If the latest NBA trade rumors are to be believed, the following big-name players could be swapping jerseys prior to the 2018 trade deadline.
We’re officially more than a month into the 2017-18 campaign, and we’ve already seen a big-name deal get done. Based on the latest NBA trade rumors, it shouldn’t come as a surprise if a few more prominent players swap jerseys before Feb. 8, the 2018 trade deadline.
Obviously all rumors have to be taken with a grain of salt. We’ve seen plenty of substantiated and unsubstantiated claims over the years, and a number of each have come true. In the grand scheme of things, though, these trade rumors amount to nothing more often than not.
Still, that doesn’t mean we should ignore them. As I mentioned, there have been several instances in the past in which players mentioned as being on the trade block have been dealt. It’s not the most common of occurrences, but it does happen from time to time. That’s why we, as a community of NBA fans, tend to pay more attention than we probably should to the rumors.
Regardless, we’re here for one reason. That’s to see which big-name players are currently being mentioned as potential trade candidates.
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So here they are — five big-name NBA players allegedly on the trade block as we work our way through the second half of November. It’s anyone’s guess the validity of the rumors, but it’s what I’m hearing/reading at this moment.
Luol Deng, SF, Los Angeles Lakers
We all knew the Los Angeles Lakers would be looking far and wide for a trade partner for Luol Deng. Unfortunately, as was easy to expect, there’s been little to no progress in that department.
The Lakers aren’t being shy about their intent, though. Here’s this, via ESPN‘s Ramona Shelbourne:
"“Deng said he and his agent, Jeff Austin from Octagon sports management, have been working with the Lakers to resolve the situation, either via trade or buyout.”"
The problem with the trade scenario is that no one wants to take on the three years and $54 million that remain on Deng’s contract. Not only is it a wildly steep price to pay for a 32-year-old forward who isn’t even in the rotation, but there aren’t many teams out there with the cap space to take on that type of money until 2020.
A buyout seems more likely, but comes with its own fair share of hurdles. Then there’s the idea of extending him and using the stretch provision, which was recently floated by Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus. Another unorthodox approach, but it would get the Lakers much closer to having the cap space needed to sign, say, LeBron James and Paul George in 2018.
Is Deng likely to be dealt anytime soon? No. At this moment, though, the Lakers are turning over every stone hoping to find a deal they can swing to get his albatross of a contract off the books.
Julius Randle, PF, Los Angeles Lakers
Yes, another Laker who could easily be on a new team before February’s trade deadline passes. Magic Johnson is dead set on creating cap space for a free agency spending spree, and Julius Randle doesn’t appear to be a part of the franchise’s long-term plans.
At least, that’s according to ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski, who claimed that Randle’s future is “very unlikely to continue with the Lakers.” The 2014 first round pick is scheduled to hit restricted free agency next offseason. Re-signing him would put a sizable damper on landing the two superstars Johnson is aiming for.
Assuming Wojnarowski’s assertion is true (which they usually are), Randle seems like a perfect trade chip. He may even come into play as it relates to getting Deng’s contract out of the way. The Lakers could essentially incentivize a rebuilding team to take on the aging veteran’s salary with Randle, a future first round pick and maybe some other sort of compensation.
Magic made a similar move this past offseason to unload Timofey Mozgov’s ugly contract. It cost the Lakers D’Angelo Russell, but yielded them Brook Lopez and a draft pick that eventually became Kyle Kuzma. I’d say that worked out pretty well for Los Angeles.
Especially if Randle isn’t in the long-term plan, why not use him to make a Deng trade more enticing? It’s not going to be easy with so many teams strapped for cap space, but Johnson seems to have a way of getting what he wants.
Mario Hezonja, SG, Orlando Magic
I know Mario Hezonja isn’t the biggest of names, but he is a former No. 5 overall pick who once appeared to have a bright future in this league. Instead, he’s spent the last two seasons proving his bust status as a member of the Orlando Magic.
Well, it appears Orlando is ready to turn the page on this failed experiment. Then again, maybe a change of scenery could get things going for Hezonja, who appeared to be bursting at the seams with the potential after coming over from Croatia in 2015.
Sources: Orlando has explored the trade market on Mario Hezonja. The Magic must decide on his fourth-year $5.2 million team option by today.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) October 31, 2017
Eventually, the Magic did end up declining his team option, meaning Hezonja will hit the open market next offseason. That means it’s all the more likely Orlando will be searching for anyone willing to take him off their hands prior to the trade deadline. The only question is whether there will be any takers.
My guess would be no, but you never can be sure. Hezonja looked like a star in the making back on draft day. While he hasn’t live up to the hype or his draft status, there may be some team willing to give him a shot in their system. If they liked what they saw prior to the draft, it could be worth a second round pick to see if a new team can bring out the best in Hezonja.
Chances are stacked against any club dishing out first round draft picks for the former top pick. You better believe the Magic will listen to any offer that comes across the table, though.
Jahlil Okafor, C, Philadelphia 76ers
Honestly, I feel bad for Jahlil Okafor. He’s been on the trading block pretty much since he landed with the Philadelphia 76ers back in 2015. Some of the blame for that falls on his shoulders, but he’s essentially being made out as a pariah.
If there’s any player that needs a change of scenery, it’s Okafor. We all know the potential he possesses. He was a star at Duke, and has flashed that same skill during his first two seasons in the NBA. Unfortunately for him, it’s gotten to the point where the 76ers simply aren’t interested in putting him on the floor.
So far this season, Okafor has played in two games for a total of 25 minutes. He’s been surpassed by Richaun Holmes and Amir Johnson for minutes behind Joel Embiid, and is nowhere near being a part of the rotation. Chances are that isn’t going to change until he’s wearing a different jersey.
Well it appears that’s not too far down the road. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer‘s Keith Pompey, Okafor was involved in trade discussions when the Phoenix Suns were shopping Eric Bledsoe. Although nothing came to fruition, it was the latest in a long line of potential suitors for the former No. 3 overall pick.
At this point, Okafor’s value is pretty low. Between the lack of production and some off-court issues, it’s not completely crazy that he hasn’t been traded yet. Still, if someone is looking for a high-upside big man, they should give the 76ers a call.
DeAndre Jordan, C, Los Angeles Clippers
You may not know this, but the Los Angeles Clippers and Houston Rockets discussed a potential DeAndre Jordan-Clint Capela swap this past offseason (via ESPN‘s Zach Lowe). Nothing ever came of it, but it made it known the Clippers weren’t opposed to parting with their All-Star center.
It seemed like that idea had gone out the window when the Clippers began their 2017-18 season strong. After a 4-0 start, they’ve come crashing back down to Earth. Their rebuilt roster wasn’t as good as it originally appeared, as the Clippers now own a 5-10 record and are ranked 13th in the Western Conference.
If the losing continues, general manager Michael Winger may be tempted to see what he can get for Jordan. The team has already made it clear that Blake Griffin is the present and future. Especially with Jordan likely to opt out of his player option for the 2018-19 season, it may be best for the Clippers to get some draft compensation instead of letting him walk.
You know there would be some contender interested in adding a top-tier center before the trade deadline. Given Los Angeles’ lack of building blocks (only four players under 25, none starters), some added draft assets would be very valuable for this franchise.
Next: 2017-18 Week 5 NBA Power Rankings
There’s been a lot of speculation that the Clippers could make a move if they continue racking up losses. Don’t be surprised to see Jordan’s name pop up more often in NBA trade rumors between now and February.