NBA Trade Deadline 2015: Potential Moves That Will Impact Playoff Race
The NBA trade deadline may be more sizzle than steak most years, but there are a number of intriguing players who could swap teams before Thursday's deadline.
With the Western Conference loaded with 10 legitimate playoff contenders and the second, third, fourth and fifth seeds up for grabs in the Eastern Conference, one or two timely trades could swing the postseason race.
There are naturally a number of reports and rumors spreading around the league about various players who could be on the move. Here is a look at a few potential trades that could shake up the playoff picture.
*This article includes developments up until 1 a.m. ET Wednesday morning.
Will the Phoenix Suns Break Up the Backcourt?
The Phoenix Suns are perhaps the most intriguing team at the trade deadline because of the unique makeup of the roster and the fact that they are the biggest obstacle standing in the way of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook making the playoffs.
Marc Stein of ESPN.com passed along the following developments late into Tuesday evening:
Any trade involving Isaiah Thomas or Dragic would shake up the postseason race on a number of levels.
For one, whichever team landed one of those guards would get an attacking scorer who is averaging better than 15 points per game. Both Dragic and Thomas can hit the three or create open looks for themselves and teammates with dribble penetration. Adding an impact guard like that in the middle of the season is a rarity and something that would really bolster a team's playoff chances.
On the other side is the impact it would have on the Suns' postseason outlook.
Phoenix is in a battle with the Oklahoma City Thunder and New Orleans Pelicans for the eighth seed in the daunting Western Conference, but trading away either Thomas or Dragic would probably signal the end of its playoff chances this year.
Of course, landing a young player or draft picks in return for either guard would bolster the Suns' long-term outlook. How to handle that juggling act is a decision the front office will have to make before the deadline.
Could Ty Lawson Be on the Move?
While the Suns are squarely in the postseason race, the Denver Nuggets are not and could enter selling mode before the deadline. Chris Dempsey of The Denver Post noted that point guard Ty Lawson is the subject of some speculation:
Lawson is a double-double machine who is averaging 16.9 points and 10.1 assists per game and is one of the most enticing assets who could potentially be on the move at the deadline. While the Nuggets are apparently turning back offers, they have to at least be intrigued by the possibility for a quick rebuild with the draft considerations Lawson would net in return.
He is an All-Star-caliber player, and Denver could demand young players and/or multiple picks in any swap.
The Nuggets are not making the playoffs this season and need to start looking ahead toward the future. Perhaps that future includes some assets they would get back in a trade involving Lawson.
Brook Lopez Out in Brooklyn?
The Brooklyn Nets are in a similar position as the Suns, only in the watered-down Eastern Conference instead of the loaded West. They are right in the thick of the playoff race, but there really isn't much chance they could contend for a title, which is the ultimate goal.
That's why it shouldn't come as much surprise that Brook Lopez's name is popping up in trade rumors, as Sporting News and Sean Deveney noted:
One source offered the following quote to Deveney that suggests Lopez could be staying put:
"There has not been very much movement on it to this point. (Nets general manager) Billy King is giving off the vibe that he is fine with keeping the guy and trying to build around him. It is not coming off like they're having some kind of fire sale out there."
Lopez is still only 26 years old, so building around him is a viable option. There are theoretically still a number of productive years in the tank, and it wouldn't take much to become a competitor again in the East.
However, the prospect of a big man who averages better than 15 points and six rebounds per game switching teams is also something to keep an eye on because Lopez could shift the balance of power in a close postseason race if he landed in the right situation.
It's just another thing to watch as the deadline nears.
