As we approach the NBA trade deadline (February 20th, 3pm ET), new rumors are starting to circulate regarding players on the trading block and new players. Since the trades involving Luol Deng and Rudy Gay have been executed, teams have been quite reluctant in trading their players. It seems as if teams are “saving up” for a spectacular draft class for the 2014-2015 season including potential first rounders Jabari Parker and Aaron Gordon.
Through the course of the season, many players have been in trade talks consistently. Some include: Pau Gasol (LAL), Rajon Rondo (BOS), Omer Asik (HOU), Emeka Okafor (CHA), Andre Miller (DEN), and Greg Monroe (DET). The latest of players to be included in rumors have been Jeremy Lin (HOU) and Kevin Love (MIN). Carmelo Anthony will stay with the New York Knicks for the remainder of the season but will explore free agency once the season ends.
Many teams should be interested in making moves for reasons beyond players. Some have a large amount of cap room still available, such as the Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, and Phoenix Suns. On the other side of the spectrum are the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls, both of whom are straddling the luxury tax limit. Well actually, the Lakers exceed the limit by about $8 million, and the Bulls are just short by about $700,000.
The latest of rumors to arise include a Jason Terry/Jarret Jack swap between the Brooklyn Nets and Cleveland Cavaliers. It seems as if the Lakers and Dallas Maverick are pursuing Kevin Love, but reports show ambiguity in terms of what the Mavs or Lakers will give the TWolves in return. The Knicks are looking to add either Jeremy Lin (ironic) or Jeff Teague to their roster as they are in desperate need of a PG. Early last week, the Brooklyn Nets were heavily interested in acquiring Jordan Hill from the Lakers…nothing has been executed as of yet. The Charlotte Bobcats are targeting 76ers guard Evan Turner. Reports say that only MCW and Nerlens Noel are safe in Philly. Note, these are all rumors, and only some have been confirmed by ESPN. Others are speculations solely based on hearsay.
This year’s trade deadline seems to have made little noise in comparison to previous years. Look for things to heat up as we are just two days away from the deadline.
