Not every season-altering trade will be centered around a star. These NBA role players can help teams become genuine contenders.
The 2016 NBA Trade Deadline is scheduled for Thursday, February 18 at 3 p.m. Eastern Time. That may feel like a distant date for those who still can’t believe it’s 2016, but it’s not; the window to execute a move is closing, and teams must act hastily.
The question is, which players are actually worth trading for?
The obvious response is to list off star-caliber players who can take over as the new face of a franchise. The more likely result is that a number of key role players will be moved before or on the date of the deadline.
That may not be as sexy of a possibility, but it’s the realistic expectation.
Contrary to popular belief, said moves can have a significant impact on the trajectory of a team’s season. Not every one will pan out, but finding a specialized skill or an all-around contributor can reshape both a starting lineup and a second unit.
The question is, which under-the-radar trade options should teams be targeting?
Next: Buried in Depth
D.J. Augustin, Oklahoma City Thunder
Position: Point Guard
Age: 28
Salary: $3,000,000 (Expiring)
Slash Line: .379/.390/.765
Season Averages: 15.7 MPG, 4.4 PPG, 1.9 APG, 1.1 RPG, 0.7 3PM
In recent games, the Oklahoma City Thunder have received a spark from rookie lottery pick Cameron Payne. As illustrated by the fact that Sam Presti chose Payne at No. 14 overall in the 2015 NBA Draft, the hope is that he can develop into a high-caliber complement to Russell Westbrook.
Whether fair or foul, that’s made veteran point guard D.J. Augustin somewhat expendable.
Augustin utilized 2013-14, as well as the first half of 2014-15, to restore his reputation. He helped lead the Chicago Bulls to the playoffs under Tom Thibodeau, and was thriving for Stan Van Gundy and the Detroit Pistons before being traded to Oklahoma City.
Chalk it up to whatever you’d like, but Augustin hasn’t found his niche with the Thunder.
What Augustin would provide to a different contender is the services of a backup with the ability to start. He’s a pick-and-roll playmaker who can torment defenses from midrange, step out beyond the 3-point line, and utilize his quickness to get to the basket.
He alone won’t solidify a contender, but any number of teams could utilize Augustin as a key piece in a postseason push.
Next: Best Backup Point Guard in the NBA?
Darren Collison, Sacramento Kings
Position: Point Guard
Age: 28
Salary: $5,013,559
Slash Line: .461/.355/.867
Season Averages: 29.0 MPG, 13.7 PPG, 4.5 APG, 2.1 RPG, 0.9 SPG, 1.1 3PM
Darren Collison is everything you could ask a backup point guard to be. He can score and distribute in the half court, break a game open in transition, defend at a high level, and shoot from anywhere on the floor.
Currently playing behind Rajon Rondo on a 14-20 Sacramento Kings team that isn’t exactly contending, Collison could be the necessary spark for a number of sputtering second units.
For a team that doesn’t need a star at point guard, Collison could overachieve and do what he’s done 302 times already: start. He’s not elite in any one area, but he does everything well and has game-changing speed.
Whether starting or serving in the sixth man role, Collison is the perfect player for a team in need of 25-to-30 strong minutes of point guard play.
From a financial perspective, Collison is easily affordable. He’s making $5,013,559 in 2015-16, and will finish his contract in 2016-17 by making $5,229,454—paradoxical pocket change under a rising salary cap.
Not only could he be available, but Collison should be one of the NBA’s most coveted trade options come the February 18 deadline.
Next: 3-and-D Potential
Robert Covington, Philadelphia 76ers
Position: Small Forward
Age: 25
Salary: $1,000,000
Slash Line: .368/.309/.785
Season Averages: 26.1 MPG, 10.7 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 1.8 3PM
The Philadelphia 76ers are 4-33, and that’s beyond reason enough to believe they could make a move. Jerry Colangelo has acted swiftly in helping Philadelphia develop a brighter future, and that suggests the Sixers will be more open than ever to a trade with short and long-term benefits.
If a team can provide a fair measure of compensation, it could land a potential impact reserve in small forward Robert Covington.
Covington experienced something of a breakout in 2014-15 when he averaged 13.5 points and emerged as a lethal 3-point shooting threat. His efficiency has taken a massive hit in 2015-16, but his value remains.
As a 6’9″ wing who can shoot the 3-ball and play at a high level defensively, Covington has value.
The key for Covington will be going to a team that preaches ball movement. The right system will be everything for him, as the one area in which he struggles most is creating his own looks in the half court.
If a contender with a star point guard needs a 3-and-D specialist, then Covington is the low-cost player to target.
Next: Stretch 4
Mirza Teletovic, Phoenix Suns
Position: Power Forward
Age: 30
Salary: $5,500,000 (Expiring)
Slash Line: .438/.420/.692
Season Averages: 17.7 MPG, 9.2 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.0 APG, 2.0 3PM
Mirza Teletovic spent the final 42 games of his Brooklyn Nets tenure recovering from blood clots in his lungs. A fan and locker room favorite, Teletovic has completed an incredible comeback by becoming one of the NBA’s most dangerous marksmen.
As a member of the Phoenix Suns, the 30-year-old has helped raise the bar for the contemporary stretch 4.
Teletovic has converted 73 3-point field goals in 37 appearances, which ranks No. 1 amongst power forwards. He’s also No. 2 at his position in 3-point field goal percentage, sinking a highly efficient 42.0 percent of his attempts.
Having made 136 3-point field goals on 39.0 percent shooting in 2013-14, history suggests that Teletovic can maintain this level of production and efficiency.
Teletovic won’t play 35 minutes per contest, but he’s a sharpshooting big man on an expiring contract. His mere presence can alter gameplans, as the 6’9″ and 242-pound power forward is also capable of going to the post and exploiting smaller defenders.
Teletovic would provide invaluable versatility to whichever team he goes to.
Next: Physical Defense
P.J. Tucker, Phoenix Suns
Position: Small Forward
Age: 30
Salary: $5,500,500
Slash Line: .431/.351/.744
Season Averages: 27.7 MPG, 6.5 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.7 3PM
With Eric Bledsoe undergoing season-ending knee surgery, the Phoenix Suns are no longer regarded as a team that can make the playoffs. Thus, Phoenix’s roster has become lush with trade potential.
P.J. Tucker may be the most attractive asset.
Tucker isn’t statistically elite, but he’s a hound of a defender. He uses his size, length and strength to contain scorers, and isn’t afraid to get physical and under the opposition’s skin.
Every championship contender can put that to use.
Financially, he’s owed $10.8 million between 2015-16 and 2016-17. Thus, it isn’t much of a burden to assume the risk of paying Tucker for a year and a half.
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The Suns are prioritizing the development of their youth, and that means the 30-year-old defensive wing is worth inquiring about.