NBA Trade Rumors: Possible moves for all 30 teams (Updated)
With the NBA Trade Deadline two weeks away we will attempt to take a look at possible NBA Trade Rumors for all 30 teams in the NBA. Some reading may not agree but that’s the fun in all of this. Some teams will be forced to make moves for various reasons while others are looking to bolster their roster for a deep playoff run. Please note, this is an updated list due to injuries and other trade rumors that have passed since I first wrote this.
Eastern Conference
Atlanta Hawks: The Hawks could use some help on the perimeter. Kyle Korver took his shot to Cleveland and while Tim Hardaway Jr has been a pleasant surprise the team still needs a consistent outside threat. A player like Wesley Matthews or Nick Young wold fit well into the rotation.
[Mark]Boston Celtics: The Celtics are still in need of a quality PF. Nerlens Noel may be off the market but the Celtics could still take a shot at Blake Griffin or DeMarcus Cousins if either comes available. But both will not be cheap.
Brooklyn Nets: The Nets are at least three seasons away from even attempting to put a winning team on the floor. For the last three years, Brook Lopez has been in trade talks but this may be the year that he finally gets moved. No drafts pics. Trading Lopez is the right move to stock up for the future.
Charlotte Hornets: The Hornets are in good shape. Their one weakness can be masked but during the playoffs, they will be exposed. Come Trade Deadline time the Hornets should look to get more defensive in the post. There trade with the Bucks was cap effective but they still need production. Okafor is still an option but, don’t count out the possibility of Lopez as well.
Chicago Bulls: It would seem that the Bulls are set after two big moves this offseason with Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo but the locker room is a mess. With reports that the Bulls are open to trading Jimmy Butler and Rondo, plus Wade not sure that he will resign, the time is right for the team to make a move. Rondo may be hard to move but a trade for him to Minnesota for Ricky Rubio may get the team back on track.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Kevin Love is still the most valuable trade piece the Cavs have. He’s been playing well but if the Cavs are looking to unload a huge contract and get two serviceable and cheaper players then Love should be on the block. Rumors involving Love and Carmelo Anthony should be put to rest as LeBron did Monday night. The Cavs are still looking for a backup playmaker and I think Deron Williams is that guy.
Detroit Pistons: The Pistons are in dire need of a second rebounder. Andre Drummond can attack the boards but when your next best rebounder sits at six and is a bench player, there will be issues. Markieff Morris can score but his lack of defense has hurt the Pistons. If the Pistons can move Morris for Kenneth Faried or Willie Cauley-Stein that will be great.
Indiana Pacers: The Pacers are having an issue on the defensive end. Myles Turner is a great shot blocker but must improve on his rebounding. Thad Young is skilled but flawed in the post. A move must be made to secure the blocks and this is where the Pacers may search for a partner to take Monta Ellis off their hands. Ellis for Jordan Clarkson of the Lakers might be a move the Pacers could look into.
Miami Heat: Well-balanced offensive team but not much else. Dion Waiters can score and Hassan Whiteside will patrol the paint but until the Heat can make a move for a PF they will continue to struggle. A possible move could be the Blake Griffin route or to make a play Trey Lyles of the Utah Jazz.
Milwaukee Bucks: Injuries have played a factor for the Bucks this season but so has their inability to make any moves for Greg Monroe. He doesn’t look happy or seems to fit with the Bucks. Time to get a deal done and bring in a solid PG.
New York Knicks: The Knicks need time to jell as three players look like they are fighting for the team lead. The bigger issue is what to do with the $16M man, Joakim Noah? It’s clear he doesn’t fit and he’s the type of player the team needs but he’s not the right guy. If the Knicks can ship him out for a Monroe-like post player then talks of East contender is back on the table. But, with the Knicks and Carmelo Anthony looking to part ways the team needs to get a complete roster reset with pieces if Melo decides to waive his clause.
Orlando Magic: The Magic are like the 76ers, they have too much talent in their frontcourt but are scared to let go of it. Why did they trade for Serge Ibaka then sign Bismack Biyombo when the Magic already has Vucevic and Aaron Gordon? Gordon may be the best trade pieces as the Magic will look to get help at the SF position. But, if they can get rid of Ibaka and Payton and get a playmaker like D’Angelo Russell and T.J. Warren
Philadelphia 76ers: The 76ers seem to have changed their minds about the player they want to go. At first, it was Nerlens Noel but now it looks to be Jahlil Okafor. The 76ers must be wise with their choice as they are still in need of a starting PG and can no longer keep stock-piling draft picks. I still say Rubio is the way to go unless they can pull off a trade for Brandon Knight of the Suns.
Toronto Raptors: The Raptors are another East team that must get stronger in the post. Okafor is good but the Raptors need a player like Ibaka to do the dirty work. They are in desperate need of a rim protector to help take pressure off Jonas Valanciunas.
Washington Wizards: The Wizards have continued to decline in the last two seasons and a John Wall move may not be too far off. Bradley Beal was just giving a boat load of cash but he and Wall cannot seem to coexist in the same backcourt. A move for Omer Asik or Gorgui Dieng may make the most sense as the Wizards rank near the bottom of the league in rebounding.
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
