NBA Trade Rumors: Big names most likely to be dealt before 2018 deadline

Between now and the 2018 NBA trade deadline, these big-name players currently stand the best chances of being sent packing.

We’re about a month and a week into the 2017-18 NBA season, and it’s been a good one up to this point. A number of unexpected contenders have emerged, one team has dominated the East, and the West is turning out to be the marathon we all assumed it would be.

As we start to inch closer to the 2018 NBA trade deadline, we’ll start to hear more and more rumors about potential moves in the works. We’ve already seen one big deal go down, and a number of big names have found their way into the whispers coming out of the rumor mill.

Today, I want to try to pinpoint a few of those big names who could actually be sent packing.

Between now and Feb. 8, we’ll hear a lot of hoopla. This superstar is on the trade block, and that superstar better be packing his bags. And yet, more often than not, the blockbuster deals don’t go down. The players I’m about to highlight, though, all stand at least decent chances of finding their ways onto new rosters in the near future.

With that in mind, here are the five big-name players most likely to be dealt before the 2018 NBA trade deadline. Just a heads up — there are a lot of big men. The trade market is overflowing with frontcourt talent at this very moment.

5. DeAndre Jordan, C, Los Angeles Clippers

There’s a lot of talk right now about the potential for DeAndre Jordan to be donning a new jersey in the near future. While it makes sense considering his expiring contract and the Los Angeles Clippers’ struggles, it’s no guarantee he’ll be headed elsewhere before the 2018 trade deadline.

That’s why Jordan finds himself here at No. 5. He belongs on the list because of all of the rumors, but there’s a lot that has to happen for a deal to be struck.

First, the Clippers have to stay on their current path towards irrelevance. After a strong start to the season, they’ve dropped nine of their last 10 games and are nowhere near the playoff picture. If that trend continues, making a big move or two may become necessary as prep for a more extensive rebuild begins.

Second, the Clippers have to determine whether or not they want to invest a max contract in Jordan. He’s scheduled to hit free agency next offseason, so they don’t want to let him walk without getting anything in return. A year after throwing major money at Blake Griffin, do they want to do the same for their other starting big man?

It’s a difficult situation, and one the Clippers are wishing they weren’t in. However, with so much uncertainty on the horizon for this franchise, a hard choice will soon need to be made.

4. Kenneth Faried, PF, Denver Nuggets

It’s been disappointing to watch Kenneth Faried’s sudden fall from grace. Not long ago, he was seen as a rising star for the Denver Nuggets. Now, he’s one of the NBA’s most overlooked players trapped in one of the NBA’s deepest frontcourts.

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As a result, he’s found himself the subject of numerous trade rumors in recent years. Despite the injury to Paul Millsap, that hasn’t changed with players such as Trey Lyles, Mason Plumlee, Juan Hernangomez, Tyler Lydon and Darrell Arthur also vying for minutes at the 4 and 5 spots.

So why is he at No. 4 and not higher? Well it’s all because of his contract, which isn’t exactly a friendly one.

Right now, Faried is making $12.9 million in 2018 and still has another $13.7 million owed to him in 2019. That’s a lot of money for a forward who can’t score more than five feet from the basket. Obviously he brings a lot of value on defense and as a rebounder, but his offensive limitations are why he fell out of favor in Denver in the first place.

Still, between the aforementioned assets and his high-energy play, Faried has something to offer. If a contender determines they need a boost in the rebounding/shot-altering departments, the Manimal could get the change of scenery he desires before the 2018 trade deadline.

3. Greg Monroe, C, Phoenix Suns

Greg Monroe has already been traded once this season. Why not force the poor guy to relocate for a second time, just for good measure?

Well, if he was traded, it wouldn’t be just for good measure. In fact, it’s been mentioned since his first swapping of teams that he could be on the move again. The Phoenix Suns are a rebuilding team, and have no need for an overpaid center — especially with Alex Len and Tyson Chandler already on the roster.

After the Suns originally acquired Monroe, general manager Ryan McDonough offered a number of directions the team could go with their new center.

They’ve played him significant minutes since his arrival, although it’s believed it’s an attempt to showcase him for potential suitors. A buyout is an option considering Monroe’s $17.8 million cap figure, but it seems unlikely since he’s a free agent in 2018. That’s why the trade option makes the most sense.

In this scenario, the Suns get something in return for the talented big man. While his stock took a significant hit during his days with the Bucks, it’s obvious he’s still a high-impact player who can start for a number of teams. There should be some club out there willing to give up draft assets in order to acquire an expiring contract.

More than likely, Monroe will be wearing a different jersey before Feb. 8 has passed. It’s been a whirlwind for the 27-year-old big man, but here’s hoping he lands in a more favorable situation in the near future.

2. Julius Randle, PF, Los Angeles Lakers

On the surface, it would seem like the Los Angeles Lakers would have plenty of reason to keep Julius Randle. He’s been a sensation off the bench this season, currently averaging 12.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game while providing an emotional spark for the second unit.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem his play is going to sway Magic Johnson when a final decision must be made. As it so happens, Randle is allegedly someone “whose future is very unlikely to continue with the Lakers,” according to ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski.

So here’s the issue. Randle is a restricted free agent in 2018, and will likely be looking for a significant pay raise. With the Lakers’ hopes of landing two superstars during free agency, it seems less than ideal to spend big bucks on the former No. 7 overall pick.

If that truly is the case, why not move him for a first round pick and be done with it? Especially without their own 2018 first round pick, the Lakers are likely eager to get back into the mix on draft day. There’s the potential for them to do so by unloading Randle, who’s only going to cause financial difficulties by sticking around.

It’s looking like Randle’s days in Los Angeles are numbered. Don’t be surprised if he’s calling a different city home before the NBA trade deadline has passed.

1. Jahlil Okafor, C, Philadelphia 76ers

It has to happen eventually, right? For the better part of the last two years, Jahlil Okafor has been mentioned as a potential trade candidate for the Philadelphia 76ers. Will he finally be dealt, or will he forever be doomed in trade rumor purgatory?

Honestly, it’s anyone’s guess at this point what the immediate future holds for him. However, I’m going to say it’s about time we finally see Okafor get an opportunity elsewhere. The 76ers clearly have no interest in playing him (two appearances, 25 total minutes this season), which has made it all the more baffling that the former No. 3 overall pick hasn’t been shipped away.

Seriously, enough dragging of the feet. The 76ers have waited for the right deal to come across their table, and have had plenty of discussions. Okafor was rumored to have been involved in talks surrounding Eric Bledsoe, but that never came to fruition.

At this point, Okafor could likely be had for minimal assets. Maybe a role player and a second round pick? Plus, it’s not like Philadelphia is putting any effort into making him a more appealing target.

Next: Big-name players allegedly on the trade block

Sooner or later, the 76ers are going to need to deal Okafor. They’ve put far more effort into finding a trade partner for him than making him a part of the rotation. If they’re going to recoup anything after spending such a high draft pick on him, they need to move him now before he hits the open market in July.