the roster, according to ESPN.com.
Sell
Lance Stephenson
3 of 10
The Charlotte Hornets have been disappointed with Lance Stephenson. The 24-year-old's stats have dropped across the board since joining the roster (with the exception of a slight increase in assists), and the team has already discussed trading him in the middle of his first season with the organization.
As Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer stated back on Jan. 16:
"A trade that would have sent Charlotte Hornets shooting guard Lance Stephenson to the Brooklyn Nets has been put on hold, an informed NBA source told the Observer early Friday.
The Hornets, Nets and Oklahoma City Thunder were discussing a deal that would have sent Stephenson to the Nets, Brook Lopez to the Thunder and various parts to the Hornets. It appeared close Thursday night, but the Nets pulled back Friday, putting any discussions on hold.
"
The important part of this report comes at the end. Brooklyn bailed on the transaction—not Charlotte.
As Bleacher Report's Adam Fromal wrote shortly after, "It wasn't the Hornets who were backing out of this trade. They were perfectly willing to part ways with the 2-guard who's proved himself a poor fit next to Kemba Walker."
Look for the Hornets to continue shopping their once "prized signing" (per John Bauman of Fansided) from the offseason.
Buy
Michael Carter-Williams
4 of 10
It's not often you see a former Rookie of the Year dealing with trade rumors in just his second season. However, that's exactly what Michael Carter-Williams is going through as we enter February 2015.
In a recent interview with CineSport's Noah Coslov, The Philadelphia Inquirer's Bob Ford stated, "I think [the Philadelphia 76ers are] trying to deal him right now. I wouldn't be surprised if Michael Carter-Williams were traded before the deadline."
Although it's safe to say no one on Philly's roster is safe, Carter-Williams being traded seems like a long shot for two reasons. For starters, Tony Wroten's ACL injury makes the second-year guard less expendable, even in another rebuilding year.
The other reason comes from a recent online chat with ESPN.com's Chad Ford. As Ford stated, "I think the challenge right now is that the Sixers will want a lot in return, and MCW's play, to date this season, hasn't warranted multiple first-round picks for him. That makes him tough to deal."
They say beggars can't be choosers, but the truth is, the Sixers have the luxury of being picky.
They're not trying to make the postseason right away, and if the right deal doesn't come along, there's no pressure for them to pull the trigger.
Sell
Miles Plumlee
5 of 10
According to ESPN.com's Marc Stein, the Phoenix Suns are shopping Miles Plumlee. The question is: Will they get what they're looking for?
In Stein's own words, "The Suns are believed to be seeking at least one future first-round pick for the 26-year-old, who was selected 26th overall by Indiana in the 2012 draft, one year before brother Mason was selected No. 22 overall by Brooklyn in the 2013 draft."
Is Plumlee (Phoenix edition) going to attract the kind of suitor the Suns are looking for? It's possible, but there isn't any hard evidence out there that there's a single franchise willing to give up "at least one future first-round pick."
At this point in the process, Phoenix can look to improved performance from Alex Len as a reason to part with Plumlee for less than what it's asking. The Brandan Wright acquisition is another reason to believe Plumlee isn't worth what Phoenix is hoping for.
The Suns aren't exactly showcasing their third-year big man, as his minutes have been sporadic at best over the last three or four weeks. Look for Phoenix to hold out until the deadline, but don't be shocked if it gives into the best deal available come Feb. 19.
Buy
Mo Williams
6 of 10
Mo Williams has become something of a journeyman late in his career. He's played for four teams in the past four seasons, and if you believe rumors, he may be moving again before the deadline.
According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the veteran point guard could be made available if Minnesota receives what it's looking for. Stein notes the goal is to acquire a draft pick, and Darren Wolfson of 1500ESPN believes the Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers could be in the running.
Despite the speculation, Sean Deveney of Sporting News has a source that believes there's "almost zero chance" Minnesota makes a deal of any kind before Feb. 19. For this reason, don't expect Williams to go anywhere before the deadline.
But while we're selling the idea of a trade, don't be surprised if the 32-year-old finds himself on a new roster by the end of the year. A buyout could be in his future, according to Nick Borges of ESPN.com, which could land him with a playoff team before season's end.
Sell
Pablo Prigioni
7 of 10
Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv and NBA.com recently reported that the New York Knicks would be willing to trade Pablo Prigioni for a second-round pick. In his own words, "He's not playing now & not part of the future."
Although Prigioni, a 37-year-old point guard halfway through his third season, doesn't move the needle for franchises the same way other trade candidates do, there's at least one organization that could use his services. As reported by NBC Sports' Dan Feldman:
"The Cavaliers, reportedly in the market for a veteran point guard, could use him. They still have a second rounder left to deal — the lower of Chicago’s and Portland’s this year, though they likely won’t have another until 2020 — but matching salaries could be tricky. Perhaps, New York could do better, but the league is deep with point guards, and Jordan Farmar and Nate Robinson are free agents.
"
Feldman continued by stating, "The Knicks’ focus should be on developing young players and maximizing 2015 cap room. Trading Prigioni for whatever draft pick they can get would help accomplish both."
A buyout is possible if Prigioni survives the trade deadline, but if Cleveland (or any other team) offers a future asset, the Knicks would be foolish to turn it down.
Buy
Reggie Jackson
8 of 10
When it comes to Reggie Jackson, the writing has been on the wall for quite some time.
Jackson, a fourth-year guard out of Boston College, has endured trade rumors before. He survived 2013-14 without being dealt, but the Oklahoma City Thunder's recent acquisition of Dion Waiters should put this drama to rest.
As stated by ESPN.com's Royce Young, "Jackson hasn't been shy about his desired role. He's made it abundantly clear over and over again that he wants to be a starter. He wants the captaincy of a team, the responsibility of being the primary option."
As unlikely as it seemed Jackson would get his wish before Waiters arrived, it now looks downright impossible.
Chemistry has also been an issue for Jackson and his teammates. After noting that he was nearly dealt to the Denver Nuggets earlier this season, Frank Isola of the New York Daily News reported that "[Kevin] Durant is not a big fan of the free-agent-to-be guard."
Isola reports that the New York Knicks have interest in Jackson, and Jordan Webb of HNGN.com speculates that the Houston Rockets could also look his way. The 24-year-old has a bright future ahead; it just won't be with OKC.
Buy
Tayshaun Prince
9 of 10
When the Boston Celtics traded Jeff Green to the Memphis Grizzlies, it was clear Tayshaun Prince, who was acquired in the deal, was a short-term solution.
At 34 years old, Prince isn't going to help this team build toward the future. He's not the veteran piece a young team needs to get over the hump, and he's certainly not a hungry prospect looking to earn minutes on a losing roster.
Although these ideas still apply seven games into Prince's Celtics career, Steve Bulpett of BostonHerald.com explains why he might not be moved before the Feb. 19 deadline.
"According to league sources," Bulpett stated, "the Celts would still like to move Prince for a draft pick before the Feb. 19 NBA trade deadline."
But as Bulpett continued, "[...] Brad Stevens has taken a strong liking to Prince, who had four points in 17 minutes in [Jan. 23's] 100-99 win against the Nuggets. It’s fair to assume he may lobby to keep him on the squad the rest of the season if he is not traded."
As much as Stevens likes him, expect Prince to look at a buyout if a deal doesn't go through. It's unknown as to what his value currently is on the market, but it's safe to say teams are going to be more interested in a free-agent negotiation than wheeling and dealing before Feb. 19.
Sell
Wilson Chandler, Arron Afflalo
10 of 10
Bleacher Report's Dan Favale perfectly summed up the state of the Denver Nuggets:
"Stuck in the middle of nowhere and having already flipped Timofey Mozgov for two first-round picks, the Nuggets must finally begin the rebuild they've evaded since Carmelo Anthony left. Wilson Chandler and Arron Afflalo are hot property as proven three-and-D contributors, and both could be worth a first-rounder to the right contender.
"
Putting his analysis in perspective, Favale continued, "Interest in win-now gimmicks must subside. The Nuggets have been linked to Brook Lopez, according to The Denver Post's Christopher Dempsey, and Reggie Jackson, per the New York Daily News' Frank Isola, neither of whom make sense."
If the Nuggets are truly interested in building toward the future, Chandler and Afflalo are perfect trade candidates. They're hardly franchise pieces, but they're solid role players who could help numerous contenders raise their game.
With playoffs out of the question, neither acquiring salary nor acquiring second-tier stars makes sense. Denver needs to rebuild the right way, which includes conceding wins now for future assets.
Buy
