2021 NBA Trade Deadline: 10 trades to shake up the season

March 5, 2021</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/03/18/2021-nba-trade-deadline-10-trades-shake-season/"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></div> <p>It is, however, unknown whether he wishes to pursue a move away from Cleveland or not. Regardless of that, the trade business sometimes forces players to move away from the place they’ve gotten used to calling “home”.</p> <p>Nance is a hustle guy that would be best used on a team that is primed to make a deep playoff run. The energy he brings on the court as well as the near league-high 1.8 steals per game would make him an invaluable asset on this year’s Philly team.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/03/18/2021-nba-trade-deadline-10-trades-shake-season/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 8 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_425040" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="size-full wp-image-425040" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/03/18/2021-nba-trade-deadline-10-trades-shake-season/"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%2F1211476896-1.jpeg" alt="NBA" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1211476896-1.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1211476896-1-768x512.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 Steven Ryan/Getty Images</p> </div> </div> <h2>Trade No. 8: Otto Porter to the Portland Trail Blazers</h2> <p>Every once in a while, we hear these rumors about the Portland Trail Blazers finally adding that “3rd star” to complete the roster and prove that they are more than just a second-round exit. It’s fair to say after all those years that the organization’s reluctance to part ways with their players will always be an X factor in discussing potential trades.</p> <p>Okay, so maybe they won’t go out and pursue Nikola Vucevic or Kevin Love. What they can do, is trade for quality starters that will compliment the backcourt duo of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum.</p> <p>Otto Porter is one of these players that would fit in perfectly in this Blazers team. He can play off-ball, allowing Dame and CJ the lion’s share of the ball. Porter is a great spot-up shooter and a great wing defender. Isn’t that exactly what the Blazers have been so desperately craving?</p> <p>To put the cherry on top, Porter is set to hit free agency this summer, meaning that his trade stock has plummeted. His current contract is huge, though it isn’t anything the Blazers cannot match, as they can easily select from their bag of bad contracts in their payroll.</p> <p>Additionally, one cannot discuss possible trade targets for the Blazers without at least mentioning Aaron Gordon. The forward might be on his way out of the Orlando Magic and the Blazers can take advantage of that, in a low-risk/high-reward type of investment.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/03/18/2021-nba-trade-deadline-10-trades-shake-season/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 7 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_423992" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="size-full wp-image-423992" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/03/18/2021-nba-trade-deadline-10-trades-shake-season/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1073,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1300419808.jpeg" alt="NBA" width="1600" height="1073" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1300419808.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1300419808-768x515.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">NBA trade deadline Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images</p> </div> </div> <h2>Trade No. 7: Kristaps Porzingis to the Golden State Warriors</h2> <p>So much has been said about a potential Kristaps Porzingis trade to the Golden State Warriors in the past few weeks, that we don’t know what to believe. However, usually, where there’s smoke, there’s fire.</p> <p><a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/03/18/2021-nba-trade-deadline-10-trades-shake-season/"https://sny.tv/articles/gauging-trade-value-of-former-knick-kristaps-porzingis-mavericks-have-reached-out-to-warriors" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rumor</a> has it that the Dallas Mavericks were the ones to approach the Warriors and try to work something out between the two sides. Mark Cuban, though, was quick to refute the allegations and that Porzingis was there to stay.</p> <p>Mainly due to his 3-point shooting ability, Kristaps Porzingis would make a fine addition to the Warriors. He fits that stretch-four/stretch-five position better than Draymond Green and any past Warriors center ever has.</p> <p>After earning All-Star honors in just his third season as a pro, most people anticipated Porzingis to turn into a superstar. Unfortunately, his progression has been halted. The Dallas Mavericks have not taken the next step after last season’s successful run and fingers are starting to be pointed.</p> <p>Porzingis has not improved on his rebounding and is disappointingly average at it, being 7’3” and all. Playing with a superstar like Luka Doncic has limited his chances, and he does not seem to fit the team’s offense.</p> <p>The Mavericks haven’t been doing bad at all, though much more was expected from a healthy partnership of Doncic and Porzingis. Maybe swapping him with Andrew Wiggins and some draft assets would be the wise thing to do.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/03/18/2021-nba-trade-deadline-10-trades-shake-season/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 6 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_390386" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="size-full wp-image-390386" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/03/18/2021-nba-trade-deadline-10-trades-shake-season/"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%2F1209977231.jpeg" alt="NBA" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1209977231.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1209977231-768x512.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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images</p> </div> </div> <h2>Trade No. 6: Andre Drummond to the Los Angeles Lakers</h2> <p>Yes, technically that does not qualify as a trade per se, but the very possibility of Andre Drummond ending up on the Los Angeles Lakers via the buyout market is looking more and more likely with each passing day and it could heavily impact the playoff race.</p> <p>The Cleveland Cavaliers removed Drummond from basketball activities about a month ago, in hopes of trading him for a sizeable return. Fast-forward to today and we’re pretty much certain that no team has inquired about Drummond’s availability and offered them a trade package.</p> <p>If the Cavs fail to secure a trade partner for Drummond, then the two sides will most likely agree on a buyout. And if a player like him can end up in free agency, wouldn’t everybody want a piece of him?</p> <p>This season, Drummond has been averaging 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds per game, yet somehow the Cavaliers have no use for him. He is on an expiring contract and apparently, they do not want to commit to his services long-term.</p> <p>The Los Angeles Lakers have been near the top of the Western Conference standings but are unfortunately very thin on big men. The departures of Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee were not adequately filled with signings, as Montrezl Harrell has proven to be more of a power forward and Marc Gasol’s age is starting to get to him.</p> <p>Getting one of the best centers in the league “on a free” will be huge for LA’s chances at repeating as NBA Champions. Size, an aspect of theirs that was crucial to last season’s success can once again be a key factor in winning the ultimate prize, thanks to Drummond.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/03/18/2021-nba-trade-deadline-10-trades-shake-season/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 5 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_425041" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="size-full wp-image-425041" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/03/18/2021-nba-trade-deadline-10-trades-shake-season/"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%2F1305225085-1.jpeg" alt="NBA" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1305225085-1.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1305225085-1-768x512.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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images</p> </div> </div> <h2>Trade No. 5: JaVale McGee to the Brooklyn Nets</h2> <p>Yes, another big man from the Cleveland Cavaliers, bringing the total up to three so far. JaVale McGee was a huge contributor to last season’s success with the Lakers but was unfortunately traded away during the offseason to make room for other signings.</p> <p>When you’ve got the stars on your team, you need a player like McGee to do the dirty work. We saw his importance to the Warriors dynasty, as well as the size he brought to the table during the last two seasons on the Lakers.</p> <p>Now on the Cavaliers, JaVale is not seeing starting minutes and there are many teams that are looking for a starting center to have around their stars. Obviously, a return to the Lakers is within the realm of possibility, but a move to the Brooklyn Nets seems much more likely.</p> <p>There is a belief around the league that the Nets will actively pursue trading away Spencer Dinwiddie before the trade deadline. However talented Dinwiddie might be, his current injury is not helping the team and the Nets are ready to cash in and bring around some veterans that can help the team from day one, even if they are far less talented than Spencer.</p> <p>Jarrett Allen’s departure has left a huge void in Brooklyn’s rotation. The center spot consists of a restless DeAndre Jordan and an inexperienced Nicolas Claxton. Bringing in a proven guy like McGee can hopefully elevate the team’s defense which, at the moment, is not looking good.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/03/18/2021-nba-trade-deadline-10-trades-shake-season/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 4 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_425165" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="size-full wp-image-425165" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/03/18/2021-nba-trade-deadline-10-trades-shake-season/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2200,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1210993720.jpeg" alt="NBA" width="3200" height="2200" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1210993720.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1210993720-768x528.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images</p> </div> </div> <h2>Trade No. 4: Harrison Barnes to the Denver Nuggets</h2> <p>The Denver Nuggets have been in lukewarm form this season. After pulling off two consecutive major upsets in last season’s postseason, many thought that this would be the year that the Nuggets would break out and get the first seed in the Western Conference.</p> <p>This has not been the case so far and they are, at the moment, just barely avoiding any play-in games. Apart from an MVP-caliber season from Nikola Jokic, the only viable help the Nuggets are getting is from Jamal Murray. That just ain’t enough in today’s NBA.</p> <p>The Nuggets have been in trade scenarios regarding Gary Harris and Will Barton for quite some time now, but have never actually gone through with anything. It is clear to the naked eye that these two aren’t helping the team, so why not try to improve on that?</p> <p>A player that is rightfully on Denver’s radar is Harrison Barnes. He is a potent scorer whose points per game average has been near the twenties for a few years now and could pick up the slack when Jokic and Murray are asphyxiated by the league’s top defenses.</p> <p>Barnes does not fit the rebuilding plans set by the Sacramento Kings and they would be willing to let him got at a low price. He is tied on a multi-year contract that has no use in Sacramento, but could help a contender like the Nuggets from day one.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/03/18/2021-nba-trade-deadline-10-trades-shake-season/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 3 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_344308" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="size-full wp-image-344308" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/03/18/2021-nba-trade-deadline-10-trades-shake-season/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2130,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2016%2F04%2F1132671280.jpeg" alt="NBA" width="3200" height="2130" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/04/1132671280.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/04/1132671280-768x511.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 Kathryn Riley/Getty Images</p> </div> </div> <h2>Trade No. 3: LaMarcus Aldridge or Jerami Grant to the Boston Celtics</h2> <p>We all know that in the next few days the Boston Celtics are going to make a rash decision and trade away their young rotational pieces for even more firepower in the starting lineup. We just don’t know when and for whom.</p> <p>Most rumors are linking Nikola Vucevic to the Boston Celtics, though this move looks highly unlikely due to the big man’s insane trade value. As a result, the Celtics might be forced to look at alternative options, and boy are there a lot of them.</p> <p>First things first, LaMarcus Aldridge is in an Andre Drummond-type of scenario. He and the San Antonio Spurs have <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/03/18/2021-nba-trade-deadline-10-trades-shake-season/"https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31041391/san-antonio-spurs-lamarcus-aldridge-agree-return-team" target="_blank" rel="noopener">agreed</a> that there is no future there and they are ready to listen to any offer about the veteran power forward.</p> <p>Aldridge might not be at such a sharp age anymore, but remains one of the most talented scorers of this century. There is no denying that he would help the struggling Celtics tremendously, as a third scoring option.</p> <p>A secondary option that the Celtics might consider is Jerami Grant. Numbers-wise, Grant is by far the most improved player of this season, though you have to ask yourself if he’s really improved or just ended up on a bad Detroit Pistons team with no other scoring options.</p> <p>Prior to this season, Grant was nothing more than a role player. However, if he can bring the same energy and scoring ability to Boston, then the Celtics might become a team that many will fear in the East.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/03/18/2021-nba-trade-deadline-10-trades-shake-season/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 2 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_424313" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="size-full wp-image-424313" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/03/18/2021-nba-trade-deadline-10-trades-shake-season/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2096,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1301681772.jpeg" alt="NBA" width="3200" height="2096" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1301681772.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1301681772-768x503.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 Carmen Mandato/Getty Images</p> </div> </div> <h2>Trade No. 2: Victor Oladipo to the Miami Heat</h2> <p>Perhaps the most talked-about potential trade of this season, the Miami Heat have been flirting with the idea of trading for Victor Oladipo for quite some time now. This, to be honest, seems like a great deal to pursue.</p> <p>After a stellar playoff run last season that ended in an NBA Finals defeat, the Miami Heat started off their 2020-21 campaign surprisingly poorly. They have, however, picked up the tempo and are now sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference, thanks to Jimmy Butler’s remarkable performances.</p> <p>Victor Oladipo certainly fits the Heat culture and could gel with the team immediately. Eric Spoelstra’s defensive-minded playstyle is one that Oladipo has brought with him all along during the course of his career.</p> <p>Oladipo is on an expiring contract, meaning that any team that wishes to take a late flyer on him might be left empty-handed in a few months. Luckily, the Heat have luck on their side, as it is believed that Oladipo himself wants to end up in Miami, one way or another.</p> <p>When you’re a smoothly functioning team, you rarely take the risk of ruining the team’s success by trading for big-name players. In that case, though, trading for Oladipo could give Butler the wing partner that best suits his playstyle.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/03/18/2021-nba-trade-deadline-10-trades-shake-season/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 1 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_425063" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="size-full wp-image-425063" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/03/18/2021-nba-trade-deadline-10-trades-shake-season/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1244,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1193751658.jpeg" alt="NBA" width="1600" height="1244" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1193751658.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1193751658-768x597.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">NBA trade deadline Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images</p> </div> </div> <h2>Trade No. 1: Kyle Lowry to the Los Angeles Clippers</h2> <p>This would be a reunion that would instantly make the LA Clippers the favorites to win it all. Regardless of how talented a team the Clippers may have, their enormous point guard void has and will always hold them back.</p> <p>Kyle Lowry has solidified himself as an all-time great in Toronto. He is an icon to the city and helped the team win their first and only championship in 2019. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end someday.</p> <p>The Toronto Raptors are struggling to find their identity. They are stuck between competing for the playoffs and rebuilding, though it might not be long until the latter takes over. The team must get younger and Lowry does not fit the team’s scheme chronologically.</p> <p>The LA Clippers have a few players that could be offered as part of a hypothetical Lowry deal. Realistically speaking, the Raptors cannot be expecting a major trade offer for a player on an expiring contract that will turn 35 on deadline day.</p> <p>For the Clippers, trading for Lowry isn’t really that much of a longshot. The past experiment of his with Kawhi Leonard and Serge Ibaka ended up fueling the team that won the championship and Jerry West would be a fool if he thought that this couldn’t be repeated in LA.</p> <div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="The 50 greatest NBA players of all time (updated)" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2021/03/16/nba-50-greatest-players-time/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/03/18/2021-nba-trade-deadline-10-trades-shake-season/"https://hoopshabit.com/2021/03/16/nba-50-greatest-players-time/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> The 50 greatest NBA players of all time (updated) </a> </div> </div><!—pageview_candidate—>">