Around this time of year, the trade rumors are everywhere. Almost every team is looking to add a piece or decide that they aren’t contending this season, and want to unload some salary. With the trade deadline looming, this is when most deals are made, and this season is shaping up to be no different. These teams have been in trade talks the most over the last few weeks, and are one small step away from pulling the trigger. Let’s take a look at who has been in the rumor mill the most lately, and which players could be packing their bags.
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets have appeared in trade conversations just about every day for the last month. With the season not going as planned, and the Nets sitting outside the playoff standings, almost every player’s name has come up in a rumor or two. Brook Lopez has been shopped around, with potential trades for Charlotte’s Lance Stephenson, Oklahoma City’s Jeremy Lamb, and an undisclosed offer by Denver all cropping up. The Nets turned all of these deals down, but their intent seems to be to get rid of the talented but oft-injured big man. Other rumors have included Joe Johnson for Stephenson or other teams, so he and his massive contract should be another story to monitor. Deron Williams could be traded as well, with the overall intent appearing to be moving forward past this unsuccessful title chase.
Charlotte Hornets
Speaking of Charlotte, the Hornets could be making a move to find a backup point guard. Kemba Walker went down with a knee injury and is out for the next 6 weeks, possibly more. Charlotte has been looking for a point guard to step in behind Brian Roberts, who has played well in the starting lineup. Aside from looking to deal Stephenson, Charlotte has talked to Miami about potentially acquiring Norris Cole, Mario Chalmers, or Shabazz Napier. Charlotte is another candidate to make a move as the trade deadline approaches.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder are another team who have heard their name pop up in discussions lately. Reggie Jackson has been at the forefront of those discussions, with rumors of his time with Oklahoma City ending cropping up constantly. His teammates reportedly don’t like how he has played, and view him as selfish. Jackson has said consistently that he believes he deserves starter money, and this has irked Kevin Durant. Seeing as Durant is the franchise star, Jackson’s time with the Thunder appears limited, perhaps only as far as February 19th. Jeremy Lamb’s name has come up as well, and he will likely continue to be trade bait if it can land OKC Brook Lopez or another considerable improvement on the front line. This team is battling for a playoff spot, and another move wouldn’t be a major surprise.
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets quite simply appear to have quit on head coach Bryan Shaw. They have been getting blown out left and right, and the moves could be on the way. JaVale McGee’s name has come up in trade talks with Brooklyn, and the Nets refuted that offer. More talks like this appear likely, as the team could look to move in another direction following this disastrous season. Perhaps players like Arron Afflalo, J.J. Hickson, and Danilo Gallinari could also be shown the door as the deadline nears.