NBA Trade Deadline Rumors and Truths
We are officially eight days from the NBA trade deadline. As it approaches, teams are looking to make the moves crucial to their success this season. For some it means a playoff push; for others adding depths; and for others, still, it means freeing cap space for the coming year. There has been a lot of talk surrounding some specific players. And as we get closer and closer to the deadline, it’s sure to heat up that much more. Without further ado, let’s take a look at those deals destined to happen and those destined for speculation. Hop on to the rumor mill, and please keep your hands and feet inside the ride at all times.
Let’s begin with the big story of the midseason: Carmelo Anthony. Or as I like to call him, Caramel Anthony. The rumor mill has been abuzz, practically dripping with Caramel. So many teams have popped into the mix. But the biggest name continues to be the Cavaliers. At some point that talk fizzled like a coke bottle left open all day. But then tragedy struck in Cleveland. Kevin Love suffered a knee injury. Now he’s out for six weeks and suddenly the Caramel-flavored talks have whipped back into high gear.
Here is what FOX Sports’ Chris Broussard had to say about the possibility:
It’s just a lot of upheaval. They would have to play a different style if they bring in Carmelo Anthony. But can you envision them against Golden State? Kyrie, LeBron, J.R. Smith, Carmelo Anthony and Tristan Thompson? I mean, now Durant or Draymond has to guard Melo and LeBron. You know what I mean? … One of those guys is going to get a little bit of a break against Love. They wouldn’t get a break against Melo.
I don’t want to sound like something I’m pushing it, because I’m really not sure what I would do if I was Cleveland. It just makes it something that I would start to think about now, whereas before it was like, “No way.”
The real question, though, is whether or not Mr. Caramel will waive his no-trade clause. My thought is, if the Cavs are open to it, he should absolutely do it. Otherwise do you really foresee the Knicks building enough to give Melo a title? I don’t. He’s reaching the height of his career, the prime; and the twilight is just around the corner. In my opinion, this is it. This is his chance to find himself on a super team with a super solid chance of taking home a title. And let’s face it: Caramel deserves a title as much as anybody in this league.
Next up: Jhalil Okafor. What up with that guy? The Sixers have been looking to deal him for a while. With Joel Embiid down low, Okafor is simply not being utilized to his full potential. It’s mutually beneficial to move him. Thus far the Bulls and Pelicans lead the race for the 6’11” center. But there’s a possibility, considering how long it’s all taking, that another team might sneak into the mix. Thus far, Okafor is averaging 11.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.0 blocks this season in 23 minutes a game. When asked about him, Sixers head coach Brett Brown said “He’s in the middle of being discussed in trade scenarios.” It’s no secret. But, the big question seems to be his health. Last a year, a torn meniscus sidelined him for 29 games. Any team trading for Okafor will want the full value, so a physical might be in order. Either way, it seems imminent that he’ll end up elsewhere in the next week. As the Bulls fall into a slow implosion, a guy like Okafor might just provide the juice they need. Whatever the case, we’ll find out soon.
Alright who’s next? Ah yes! The Bull’s Jimmy ‘I Can’t Believe It’s Not’ Butler. This is kind of a big deal. Right now, Butler is averaging 24.4 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists a game. He’s one of the best players in the league when it comes to consistency in the front and back court. It might seem a little nutso. Butler has been integral to the Bulls this year.
Yesterday (Valentine’s Day, also a regular normal day), Alex Kennedy, Basketball Insiders’ senior NBA editor and writer, tweeted the following: “Today, a general manager told me he believes the Bulls would accept a “Godfather offer” for Jimmy Butler. But they want a lot (obviously).”
For those who don’t know the Godfather reference (which better be like none of you) that means teams will have to make the Bulls an offer they can’t refuse. But who knows what that would look like? The Celtics have been implicated. Rumor has it, they’re interested in acquiring Butler and the Pacers’ Paul George. But that might require giving up Isaiah Thomas, which to me, is simply unthinkable. I guess we’ll find out if the Bulls wake up with a horse head in their bed come February 23rd. The question is, whose horse will it be?
Alright so that’s it for the big rumors. Now onto trades that’ve already been made.
Beginning, of course, with the biggest trade of the midseason: Yesterday, the Orlando Magic traded Serge Ibaka to the Raptors for Terrence Ross and a first round pick. This seems like it may provide the push Toronto needs to contend. Many are saying the trade is inevitably going to shake up the East and leave room for a team to square up against the Cavs, especially since Love sustained his six week injury. Not saying the Raptors will take first in the conference, but they’ve definitely bolstered their roster. It will be interesting to see how he fits into the mix. The other big trade was Portland’s Mason Plumlee going to the Denver Nuggets for Jusuf Nurkic.
So there you have it, folks. Eight days. That’s it. A lot can happen in this amount of time. Trades big and small will keep rolling in no doubt. If any of these major deals come to pass, be on the lookout for an article discussing the implications of each move. In the mean time, stay classy and stay tuned.
