NBA Trade Deadline: Names To Watch At The Finish Line
Thursday’s 3 p.m. trade deadline is fast approaching, with numerous names rumored to potentially be on the move.
Teams such as the Pacers, Trail Blazers and Kings have been involved in some of the biggest deals so far, while there are plenty of potential trades that could be added to the mix.
James Harden
It has been reported that Brooklyn Nets star shooting guard, James Harden, wants out, which leaves the Nets with a difficult choice.
Do they let Harden play out the rest of the year and eventually let him walk in free agency, or do they trade him now to get valuable assets in return?
If the Nets choose the latter, Philadelphia could end up becoming Harden’s next destination. There has been word of a potential trade between the Nets and the Sixers, centered around James Harden and Ben Simmons.
Ben Simmons
Perhaps the biggest question of this year’s trade deadline still remains: Will Ben Simmons get traded?
While it has been reported that the team would welcome Simmons’ return, it seems as though all signs are pointing to his departure. Numerous teams have been listed as potential suitors within the last couple of months but as the deadline approaches, the Brooklyn Nets seem to be the ideal landing spot.
Multiple names from both teams have been thrown around in trade talks regarding Simmons and Harden. Matisse Thybulle, Tyrese Maxey, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and Patty Mills are names rumored to have been involved within the two teams’ discussions.
Jerami Grant
The Portland Trail Blazers have been one of the most active teams at this year’s deadline, and are reportedly still interested in trading for Pistons forward Jerami Grant.
Portland has already completed a couple of trades, one of which resulted in CJ McCollum heading to New Orleans.
Grant could potentially be the next name on the move regarding the Blazers, as the team has said that it plans to add talent around star point guard Damian Lillard. However, Detroit’s asking price for Grant remains at two first-round picks. Only time will tell if the Blazers are willing to match it.
New York Knicks
The Knicks have been receiving trade offers for forward Julius Randle.
Several teams are interested, although it seems unlikely that the Knicks will let go of Randle, who signed a four-year extension with the team in August.
While it seems likely that Randle will stay, it might be worth keeping an eye on guard Kemba Walker. Walker, who signed a two-year deal with the Knicks in August, hasn’t exactly lived up to expectations so far.
With the trade deadline looming, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Walker get moved for the right price.
Darian Capobianco is a first-year majoring in journalism. To contact him, email dpc5734@psu.edu.
