The Likeliest Player to Be Traded on Every NBA Team Going into 2015 Deadline
Here we go.
With the NBA's trade-deadline week upon us, wheeling and dealing is set to kick into high gear now that the Feb. 19 finish line looms large.
As the rumor mill starts churning at a frenetic pace, names such as Goran Dragic, Brook Lopez, Arron Afflalo and Lance Stephenson are all in play to be dealt.
But what chance, exactly, does each trade-block occupant have to be shipped out in the coming days? Well, we're glad you asked.
Over the course of the following examination, the likelihood of each team's most popular trade chips being sold will be analyzed and then assigned a numerical odd.
However, stockpiles of trade assets vary significantly on a team-by-team basis.
As a result, some teams are staring at more mundane deadlines, while others will be trying to offload expiring deals and pricey veterans at frenzied rates in hopes of acquiring assets or monetary wiggle room.
Eastern Conference Teams Unlikely to Part with Key Assets
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Atlanta Hawks
Nothing to see here. The Atlanta Hawks made their one small trade by unloading Adreian Payne to the Minnesota Timberwolves as a way to open up a roster spot. That means we're all on Ray Allen comeback and Gary Neal buyout watch.
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls have a championship-caliber roster. At this point, it's a matter of establishing some continuity following the All-Star break once Jimmy Butler, Joakim Noah and Mike Dunleavy are all back at full strength.
By all accounts, there's no significant move in play right now.
Detroit Pistons
Greg Monroe's name has been a popular one in this space for over a year, but according to The Detroit News' Bob Wojnowski, head coach Stan Van Gundy doesn't expect Monroe to be moved at the deadline in the midst of his post-Josh Smith renaissance.
And after point guard Brandon Jennings tore his Achilles, Van Gundy went out of his way to reiterate that the team won't be making any reactionary moves.
"We want to give ourselves every chance, so we want to get some help, but we won't mortgage anything in terms of the future," Van Gundy said, according to the Detroit Free Press' Vince Ellis. "We're not going to go out and give away assets, picks or anything like that. No, we're not gonna do that."
Indiana Pacers
According to Basketball Insiders' Steve Kyler, David West's name was tossed around as a potential upgrade for the Toronto Raptors at power forward.
But things have changed rather quickly on that front. According to Grantland's Zach Lowe, "There were rumblings about six weeks ago that the Pacers had made West available for a first-round pick, but those rumblings have quieted, and that price is probably too high."
To Lowe's point, West has a player option worth $12.6 million next season, which is an awful lot to part with for a first-round pick.
Milwaukee Bucks
Jason Kidd has a great thing going with his young Milwaukee Bucks, so making a rash move in the name of short-term improvement is counterintuitive right now.
If they can shed some long-term salary and acquire a young gun, that's another story entirely. According to The Journal Times' Gery Woelfel, Milwaukee has been continually linked to Nik Stauskas, but terms of a hypothetical swap remain elusive.
Toronto Raptors
As Kyler noted, Toronto has been doing its homework on potential frontcourt enhancements. However, Raptors players don't believe that's a necessary course of action.
“We have the veteran (leadership), we have the role players, we have the All-Stars, we have everything we need to be an elite team," Patrick Patterson said, according to the Toronto Sun's Ryan Wolstat. "So it’s just all about the will, all about the want, all about doing it. We have everything we need to be successful.”
With players vocalizing their willingness to keep the core intact, a shakeup would be unexpected.
Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards reportedly have interest in Denver point guard Jameer Nelson, according to Real GM's Shams Charania, but there hasn't been much buzz elsewhere.
With Bradley Beal sidelined due to another stress reaction in his right leg, Washington could really use another scorer to help pick up some slack. But since the Wizards are hard-capped and don't possess many tantalizing assets, it's hard to find logical trade partners that fit their needs at an affordable cost.
Western Conference Teams Unlikely to Part with Key Assets
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Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks made their splash by trading for Rajon Rondo, so look for their next moves to come in the buyout market. Conveniently, Amar'e Stoudemire and the New York Knicks agreed to a buyout late Sunday night, according to the New York Daily News' Frank Isola.
"The Dallas Mavericks would be considered front-runners to sign Amar'e Stoudemire if the 13-year veteran opts to pursue a contract buyout from the New York Knicks, according to league sources," ESPN.com's Tim MacMahon and Marc Stein reported on Feb. 7.
In need of depth and security at both frontcourt spots, Stoudemire could fill that void nicely after splitting his time at power forward and center this season.
Golden State Warriors
What's there to improve on?
The Golden State Warriors starting five is holding down the court, but Steve Kerr's second unit has also taken the pressure off to such a substantial degree that only three players (Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green) are playing more than 30 minutes per game.
Tinkering with such a pristine roster would just be an exercise in extreme nitpicking at this point.
Los Angeles Clippers
There's salary-cap strife, and then there's what the Los Angeles Clippers are mired in.
With their books stuffed to the gills and the hard cap officially in effect, there's no room for the Clippers to make moves of significance as Blake Griffin recovers from elbow surgery.
Memphis Grizzlies
Like Dallas, the Memphis Grizzlies already made their most significant move by nabbing Jeff Green from the Boston Celtics.
And in the month since Green's arrival, Memphis owns the Western Conference's second-best net rating (plus-7.7 points per 100 possessions) behind only the Golden State Warriors, according to NBA.com.
New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans bought low on Quincy Pondexter in the three-team trade that sent Austin Rivers to the Los Angeles Clippers, meaning the team's books are now maxed out.
Backup point guard remains an area of need behind Jrue Holiday, but picking from the veteran scrapheap may be the only effective way to solve that problem for the remainder of this season.
Portland Trail Blazers
Finding wings for the Portland Trail Blazers to chase at the trade deadline isn't difficult. Wilson Chandler remains a hot name in Oregon.
However, there haven't been concrete links to any moving parts from Portland to Denver, which deprives the Blazers of players likely to be dealt.
That could all change quickly before Thursday, though, so monitor the Northwest Division leaders as teams begin to burn up phone lines.
San Antonio Spurs
The reigning champs don't need to alter their roster in any seismic way, but that won't stop general manager R.C. Buford from doing his due diligence.
According to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, the San Antonio Spurs are a "dark horse" to acquire Stoudemire's services following his buyout agreement with the Knicks.
Although San Antonio possesses a complete frontcourt rotation, Stoudemire's well-rounded arsenal of low-post and mid-range tools are a luxury the Spurs can afford as they seek to make a late-season charge.
Boston Celtics
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Tayshaun Prince: 50 percent
At 34 years old with a funky jump shot, Tayshaun Prince wouldn't appear to be brimming with trade value on the surface. However, the Boston Herald's Steve Bulpett reports just the opposite:
"As it stands, NBA execs are telling us that Tayshaun Prince has the greatest immediate value on the market. He’s on the last year of his contract ($7 million), and, despite a recent hip issue, he’s shown he can still play.
As one source put it, 'He knows how to play, and he’s played in big games. Someone hoping to make a playoff run is going to want him, even if it’s just for depth or insurance.'
"
So why only even odds on Prince getting dealt? According to Bulpett, teams are hesitating to cough up a second-round selection because Prince may eventually be bought out by the Boston Celtics if they can't find a suitable deadline deal.
Considering Bleacher Report's Howard Beck reported Prince was a prime buyout candidate just last week, there's no reason to push his odds higher than 50 percent.
Brandon Bass: 40 percent
With a steady mid-range jumper, solid defensive tools and a team-friendly expiring contract, Brandon Bass should be the most coveted Celtics player on the market.
But despite all of those appealing qualities, Bulpett reports few teams are chasing Bass with the pieces necessary to get a deal done:
"Teams have been talking about Brandon Bass since early in the season, but, so far, no one’s come close to offering anything to pry him away.
"It’s crazy," said one Western Conference source. "People have seen how well he’s played in Boston, but it’s as if they’ve backed off him because of how he played in Dallas or Orlando. I don’t get it. We don’t have a need for him right now, but whoever gets him is going to like what he can do, even if it’s just in limited minutes."
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Averaging a shade under 10 points while shooting 45.6 percent between 16 feet and the three-point line, per Basketball-Reference.com, Bass could be a beautiful rotational centerpiece for contenders looking to bolster their second units with the postseason looming.
Marcus Thornton: 20 percent
Along with Prince, Beck lists Marcus Thornton as a possible buyout candidate. Accompanied by such a designation, he receives the lowest probability of getting dealt due to an apparent lack of interest in his services and acquiring parties' unwillingness to part with a future asset to get a deal done.
If he is eventually bought out, though, Thornton could be a sneaky, low-cost addition on the end of a more polished bench. Shooting 41.9 percent from three, the 27-year-old is still capable of packing a streaky punch in limited spurts off the pine.
Brooklyn Nets
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Brook Lopez: 70 percent
Let's put it this way: It will be a minor surprise if Brook Lopez isn't dealt on or before Feb. 19.
The Brooklyn Game's Devin explains:
"It seems like the Nets are finally going to part with the seven-footer, who's inspired more trade offers than any other player they've put on the market. Denver has fielded interest. Oklahoma City, too. Charlotte offered Lance Stephenson & Cody Zeller.
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The Nets have a week to let offers pile up (and, they hope, out-bid each other), no shortage of suitors for Lopez, and a younger, talented center in Mason Plumlee under a cheap contract for two more years. That's a recipe for a trade. After dozens of rumors, it looks like his time has finally come.
A slew of interested parties boosts Lopez's odds, but Kharpertian's second point is the kicker here. With Mason Plumlee averaging 10.3 points and seven boards on a rookie-scale deal, there's no need for the purgatory-bound Nets to keep shelling out more than $15 million a year for Lopez's services.
In the name of financial flexibility and more organic team growth, dealing Lopez makes all the sense in the world.
Joe Johnson: 40 percent
If the Nets really want to shake things up, here's where they can shock the Association.
According to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, the Charlotte Hornets have expressed interest in snagging Johnson at the cost of Lance Stephenson, Marvin Williams and Gerald Henderson.
That's not a mind-boggling package by any means, but the Nets could add some sorely needed depth on the wings while providing head coach Lionel Hollins with a little more lineup flexibility. And since the Nets are allowing opponents to shoot 35.5 percent from three (No. 21 overall), a few feisty on-ball defenders could aid the team's cause.
However, Brooklyn needs to ask if quantity really is better than quality in this instance. While Johnson is terribly expensive at $23.2 million this year and $24.9 million in the final year of his deal, he's still fully capable of creating his own shot.
Since Stephenson, Henderson and Williams don't excel in that area, Brooklyn would be sacrificing offensive potency in the name of addition in other areas.
Deron Williams: 15 percent
In other words, don't count on it.
It's a nice concept in theory, but Williams is due more than $21 million next season and owns an early termination option worth $22.3 million that he would be insane to decline for the 2016-17 season.
The Sacramento Kings—who had previously discussed a possible trade for Williams, according to Wojnarowski—are just about the only team crazy enough to take a shot on the 30-year-old floor general in hopes of propelling the franchise a rung or two up the Western Conference ladder.
Charlotte Hornets
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Lance Stephenson: 25 percent
The enigmatic and unpredictable Lance Stephenson has been linked to the Brooklyn Nets for some time now, but there's not much reason for optimism regarding a homecoming at this point in time.
While Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski originally passed along word about the Hornets' interest in dealing Stephenson for Joe Johnson, he has a new update to provide.
According to SiriusXM NBA Radio, Wojnarowski "thinks Lance Stephenson will be still be a Hornet on Friday because they can't find a place to send him."
The narrative is delectable, but in reality, Brooklyn doesn't stand to benefit much by taking a shot on the inconsistent shooting guard.
Gerald Henderson and Marvin Williams: 25 percent
Gerald Henderson and Marvin Williams get grouped together because they've only been connected to a single package that would ship them north to the Nets.
And since Wojnarowski doesn't seem to believe such a deal is anywhere close to completion, the duo and the $13 million it's due next season isn't exactly appetizing for postseason aspirants right now.
With a Mo Williams-Gary Neal swap already under general manager Rich Cho's belt, the Hornets need to make progress with the Nets in a hurry for any significant noise to be made in the days ahead.
Cleveland Cavaliers
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Brendan Haywood: 60 percent
General manager David Griffin has pressed all the right buttons when working the proverbial trade machine this season. J.R. Smith, Timofey Mozgov and Iman Shumpert have all slotted into new roles seamlessly, and the Cavaliers have sauntered up the Eastern Conference standings in a matter of weeks.
That said, Griffin may not be done pulling triggers, as ESPN.com's Brian Windhorst noted:
"They've been offering around Brendan Haywood, who has a unique contract that could make him a trade asset next summer because he has a $10 million non-guaranteed deal perfect for flipping. One player they've targeted is the Denver Nuggets' veteran, Jameer Nelson, who has already been traded twice this season.
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Windhorst also noted that dealing Haywood would make sense if Cleveland decided it needed to bolster its frontcourt depth.
Ranked 21st in opponents' frontcourt paint points per game (42.9), according to TeamRankings.com, the Cavaliers could use one more rotational big to fill in minutes and crunch the opposition behind Mozgov, Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson.
Essentially, Cleveland needs a Kenyon Martin-type to impose his physical will in 10-12 minutes an evening as a way to replace Haywood, who's appeared in just 18 games this season after missing the entire 2013-14 campaign.
Denver Nuggets
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Jameer Nelson: 85 percent
The pieces are in place for Jameer Nelson to join his fourth team this season. Yes, his fourth. After being dealt from the Dallas Mavericks to the Boston Celtics and from frigid New England to the Denver Nuggets, Nelson's drawing interest from a couple of Eastern Conference hopefuls.
According to Real GM's Shams Charania, the Washington Wizards and Miami Heat have both expressed interest in Nelson, while the Cleveland Cavaliers appear to be joining that group, as ESPN.com's Brian Windhorst explained.
A crafty ball-handler, heady decision-maker and steady three-point shooter with postseason experience, Nelson would be a really nice addition as a third or fourth guard in limited minutes.
Arron Afflalo: 50 percent
Here's where things get interesting.
According to ESPN.com's Marc Stein, Arron Afflalo could be traded by the Denver Nuggets for the second time since 2012:
"Most rival teams nonetheless see Afflalo as more likely to be dealt before the deadline than Wilson Chandler, with Denver's demands for Chandler said to be even higher.
Nuggets general manager Tim Connelly is known to be a Chandler fan, leading to the belief that the former Knicks player is the on short list of players Denver isn't shopping these days alongside Ty Lawson, Kenneth Faried and rookie sensation Jusuf Nurkic.
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However, proceedings get complicated by the fact that Denver is reportedly looking for a first-round pick in return, according to The Denver Post's Chris Dempsey.
In fact, that high price forced the Charlotte Hornets to back away from the negotiating table earlier this season, per Dempsey.
So while a market consisting of the Portland Trail Blazers, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat and Sacramento Kings has formed rather quickly, according to ESPN.com's Ramona Shelburne, there's still a pervasive hesitance on the part of competing clubs to cut ties with a valuable asset since Afflalo can decline a player option next season.
Wilson Chandler: 35 percent
As Stein outlined, Wilson Chandler will be harder to pry from the Nuggets than Afflalo.
Not only is Chandler a more versatile weapon for potential playoff entrants in need of defensive flexibility at the 3 and 4, but only $2 million of his 2015-16 salary is guaranteed, according to ShamSports.com.
So while a deal feels distant for the time being given the steep asking price, don't discount a needy contender stepping forward as the deadline clock ticks down.
As Grantland's Zach Lowe tweeted, "Denver is just waiting for POR to toss in a 1st for Chandler."
Randy Foye: 10 percent
Veteran shooting guard Randy Foye was also mentioned as a potential trade casualty, but don't hold your breath here.
Bleacher Report's Howard Beck lists the 31-year-old Villanova product as a prime buyout candidate, which makes tremendous sense considering the entirety of the $3.1 million he's due next season is non-guaranteed.
In the midst of a down year that's been riddled by injuries, don't bank on wing-needy contenders shelling out for Foye.
Houston Rockets
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Terrence Jones: 45 percent
To be crystal clear, Terrence Jones' name hasn't substantially surfaced in trade rumors thus far.
But here's what we do know: The Houston Rockets are presumed to have interest in Phoenix Suns point guard Goran Dragic, according to ESPN.com's Marc Stein, which means cheap, untapped potential should be in demand.
In addition to the New Orleans Pelicans' 2015 first-round pick which is owned by Houston, Terrence Jones is the Rockets' most upside-laden, affordable trade chip.
This is really a matter of Phoenix's preference, though. If the Suns decide to settle for a first-round pick in lieu of another frontcourt tweener, Jones escapes the deadline unscathed. But if the Suns are able to capitalize on Houston's desperation to add more dynamism at point guard, Jones has the makings of a piece that would appeal to Phoenix or a facilitating third party.
Los Angeles Lakers
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Jordan Hill: 50 percent
Jordan Hill may be sidelined until after the All-Star break with a strained hip flexor, but owners of the league's thinner frontcourts should be lining up to steal him away from the Los Angeles Lakers.
Averaging career highs of 12.3 points and eight rebounds, Hill has justified the two-year, $18 million contract he received in July.
And while his new deal was reported as a two-year pact, it's actually a one-year deal with a $9 million team option for year two.
So not only is Hill guaranteed to contribute steadily, but acquiring teams also have the ability to cut him loose at no extra cost following this season if they choose to spend elsewhere in free agency.
But there is one hang-up.
According to ShamSports.com, Hill can veto any trade he's in since he'll be granted full Bird Rights at the conclusion of what amounts to a one-year deal.
Possessing that sort of executive power, it's hard to push Hill's trade odds higher than 50-50.
Miami Heat
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Norris Cole: 15 percent
Times are changing on South Beach.
Once wide-eyed aggressors in the NBA buyout market, the Miami Heat have been reduced to making calls regarding their unwanted reserve options as a way to acquire frontcourt depth.
Front and center in that discussion has been point guard Norris Cole, who's due a $3.03 million qualifying offer next summer.
There's just one problem: Teams aren't interested in what Miami has to offer, according to the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson:
"An Eastern Conference general manager said Tuesday the Heat likely lacks the assets to make a meaningful move before the Feb. 19 trade deadline. He said Norris Cole has been mentioned in trade talks 'but what are you going to get for him? He’s a backup.
They don’t have much to give up. Josh McRoberts would have value for a team out of the playoffs. Birdman [Chris Andersen] would have value for a playoff team but a playoff team is not trading you a quality [wing] for him.'
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Jackson also reports Miami has been attempting to package Cole with Danny Granger's $2.2 million salary for next season to no avail.
With few appealing assets and time to make a deal dwindling, optimism isn't exactly permeating the drinking waters in South Florida these days.
Minnesota Timberwolves
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Chase Budinger: 10 percent
Chase Budinger earns most likely to be traded honors, but don't hold your breath in anticipation of a last-second move.
Here are the details, courtesy of Sporting News' Sean Deveney:
"Minnesota swingman Chase Budinger, according to sources with knowledge of the situation, would more than welcome a trade—he’s not demanding it, but his representatives have let the team’s front office know he would like to be elsewhere.
The Timberwolves have been trying to accommodate Budinger, shopping him around the league. But the team has been unable to find any takers as we head into the final weeks before the NBA’s trading deadline, largely because of Budinger’s player option for next season.
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Ultimately, this is a default nod for Budinger. He can offer a little in the way of three-point shooting, but at $5 million next season, there's no reason for teams to sacrifice much for his limited skill set.
Kevin Martin and Thaddeus Young: Five percent
Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix was the first to report on preliminary interest in Kevin Martin, but talk of any potential deal has cooled off considerably in recent days.
Just take it from head coach Flip Saunders, who discussed Martin's value to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a recent session with reporters, according to the Star Tribune's Jerry Zgoda:
"I think he’s more valuable to us. That’s where we’re at right now. Those two guys were not starters when the season started. Brewer was coming off the bench behind Martin and Wiggins, and Mo was backing up Ricky. Martin was a starter. So from our perspective, I place a lot of value on Kevin, what he can do and how he can help Wiggins and these other guys.
"
The Associated Press' Jon Krawczynski affirmed that statement two weeks prior, tweeting, "And on Wolves trade front: Don't get any sense the Wolves have any desire to part with Kevin Martin, Pek, maybe even Young."
Due more than $7 million next year with a player option for $7.4 million set to be paid out in 2016, Martin's contract needs to wind down a bit before Minnesota can get serious about dealing him to cap-strapped contenders, anyway.
As for Young, Deveney reported at the end of January there was “almost zero chance" of a Timberwolves deadline deal.
New York Knicks
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Pablo Prigioni: 10 percent
Of the two point guards the New York Knicks have placed on the trade block, Pablo Prigioni is inarguably the more affordable option.
Not only is he on the books for a mere $1.7 million next season, but just $290,000 of that is guaranteed, per ShamSports.com.
The New York Post's Marc Berman added the following regarding Prigioni's perceived value:
"The Cavaliers and Pistons each have need for a backup point guard and the Knicks have a need for second-round picks. They have traded all their second-round picks until 2019. A league source told The Post last week the Knicks feel Prigioni has value.
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However, Detroit has plugged its point guard holes for the time being, and the Cavaliers appear to be checking out more versatile options, which leaves Prigioni with few suitors as the deadline approaches.
Jose Calderon: Five percent
According to Yahoo Sports' Marc Spears, "A source said the Knicks are actively trying to unload guard Jose Calderon’s contract. Calderon is owed $7.4 million in 2015-16 and $7.7 million in 2016-17."
Due more than $15 million over 2015-16 and 2016-17, it's no wonder New York is looking to unload Calderon's bloated deal.
But good luck finding a team willing to make that sort of long-term commitment. With point guard the league's most saturated position and Calderon a terribly shaky defender, there's not much upside to any deal at this stage in his career.
Oklahoma City Thunder
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Reggie Jackson: 70 percent
Ever since Dion Waiters arrived in Oklahoma City, Reggie Jackson's role has steadily been marginalized. In December, Jackson played more than 28 minutes a game. But in the 20 games since, Jackson's averaged just over 20.
Of course, that shouldn't come as a major shock after the New York Daily News' Frank Isola reported Jackson was nearly dealt to the Denver Nuggets back in January.
And now, the Sacramento Kings appear to have done some exploratory work on the Jackson front, according to Sporting News' Sean Deveney.
With Isola reporting Jackson "is expected to be moved before the deadline," and the chance for acquiring parties to match offers for the floor general in restricted free agency, there's a nice bit of upside to like here.
Kendrick Perkins and Jeremy Lamb: 15 percent
Kendrick Perkins and Jeremy Lamb get the package-deal treatment stemming from January reports that they could have been the centerpiece of a Brook Lopez trade with the Brooklyn Nets.
According to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, "The Thunder and Nets were discussing a larger package for the one-time All-Star center that included guard Jeremy Lamb and center Kendrick Perkins from the Thunder, league sources said."
Should the blockbuster get resuscitated, Perkins and Lamb figure to be focal points of a swap given the framework that was outlined previously.
Since that deal is on life support for now, though, a 15 percent chance feels apt.
Orlando Magic
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Andrew Nicholson: 75 percent
Andrew Nicholson deserves a change of scenery.
Thankfully, the Orlando Magic recognize as much. According to ESPN.com's Marc Stein, "word is that the Magic, given their surplus of bigs, are working with Nicholson's agent, Mark Bartelstein, to try to find him new home."
With a mutual partnership in the works between Nicholson's camp and Orlando's front office, it's hard not to be bullish on the 25-year-old's chances of getting traded.
A second chance could be nice, too, because Nicholson has occasionally displayed the wide-range tools that provoked Orlando to spend a first-round pick on him three years ago.
Shooting 45.5 percent from three with a reliable free-throw line jumper, Nicholson and his rookie contract make for a sweet buy-low value.
Philadelphia 76ers
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Andrei Kirilenko: Five percent
There's no reason for any team to trade for suspended Philadelphia 76ers forward Andrei Kirilenko, but he's one of the only real assets the team can feasibly move at the deadline.
While the Sixers appear to be holding out hope that some desperate contender will throw a second-round pick their way in exchange for the 6'9'' swingman, teams would be wise to play the waiting game and hope for a buyout.
After all, Kirilenko is viewed as a likely buyout candidate, according to Bleacher Report's Howard Beck.
However, Sixers head coach Brett Brown may have some other ideas, as he told CSNPhilly.com's Dei Lynam:
"I sat down with him and had coffee with him the last time we were here. I wanted to get in his head and see what he was thinking. I went through that exercise and got excited. I wanted him to share his wealth of knowledge with the team along with Luc [Mbah a Moute]. That we always intended to release him—that is not accurate.
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With a contractual settlement or outright retention looking far more likely than a trade, don't expect Philadelphia to add to its stockpile of draft picks in the coming days.
Phoenix Suns
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Goran Dragic: 75 percent
If there's one signature deal that can tilt the title landscape at the NBA trade deadline, it's Goran Dragic to the Houston Rockets.
According to The Journal Times' Gery Woelfel, "Suns want a first-rounder for Goran Dragic and, rest assured, they'll get it. Rockets got to be tempted."
And that was before ESPN.com's Marc Stein reported the following:
"Sources said that the Rockets, who let Dragic go in free agency in the summer of 2012 but have him high on their list of free-agent targets this summer, are prominent among the teams hoping to engage the Suns in serious discussions about Dragic before the league's annual trade buzzer next week.
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With Eric Bledsoe and Isaiah Thomas already in the fold on long-term deals, snagging some return value in the form of a first-round pick is a must.
Just take it from Bleacher Report's Dan Favale:
"Those picks are serious, cost-effective building blocks the Suns can use to continue their current climb up the Western Conference ladder. They can develop them or pitch them as part of some blockbuster trade that lands another game-changer.
Either way, what's important is the Suns do something different than they are now. They are not a bad team. They're a good team that just isn't good enough.
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Isaiah Thomas: 30 percent
According to Stein, "word is Suns more apt to try to move IThomas before trade deadline, to restore last season's roster balance, rather than surrender GDragic."
That's an ambitious goal, but it's certainly admirable. By dangling Thomas, the Suns are admitting they over-saturated their backcourt with depth, which has created tactical asymmetry.
Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes outlined several intriguing deals involving Thomas, but concluded the team's real problems may originate elsewhere:
"The Suns can always trade Thomas later. Or keep him; the three-man unit of Dragic, Bledsoe and Thomas owns an offensive rating of 116.7, per NBA.com, the highest of any trio on the Suns. Maybe finding the right defensive pieces at the other two positions should be Phoenix's priority.
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Miles Plumlee: 10 percent
If the Phoenix Suns are still seeking a first-round pick in exchange for Miles Plumlee—as ESPN.com's Marc Stein suggested they were last month—this percentage might as well read zero.
After all, Yahoo Sports' Marc Spears reported, "The Suns would like to trade reserve forward-center Miles Plumlee, but are not getting much interest," indicating that the market for his services remains terribly thin.
Lower that price to a second-round pick, and a few buyers could emerge.
Sacramento Kings
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Nik Stauskas: 40 percent
Since mid-January, the Sacramento Kings have been seeking to make significant upgrades to their frontcourt. According to CBS Sports' Ken Berger, that meant dangling 2014 lottery pick Nik Stauskas as a way to potentially achieve their goal.
"Even before the hiring of Karl, the team has been shopping big man Jason Thompson, reserve forward Derrick Williams and—in lieu of a first-round pick—rookie Nik Stauskas," Sporting News' Sean Deveny wrote.
The appeal here is obvious. Stauskas' ceiling is still plenty high, and he has a lethal three-point stroke that can give any franchise a long-term boost if utilized properly. Sacramento just hasn't given him a chance to flourish.
And while his odds of getting dealt in a one-for-one swap would be through the roof, it's hard to boost his overall percentage higher than 40 if he has to be accompanied in a package deal with Derrick Williams or Jason Thompson.
Derrick Williams: 15 percent
Williams is only slightly more appealing than Thompson because teams can renounce his rights and decline to extend him a qualifying offer after this season.
Even if that is the case, it's hard to see much short-term appeal here.
Williams has never lived up to his No. 2 overall pick billing, and a half-season rental in exchange for assets of any value doesn't feel like a worthwhile gamble.
Jason Thompson: 10 percent
According to Deveney, a shiny new power forward remains the apple of Sacramento's eye:
"Ultimately, the team has zeroed in on power forward as the spot that needs addressing, as Thompson has averaged just 5.6 points and 6.3 rebounds this year. The Kings want a player who can create space with perimeter shooting—Thompson is 1-for-27 in his career as a 3-point shooter.
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But if dealing Thompson is part of the Kings' master plan, don't expect things to go off without a hitch. Even if his camp is pushing for a trade, according to Yahoo Sports' Marc Spears.
Thompson's owed $6.4 million next season, with the final year of his deal partially guaranteed at $2.6 million, per ShamSports.com.
For an inefficient 4 with so-so range who's never had a knock for shot blocking, it's hard to imagine teams lining up to take him off the Kings' hands.
Utah Jazz
18 of 18
Enes Kanter: 35 percent
How's this for forward: According to The Salt Lake Tribune's Aaron Falk, "center Enes Kanter told The Salt Lake Tribune he hopes to be traded before this year's deadline."
This is a tricky sell.
Kanter's set to become a restricted free agent this summer, meaning any team that shells out enough to acquire a 22-year-old with room for improvement is willing to engage in a bidding war to retain his services come July.
Finding a team to equal Utah's return on its investment given those circumstances figures to be tricky, though.
Yes, Kanter's starting to develop nicely as a corner three-point shooter while averaging a career-high 13.8 points and 7.8 rebounds, but his slow feet and lack of explosion fueling a lifetime defensive rating of 109 aren't exactly helping matters.
All statistics courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com unless noted otherwise. All salary information retrieved from BasketballInsiders.com unless noted otherwise.
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