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NBA Trade Rumors: 10 potential trade candidates on expiring contracts
NBA trade rumors (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
That’s right, ladies and gentlemen, it’s the NBA trade rumors time of the year again. TRADE SEASON IS UPON US! With the first third of the season in the books, teams more or less know where they stand in the NBA pecking order and what changes need to be made to increase their likelihood of competing for a title. NBA trade rumors about potential trade candidates will once again begin to dominate the storylines as trade season commences.
As of Feb. 6th, most players who signed contracts in the offseason are now eligible to be traded (depending on the exact date they signed). This season has been wild and unpredictable, to say the least, but with approximately eight weeks until the March 25th trade deadline, expect many teams to be active and the phone lines to be busy.
As has been the case throughout history, most teams that have accepted they are out of title or playoff contention will likely be sellers before the deadline as they look to prepare for the next season. Whether it is a franchise in the midst of a rebuild, a team looking to take another step forward, players looking to move to a title contender; with so many various factors at play, this tends to be the busiest time of the year for NBA franchises (except for free agency).
Expect the NBA trade rumors market to be busy
We have already seen several star players such as James Harden, Chris Paul, Victor Oladipo, Jrue Holiday, John Wall, Russell Westbrook, and Caris Levert get traded since the start of the offseason. Most recently, we witnessed the New York Knicks pull off a puzzling move, trading Dennis Smith Jr. and a future draft pick to the Detroit Pistons for former MVP Derrick Rose.
Players of different styles and levels will be on the move as some teams try to fill holes in their roster and others look to embrace a more long-term plan. With a focus on players who are playing in the final year of their contract that can help a team teams make a playoff push or title run, let’s take a look at some potential trade candidates.
<span class="call_to_action">Related Story:</span> 3 teams that should pursue a trade for Oladipo </a> </div>
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<h2>Expect the NBA trade rumors market to be busy</h2>
<p>We have already seen several star players such as James Harden, Chris Paul, Victor Oladipo, Jrue Holiday, John Wall, Russell Westbrook, and Caris Levert get traded since the start of the offseason. Most recently, we witnessed the New York Knicks <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/07/nba-trade-grades-derrick-rose-trade/">pull off a puzzling move</a>, trading Dennis Smith Jr. and a future draft pick to the Detroit Pistons for former MVP Derrick Rose.</p>
<p>Players of different styles and levels will be on the move as some teams try to fill holes in their roster and others look to embrace a more long-term plan. With a focus on players who are playing in the final year of their contract that can help a team teams make a playoff push or title run, let’s take a look at some potential trade candidates.</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/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Potential trade candidate No. 1 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-420203" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"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%2F2018%2F08%2F1205804390.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1205804390.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1205804390-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px" /><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA trade rumors (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Potential NBA trade rumors candidate No. 1: Andre Drummond</h2>
<p>There was a time when Cleveland Cavaliers fans were waiting impatiently for the team to announce a contract extension with <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/drumman01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="noopener" ref="nofollow">Andre Drummond</a>. After trading for the younger Jarrett Allen from the Brooklyn Nets as part of a four-team trade, that is no longer expected.</p>
<p>Sooner or later (sooner rather than later for the sake of the fanbase), Drummond is expected to be moved before the March 25th trade deadline. There was already a logjam in the Cavaliers’ frontcourt before the trade, now more than ever, they need to start moving pieces.</p>
<p>Drummond is making $28.75 million this season and will enter unrestricted free agency this summer. Not many teams have the combination cap space and assets to acquire the former ninth overall pick, but that shouldn’t stop teams in the playoff hunt from making a play for the two-time All-Star and four-time rebounding champion.</p>
<p>He is not a premier shot blocker but still a solid post defender. He averages 1.4 steals and 1.6 blocks per game for his career. He’s one of the best (if not the best) rebounders in the entire league. Drummond is more of a traditional center; he doesn’t really stretch the floor but has a decent mid-range shot and can dominate in the post.</p>
<p>He’s shooting a career-low 48.1 percent from the field but carries averages of 18.5 points, 14.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game through the first 23 games of the season.</p>
<p>While he’s failed to adjust to the modern NBA where big men are expected to be a swiss army knife, he can help plenty of teams this season as well as in the future, should whoever decides to trade for him elects to renew his contract. Also, keep in mind that he will only be 28 years old at the season’s conclusion.</p>
<p>At the time of this writing, the Cavs have a 10-15 record, good for 11th place in the eastern conference standings and a half-game behind the Miami Heat for the final spot in the play-in tournament if the season ended today.</p>
<p>Cleveland may not be sellers at the deadline if they are still fighting for a playoff spot but if they continue to slip in the standings and fall out of playoff contention, look for potential title contenders in dire need of a paint presence such as the Toronto Raptors and the Brooklyn Nets to come calling for Drummond.</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/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Potential trade candidate No. 2 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-421616" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"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%2F2018%2F08%2F1291489271.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1291489271.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1291489271-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px" /><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA trade rumors (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Potential trade candidate No. 2: Lonzo Ball</h2>
<p>A few weeks ago,<a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"https://theathletic.com/2347020/2021/01/26/nba-trade-rumors-news-pelicans-lonzo-ball?source=user-shared-article%22 target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Shams Charania of The Athletic</a> (paywall) reported that the New Orleans Pelicans have engaged in trade talks for <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/balllo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="noopener" ref="nofollow">Lonzo Ball</a>. Ball is a 6’6″ point guard who has struggled offensively through the first three-plus years of his NBA career.</p>
<p>Last season he finally started showing signs of life after reworking his shooting form, shooting 37.5 percent from 3-point range after shooting 30.5 and 32.9 percent his first two years in the league. He’s shooting 37.2 percent from behind the arc through his first 20 games of the season.</p>
<p>Though his assists and rebounds are down this year, he’s averaging a career-best 13.5 points per game while also posting career-highs in field goal percentage (42.1 percent), free throw percentage (66.7), and his 50.5 percent conversion rate on two-point field goals is also a career-high.</p>
<p>After selecting guards Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Kira Lewis in back-to-back drafts, combined with the fact that the front office never offered Ball a contract extension, his time with the Pelicans seems to be coming to an end.</p>
<p>The jury is still out on what type of player the former second overall pick will be when he peaks, but right now, he can shore up the backcourt of numerous teams while adding playmaking, defense, and perimeter shooting. Not sure what type of return the Pelicans will be looking to get for Ball, but it looks like teams are interested for the time being.</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/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Potential trade candidate No. 3 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-404261" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"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%2F2016%2F04%2F1201803844.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/04/1201803844.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/04/1201803844-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px" /><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA trade rumors (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Potential trade candidate No. 3: J.J. Redick</h2>
<p><a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/redicjj01.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener" ref="nofollow">J.J. Redick</a> has had a productive and successful NBA career as a sharpshooting specialist, converting 41.5 percent of his 4,621 career 3-point attempts. He also made the playoffs in all but one season (his first year with the New Orleans Pelicans).</p>
<p>He’s gotten off to a sluggish start, but Redick is still an elite floor spacer who commands the defense’s attention whenever he’s on the court. He’s shooting a career-low 34.0 percent from behind the arc on the season, but the savvy gunner is still capable of getting in a groove and knocking down the shots he’s come to be known for.</p>
<p>After receiving three consecutive “Did Not Play-Coach’s Decision,” Redick returned to the rotation and made seven of his eleven 3-point attempts over the next four games.</p>
<p><a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1355939873874710529?s=19%22 target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported</a>, the Pelicans have focused on and have actively engaged in trade talks with the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, and the Philadelphia 76ers for the 15-year veteran.</p>
<p>Personally, this writer would love to see <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/embiijo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Joel Embiid</a> and Redick reunite and make another postseason run together. Still, it’s tough to say what kind of deal Daryl Morey would be willing to give the Pelicans for a 36-year-old guard on an expiring contract and only helps the team on one side of the ball.</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/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Potential trade candidate No. 4 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-422243" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"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 rumors (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Potential trade candidate No. 4: Victor Oladipo</h2>
<p>Victor Oladipo’s name has been swirling around the rumor mill since the offseason. He was traded once this season, but that shouldn’t stop the Houston Rockets from dealing him to another team before the trade deadline.</p>
<p>Oladipo has experienced somewhat of a resurgence since he struggled last season after recovering from a ruptured quadriceps tendon. He’s looked like his All-Star self at times, and while he still has some hiccups on offense, he’s improved his defense back to the level we were used to seeing prior to the devastating leg injury.</p>
<p>In 18 appearances this season, he’s averaging 19.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. His shooting splits still aren’t where you would like to see (.402/.329/.746), but his explosiveness has returned.</p>
<p>Oladipo is sporting a nice 104.9 defensive rating on the season, but in ten games since he’s joined the Rockets, it’s an impeccable 98.2. Oladipo is rounding back into form at the perfect time.</p>
<p>The 28-year-old, two-time All-Star is set to hit free agency for the first time of his career at the end of the season and one of the few players potentially on the trade block that can significantly impact the game, both offensively and defensively.</p>
<p>The Rockets would be wise to hold on to Oladipo and negotiate a contract extension with the way the team has been playing lately. Still, expectations are multiple playoff teams will make a play for Oladipo’s services before the trade deadline and this upcoming summer. What kind of packages these teams will be willing to give up for an expiring contract is another story.</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/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Potential trade candidate No. 5 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-416279" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1969,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1043869790.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="1969" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1043869790.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1043869790-768x473.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px" /><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA trade rumors (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Potential trade candidate No. 5: LaMarcus Aldridge</h2>
<p>While <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/aldrila01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="noopener" ref="nofollow">LaMarcus Aldridge</a> hasn’t been apart of many trade rumors, in part because he’s averaging uncharacteristically low numbers, he’s a prime trade candidate for a team in need of size and looking for an extra push for the playoffs.</p>
<p>His 14.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 26.7 minutes per game are his lowest averages since his rookie year when he averaged 9 points and 5 rebounds in 22.1 minutes per game. Far below his career averages of 19.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 34.3 minutes per game.</p>
<p>He’s been dealing with a nagging hip injury, which is likely factors into his dip in production. At 35 years old, Aldridge may be on the back end of his career, but he still has plenty to offer. Per Synergy Sports, he ranks in the 91st percentile averaging 1.432 points per possession (PPP) by way of offensive rebounds (put backs) this season. Last season he ranked in the 79th percentile in overall offense averaging 1.058 PPP, and in the 94th percentile in transition offense averaging 1.425 PPP.</p>
<p>Aldridge is just one year removed from being an All-Star, and while he’s known for his post-ups and mid-range game, he’s been expanding his range in recent seasons. Last season he ranked in the 83rd percentile averaging 1.178 PPP while connecting on 38.9 percent of his 3-point attempts. He’s shooting 35.8 percent from the perimeter through 18 appearances this season.</p>
<p>The Boston Celtics have been rumored to be in the market for a big that can stretch the court. While Aldridge isn’t your traditional stretch-four, he has shown a willingness to shoot the three, and he can still run the floor and dominate in the post when healthy.</p>
<p>He’s got to get that hip right first, but maybe a reduced role on a title contender like the Celtics is exactly what Aldridge needs to revitalize his season.</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/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Potential trade candidate No. 6 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-421399" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2435,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fimagn-images%2F2017%2F07%2F12027787.jpeg" alt="Los Angeles Lakers" width="3200" height="2435" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/imagn-images/2017/07/12027787.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/imagn-images/2017/07/12027787-768x584.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px" /><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA trade rumors Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</p>
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<h2>Potential trade candidate No. 6: P.J. Tucker</h2>
<p><a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/tuckepj01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="noopener" ref="nofollow">P.J. Tucker</a> is another name that’s been gaining some buzz in the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"https://twitter.com/KellyIkoNBA/status/1349490457601060875?s=20%22 target="_blank" rel="noopener">rumor mill</a>. Ever since he and the Rockets failed to agree on a contract extension, it’s been widely speculated that Tucker will be the next person shipped out of Houston.</p>
<p>He won’t stuff the stat sheet, but he’s someone that everyone wants to play with and is ready to “go to war” with. In a recent media availability session, coach <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"https://twitter.com/AdamSpolane/status/1355665097788682240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1355665097788682240%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fd-42163069704251924352.ampproject.net%2F2101230412006%2Fframe.html%22 target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stephen Silas raved about Tucker</a> and his value to the team.</p>
<blockquote><p>He is a leader on this team that everybody listens to. On the offensive end, he’s one of our best screeners. He has a knack for creating action for others and making it to where others can play really well while he’s on the floor. He spaces well to the corners and makes it hard on his man…on the defensive end, he’s the guy who’s doing all the talking. He’s the guy who makes sure everyone is organized. He’s the main communicator on the floor. He can switch on smaller guys, he can defend bigger guys in the post. You’re not going to see any of that in the stats, but he’s such an important piece to what we do.</p></blockquote>
<p>He can be your small-ball five or be your “stretch-four,” but at 35 years old, he’s too slow to defend against most guards. Regardless of where he lines up at, you know he’s going to compete at a high level, hustle on every play, and make his matchup work his tail off for every basket he gets.</p>
<p>Tucker has a reputation for being a tough, hard-nosed player and playing center despite standing at just 6’5” tall. He’s also a respected veteran leader and as durable as a professional athlete can be. Tucker has appeared in every regular season and playoff game the Rockets have played since signing with Houston as a free agent in 2017.</p>
<p>Regardless of how much value he brings to the team and how much Tucker means to the organization since the Rockets aren’t going to be competing for a title and the two sides can’t come to terms on an extension, it may be best for everyone if the Rockets trade Tucker before the trade deadline.</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/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Potential trade candidate No. 7 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-421519" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1067,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fimagn-images%2F2018%2F08%2F15366269.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1067" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/imagn-images/2018/08/15366269.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/imagn-images/2018/08/15366269-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">NBA trade rumors Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports</p>
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<h2>Potential trade candidate No. 7: JaVale McGee</h2>
<p><a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mcgeeja01.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener" ref="nofollow">JaVale McGee</a> has made his living as a rim running shot blocker. In his 13th season in the NBA, McGee may be ready to play on his fourth team in as many years. McGee was traded to Cleveland from the Los Angeles Lakers so the latter could make room to sign unrestricted free agent Marc Gasol.</p>
<p>His new team recently acquired Jarrett Allen via trade, signaling his stint with the Cavs may be shorter than originally anticipated. Allen and McGee are virtually the same players, but Allen is ten years younger and more athletic. With an influx of frontcourt players and in the middle of a rebuild, expect McGee to be on the trading block.</p>
<p>McGee is a three-time NBA champion who knows what it takes to win in this league, and his veteran presence would be beneficial to any team he suits up for. Depending on where McGee gets shipped off to, he can either slot in as the starting center or be a high-quality backup.</p>
<p>According to basketball reference, McGee is averaging 17 points, 13 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per 36 minutes this season. The former 18th overall pick has already been linked to the Brooklyn Nets, and one should expect the list of title contenders vying for his services to increase as the trade deadline nears.</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/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Potential trade candidate No. 8 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-414076" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fimagn-images%2F2017%2F07%2F13621835.jpeg" alt="Atlanta Hawks" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/imagn-images/2017/07/13621835.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/imagn-images/2017/07/13621835-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px" /><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA trade rumors Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports</p>
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<h2>Potential trade candidate No. 8: DeMar DeRozan</h2>
<p><a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/derozde01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="noopener" ref="nofollow">DeMar DeRozan</a> is quietly playing some of the best and most efficient basketball of his career. Since his arrival in San Antonio that fateful summer of 2018, DeRozan is averaging 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.0 steals in 34.4 minutes per game. Not known for his perimeter shooting, DeRozan is shooting a career-best 34.9 percent from behind the arc this season.</p>
<p>The four-time All-Star has averaged at least 20 ppg for eight consecutive seasons. DeRozan is an assassin inside the arc, converting 51.3 percent of his two-point field goals. He also possesses one of the best mid-range games in the league; according to NBA stats, he’s converted exactly half of his mid-range attempts (47-94) this season.</p>
<p>He can still score at will and does a good job keeping his teammates involved. DeRozan has proven that his superior scoring ability will not get in the way of his proclivity to be efficient and reliable. His unselfishness on the court, coupled with his ability to run the pick and roll, allows him to act as a secondary playmaker in a lineup. Don’t believe me? In his 12th NBA season, DeRozan is averaging a career-high 6.7 assists per game.</p>
<p>He’s never been an elite defender, but he gives energy and effort; in a league where coaches rarely hold their players accountable on that end anymore, that’s all you can really ask of him.</p>
<p>As he’s set to be an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career and with the franchise in the early stages of a rebuild, expect the Spurs to move him to a contender or a team looking to eat contracts before the March 25th deadline.</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/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Potential trade candidate No. 9 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-422662" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1110,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1299368286.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1110" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1299368286.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1299368286-768x533.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">NBA trade rumors (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Potential trade candidate No. 9: Devonte’ Graham</h2>
<p><a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/grahade01.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener" ref="nofollow">Devonte’ Graham</a> had his breakout season last year, averaging 18.2 points and 7.5 assists per game while posting .382/.373/.775 shooting splits. Perhaps the one area of his game that stood out most was his ability to knock down shots on the perimeter, converting 37.3 percent of his 3-pointers on 9.3 attempts per game.</p>
<p>His numbers have taken a dive this season after getting off to a sluggish start, and as was the case last season, Graham doesn’t really contribute to anything outside of 3-pointers and assists. He still displays poor shot selection, evidenced by his 35.2 field goal percentage.</p>
<p>After drafting LaMelo Ball with the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Graham seems like the odd man out in Charlotte. Ball, the youngest player to ever record a triple-double in NBA history, is the obvious franchise cornerstone, and it’s time for the Hornets to start moving pieces and building around him.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, due to his lack of size (6’1”, 185 pounds), he can only really line up at the point guard slot. Graham is set to hit free agency at the end of the season, so it would make sense for Charlotte to trade him before the deadline and open up more consistent playing time for Ball. Doing so will help the Hornets avoid losing him for nothing in the offseason or being forced to overpay him by matching an offer sheet in restricted free agency.</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/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Potential trade candidate No. 10 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-421208" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"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%2F2018%2F08%2F1230283105.jpeg" alt="Evan Fournier" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1230283105.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1230283105-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px" /><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA trade rumors (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Potential trade candidate No. 10: Evan Fournier</h2>
<p>After seeing limited action in his first two seasons in the NBA with the Denver Nuggets, <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/f/fournev01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="noopener" ref="nofollow">Evan Fournier</a> has enjoyed a nice run with the Orlando Magic. In his seven seasons with the Magic, he has continued to improve his game and has emerged as a valuable shot creator and perimeter threat. A career 37.5 percent 3-point shooter, Fournier has averaged 16 points per game since joining the Magic in 2014.</p>
<p>Though he’s known to be a streaky shooter, Fournier has become one of the best off-ball players and one of the more versatile scorers in the league. Over the past two seasons, Fournier is averaging 18.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game with .463/.391/.814 shooting splits.</p>
<p>According to Synergy Sports, he currently ranks in the 99th percentile scoring 1.522 PPP in handoff situations and 1.667 PPP on dribble handoffs specifically. He also ranks in the 89th percentile in transition offense (1.441 PPP) and the 71st percentile in overall offense (1.06 PPP).</p>
<p><a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/10/nba-trade-rumors-10-expiring-contracts/"https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/30826587/with-superstars-market-2021-nba-trade-deadline-quiet?platform=amp&__twitter_impression=true%22 target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tim Bontemps of ESPN recently reported</a> that Fournier is expected to draw interest from multiple teams, and multiple executives speculate about his and Aaron Gordon’s availability as the Magic suffer through another injury-plagued season.</p>
<p>Though he has dealt with his fair share of injuries, it’s been mostly minor-nagging injuries akin to Anthony Davis as he’s never suffered anything career-threatening. He’s likely already hit his ceiling, but he’s only 28-years-old, in the prime of his career, and brings a ton of value with his ability as a three-level scorer.</p>
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