Jan 22, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Houston Rockets guard Victor Oladipo (7) shares a laugh with forward Jae'Sean Tate (8) during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
2021 NBA Trade Deadline: 5 veterans that could help playoff teams
NBA trade deadline Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
The NBA trade deadline is just four weeks away. The rumor mill is churning, and phones are buzzing. At this stage of the season, coaches and general managers (the good ones anyway) know what areas their team needs to improve if they want to be serious contenders in the postseason.
The easiest way to make these improvements in season is via trade. Some teams will be buyers, and some will be sellers, but one thing is for certain, teams have their targets in the crosshairs already. Now it’s just about trying to negotiate a fair trade.
Look for veterans to be on the move before the NBA trade deadline.
There will be some “rebuilding” teams looking to add cheap young talent that another franchise is ready to give up on, but most teams that will be active in the trade market will be looking for veteran players that can help make a strong playoff push and get them over the hump.
Veterans are ideal trade targets because most have accepted their roles, and for the most part, teams know what type of production and personality they’re acquiring. While there are plenty of veteran players that help some playoff teams, for this article, this writer narrowed it down to the five veterans he believes can make the most significant [positive] impact and can help virtually every playoff team.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at some veterans who can help your favorite team now and, most importantly, in the playoffs.
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<h2>Look for veterans to be on the move before the NBA trade deadline.</h2>
<p>There will be some “rebuilding” teams looking to add cheap young talent that another franchise is ready to give up on, but most teams that will be active in the trade market will be looking for veteran players that can help make a strong playoff push and get them over the hump.</p>
<p>Veterans are ideal trade targets because most have accepted their roles, and for the most part, teams know what type of production and personality they’re acquiring. While there are plenty of veteran players that help some playoff teams, for this article, this writer narrowed it down to the five veterans he believes can make the most significant [positive] impact and can help virtually every playoff team.</p>
<p>Without further ado, let’s take a look at some veterans who can help your favorite team now and, most importantly, in the playoffs.</p>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA trade deadline (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA trade deadline target No. 5: George Hill</h2>
<p><a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/24/2021-nba-trade-deadline-5-veterans/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hillge01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">George Hill</a> is a career 38.4 percent 3-point shooter and a legit perimeter threat whenever he touches the ball. He’s shooting 38.6 percent from downtown this season and a remarkable 47.5 percent on catch-and-shoot 3-pointers.</p>
<p>He is a tough veteran guard that can finish through contact shooting an astounding 70.6 percent in the restricted area despite being listed at just 188 pounds. At age 34, Hill has lost a bit of athleticism, but he’s a sharp-witted floor general who will run the offense efficiently. His high basketball I.Q. allows him to find creative ways to attack the basket and set his teammates up for an easy score.</p>
<p>Hill is currently recovering from a thumb injury that has kept him sidelined since Jan. 24. The OKC Thunder are in the midst of a rebuild and don’t have much use for him while developing their youth. They will likely try to trade him before the deadline or work on a contract buyout if they don’t get any reasonable trade offers.</p>
<p>Whether it be as a starter or in a bench role, Hill still has plenty to offer and can help almost every playoff team. In 26.3 minutes per game, he’s averaging 11.8 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game with impressive .508/.386/.840 shooting splits.</p>
<p>When he returns from injury, expect Hill to be the topic of trade rumors around the league. His veteran leadership, perimeter scoring, and reputation as a defender make him the ideal trade target for numerous playoff teams.</p>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA trade deadline (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA trade deadline target No. 4: JaVale McGee</h2>
<p>By now, it’s well known that Cleveland Cavaliers and Andre Drummond plan to part ways as the franchise focuses on recently acquired Jarrett Allen. It will be no surprise if three-time NBA champion <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/24/2021-nba-trade-deadline-5-veterans/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mcgeeja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">JaVale McGee</a> is moved as well before the deadline.</p>
<p>Though the 33-year-old center is not part of the franchise’s plans, he’s still a viable rim protector in his 13th year in the NBA and would cost far less than the $28.75 million Drummond.</p>
<p>McGee started all 68 regular-season games for the eventual Los Angeles Lakers last season but has been relegated to a backup role since being traded to Cleveland in the offseason. Regardless if he starts or not, he adds frontcourt depth, veteran leadership, and playoff experience.</p>
<p>McGee is still a terrific shot-blocker and tenacious rebounder, averaging 2.6 blocks and 12.9 rebounds per 36 minutes. He has five games with at least two blocks this season despite playing in a diminished role.</p>
<p>He’s also one of the best at cheering on his teammates from the bench and brings a ton of energy when he’s on the court. He doesn’t bring much on offense, but he is a solid pick and roll partner and alley-oop mate, and contrary to most seven-footers his age, he can still get up and down the court in transition.</p>
<p>Making just $4.2 million this season and in the final year of his contract, McGee is an appealing trade option for a playoff team looking to beef up its frontcourt.</p>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA trade deadline (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA trade deadline target No. 3: Nemanja Bjelica</h2>
<p>Playing time has been scarce for <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/24/2021-nba-trade-deadline-5-veterans/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bjeline01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Nemanja Bjelica</a> this season, averaging a career-low 17.1 minutes per game and receiving 15 “did not play – coach’s decision” through the first 30 games of the season.</p>
<p>The inconsistency has made it difficult for the 32-year-old forward to find his rhythm. After shooting over 40 percent from deep the past three years, and 39.3 percent through his first five NBA seasons, Bjelica is shooting a career-low 26.3 percent on 3-pointers this season.</p>
<p>Bjelica can help stretch the floor and provide a spark off the bench. He’s not a very good defender, but he’s a solid rebounder with a career average of 7.9 rebounds per 36 minutes, and he’s a solid passer as well.</p>
<p>Even in an up-and-down season for the former second-round pick, there seems to be quite a few teams in the mix for Bjelica’s services. The Boston Celtics are rumored to be in the market for a stretch big. The Athletic’s <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/24/2021-nba-trade-deadline-5-veterans/"https://theathletic.com/2383620/2021/02/12/nba-trade-news-rumors-nuggets-hawks-kings?source=user-shared-article%22 target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sam Amick recently reported</a> the Philadelphia 76ers have interest in acquiring the 6’10” forward from Sacramento, and <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/24/2021-nba-trade-deadline-5-veterans/"https://www.sacbee.com/sports/article249227335.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee</a> also reported he is a target for the Miami Heat as well.</p>
<p>If the Sacramento Kings are indeed sellers at the deadline, expect Bjelica to be one of, if not the first player they ship out.</p>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA trade deadline (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA trade deadline target No. 2: Evan Fournier</h2>
<p>Plagued by injuries all year, the Orlando Magic are a sinking ship, and it would be wise of the front office to start moving assets sooner than later and start looking toward rebuilding. <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/24/2021-nba-trade-deadline-5-veterans/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/f/fournev01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Evan Fournier</a> is on the final year of his contract and with his knack for scoring, should be a hot commodity amongst playoff teams looking for a boost before the playoffs.</p>
<p>Fournier is a proficient scorer and an underrated playmaker. Despite seeing a decrease in playing time and field goal attempts, he’s averaging career highs with 19.1 points and 3.9 assists per game this season.</p>
<p>He’s shooting 55.3 percent on two-point field goals and 37.5 percent from 3-point range for the season. Though he has a reputation of being a streaky shooter, that title seems to be a bit overblown, being that he has career shooting splits of .450/.375/.807, and he’s shot over 50 percent from inside the arc for his entire NBA career.</p>
<p>Since the start of the 2016 season, Fournier has averaged at least 17 points per game in four out of five seasons while starting all but two games he appeared in during that span.</p>
<p>He likely won’t be a starter if he gets traded to a healthy playoff team, but he can provide a spark off the bench as a sixth man. He can be what Lou Williams has been for the LA Clippers but more efficient.</p>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-422243" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/24/2021-nba-trade-deadline-5-veterans/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2134,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1299683640.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2134" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1299683640.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1299683640-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px" /><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA trade deadline (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA trade deadline target No. 1: Victor Oladipo</h2>
<p><a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/24/2021-nba-trade-deadline-5-veterans/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/o/oladivi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Victor Oladipo</a> is probably the best player who may be available before the trade deadline, but that depends on which version of Oladipo you will get. Before rupturing his quad midway through the 2018-19 season, Oladipo looked like he was well on his way to superstardom.</p>
<p>He hasn’t been quite the same since his return, but this season he started to show flashes of his All-Star self at times. While he still has some hiccups on offense, he’s kicked up the defensive intensity back to the level that made him the 2017-18 steals champion before the devastating leg injury.</p>
<p>After struggling early on in his return from injury, Oladipo has picked up his play this season. He is averaging 19.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game in 20 games this season compared to the 14.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists he averaged in 19 games last season.</p>
<p>He can put the ball on the floor and get the defense on its heels, and his ability to play on or off the ball allows the coach to use him as a secondary playmaker or even the primary ball-handler. His skill set will allow him to fit seamlessly into any roster, and he’s always been a consummate professional.</p>
<p>Oladipo has missed the last four games nursing a foot injury, but if he can put his health issues behind him, any team (especially a playoff-bound team) would be lucky to have him.</p>
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