At this point the NBA is as popular for what happens off the court as what happens on it, and that’s perfectly fine. From social media beefs to soap opera-esque relationships, the league is as popular as ever, and news will only pick up with this week’s trade deadline.
We’ve already had a few moves, notably the Clippers sending Tobias Harris to Philadelphia. By Thursday there should be even more waves made, and all eyes are on a certain generational talent in New Orleans. Over the next 48 hours who could potentially be on the move? Here are some notable names who could shake up the NBA:
Anthony Davis:
This saga is far from over. He publicly asked for a trade out of New Orleans, and there appear to be two frontrunners on opposite coasts. The Lakers have come out with a couple of offers, which the Pelicans have countered by asking for even more – we’re talking four first-round picks and a bunch of young guys. The Celtics, meanwhile, can’t trade for Davis during the season, and are hoping that Davis isn’t dealt before Thursday so they can make a move in the offseason.
Given the enormous price tag, it looks unlikely that Davis switches teams midseason, which will only ramp up the headlines between now and the summer.
Mike Conley:
In a guard-heavy league, Conley sometimes gets lost in the shuffle, but he’s an All-Star caliber player. With two years left on a deal that will pay $67 million, the 31-year-old coming off a foot injury could be a risk. But at 22-33 and in 14th in the West, the Grizzlies are clearly looking to ship off veteran pieces for draft picks and cap space, which means Conley isn’t the only Memphis player that could be on the move.
Marc Gasol:
The 34-year-old is less likely to be moved than Conley, given he has a $25.6 million player option for next season and centers aren’t exactly in high demand. Despite his age, though, his numbers across the board are basically on par with his career totals: 15.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, 48 percent on field goals and a 17.3 PER. But if the Grizzlies can get solid pieces back, they’ll quickly pull the trigger.
Memphis fans know it’s likely the end, too, as during Tuesday night’s game both Conley and Gasol (who was hurt) received ovations from the crowd in what could have been their final home games.
Lakers not named LeBron James:
In their pursuit of Anthony Davis, the Lakers have floated essentially all of their young players’ names in trade talks. Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma and Ivica Zubac have all been reported as pieces in a proposal to New Orleans. There are veterans in Michael Beasley, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Rajon Rondo and Lance Stephenson who are all available as well.
In short, pretty much anyone wearing purple and gold that isn’t LeBron James. It’s to the point where on Tuesday, most Lakers on the floor against the Pacers were bombarded with “LeBron will trade you” chants.
Nikola Vucevic:
As mentioned above, there aren’t many teams in the market for a seven-foot center, but Vucevic might be worth the short-term rental. The All-Star is in the final year of a contract and is averaging a double-double (20.6 points, 11.9 rebounds) for the 22-32 Magic, who sit in 11th in the East. In a career year Vucevic is setting himself up nicely for a payday in the summer, and joining a contender and shining in the playoffs would only boost that price tag.
Markelle Fultz:
The former No. 1 overall pick is at a crossroads. He’s played 33 total games in his two-year NBA career, and his “broken” jump shot is the most investigated and rumored about subject matter outside of Washington D.C. Now after all sorts of shoulder problems and a diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome, it might be best for both the player and the 76ers if his time in Philadelphia came to an end.
