NBA Pre-Trade Deadline Thoughts
February 19th 2013 21:52
Link: www.davidsgrant.com
Each year the hype for who will be traded starts at the same time as the season. This year is no different with rumors and Twitter fueled gossip surrounding a few big names. Let’s take a look at a few of the names being dangled and then check back after the trade deadline.
Josh Smith (Atlanta Hawks)
Smith’s name has been linked to no less than five teams. The REAL contenders seem to be the Boston Celtics and New Jersey Nets. The Celtics have trade chips where it’s unclear who the Nets would potentially part ways with. Josh is a free agent after this year so anyone making a trade will be thinking short term or want some commitment to a longer term deal.
Pau Gasol (Los Angeles Lakers)
With the great Jerry Buss passing away it will be hard for Laker nation to focus this week. Still, Gasol is a veteran that could return a piece back to L.A. Pau is lost with Dwight Howard in the mix, so any return would be a positive at this stage of the season.
Brandon Jennings / Monta Ellis (Milwaukee Bucks)
Two very different situations. Brandon Jennings is a restricted free agent and Monta Ellis has a one-year player option (expected to opt out). What is clear is that these two can’t consistently produce as an undersized backcourt duo. If Jennings goes the Bucks must get a point guard in return. Ellis could be packaged with Ersan Ilysova which could be enticing to a number of teams.
Paul Pierce / Kevin Garnett
When Rajon Rondo went down most thought, “well, this is it, time to blow it up!” Not the case. The Celtics are buyers, looking to make one more push behind their aging leaders.
Dark Horse: Deron Williams
His numbers are down (may be due to a bad ankle), but his value is still high. It’s possible the Nets try to make a splash, the question is who would be able to match?
David S. Grant is an author of several books, rock columnist, travel writer, and NBA blogger. Follow David on Twitter: @david_s_grant
Josh Smith (Atlanta Hawks)
Smith’s name has been linked to no less than five teams. The REAL contenders seem to be the Boston Celtics and New Jersey Nets. The Celtics have trade chips where it’s unclear who the Nets would potentially part ways with. Josh is a free agent after this year so anyone making a trade will be thinking short term or want some commitment to a longer term deal.
Pau Gasol (Los Angeles Lakers)
With the great Jerry Buss passing away it will be hard for Laker nation to focus this week. Still, Gasol is a veteran that could return a piece back to L.A. Pau is lost with Dwight Howard in the mix, so any return would be a positive at this stage of the season.
Brandon Jennings / Monta Ellis (Milwaukee Bucks)
Two very different situations. Brandon Jennings is a restricted free agent and Monta Ellis has a one-year player option (expected to opt out). What is clear is that these two can’t consistently produce as an undersized backcourt duo. If Jennings goes the Bucks must get a point guard in return. Ellis could be packaged with Ersan Ilysova which could be enticing to a number of teams.
Paul Pierce / Kevin Garnett
When Rajon Rondo went down most thought, “well, this is it, time to blow it up!” Not the case. The Celtics are buyers, looking to make one more push behind their aging leaders.
Dark Horse: Deron Williams
His numbers are down (may be due to a bad ankle), but his value is still high. It’s possible the Nets try to make a splash, the question is who would be able to match?
David S. Grant is an author of several books, rock columnist, travel writer, and NBA blogger. Follow David on Twitter: @david_s_grant
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