5 NBA players in need of a trade in 2018-19

Heading into a new NBA season, there are always a few big-name players in need of a change of scenery. Here are five who could use a trade in 2018-19.

The NBA is a constantly shifting landscape, especially with more and more players taking their futures into their own hands in free agency. However, as much as that kind of player movement during the offseason is fascinating, trades remain the most intriguing way players change hands.

The reason is the myriad of questions that arise after a trade, especially since the majority of deals don’t take the players’ preferences into account. Does the player like his new NBA home? Who won the deal? How will it impact the players involved? How will it affect the team?

However, in this era where the stars rightfully hold more power than ever, it’s become more and more common to see disgruntled players request a trade, let it be known that they’re unhappy, or inform their team that they intend to sign elsewhere once they reach free agency, thereby forcing a trade.

Whether it’s on the player’s end or the team’s, sometimes there are just bad pairings and relationships that have gone south. At that point, the best option for both parties is to work on a trade. Heading into 2018-19, there actually aren’t too many disastrous pairings, but in order to be thorough, it’s time to take a look at some notable NBA players who could use a change of scenery soon.

Whether it’s due to poor fit, being phased out of a rotation, heavy contract figures or the need to find a better situation on a winning team, here are five players who could use a trade in the upcoming season.

Honorable mentions

Courtney Lee — The New York Knicks have too many wings who need minutes, and Lee could help a playoff team with his defense, 3-point shooting and all-around experience. The obstacle here is the remaining two years and $25 million on his contract.

Terry Rozier — Boston Celtics fans won’t want to hear it, and technically he doesn’t “need” a trade, but take a look at the point guard rotations for the Phoenix Suns or Orlando Magic and try arguing he’s not deserving of a starting role in this league. With both him and Kyrie Irving being free agents in 2019, will Danny Ainge keep the rotation intact past the deadline and risk losing one of them next summer?

Kent Bazemore — The Atlanta Hawks could be the worst team in the league next year, and they’ve got quite a few young wings who need minutes. If a more competitive team needs some extra wing depth, Bazemore makes too much sense.

Spencer Dinwiddie — Dinwiddie has one year left on his contract, and with D’Angelo Russell, Caris LeVert, Shabazz Napier, Joe Harris and Allen Crabbe in the backcourt, it might make more sense for the Brooklyn Nets to move him before losing him for nothing next summer.