All the talk in the NBA is surrounding whether or not Anthony Davis will be a Laker by Thursday at 3:00 PM EST. With Davis claiming that he’ll only sign long term with the Clippers, Lakers, Knicks and Bucks, the Pelicans’ trade options are limited.
Of those teams, only the Lakers can create a reasonable trade. The only problem is that New Orleans GM Dell Demps is presently demanding an arm, a leg and every other conceivable part of the body from Los Angeles to get a deal done. As a result, it isn’t worth the speculation as to whether a deal will get done or not. Either Demps caves and deals the disgruntled Davis, or he holds out until the summer, tanking Davis’ value substantially.
With Davis’ situation reduced to a “will he, won’t he” at the moment, we should look to the rest of the NBA to see who is available. Who are the best players on the market not named Anthony Davis?
Bradley Beal
In light of the recent news about John Wall tearing his Achilles’, it may be in Washington’s best interest to tank until Wall’s massive contract has expired. Beal is a tremendously talented guard with three seasons of control left. Dealing him could mean considerable assets in return for the Wizards.
Potential Trade Suitors: Lakers, Rockets, Suns, Clippers, Blazers, Hornets, Nets, Raptors, Timberwolves
Otto Porter Jr.
Porter finds himself in a similar boat as Beal. While he isn’t as talented as Beal, he is just 25 and has a lot of potential. It would be in the Wizards best interest to clear the books of any max contracts (other than Wall’s likely untradeable one).
Potential Trade Suitors: Jazz, Blazers, Spurs, Kings, Hornets
Mike Conley/Marc Gasol
The Grizzlies currently sit at 14th in the West, and it might be time for them to let their two stars go, clear up some cap space and try to rebuild through the draft. Additionally, with Chandler Parsons’ albatross of a contract, Memphis is automatically down $25million next season. The Grizz should likely wait until 2020 to try to compete when their books will once again open up. By then they should have a couple good young players and the room to sign a max contract or two and once again contend.
Conley Trade Suitors: Jazz, Pistons, Raptors
Gasol Trade Suitors: Jazz, Pistons, Raptors, Hornets, Clippers
Trevor Ariza
Ariza’s $15 million expiring contract gives the Wizards the ability to take on a large contract from a team in exchange for a young player or first round pick. In either case, Washington can obtain a valuable asset as they build for the future. Ariza has been a highly sought after “3&D” player since earlier in the season when he was on the Suns, and there should be no shortage of trade partners for the Wizards.
Potential Trade Suitors: 76ers, Blazers, Lakers, Jazz, Hornets, Nets
Will Barton
Barton is an excellent player for a great team, but he’s a bit redundant between the other Nuggets guards. Coming off the bench, Malik Beasley and Torrey Craig do the same thing for far less money. To other teams, Barton is a valuable shooter and scorer. What the Nuggets need most however, is another big man provide bench production while Jokic is resting.
Potential Trade Suitors: Pelicans, Raptors, Jazz
Nikola Vucevic
The Magic aren’t going anywhere this season, and Vucevic’s value has never been higher. Unless Orlando makes some big promises for “Vooch”, he’s likely leaving for greener pastures in free agency this summer, so it behooves them to get something for him while they still can.
Potential Trade Suitors: Lakers, Raptors, Nets, Hornets, Clippers, Kings
Jeremy Lin
Much like the Magic, the Hawks aren’t anywhere close to contending for the playoffs. With a backup point guard asset as valuable as Lin, the team should definitely be looking for trade partners.
Potential Trade Suitors: 76ers, Hornets, Warriors, Blazers, Spurs, Jazz
Nikola Mirotic
Mirotic is an excellent stretch four, and with Davis potentially being traded, it would be a good idea for the Pelicans to get something for his expiring contract.
Potential Trade Suitors: 76ers, Celtics, Raptors, Nets, Hornets, Nuggets, Blazers, Spurs, Jazz
Julius Randle
Randle can play the four or dominate as a small ball five, which makes him an extremely versatile trade piece for New Orleans. His contract is affordable, and while he’ll likely turn down his player option, he could greatly aid any team from either the starting lineup or the bench.
Potential Trade Suitors: Lakers, Jazz, Blazers, Nuggets, Clippers, Raptors, Celtics, Nets, Hornets
Honorable Mentions: DeAndre Jordan (via buyout or trade), Wesley Matthews (via buyout or trade), T.J. Warren, Andre Drummond, Reggie Jackson, Kent Bazemore, Taurean Prince, E’Twaun Moore
Stats courtesy of Basketball Reference
Featured image courtesy of Gerald Herbert/AP Images
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