Thoughts On The 2019 NBA Trade Deadline

The NBA trade deadline is on Febuary 7th, 2019. It is just over a month away. You can bet the phones are already ringing. Trades will be coming soon. Here is team by team look at who might be on the way out.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

Denver Nuggets:

Will look to move Mason Plumlee, Juan Hernangomez, and perhaps Jamal Murray.

Golden State Warriors:

Will look to move Andre Iguodala, Jonas Jerebko, Shaun Livingston, and Perhaps even Draymond Green.

Keep an eye out for a deal with Chicago, probably a three team deal that sends Lopez and maybe Parker to the Warriors. Though Parker would likely go to the third team involved.

Oklahoma City Thunder:

The Thunder will make a move at the deadline. Look for some combination of Nerlens Noel, Terrance Ferguson, Jerami Grant, and Alex Abrines to be shipped out.

Los Angles Clippers:

The Clippers will likely not be big players at the deadline. If they do make a move, look for Lou Williams and Avery Bradley to be involved.

Houston Rockets:

The Rockets will look for a home for Carmelo Anthony in a trade, but end up waiving him. With the addition of Austin Rivers they won’t be as aggresive as they would otherwise have been. They are probably no longer looking to trade for Kentavious Caldwell Pope, who they were interested in.

Los Angeles Lakers:

The Lakers will no doubt look to upgrade at the deadline. Look for Kentavious Caldwell Pope, Josh Hart, Michael Beasley and other filler to be on the move. They will be the most likely to pick up Carmelo Anthony off of waivers.

Portland Trail Blazers:

The Blazers won’t make many moves, but Olshey will find a way to move Meyers Leonard, probably with a first and a filler player for an upgrade. Evan Turner however, is going nowhere. Aminu and Harkless could also be headed out, but its doubtful. They could pick up Carmelo Anthony off of Waivers.

San Antonio Spurs:

The Spurs would no doubt like to trade Aldridge, but it won’t happen at the deadline. They will likely be quiet after trading Kawhi Leonard this Summer. Though, they may play facilitator. We could see Rudy Gay, Lonnie Walker, Marco Belineli, or Patty Mills moved.

Sacramento Kings:

The Kings will be surprisingly mostly quiet at the deadline. Vlade Divac loves to make deals, but his Kings are finally starting to win. He may not want to mess with them. If there is a move look for Zach Randolph and Ben McLemore to be involved.

Memphis Grizzlies:

The Grizzlies failed as a facilitator in the Wizards/Suns trade, and likely will not be big traders at the deadline. They may try and play facilitator again. If they do, let’s hope they get the players right this time.

Utah Jazz:

After trading for Kyle Korver, the Jazz will sit quietly during the deadline.

Dallas Mavericks:

The Mavericks have the league jealous of their rookie Luka Doncic, and Cuban could look to upgrade at other spots. They could look to deal J.J. Barea, Harrison Barnes, Wesley Matthews, and Devin Harris. It is more likely they stay put and make moves in the summer.

Minnesota Timberwolves:

The Timberwolves already made their big move of the season sending Jimmy Butler to the 76ers for Dario Saric and Robert Covington. They won’t make any moves at the deadline. (It would be nice to see Thibodeau trade for Turner, but it likely won’t happen. I can dream though)

New Orleans Pelicans:

Though Lebron made a bid to play with Anthony Davis, the Pelicans are adamant in keeping him. They will try to trade up around him to keep him happy. Look for E’Twaun Moore, Solomon Hill, Julius Randle, Ian Clark, and picks to be headed out. They are desperate to keep Davis and will sell the farm to do so.

Phoenix Suns:

After waiving Chandler and Trading Ariza, the Suns have done most of what they will this season. If there is a trade it will likely involve TJ Warren. As upset and embarrased as much as they are with rookie DeAndre Ayton and his underwhelming play, they probably won’t give up on him yet. The desert will be pretty quiet at the deadline.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

Milwaukee Bucks:

Sitting at the top of the east and already having made a trade with Cleveland for George Hill, they will likely stay pat at the deadline.

Toronto Raptors:

After making their big move this past summer trading DeMar Derozan for Kawhi Leonard and the development of their youngsters, they won’t be players at the deadline.

Indiana Pacers:

Pacers GM Kevin Prichard is always looking to upgrade, but with a handful of their best players off the table, there isn’t alot for teams to call about. Still look for Tyreke Evans, Thaddeus Young, and Kyle O’Quinn to be on the move if a deal breaks.

Philadelphia 76ers:

The 76ers already made their big deal trading Dario Saric and Robert Covington to the Twolves for Jimmy Butler. Still, after some down play and a spanking by Portland, they may look to upgrade. They would be happy to rid themselves of Markelle Fultz at this point. I could see them dropping him on Chicago, Phoenix, New York, or Orlando. I could see a spate of their filler players being used to facilitate deals.

Boston Celtics:

The Celtics have been underwhelming. After their play last year, the return of Gordon Hayward, and the exodus of LeBron James from the east, Boston seemed next in line to lead the conference. Don’t be surprised if Bean town shakes it up. Gordon Hayward, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Morris and Marcus Smart could be on the way out.

Charlotte Hornets:

The Hornets will be players this deadline. Kemba Walker could find a new home. Malik Monk, Jeremy Lamb, Marvin Williams, and Frank Kaminsky could also be on the way out. Lord knows they would like to trade Batum and Biyombo, but it’s not happening.

Miami Heat:

The Heat tried to trade for Butler early on, but talks fell apart with Riley cussing out Thibodeau and hanging up the phone. Miami will be dealing at the deadline. We could see a blockbuster here with Hassan Whiteside moving elsewhere. Look for Justice Winslow, Josh Richardson, Dion Waiters, James Johnson, and even Goran Dragic to be possibly moved before the deadline.

Detroit Pistons:

The Pistons will likely make a move. Griffin and Drummond will be staying put. Look for some combination of Luke Kennard, Reggie Jackson, Jose Calderon, and Reggie Bullock to head out in a trade. Detroit wants to try and make things work with Griffin. How long till they admit its a misfit?

Brooklyn Nets:

The Nets couldn’t trade Crabbe if they wanted to. They won’t trade their crown jewel Caris LeVert. Look for Joe Harris, DeMarre Carroll, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson to be on the move. They could trade Ed Davis and Shabazz Napier, but look for them to remain after the deadline.

Orlando Magic:

The Magic always seem to be talked into moving players and usually good ones. Don’t be surprised if Nikola Vucevic or Aaron Gordon are moved at the deadline. Terrance Ross, Jonathan Simmons, and Jerian Grant are likely names to look for in trades. Evan Fournier meanwhile, isn’t going anywhere.

Washington Wizards:

The Wizards already traded Kelly Oubre to the Suns for Trevor Ariza. Otto Porter could be moved, but its less likely now. Look for Markieff Morris, Jeff Green, and Ian Mahinmi to be moved.

Atlanta Hawks:

The Hawks are hurting after letting Luka Doncic slip through their hands. But, they still want to see what Trae Young can become before they lose grasp of him. Look for Kent Bazemore, Taurean Prince, Dewayne Dedmon, DeAndre Bembry, and Miles Plumlee to be traded.

Chicago Bulls:

The Bulls have all but collapsed. Wait, no they have completely collapsed. Zach LaVine, Lauri Markkanen, and rookie Wendell Carter Jr are safe. Look for Jabari Parker, Robin Lopez, Kris Dunn, Justin Holiday, Denzel Valentine, and Bobby Portis to be named in trades.

New York Knicks:

New York is rebuilding. They have time. Their pick is going nowhere. That doesn’t mean they won’t deal. Look for Courtney Lee, Emmanuel Mudiay, Noah Vonleh, Damyean Dotson, and Trey Burke to be traded. Though it wouldn’t surprise me to see Vonleh still in NYK after the deadline.

Cleveland Cavaliers:

As much as they want Kevin Love to be their star, he will be traded at the deadline, probably to the Bulls, Boston or Lakers. Rookie Collin Sexton and the Cavs pick are safe. J.R. Smith, Tristan Thompson, and Rodney Hood are on the way out. The Warriors or Houston perhaps?