NBA Rumors: Analyzing League's Top Trade Candidates

As NBA All-Star Weekend fades into the rearview mirror, front offices will begin focusing on the postseason or roster rebuilds. The Sacramento Kings made the first move—a massive deal that sent DeMarcus Cousins to the New Orleans Pelicans, per Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical:

The Kings-Pelicans trade will send ripples throughout the league. In fact, New Orleans is reportedly continuing to work the phones for a subsequent trade as the franchise attempts to make a strong push toward the postseason.

Will New Orleans bring luster back to the big men in the league as a viable playoff team with a dominant frontcourt? In relation to centers on the move, the Philadelphia 76ers may trade one of their near-7-footers. Elsewhere, will the Indiana Pacers consider unloading star swingman Paul George?

New Orleans Still Active After Blockbuster Trade

According to ESPN reporter Chris Haynes, the Pelicans placed forward Terrence Jones on the trade block with a mutual understanding between the two parties:

Jones understands his playing time will take a hit, with Cousins averaging approximately 34 minutes per game at the same position. The Pelicans front office didn't waste any time after the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday night.

Cousins' manager, Andrew Rogers, tweeted a photo as the trade details unfolded:

New Orleans started the weekend with one All-Star, Anthony Davis, and acquired another before he could escape the city. In order to assemble a viable roster to challenge the best teams in the Western Conference, the Pelicans must bring in a wing player who can defend the perimeter.

Forward Solomon Hill hasn't provided much at the 3-spot. Guard E'Twaun Moore averages a mere 9.8 points per game and doesn't add value on the defensive end. Furthermore, the blockbuster Cousins trade sent Tyreke Evans and Buddy Hield to Sacramento, per ESPN's Marc Stein. Above all else, New Orleans desperately needs a pure shooter or a perimeter defender.

Long Shot on Paul George? 

New Orleans came off as opportunists in a recent rumor, per ESPN's Justin Verrier:

It's unlikely the Pelicans will land George, especially after acquiring Cousins. Then again, who saw the aforementioned blockbuster trade happening?

Despite a shakeup at the head-coaching position and acquiring forward Thaddeus Young and guard Jeff Teague, Indiana holds the No. 6 seed on a six-game skid. The Pacers are willing to part ways with a 2017 first-round pick, but no signs point toward dangling their franchise player on the trade block, per Haynes.

It's clear the Pacers will do everything in their power to keep George in place and happy with the team's direction.

New Orleans sits 2.5 games out of the final playoff spot in the West. With one trade, they're the most intriguing team outside of the Golden State Warriors if they qualify for the postseason. The Pelicans front office has likely crossed George off the target list to build around their dynamic duo.

Jahlil Okafor's Seat in Philadelphia Heats Up

According to NBA.com reporter David Aldridge, the 76ers almost pulled the lever on a deal involving Jahlil Okafor before NBA All-Star Weekend:

Ultimately, the Portland Trail Blazers dealt center Mason Plumlee, a second-round pick and cash to the Denver Nuggets for Jusuf Nurkic and a first-round pick.

Not too long ago, Philadelphia drafted Okafor as the No. 3 overall pick of the 2015 draft. Because of injuries and an abundance of big men on the roster, he's been subpar. This season, the second-year center is averaging a mere 11.4 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.

The 76ers could use more guard help or another pure shooter. Once 2016 No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons returns to action with his passing prowess, an offensive playmaker could complete a formidable tandem.

At one point, center Nerlens Noel seemed to be the logical trade candidate, but Okafor will probably wear a different uniform once the dominoes start to fall closer to the deadline.

Stats provided by Basketball Reference or NBA.com unless otherwise noted.