Storyline: A lot of players, including some very big names, may be on the block. NBA teams are looking at options, all with the goal of making a run for the playoff. Written by Peyton Hook, Galesburg, IL.
Courtesy: sportingnews.com
Rumor has it that the Lakers are shopping players. D’Angelo Russell could be traded to the Sixers for Jahlil Okafor. Other rumors say that DeMarcus Cousins could end up with the Lakers in a three-way trade with the Orlando Magic, including Lakers’ point guard Jordan Clarkson. Cousins, who currently plays for the Sacramento Kings, has averaged 20 p.p.g. in the last three seasons. But since the Kings drafted Cousins the team hasn’t been able to win 30 games in a season. Cousins is not the problem, though. Cousins could be the main target for Lakers.
The Lakers could also have a new shooting forward known by the name of Kevin Durant. Jordan Clarkson is in his last contract year for the Lakers ($845,059) so the Lakers could trade him for a bench player to save money for Kevin Durant. Right now there’s no word on Kevin Durant’s deal in Oklahoma City. But reports say that the Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Lakers are top teams to sign him if doesn’t re-sign with the Thunder.
Courtesy: Sports Illustrated
Maybe the Bulls might have interest in KD? Reports say that the Chicago Bulls needs a good wing player. It’s also possible that the Golden State Warriors could go after KD. If the Chicago Bulls did try to trade for him (if the Thunder were willing to trade him), they could trade Pau Gasol and Nikola Mirotic. The Bulls need a good wing player. The Lakers do need a new shooting player when Kobe Bryant retires, anyway. If Durant doesn’t stay with Thunder then, most likely, he could land with the Lakers or Wizards.
The New York Knicks may have interest in Brandon Jennings reports say. Jennings, 26, currently plays for the Detroit Pistons, and has a career average of 16.5 p.p.g and 6.2 assists per game. In return the Knicks could trade Jose Calderon, who’s only averaging 7.5 p.p.g. Jose is 34 years of age and Brandon Jennings is 26, so Knicks would be getting a plus age-wise. The Pistons would get a plus because Calderon is one of the best 3-point shooters in the League. Calderon also shoots well at the free throw line–a .875 career average. In the 2008-2009 NBA season Calderon shot up 154 free throws and sunk 151 at a rate of .981. The Pistons’ center, Andre Drummond, is not good at the free throw line, so Calderon would help when shooting the ball. If the trade goes down both teams would get what they need.
Courtesy: thesportsquotient.com
The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly interested in Markieff Morris of the Phoenix Suns. Ever since the Suns traded Markieff’s twin brother, Marcus, Markieff has wanted out of Phoenix. Maybe the Cavs could trade long timer, Anderson Varejao, or Timofey Mozgov. Morris’s value has dropped this year due to a suspension. His attitude has worsened. Markieff is really talented, but don’t be surprised if another team–Pistons, Lakers, or the 76ers–go after him.
Teams you’ll see get active in the trade party are most likely the 76ers, Knicks, Pistons, Bulls, Cavs, Suns, Lakers, and Timberwolves.
For the Sixers it will be Jahlil Okafor, who could be traded to the Lakers for D’Angelo Russell.
For the Knicks and Bulls it could be Carmelo Anthony to the Bulls and Pau Gasol to the Knicks.
The Pistons might go after Markieff Morris to reunite him and his brother, Marcus; and Brandon Jennings could go to the Suns or probably the Knicks (if the Knicks trade Calderon).
The Lakers are most likely interested in Jahlil Okafor.
The Timberwolves might deal Kevin Martin to the Los Angeles Clippers for Jamal Crawford.
A lot could happen. Struggling NBA teams try to trade players all the time to make a surge for the playoffs.
