NBA Trade Rumors: 5 players who could get traded before the trade deadline
With a blockbuster deal already in the books this past week, we can expect teams around the league to continue making moves to improve their rosters, or start a rebuilding process. Here are the latest rumors around the league.
Jan 16, 2013; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jason Terry (4) celebrates a three point play during the third quarter against the New Orleans Hornets at TD Banknorth Garden. The New Orleans Hornets won 90-78. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Boston Celtics expected to be active – Jason Terry on the move?
With Rajon Rondo, and now Jared Sullinger, sidelined for the rest of the season, it is understandable that Celtics’ GM Danny Ainge will be answering all incoming calls until the Feb. 21 deadline.
According to Ken Berger, teams around the league have been asking about Jason Terry:
With injuries mounting, teams have begun inquiring whether Boston is willing to trade Jason Terry to get under luxury tax, sources say.
— Ken Berger (@KBergNBA) February 1, 2013
Boston signed Terry last summer, hoping that he could fill the void that Ray Allen eventually left behind. However, the Jet might be forced to spread his wings and find a new home before the deadline.
Terry is having the worst season since his 1999-00 rookie campaign and hasn’t quite been himself in white and green. According to Berger, the Celtics are still waiting to see what’s available and won’t necessarily be making any deals. It is still quite likely that the Celtics will decide to shake up the roster, even if it’s just to relieve the luxury tax pressure, and Terry could be the one out of the door.
Jan 28, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets power forward Kris Humphries (43) shoots a free throw during the fourth quarter against the Orlando Magic at Barclays Center. Brooklyn won 97-77. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Brooklyn done with Kris Humphries?
Kris Humphries is coming off the best season of his career, in which he averaged 13.8 points and 11 rebounds.
This season has been filled with frustration and disappointment for the 6′ 9″ power forward.
Humphries is out of the starting lineup, and interim head-coach P.J. Carlesimo seems concerned by the play of his power forwards in general, according to NY Daily News:
"“It’s the logjam at 4 and 5, which has been there all year, and how the game evolves. It’s when you get in the game and how you do,” Carlesimo said. “If you’re in the wrong place and guys get offensive rebounds over you or something like that, you’re not going to be in the game very long.”"
The report also says that the Nets are open to shopping Humphries, who was given a 2-year $24M contract this summer. The fact that it is only a 2-year contract helps, but it might be hard finding a team that is willing to pay him $12M next year.
December 3, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Andrea Bargnani (7) during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 113-110. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Raptors not done moving players – Andrea Bargnani up next
After breaking down the Rudy Gay trade following a loss to the Atlanta Hawks, Raptors’ GM Bryan Colangelo strongly hinted towards the fact that Bargnani’s time in Toronto might very soon come to an end.
Colangelo made it clear that the team wouldn’t make a deal just to make a deal, but was very openly offering him to any takers. Obviously, Bargnani needs to get back on the court before any serious trade talks can commence.
There are several possible trades out there for Bargnani, but it is unlikely that the Raptors will get a piece they really like in exchange for him. Toronto will most likely look for draft picks and expiring contracts in return for the Italian big man.
Jan 30, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks small forward Josh Smith (5) in action against the Toronto Raptors during the fourth quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports
Many teams interested in Josh Smith
It is no secret that the Atlanta Hawks have considered trading their best player. Josh Smith will be a free agent this summer and there is a huge market for him at this point in time.
According to Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld, the Phoenix Suns is the latest team pursuing a trade for Smith:
"The Suns have been searching for a face of the franchise since Steve Nash’s departure last summer, and Smith could be exactly that. If the Hawks decide it’s time to part ways with Smith, the Suns will be one of the teams on the phone."
Through his twitter, Kennedy also says that “the Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets and Charlotte Bobcats – had exploratory talks with the Atlanta Hawks.”
The Suns could potentially offer a package deal involving Marcin Gortat. Charlotte Bobcats don’t really have any pieces that would look particularly enticing to the Hawks. Houston Rockets, on the other hand, have a lot of good players on reasonable contracts, and could, in theory, get a deal done with Atlanta.
Jan 5, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Nikola Pekovic (14) tries to get around Portland Trail Blazers power forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nikola Pekovic not worth the money?
"I continue to hear there’s a split opinion internally about whether Pekovic is worth $12 million a year long-term beginning this summer, when he’ll be a restricted free agent."
Pekovic has improved a lot this season, averaging 16 points and 8.7 rebounds for the ailing Timberwolves. He also seems to have worked quite well with Kevin Love, in the little time they played together, forming what is quite possibly the best rebounding frontcourt in the league.
The report continues to say that it is unlikely that Minnesota will part ways with the center before the deadline, but a sign-and-trade this summer is a possibility.