NBA Trades: 1 deadline target for every Southwest Division team

NBA trades bound to start happening as the February 10 deadline looms. After <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/30/nba-trades-southwest-division/"https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/20/nba-trades-pacific-division/" rel="">covering a trade target for every Pacific Division team</a>, it is time to stay out in the Western Conference and gift each team in the Southwest division a trade target to pursue in the weeks leading up to the deadline. With that said, let’s dive in.</p> <h2>NBA Trades Southwest Division – San Antonio Spurs: Domantas Sabonis</h2> <p>As always, the San Antonio Spurs have been quiet in the rumor mill. They recently helped facilitate a trade with the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets, but that might be the most exciting thing that occurs for them between now and the trade deadline. However, if they do want to make a sizeable splash to push for the play-in tournament, Domantas Sabonis should be a high-priority trade target.</p> <p>The two-time All-Star is having another great season by averaging 19.0 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game, and it appears he is now on the trading block. The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Bob Kravitz <strong>(subscription required)</strong> recently reported that the<a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/30/nba-trades-southwest-division/"https://theathletic.com/3003299/2021/12/07/pacers-potentially-move-to-rebuild-receptive-to-trade-talks-on-caris-levert-domantas-sabonis-myles-turner-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Indiana Pacers could enter a rebuild soon</a>, which would entail trading away key components such as Sabonis, Myles Turner, and Caris LeVert.</p> <p>If so, the Spurs would be wise to inquire about the All-Star center to accelerate their rebuild and get back into the contending picture sooner rather than later.</p> <p>Though Indiana’s asking price for the center has not been revealed yet, San Antonio likely has the assets in tow to make a captivating offer. They would have to absorb what is left of Sabonis’ $18.5 million salary this season, along with the final two years of his deal.</p> <p>If they were willing, which the Spurs absolutely should be, adding Sabonis could help them turn the corner amidst what has been a tough season to this point.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/30/nba-trades-southwest-division/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> New Orleans Pelicans </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_440952" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-440952 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/30/nba-trades-southwest-division/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1067,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1237790476.jpeg" alt="NBA Trades: 1 deadline target for every Southwest Division team" width="1600" height="1067" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1237790476.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1237790476-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 17: Dennis Schroder #71 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket while guarded by Jaxson Hayes #10 of the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at TD Garden on January 17, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts, NBA Trades: 1 deadline target for every Southwest Division team. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>NBA Trades Southwest Division – New Orleans Pelicans: Dennis Schröder</h2> <p>The New Orleans Pelicans currently find themselves in an incredibly interesting position. Despite being without All-Star forward Zion Williamson for the entire season, they are currently just 1.5 games out of the final play-in spot in the West.</p> <p>While there is no timetable for his return, this is a team that could potentially get into the play-in conversation and then welcome back the big man, which could make them even more dangerous. If so, they should be looking to make win-now moves at the trade deadline, and Dennis Schröder fits the bill.</p> <p>Someone like Schröder makes sense for New Orleans because they need a boost in the backcourt and off the bench. They currently rank 25th in second unit points with 30 per game this season, a number that should explore avenues to improve.</p> <p>A former Sixth Man of the Year candidate such as Schröder would help them in that regard, particularly since he is having another stellar season by averaging 15.4 points while shooting 44.1 percent from the floor and 35.7 percent from three. He could give them a reliable ball-handler in the second unit that fits well with their other pieces.</p> <p>The Athletic’s Shams Charania <strong>(subscription required)</strong><a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/30/nba-trades-southwest-division/"https://theathletic.com/3011544/2021/12/13/optimism-for-a-kyrie-irving-return-the-latest-on-ben-simmons-trade-talks-and-more-nba-news-and-notes-inside-pass/?source=nbatw%22 target="_blank" rel="noopener"> reported earlier in the season</a> that execs believe the Boston Celtics may be willing to trade the guard to avoid paying him after the season.</p> <p>Schröder is on an incredibly affordable deal at $5.9 million this season, and New Orleans has assets to make a compelling offer for him. If the Pelicans are serious about making a push for the play-in, someone like Schröder could help in their quest.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/30/nba-trades-southwest-division/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Dallas Mavericks </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_440951" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-440951 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/30/nba-trades-southwest-division/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1067,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1350867968.jpeg" alt="NBA Trades: 1 deadline target for every Southwest Division team" width="1600" height="1067" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1350867968.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1350867968-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">DALLAS, TEXAS – OCTOBER 31: Dorian Finney-Smith #10 of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket against Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings in the second half at American Airlines Center on October 31, 2021 in Dallas, Texas, NBA Trades: 1 deadline target for every Southwest Division team. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>NBA Trades Southwest Division – Dallas Mavericks: Buddy Hield</h2> <p>Largely thanks to their improved defense, the Dallas Mavericks have been rolling this season, and they currently occupy the fifth seed in the West. They could be a dark horse team to make some noise in the postseason, especially if they could add someone like Buddy Hield. He’s a player that can help improve their three-point shooting, one of their most prominent flaws.</p> <p>Dallas currently ranks 25th in three-point percentage at 32.9 percent this season. They desperately need more perimeter shooting, and there are few options better than Hield. The 29-year-old has made a living in the league thanks to his prolific shooting, hitting 40.2 percent of his career threes on 7.6 attempts per game.</p> <p>Hield would be a flawless fit next to Luka Dončić, thriving off the sheer number of open looks he would receive offensively on a nightly basis.</p> <p>To acquire the marksman, the Mavericks would have to absorb what remains of his $22.5 million this season, which could be done. The Sacramento Kings have seemingly made the guard available in trade talks for months now, and he could be a perfect fit down in Dallas.</p> <p>If they want to boost their playoff odds and bolster their stock in the West, someone like Hield could help the Mavericks tremendously.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/30/nba-trades-southwest-division/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Memphis Grizzlies </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_440566" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-440566 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/30/nba-trades-southwest-division/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1354871737.jpeg" alt="NBA Trades: 1 deadline target for every Southwest Division team" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1354871737.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1354871737-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 21: Jerami Grant #9 of the Detroit Pistons looks on against the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter of the game at Little Caesars Arena on November 21, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan, NBA Trades: 1 deadline target for every Southwest Division team. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>NBA Trades Southwest Division – Memphis Grizzlies: Jerami Grant</h2> <p>First and foremost, the Memphis Grizzlies do not need to make a trade. They are already ahead of schedule as they sit at third in the West and look like a contender. Memphis is better off standing pat at the deadline in all likelihood, but if there was one target that could be eye-catching, it is the incredibly-intriguing Jerami Grant.</p> <p>Grant is being viewed by many as the top trade deadline target league-wide. The forward has had back-to-back fantastic seasons since signing with the Detroit Pistons by averaging 21.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game.</p> <p>Though he is sidelined with an injury right now, Grant could change life for any team he is potentially traded to before the deadline, including the Grizzlies. He would provide a massive boost on both sides of the ball by adding another strong scoring punch while playing reputable defense on the other end.</p> <p>While the appeal is there with Grant, his salary may shut down any discussion about him coming to the Grizzlies. The forward is on the books for $20 million this season and next season, meaning it would take a hefty amount of salary to piece together a proper trade package.</p> <p>Memphis would likely need to trade away several key pieces to acquire Grant in that scenario, but given how well they have played, they could be justifiably hesitant. Still, if they are looking at deals, this could be the one to make.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/30/nba-trades-southwest-division/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Houston Rockets </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_440231" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-440231 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/30/nba-trades-southwest-division/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1361660991.jpeg" alt="NBA Trades: 1 deadline target for every Southwest Division team" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1361660991.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1361660991-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">HOUSTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 28: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers calls a play during the second half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on December 28, 2021 in Houston, Texas, NBA Trades: 1 deadline target for every Southwest Division team. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>NBA Trades Southwest Division – Houston Rockets: Russell Westbrook</h2> <p>This one is certainly interesting to think about. The Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to trade for former MVP Russell Westbrook has quickly backfired, and halfway through the season, they already want to trade him away.</p> <p>Given the guard’s enormous salary and his subpar play this season, many believed that no team would possibly consider trading for him. Yet, recent NBA rumors suggest that the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/30/nba-trades-southwest-division/"https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/22/nba-rumors-rockets-lakers-russell-westbrook-john-wall/" rel="">Houston Rockets might be willing to entertain a deal</a>.</p> <p>Longtime NBA insider Marc Stein <strong>(subscription required)</strong> reported earlier in the week that the Rockets, where Westbrook previously played, <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/30/nba-trades-southwest-division/"https://marcstein.substack.com/p/the-plausibility-of-trading-russell" target="_blank" rel="noopener">could take the guard off LA’s hands</a>.</p> <p>However, it would take a sufficient amount of draft compensation from the Lakers to convince the Rockets to do so. Stein noted that the rebuilding Rockets could send John Wall to Los Angeles, as the veteran has not suited up for Houston this season and will not accept a buyout to play elsewhere.</p> <p>If the Rockets were to accept a deal for Westbrook, at least they would be getting some draft picks attached rather than just keeping Wall on the bench. It would likely be a similar situation as the Rockets would look to move the guard elsewhere or buy him out.</p> <p>It would undoubtedly be something to see the Rockets swing a trade for the 2016-17 MVP once again. Of course, some would be skeptical of the move, but if Houston can add some more picks for the rebuild, it would make it far easier to digest.</p> <div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="1 trade target for every Southeast Division team" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/16/nba-trades-southeast-division/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/30/nba-trades-southwest-division/"https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/16/nba-trades-southeast-division/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> 1 trade target for every Southeast Division team </a> </div> </div><!—pageview_candidate—>">