NBA Trade Rumors: Possible moves for all 30 teams (Updated)
Western Conference
Dallas Mavericks: Dirk Nowitzki’s career is about done, so why not trade him to a contender and hit the reset button on a franchise that clearly needs it. Deron Williams may be on the move thanks in large part to the success of the younger backcourt players.
Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets are solid across the board but it finally may be time to pull the trigger on a Kenneth Faried trade. The frontcourt is crowded with players that can score but a defender is needed in the post. Now, we have new reports that the Nuggets are interested in trading PG, Emmanuel Mudiay. With no real backup, the Nuggets will need to target a veteran player like Ish Smith of the Pistons.
[Mark]Golden State Warriors: It may seem that the Warriors are in need of no one but there are moves that must be made in order to secure their future. Money. The Warriors are in danger of hitting that luxury tax in 2017 and either Klay Thompson or Kevin Durant must be sent packing. The bench is full of young players and a move for Ibaka or Nikola Vucevic of the Magic may be the best option.
Houston Rockets: The Rockets have played better than most expected but still they are thin in the frontcourt. A call must be made to the Nets to see what package is needed for a Lopez deal to get done.
Los Angeles Clippers: The Clips are playing anything but great ball right now but with the injury, to Chris Paul, the Clips may lose any playoff ground they have. Even before that, there was a sense of urgency and many rumors that they may need to move Chris Paul or Griffin as the deadline approaches. An SF that can defend is a must and a player like the Blazers’ Maurice Harkless may be a perfect fit or figure out a way t get Carmelo Anthony to L.A.
Los Angeles Lakers: Youth is the key word for the Lakers. But this offseason has brought in two players that have not lived up to the earnings. The Lakers will be wise to move either one or both contracts of Luol Deng and Timofey Mozgov.
Memphis Grizzlies: It’s time to move Zach Randolph. He’s 35, putting up starter numbers off the bench. The Grizzlies are still contenders but what does the future hold? It may be in their best interest to trade Randolph for a starting 2-guard that can help the Grizz with their scoring issues.
Minnesota Timberwolves: This was to be the season where everything came together. They had the coach, the chemistry, and the skills but now, someone may be sent packing in order to right the ship. Ricky Rubio looks to be the top choice and with the recent addition of Lance Stephenson, it may be time to pull the trigger. The Wolves need a solid PG that can score and defend and a trade with the Suns or 76ers may be their best option.
New Orleans Pelicans: Injuries have crushed their dreams but by now the Pelicans should be used to that. What they must do is find some post play to help Anthony Davis. Rumors of a Okafor deal have started this week but the Pelicans may not be willing to part with PG Jure Holiday to get the deal done.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Russell Westbrook is a one-man wrecking crew but the Thunder are in dire need of perimeter help. Durant’s departure left a huge void in the frontcourt and the Thunder may need to go after a player like Gerald Henderson or Luol Deng.
Phoenix Suns: The Suns are loaded at every position and may the most pieces in the NBA that can unload a started and still see no drop in production. Tyson Chandler is a great veteran presence but he’s not getting any younger and his lack of offensive production may hurt. If the Suns can move Chandler, coupled with Brandon Knight they may have enough to pull off a blockbuster deal.
Portland Trail Blazers: The Blazers are ripe for a move. They need frontcourt help and it’s a possibility that the team may look into moving C.J. McCollum. The team has struggled and there’s no secret that Nerlens Noel and Serge Ibaka are on their wish list.
Sacramento Kings: The Kings held on to Rudy Gay too long and now will be forced to get nothing in return for him after this season due to his injury. I still believe they can make a run for P.J. Tucker and look to move Darren Collision and turn that position over to Ty Lawson.
San Antonio Spurs: The Spurs are not big on trades but this may be the season where Pop is forced to make a move at the deadline. A move for Marcus Smart could be in play as the Spurs need a consistent perimeter threat to pair with Danny Green.
Utah Jazz: The Jazz are one of those teams that are solid across the board but they have an overload of backcourt talent that must be moved. Their best move will be to trade Shelvin Mack and try to get a 2nd round pick for him.
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.
