The Clock Is Ticking: NBA Trade Deadline Outlook For All 30 Teams
The NBA Trade Deadline is a week away now and teams are starting to look at ways to either make that final playoff push, solidify their rotation for the playoffs, or clear the books to restart again next season. Each team brings something different to the bargaining table some with draft picks, expiring contracts, trade exceptions, or All Stars.
Will the Knicks meet the demands for Carmelo? Do the Celtics and Lakers make a move to ensure another title appearance? Will the Jazz pack it in for the season? If Carmelo goes do the Nuggets blow up the roster? These are some of the burning question that come up and as the deadline approaches here is a look at each teams trade options.
Atlanta Hawks
1 of 30
Trade Assets: Josh Smith, Jamal Crawford, Jeff Teague, $3.6 million dollar trade exception, 2012 second round pick (PHX), 2013 second round pick (HOU).
The Hawks are just under the salary cap and will not look to add salary. Head coach Larry Drew has stated a shakeup could be needed and sixth man Jamal Crawford has expressed his desire to be traded. Underachieving Jeff Teague may be on the way out after falling out of favor with the team. The team may target center as a position of need which would allow Al Horford to move to power forward.
Boston Celtics
2 of 30
Trade Assets: Avery Bradley, Nate Robinson, 2015 second round pick (SAC).
Nate Robinson was acquired at last years deadline and was valuable in the playoffs and as Rondo's backup this season. He could be moved but it is very unlikely. Also since the Celtics are over the cap their options for deals are very few. They could look to add a veteran who is bought out after a trade such as Rip Hamilton or Chauncey Billups. The team is lacking depth at the small forward position after the injury of Marquis Daniels but getting Delonte West back will help ease the burden as they wait for Daniels to recover.
Charlotte Bobcats
3 of 30
Trade Assets: Boris Diaw, Gerald Wallace, Stephen Jackson, Nazr Mohammed.
The team has improved under new head coach Paul Silas and the trade talk for Wallace and Jackson has cooled. Boris Biaw is an attractive piece but he has a $9 million dollar player option for next season. Sources have stated that if Wallace or Jackson are traded, a first round pick must be included in any deal. Mohammed has an expiring deal and could be attractive for teams looking to cut payroll.
Chicago Bulls
4 of 30
Trade Assets: Luol Deng, Omer Asik, James Johnson, 2011 second round pick (UTA, PHX), 2012 first round pick (CHA)
Luol Deng has found his name in trade rumors at an increasing rate. He was once included in a proposal to land Carmelo Anthony. Rookie Omer Asik has been linked to a deal with Houston which would send Courtney Lee to Chicago to help solve Chicago's shooting guard problem. Johnson has never fit into Chicago plans and is currently spending time between the D-League and Chicago. Chicago has also be listed as a favorite to land Rip Hamilton in the event of a buyout.
Cleveland Cavaliers
5 of 30
Trade Assets: Antwan Jamison, Jamario Moon, Anthony Parker, Ramon Sessions, Mo Williams, 2011 second round pick (OKC), 2012 first round pick (MIA), 2012 second round pick (NOH), 2013 first round pick (MIA), 2013 second round pick (MIN), 2015 first round pick (MIA), $14.5 million trade exception.
The Cavs have stated that they are looking to add a start player with their trade exception. However the general belief is that the Cavs will look to dump salary and stockpile more picks. There are plenty of playoff contenders who could find some of the Cavs veterans as valuable pieces for their rotation. The highlight for Cavs fans at the deadline could be smaller deals where their veterans are sent to teams heading in a different direction.
Dallas Mavericks
6 of 30
Trade Assets: Caron Butler, Rodrigue Beaubois, DeShawn Stevenson, $4.3 million dollar trade exception, Ian Mahinmi, 2012 second round pick (MIN).
Dallas has expressed interest in renting Carmelo Anthony and could offer Caron Butler and his expiring contract. Beaubois has played one game this season after recovering from foot surgery but has been deemed "close to untouchable" by Mavs management. Mahinmi could be moved but it is unlikely as he has started to become Chandlers backup in place of Brendan Haywood.
Denver Nuggets
7 of 30
Trade Assets: Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Nene, J.R. Smith, Keyon Martin, Al Harrington, 2015 second round pick (LAC), and a 2016 second round pick (MEM).
It has never been seen before where a four of a teams starting five has been on the block at the same time. The biggest name on the block, Carmelo Anthony has been linked to the Knicks, Nets, Lakers, Mavericks, Bulls, and Rockets. In recent days Anthony has expressed interest in signing an extension with the team if a deal falls through. If Anthony is dealt by the Nuggets then the fire sale in Denver will start. Chauncey Billups is rumored to follow Anthony in a deal and then most likely be bought out and there are plenty of buyers for Nene and J.R. Smith. Harrington is unlikely to dealt unless it is part of a deal with Anthony also because of the length of his deal. Martin has an expiring deal and could be attractive to many teams. Come Feb. 25 Denver's starting five could be completely different from the team that suits up on Feb. 22. Also look for D-League calls on the 23rd which could signal multiple deals, and the team will need players to suit up for their deadline night game with the Celtics.
Detroit Pistons
8 of 30
Trade Assets: Tayshaun Prince, Will Bynum, Richard Hamilton, Chris Wilcox, 2011 second round picks (DEN and TOR), 2012 second round pick (HOU), and 2013 second round pick (LAC)
The Pistons are once again headed for the lottery and are looking to clear the books and start again. Tayshaun Prince has expressed his unhappiness with the results in Detroit over the last season and a half and Rip Hamilton is spending the majority of the season on the bench. Wilcox has an expiring deal and Bynum is an explosive guard of the bench. Hamilton could be bough out and find himself in Boston, Los Angeles, or San Antonio to bolster their bench for a title push.
Golden State Warriors
9 of 30
Trade Assets: Stephen Curry, Brandan Wright, Monta Ellis, Dan Gadzuric, Vladamir Radmanovic, $2 million dollar trade exception, 2011 second round picks (NJ and CHI).
Management has deemed Ellis untouchable but the team still would consider trades for he and Curry if the right deal came along. Wright has not lived up to expectations after being trade for Jason Richardson and needs a fresh start somewhere else. Gadzuric and Radmanovic have expiring deals but the team might be more willing to let them just expire instead of using them to bring in another player.
Houston Rockets
10 of 30
Trade Assets: Yao Ming, Courtney Lee, Shane Battier, Jared Jeffries, $6.3 million dollar trade exception, 2011 first round draft pick (NYK), 2011 second round draft picks (LAC, MEM, SAC), 2012 first round draft pick (NYK), 2015 second round draft pick (LAC).
Yao Ming is an attractive piece because his deal is expiring and 70% of his contract is covered by insurance. The Rockets prefer to rebuild by trades so look for the to be active. The center position is an area they are expected to target and Nene could be on their radar, they have always recently been rumored to trade Courtney Lee to Chicago for center Omer Asik. Carmelo Anthony has also been in play for the Rockets as they have expiring deals and picks that could entice the Nuggets to make a trade.
Indiana Pacers
11 of 30
Trade Assets: T.J. Ford, James Posey, $3.5 million dollar trade exception.
Both Ford and Posey have both fallen out of favor in Indiana and are most likely to be dealt. Ford is in the last year of his deal and Posey has the playoff experience teams are looking for but he has another year on his deal and could be bought out if he isn't dealt. Danny Granger could also find his way into a blockbuster if Indiana feels it needs to go into a different direction.
Los Angeles Clippers
12 of 30
Trade Assets: Baron Davis, Chris Kaman, Rasual Butler, 2011 first round pick (MIN), 2011 second round pick (DET).
Baron Davis has long been expected to be on his way out of L.A. and this could be the deadline that sees him go. DeAndre Jordan has emerged as an athletic complement to Blake Griffin and the Clippers could look to move former All Star Kaman for the right price. Rasual Butler could provide bench help to a team such as Boston.
Los Angeles Lakers
13 of 30
Trade Assets: Ron Artest, Andrew Bynum, Shannon Brown, 2011 second round picks (NYK, MIA, and GS), 2012 second round pick (CHI), 2013 second round pick (MEM).
The Lakers are unlikely to deal Andrew Bynum but he was mentioned in a deal for Carmelo Anthony. The team could look to recoup something for the young center who has battled injuries for a majority of his career. Artest was quoted as saying he wanted to be traded but those remarks where rescinded. Shannon Brown is a valuable back up for Kobe Bryant be could be had if offered by the Lakers. Like the Celtics and Spurs the Lakers could look to and a veteran who is bought out.
Memphis Grizzlies
14 of 30
Trade Assets: O.J. Mayo, Hasheem Thabeet, Zach Randolph, 2016 second round pick (TOR).
O.J. Mayo has the best chance of being dealt by the team with the off court problems he's had this season. Chicago could be a landing spot for Mayo. Hasheem Thabeet has been a bust since being drafted number two and could have very little trade value. Zach Randolph requested a trade to Detroit earlier in the year but seems okay in Memphis now, however he does have an expiring deal. Memphis is more likely to make a deal that puts them closer to the playoffs than towards rebuilding.
Miami Heat
15 of 30
Trade Assets: 2011 second round pick (MIN), 2012 second round pick (MEM), 2014 second round pick (MIN).
The Heat have to hope for veterans being dealt and the deadline and then agreeing to buyouts. The Heat could look to deal Joel Anthony or James Jones but in all likely hood the Heat will stand pat and hope for some veterans to hit the open market.
Milwaukee Bucks
16 of 30
Trade Assets: Michael Redd, Carlos Delfino, John Salmons, 2011 second round pick (CHI).
Michael Redd is in the same boat as Yao Ming who has a big expiring contract that is 70% covered by insurance. Carlos Delfino could give a team a rugged rebounder and scorer. John Salmons could be dealt but his recently signed contract would make that difficult as with Corey Maggette.
Minnesota Timberwolves
17 of 30
Trade Assets: Corey Brewer, Jonny Flynn, Sebastian Telfair, Martell Webster, Ricky Rubio, $12 million dollars in cap space, 2011 first round picks (UTA and MEM), 2014 second round pick (NOH).
Corey Brewer was rumored to be going to Denver in a three team trade with the Knicks, but Minnesota has stated they are not willing to part with Brewer. Telfair has an expiring deal and could be thrown to a deal to either clear more space for Kahn or to help facilitate a deal for a higher caliber player. The big interest could lay in what the team plans to do with Ricky Rubio. They insist he will play in Minnesota and if that is the case then Flynn will be traded with Ridnour becoming the teams starting point guard. Minnesota was also favored to land Anthony Randolph for a pick. Kahn could use his cap room to stockpile more picks through multi team trades.
New Jersey Nets
18 of 30
Trade Assets: Devin Harris, Derrick Favors, Kris Humphries, Troy Murphy, 2011 first round pick (LAL), 2012 first round picks (GS and HOU), 2012 second round pick from (MIA).
The Nets have long been the landing spot for Carmelo Anthony and had offered the best package to the Nuggets by far. However talks were killed and then rekindled recently. The Nets have wanted to shed Troy Murphy's contract from their books. The Nets could stand pat and watch $21 million come off their books to go with five, first round picks in the next two years.
New Orleans Hornets
19 of 30
Trade Assets: David West, Marcus Banks, Jason Smith, $9.7 million dollar trade exception, 2011 second round pick (PHI), 2015 second round pick (MEM), 2016 second round picks (LAC and SAC).
With New Orleans in solid playoff position dealing David West will most likely not be dealt at the deadline but if there is an offer the Hornets cannot turn down he could be had. Marcus Banks will be attractive with his expiring deal. The Hornets will more than likely look to turn their exception into a veteran to help their bench during the playoffs.
New York Knicks
20 of 30
Trade Assets: Wilson Chandler, Eddy Curry, Landry Fields, Danilo Gallinari, Anthony Randolph, 2012 and 2013 second round pick (GS), and 2014 second round pick (SAC).
Long known the preferred destination for Carmelo Anthony the Knicks the rumors involving the two have increased. Recently the Nuggets have asked for five players: Chandler, Felton, Fields, Gallinari, and Timofey Mozgov, as well as a first rounder. The Knicks have been reluctant to trade so much for Anthony have might take their chances with free agency. A side deal with Minnesota could see Curry and Randolph shipped out for a first round pick.
Oklahoma City Thunder
21 of 30
Trade Assets: Jeff Green, James Harden, Morris Peterson, Nick Collison, 2012 first round draft pick (LAC), Tibor Pleiss, Ryan Reid, Latavious Williams.
The Thunder are in a good position as they do not need to make a deal in order to go make a deep run in the playoffs. They are in a good position with extra draft picks, young talent, and an expiring contract. Jeff Green is not seen as the answer at power forward in Oklahoma City and could be packaged for a center such as Bogut or Nene or for a legitimate power forward such as Josh Smith. Harden is a streaky shooter off the bench and could be dealt for a solid scorer. Nick Collison has an interesting contract as he is making $13.2 million this year with it dropping to $3.3 million next year and even lower in the following years. Collison is the longest tenured member of the team and their best post defender so it is very unlikely he is dealt.
Orlando Magic
22 of 30
Trade Assets: Chris Duhon, Earl Clark, $6.3 million dollar trade exception, Fran Vazquez.
The Magic are still searching for front court help and could their exception and Earl Clark to bring in another big man to fill the void of the departure of Marcin Gortat. The Magic could hope Kenyon Martin or Troy Murphy becomes available via buyout and add them to their roster.
Philadelphia 76ers
23 of 30
Trade Assets: Andre Igoudala, Jason Kapono, $2.2 million dollar trade exception.
Igoudala has heard in name in rumors before and this deadline will not be any different. However their improvement over the last fifteen games has quieted that. The 76ers are expected to make very little noise at this deadline and they want to see what magic Doug Collins can work with this roster.
Phoenix Suns
24 of 30
Trade Assets: Steve Nash, 2011 first round pick (ORL) and 2012 second round pick (NYK).
Steve Nash hasn't asked for a trade and the Suns don't seem intent on dealing him. If a deal arises the Suns might take a look but the money is for Nash to say in the desert. A playoff team may look to trade for Grant Hill but again it doesn't seem like the Suns want to make a move.
Portland Trailblazers
25 of 30
Trade Assets: Andre Miller, Marcus Camby, Joel Przybilla, 2011 first round pick (NOH) and 2011 second round pick (DEN).
The Blazers have been recently linked to a Devin Harris for Andre Miller swap as well as role players. The Blazers may look to move one or both of their big men, Camby and Przybilla, with the later more attractive because of his expiring deal. A darkhorse move could be to trade Brandon Roy and Miller and look to rebuild. The reports say Roy will stay and Miller will go.
Sacramento Kings
26 of 30
Trade Assets: Samuel Dalembert, Carl Landry, Jason Thompson, DeMarcus Cousins, 2011 second round pick (MIL).
The Kings have a ton of big men who could be on the block next week. Dalembert was acquired due to his expiring deal and could again be on the move. Landry was an impact player last season but is slowly becoming less of a factor and could be shipped out. Jason Thompson is more likely to be kept by the team but is still an attractive piece. Cousins is also not likely to be moved but the team could be growing weary of his character issues and may look to cut their losses if the right deal comes along.
San Antonio Spurs
27 of 30
Trade Assets: 2014 second round pick (LAC) and 2016 second round pick (CHA).
The Spurs are in the same boat with the other title contenders as they figure to be very little players in trades. They may look to the D-League or ten day contracts to fill their needs. Rookie Tiago Splitter figured to help take the heat off of Tim Duncan and has been passed in rotation by other Spurs big men but the deal would have to be almost too good for them to pull the trigger.
Toronto Raptors
28 of 30
Trade Assets: Jose Calderon, Leandro Barbosa, Reggie Evans, $12.5 million dollar trade exception, and 2011 first round draft pick (MIA).
The Raptors roster is loaded with fat contracts and uninteresting players. Evans has an expiring contract which might be worth a look for some teams. Calderon and Barbosa have contracts that are two big for playoff contenders to consider so the Raptors may be silent at the deadline.
Utah Jazz
29 of 30
Trade Assets: Andrei Kirilenko
The Jazz are in a tough spot, they have lost their legendary coach and have lost thirteen of seventeen to tall into a tie for eighth in the West. Kirilenko's contract is massive $17.8 million dollars which would come of the books at the seasons end and could help them lure a scorer to Salt Lake City. The Jazz are handicapped by their cap figure and their tradeable pieces. Could be a quiet deadline in Utah.
Washington Wizards
30 of 30
Trade Assets: Kirk Hinrich, Andray Blatche, Al Thorton, and Nick Young.
Hinrich has often been a target of playoff teams looking for a solid scorer, defender, and ball handler. At this deadline he is again available. Talented but troubled Andray Blatche is a solid scorer and rebounder and has a cap friendly contract. Younger players like Thorton and Young could also be available for the right price. Rashard Lewis could also be on the move due to his deal expiring after next season but teams will probably give him a look at the deadline next season.
