5 Players Who Could Be Moved Before The NBA Trade Deadline
There is less than a week until the NBA trade deadline, which means teams will have to decide whether or not they believe they can compete. Superstars such as Jimmy Butler, Paul George, DeMarcus Cousins, and Carmelo Anthony are seeing their names in the rumor mill. However, it is unlikely any of them move at or before the trade deadline. I will highlight players likely to be on the move and where they could possibly end up.
Jahlil Okafor- Philadelphia 76ers
The saga continues and if Colangelo does not move him before the trade deadline he may lose trust of 76ers’ fans. Okafor has a ton of offensive skill but his defense needs work.
Possible teams: Pelicans, Bulls and Lakers
Brook Lopez- Brooklyn Nets
Lopez has seen his name pop up in trade rumors for the past 3 seasons but this may be the year he is finally moved. The Nets lack a pick this year and hold the worst record in the league. This is the time to move the 28-year-old big man and get a 1st round pick.
Possible teams: Pelicans and Celtics
Brandon Knight- Phoenix Suns
Knight has been on the fringe of the rotation this season but he is only 25 years old and is not eligible for unrestricted free agency until 2020. He averaged a career high in points per game last year with 19.6 and could fetch a rebuilding Suns team a nice return.
Possible teams: Grizzlies, Wizards, Knicks, Kings and Heat
Ricky Rubio- Minnesota Timberwolves
Rubio was almost put in a package for Jimmy Butler but the Chicago Bulls decided they wanted Zach Lavine. The deal fell through and the Timberwolves drafted Kris Dunn. The writing is on the wall for the pass first point guard who is under contract until 2019.
Possible teams: Kings, Nets, Mavericks, Spurs and Grizzlies
Lou Williams- Los Angeles Lakers
Williams is the leading scorer for the Lakers and has experience coming off the bench. He can give a contending team a prolific scorer to take them over the top, or at least give the Warriors/Cavaliers a scare.
Possible teams: Hornets, Wizards, Hawks, Jazz, Grizzlies and Thunder
Tim Hofmeister is a senior at DeSales University and a rugby player. He is a Philadelphia product and a die-hard fan of all the Philadelphia teams and The University of Notre Dame. Follow him on twitter @DontHassel_Hof