With the NBA trade deadline just two days away, it’s time to look at which players have the greatest chances of getting moved to other teams.
It’s safe to say the past year was one of the greatest years in NBA history trade-wise, with players such as Paul George, Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and Carmelo Anthony switching teams in shocking moves. While this year’s trade deadline may not be as star-studded (in terms of rumors) as last season’s, several players remain up for grabs on the trade market entering this week.
We’ll start this Def Pen ranking with the best five names on the list to watch, then list the other players known to be available down below. Since only 40 spots can be used, several players – including DeMarre Carroll, James Ennis, Al Jefferson and Ben McLemore – were not listed, but note they too could be moved before the clock strikes 3:00 p.m. ET this Thursday.
DeAndre Jordan
Jordan is a powerful presence on the interior. He sets effective screens, crashes the glass with emphasis and protects the rim with great efficiency. Now in his 10th NBA season, Jordan didn’t miss any action due to injury until less than a month ago. Cleveland, Portland and Washington have all expressed interest in the 29-year-old. Los Angeles covets a first-round pick for Jordan.
Tyreke Evans
Evans is an effective scoring wing. He is able to create his own shot off the dribble or the catch and is averaging 19.5 points this season, the highest since he was in his rookie year. He has started in 26 of 46 games. Memphis will not play Evans until after the deadline in preparation for a likely deal. Boston reportedly has significant interest.
Kemba Walker
Walker is in the prime of his career. He has a lightning quick handle, explosive first step and is elusive off the dribble. He’s an electrifying scorer who has improved defensively. Hornets owner Michael Jordan made Walker and others available last month. Charlotte covets a high first-round pick or an All-Star-level talent for him. Detroit has expressed serious interest in his services.
Lou Williams
Williams is a creative, scoring-minded two-guard with unlimited range. He’s currently in the best season of his career, averaging 23.4 points per game. He has scored 40 points on four different occasions this season, including a 50-point outing in January. As with Jordan, the Clippers are seeking a first-round pick for Williams. He turned 31 in October. Philadelphia has expressed interest.
Hassan Whiteside
Whiteside remains an effective shot-blocker and a tenacious rebounder. Injury and limited minutes have affected his value this season. Milwaukee and Washington have both expressed interest, but it’s unclear where Miami stands with him. Their asking price is said to be extraordinarily high.
Here are 20 players worth watching as potential trade candidates in each conference, sorted alphabetically by last name.
Eastern Conference:
1. Arron Afflalo, Orlando Magic
Contract Status: 1-Year, $3.8 Million ($3.8M this season)
2. Kent Bazemore, Atlanta Hawks
Contract Status: 3-Year, $54.2 Million ($16.9M this season)
3. Marco Belinelli, Atlanta Hawks
Contract Status: 1-Year, $6.6 Million ($6.6M this season)
*Belinelli has registered interest from several teams, including the 76ers, Celtics, Heat, Pacers, Raptors and Thunder, a source told Def Pen Hoops. Atlanta is seeking a second-round draft pick.
4. Evan Fournier, Orlando Magic
Contract Status: 4-Year, $68 Million ($17M this season)
5. Channing Frye, Cleveland Cavaliers
Contract Status: 1-Year, $7.4 Million ($7.4M this season)
6. Marcin Gortat, Washington Wizards
Contract Status: 2-Year, $26.3 Million ($12.8M this season)
7. John Henson, Milwaukee Bucks
Contract Status: 3-Year, $31.7 Million ($11.4M this season)
8. Willy Hernangomez, New York Knicks
Contract Status: 3-Year $4.5 Million ($1.4M this season)
*Hernangomez formally requested a trade from the Knicks this week.
9. Mario Hezonja, Orlando Magic
Contract Status: 1-Year, $4.1 Million ($4.1M this season)
10. Ersan Ilyasova, Atlanta Hawks
Contract Status: 1-Year, $6 Million ($6M this season)
11. Courtney Lee, New York Knicks
Contract Status: 3-Year, $36.7 Million ($11.7M this season)
12. Robin Lopez, Chicago Bulls
Contract Status: 2-Year, $28.1 Million ($13.8M this season)
13. Jodie Meeks, Washington Wizards
Contract Status: 2-Year, $6.7 Million ($3.3M this season, player option in second year)
14. Joakim Noah, New York Knicks
Contract Status: 3-Year, $55.5 Million ($17.8M this season)
*Noah is away from the Knicks with hopes he will receive a trade.
15. Elfrid Payton, Orlando Magic
Contract Status: 2-Year, $7.9 Million ($3.3M this season)
16. Kyle O’Quinn, New York Knicks
Contract Status: 2-Year, $8.3 Million ($4.1M this season, player option in second year)
17. Iman Shumpert, Cleveland Cavaliers
Contract Status: 2-Year, $21 Million ($10M this season, player option in second year)
18. J.R. Smith, Cleveland Cavaliers
Contract Status: 3-Year, $44.2 Million ($13.8M this season)
19. Tristan Thompson, Cleveland Cavaliers
Contract Status: 3-Year, $52.4 Million ($16.4M this season)
20. Hassan Whiteside, Miami Heat
Contract Status: 3-Year, $75.2 Million ($23.8M this season)
*The Heat have been dissappointed with Whiteside’s consistency and all-around effort this season. They’ve discussed trades centered around Whiteside before, but their asking price has always been — and still is — extraordinarily high.
Western Conference
1. Alex Abrines, Oklahoma City Thunder
Contract Status: 2-Year, $11.2 Million ($5.7M this season)
2. Alexis Ajinca, New Orleans Pelicans
Contract Status: 2-Year, $10.2 Million ($4.9M this season)
3. Tyson Chandler, Phoenix Suns
Contract Status: 2-Year, $26.6 Million ($13M this season)
*There is genuine interest from teams in Chandler’s services, but his contract has largely watered down the market. Still, Phoenix remains motivated to move him before the trade deadline, a league source told Def Pen Hoops.
4. Jared Dudley, Phoenix Suns
Contract Status: 2-Year, $19.5 Million ($10M this season)
5. Tyreke Evans, Memphis Grizzlies
Contract Status: 1-Year, $3.3 Million ($3.3M this season)
*The Grizzlies are holding Evans out of action in anticipation of an eventual trade.
6. Kenneth Faried, Denver Nuggets
Contract Status: 2-Year, $26.9 Million ($12.9M this season)
7. Derrick Favors, Utah Jazz
Contract Status: 1-Year, $12 Million ($12M this season)
8. Maurice Harkless, Portland Trail Blazers
Contract Status: 3-Year, $32.4 Million ($10.1M this season)
9. George Hill, Sacramento Kings
Contract Status: 3-Year, $57 Million ($20M this season, $1M guaranteed next year)
10. Rodney Hood, Utah Jazz
Contract Status: 2-Year, $5.9 Million ($2.4M this season, player option in second year)
11. Joe Johnson, Utah Jazz
Contract Status: 1-Year, $10.5 Million ($10.5M this season)
12. DeAndre Jordan, Los Angeles Clippers
Contract Status: 2-Year, $46.7 Million ($22.6M this season, player option in second year)
13. Wesley Matthews, Dallas Mavericks
Contract Status: 2-Year, $36.5 Million ($17.9M this season)
14. JaVale McGee, Golden State Warriors
Contract Status: 1-Year, $2.1 Million ($2.1M this season)
15. Emmanuel Mudiay, Denver Nuggets
Contract Status: 3-Year, $13.3 Million ($3.4M this season, player option in second year)
16. Shabazz Muhammad, Minnesota Timberwolves
Contract Status: 1-Year, $1.5 Million ($1.5M this season)
*Muhammad formally requested a trade from the Timberwolves last week.
17. Nerlens Noel, Dallas Mavericks
Contract Status: 1-Year, $4.2 Million ($4.2M this season)
18. Julius Randle, Los Angeles Lakers
Contract Status: 2-Year, $9.6 Million ($4.1M this season, player option in second year)
19. Lou Williams, Los Angeles Clippers
Contract Status: 1-Year, $7 Million ($7M this season)
20. Brandan Wright, Memphis Grizzlies
Contract Status: 1-Year, $5.9 Million ($5.9M this season)
