Five Potential NBA Trade Deadline Moves

posted February 6, 2019 in CommRadio, Sports by Andrew Field and Jack McCune

Over the past few seasons, the NBA trade deadline has generated buzz surrounding teams that are looking to add a star player, deepen their rotation or solidify draft assets. This season’s deadline should be no different as big names are expected to swap jerseys to help their new teams. The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 7 at 3 p.m. Here are the top five potential moves for NBA teams to make:

Anthony Davis to the Lakers for Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and a first round pick.

The Pelicans said that they were not impressed with the Lakers first offer, so hopefully Magic will crank up the negotiations and give the Pelicans some worth bringing Anthony Davis to LA.

Davis’ dad, Anthony Sr.,  has already come out and said that he does not want his son to play for the Celtics due to the mistreatment of former Celtic player Isaiah Thomas, so that rules out Boston.

Milwaukee is already loaded and should not give up their young talent that is already excelling around and with Giannis Antetokounmpo. This really depends on how far the Lakers are willing to go to meet the high demands of a reeling Pelicans organizations.

Wesley Matthews to the Sixers for Wilson Chandler, Amir Johnson, and a second round pick.

Since the Sixers did not sign Corey Brewer for the rest of the season, there is a spot open for Wes Matthews.

Matthews fits the Sixers roster and Brett Brown’s scheme. Elton Brand, the Sixers first year GM, has the pressure to deliver after mixed feelings on the Jimmy Butler signing. Giving away Chandler, while not ideal, may be the key to getting Matthews.

Another way for the Sixers to get Matthews is a buyout of his contract. This would be the best case scenario for the Sixers, adding better shooting alongside JJ Reddick and up-and-coming Landry Shamet. They would also be able to keep Chandler.

Although the Sixers still may be in the market for a stretch four, Wes Matthews would certainly improve the depth of the team.

Lonzo Ball to the Suns.

LaVar Ball has declared that he wants Lonzo to remain a Laker, but if he is traded he wants Lonzo to go to the Suns rather than the Pelicans. LaVar has no control over a possible Lonzo trade or his destination, but his fit on the Lakers seems to be an issue.

Lonzo’s averages in points, rebounds and assists all go up when he’s not sharing the floor with LeBron James. A young backcourt duo of Ball and Devin Booker could turn Phoenix in the right direction and eventually produce winning seasons.

A scenario in which Ball goes to Phoenix is only likely in a three-team deal in which the Pelicans send Davis to the Lakers.

Anthony Davis to the Knicks for Kevin Knox, Frank Ntilikina, Enes Kanter, Mario Hezonja, a 2019 first round pick, and a 2021 first round pick.

Excluding Los Angeles, New York seems the most likely destination for Anthony Davis if he were to be traded before the deadline. Davis reportedly would sign long-term with the Knicks but not the Celtics, so Boston is out.

The 2019 Pelicans pick could be top five. Knox and Ntilikina have holes to fill in their game, but both could turn out to be reliable starters as Ntilikina is already a dependable defensive stopper and Knox is a solid scorer.

This trade appears risky for the Knicks, however, who want to ease the New York fanbase by signing two stars this offseason and by having a chance at Zion Williamson in this year’s draft. Adding AD this season could slow the already extensive rebuild period the Knicks seem to be stuck in.

Andre Drummond, Stanley Johnson, Reggie Bullock to the Hornets for Malik Monk, Nick Batum, Miles Bridges and a first and second round pick.

The Hornets and Pistons sit at seventh and ninth in the Eastern Conference, respectively. The Piston’s goal is to get younger and rebuild for the future while the Hornets look to get a big star in Andre Drummond to pair with Kemba Walker in the push for a higher conference seed.

Ultimately this deal involves a bunch of players but would be worth exploring for the Pistons to rebuild and the Hornets to gain talent that will help them climb the ladder in the East.

 

 

Andrew Field is a Sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email him at aaf5329@psu.edu.

Jack McCune is a Freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email him at jxm1237@psu.edu.