.png){kind=small}
The NBA season is right around the corner and all the excitement and drama is just a dribble away. One of the many exciting parts of the new season is seeing who will be traded and donning a new jersey by the seasons end. Some years, we know who will be on the move, others, it’s a mystery…and who doesn’t love a good mystery. Last year, the deadline proved to be high drama for just about every team. This year, the trading cycle is very unclear, but here’s me trying to be Sherlock and picking five guys who will be moved by the trading deadline this year.
Kevin Durant
*Photo via USA Today
I know it sounds crazy, but hear me out. Sam Presti and the Thunder have always been proactive when it comes with their players and moving them before they become free agent. Remember, James Harden had another year left on his contract when the Thunder traded him to the Rockets. I think that if by mid-season, if the Thunder don’t have a top three seed in the west, and if Durant is still giving them vibes that he might be testing free agency, then the Thunder will move him. The Knicks might make the same mistake they did with Carmelo and trade anyway the ranch to try to get him, but I don’t like their assets. The Clippers might be willing to do Blake Griffin for Durant straight up. If I’m the Thunder, I take that deal in a heartbeat. The first couple of months of the season will be huge for the team. If they are winning at a high level, then the Thunder will try to ride out the rest of the season with him. If not, then don’t be surprised to see KD shipped mid-February.
George Karl
*Photo via USA Today
He’s not a player, yes, but I think he will be moved this year. The Kings thought that for some reason, pairing up a coach, notorious with not getting along with superstars, with two superstars, who are notorious for not getting along with their coaches was a good idea. Karl has been vocal about wanting to move DeMarcus Cousins, but management has been stern that Cousins will stay. The team could fire Karl, but they just hired him to a four-year, $15 million contract in February. With other coaches like Mark Jackson still out there, the Kings might consider trading Karl for a draft pick and then hiring another coach down the line. The Lakers might be considering a new coach soon. And there’s a team in New York with an old friend of Karl’s on the team. I’m just saying…
Joe Johnson
*Photo via USA Today
This will be hard to pull off. His contract is very pricey and the Nets will not want to bring back that amount of salary in return. They are going to try to make the move by the deadline, and I think they will get something done. There will be a team that has an injury or a need at shooting guard. If they are a contending team that is willing to give them a draft pick, then a deal will get done and J.J. will be moving on.
Al Jefferson
*Photo via USA Today
He’s another upcoming free agent this season. The Hornets will probably not make the playoffs and the team will be smart to move Jefferson and get something back for him (hopefully another draft pick) so that the entire season won’t be for nothing. He still has a lot in the tank and could really help a contending team, or at least a team on the fringe.
Andre Drummond
*Photo via USA Today
Drummond has been getting by on his potential so far in his career. The first half of the season will be huge for him. If he can prove that he can be consistent and can continue his superstar progress, there will be teams lining up for his services come February. Detroit thinks that they can be a playoff team this season. However, if they struggle at the beginning of the season, but Drummond is thriving, expect the team to listen to offers.