NBA Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz on DeAndre Jordan, Marcus Smart and More
It's time for NBA teams that consider themselves contenders to prove it before the Feb. 8 trade deadline.
While the Golden State Warriors once again have the best record in the NBA, there seems to be more competition at the top this season. There are also quite a few teams jockeying for position among the final few playoff spots.
Every one of these squads know one key addition could make the difference that decides if this season is a success or failure. There are quality targets available, but the question is whether the contenders are willing to do what's necessary to complete the deals.
Here are the latest names on the trade block heading into the final days before the deadline.
Rodney Hood, SG, Utah Jazz
While the Utah Jazz aren't having the best season, Rodney Hood is having a career year. The fourth-year ranks second on the team with 16.8 points per game while shooting 39.7 percent from three-point range, both his best since entering the NBA.
This is all despite primarily coming off the bench for the first time since his rookie season.
His play has gained the attention of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons, all of whom have shown interest in acquiring Hood in a trade, per Tony Jones of the Salt Lake Tribune. The Denver Nuggets and Orlando Magic could also be involved in a deal.
It's easy to see why any team would want to add depth, although a trade at this time doesn't make sense for every team. The Bulls and Magic are unlikely to contend this year, and while adding him might help re-sign the restricted free agent, he will likely get a lot more expensive next season.
The Nuggets already have solid depth at shooting guard, while the Pistons already traded their first-round pick that the Jazz are reportedly looking to acquire.
This leaves the Thunder, which could desperately use a replacement for the injured Andre Roberson after the wing ruptured his patellar tendon. Hood has a much different skill set, but he could fit well in a lineup that needs more scoring depth.
Oklahoma City remains a contender in the Western Conference, but the squad is fading after four straight losses and could use an upgrade here.
Marcus Smart, PG, Boston Celtics
Marcus Smart cut his hand hitting a picture frame, and it could cost him two weeks of action. Although he should be able to return to full strength and make an impact in the second half of the season, his missed time allowed the Boston Celtics to realize they can succeed without him.
Terry Rozier has been excellent while filling in for the injured guard, making Smart expendable while he enters restricted free agency.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski recently reported on The Woj Pod that Smart has been made available in trades.
One team that is apparently interested is the Denver Nuggets, who have reportedly offered Emmanuel Mudiay as compensation, per Marc Stein of the New York Times. The Celtics are apparently holding out for a first-round pick, but the landing spot makes a lot of sense.
The Nuggets are trying to get a playoff spot and sit sixth in the Western Conference, but they don't have a true point guard on the roster. Smart has his offensive limitations, but his 4.7 assists per game would rank second on Denver behind only center Nikola Jokic.
Defense has also been an issue for a team that ranks 21st in defensive rating, per Basketball Reference.
Smart personally ranks 21st in the NBA in defensive win shares, so he should help in this area.
If this or any other trade goes through, the 23-year-old could also get a chance to show the league what he can do as a more prominent offensive player before hitting free agency this summer.
DeAndre Jordan, C, Los Angeles Clippers
Considering the Clippers already traded away Blake Griffin, who had just signed a five-year contract, it would be a surprise if DeAndre Jordan wasn't dealt considering he could be a free agent at the end of this season.
Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reported the Portland Trail Blazers have had discussions with the Los Angeles Clippers without making an offer, while Zach Lowe of ESPN noted the Milwaukee Bucks have been active in trade talks for Jordan.
Each of these would make sense as potential landing spots as playoff contenders that can use an upgrade in the frontcourt. This is still true even after Milwaukee added Tyler Zeller Monday, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
While Jordan is only averaging 11.5 points per game this year, he is also averaging 14.9 rebounds per game and is one of the best interior defenders in the NBA. He would make either Portland or Milwaukee a tough out in the playoffs, although his biggest impact could potentially come on the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Sam Amick of USA Today reported the team offered their own first-round pick as well as players like Tristan Thompson and J.R. Smith in a potential trade. This won't be enough to complete a deal, but using the Brooklyn Nets pick acquired in the Kyrie Irving deal might go a long way.
Cleveland will probably be hesitant to go after a player with an uncertain future—he has a player option worth about $24 million for next season—especially without knowing what LeBron James will do in the offseason. However, Jordan could also be the missing piece to make one more run at a title.
There is a massive hole in the frontcourt with Kevin Love injured, while Jordan could provide the necessary defensive upgrade for a team that ranks 26th in the NBA in points allowed per game.
The Cavs are floundering with eight losses in the last 12 games, so it might be time to pull the trigger on a move of this level.
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