NBA Rumors: Analyzing Hottest Trade Buzz Entering 2017 Deadline Day
During most years, the NBA trade deadline approaches with several potential blockbuster transactions that could shift the postseason outlook or set a franchise up for future success. In most cases, these rumors never materialize into anything more than interesting chatter.
This year, the Sacramento Kings decision to trade center DeMarcus Cousins to the New Orleans Pelicans gives hope for an interesting deadline day. The Toronto Raptors also acquired forward Serge Ibaka from the Orlando Magic, which strengthens competition at the top of the Eastern Conference. With those two deals, we could see other teams aggressively attempt to keep pace or change their fortunes.
On Thursday, several big names remain in question as to whether they’re staying put or heading to a new destination. Above all the talented assets potentially on the trade block, two All-Star swingmen who serve as the centerpieces to their respective franchises could find themselves leading the charge elsewhere.
What’s the latest on the most intriguing names circulating the 2017 trade deadline rumor mill?
Is Jae Crowder’s Value Holding Up Jimmy Butler Trade?
Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler is reportedly not concerned about a potential trade that would ship him out of the Windy City. According to the Chicago Sun-Times' Joe Cowley, the three-time All-Star believes it would take “something crazy” for a transaction to occur by the deadline.
Maybe the crazy aspect entails the Boston Celtics tossing forward Jae Crowder into a deal with multiple first-round picks, per NBA.com reporter David Aldridge via Brian Robb of 98.5 The Sports Hub:
In Aldridge’s comments on NBA TV, he emphasized the Celtics' perceived value on Crowder as a component to the team’s ability to defend in a matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Of course, the Bulls would want the fifth-year small forward as an asset in a rebuilding period.
It’s possible the Celtics pull off another trade for a role player and then reluctantly add Crowder to a package for Butler. At the moment, it sounds crazy, but, if that’s what it takes to acquire a talented two-way player in his prime, Boston may pull the trigger to contend for an NBA title.
Pacers at Crossroad with Paul George
Recently, the Indiana Pacers put their first-round pick on the trade block in an attempt to reel in more talent to satisfy forward Paul George’s appetite for winning, per ESPN’s Chris Haynes.
"In what is considered to be a deep draft, the Pacers are hoping that such an asset would translate to the addition of either an established wing or an established frontline player, according to sources,” said Haynes.
Fast-forward to Wednesday, The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Indiana’s ambivalence on whether to build around George or pass the torch to center Myles Turner for the future:
"The Pacers are working the trade deadline on parallel fronts: Pursuing deals that will bring talent into Indiana to sell George on signing a long-term extension – and soliciting deal offers on George that would signal a rebuild around center Myles Turner, league sources told The Vertical.
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For the Pacers, it’s a fluid situation.
Sam Amick of USA Today reports the Los Angeles Lakers have ramped up interest in acquiring George, who grew up in California. It’s an intriguing development considering Magic Johnson’s name being attached to the inquiry as the newly appointed president of basketball operations for the organization and the young talent available on the roster.
According to longtime NBA reporter Peter Vecsey, the Pacers have been connected to Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez, who could become the asset that keeps George in a Pacers uniform. If Indiana fails to add talent, it increases the chances for a blockbuster deal involving its best player.
Andre Drummond Signaling a Move to Boston?
Sometimes you have to read in between the tweets to uncover the full story. Over the past few days, Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond tweeted eyeballs and used a photo of him waving to the home crowd as his avatar on Twitter, per CSNNE.com reporter Sherrod Blakely. Of course, all of this could amount to absolutely nothing or a simple way to intrigue followers.
However, head coach and general manager Stan Van Gundy’s effort to gauge market value for the fifth-year center isn’t a farce, per ESPN’s Marc Stein:
According to Blakely, Van Gundy also offered Drummond in a deal for Cousins before his move to New Orleans.
With a 27-30 record, Detroit hasn't improved from the previous year. Van Gundy could be feeling the heat. After tinkering with the lineup several times with minimal effect, the Pistons general manager will likely turn to a permanent shakeup to ignite his team.
As mentioned above, the Celtics may hold on to Crowder, which hurts their chances at Butler. However, landing Drummond would be a decent consolation price.
Stats provided by NBA.com and Basketball-Reference.com unless otherwise noted.
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