With the NBA free agency deadline right around the corner on the 25th, teams will be attempting to make moves as they approach the second half of the season. With the addition of the Play-In bracket to the 2020-2021 season, we’ll be seeing even more teams looking for playoff spots. Due to this new format, it’s likely that we may see an unprecedented amount of free agency signings and trades.
In today’s post, I’ll be covering some notable free agents, as well as top-tier players that could be bought out or traded.
Starting off with free agents, we’ll be taking a look at players who will have large impacts on the teams they choose, these players will also have a plethora of options available to them.
DeMarcus Cousins
While he may not be the All-Star caliber player he once was, DeMarcus has the ability to start for many NBA teams. While this may not be the role teams have in mind for him, Cousins fits the mold of the modern big man who is able to spread the floor, as well as create offense on his own. Despite his flaws as a defender, his ability to come off the bench for a contender and immediately have a notable scoring-impact in a limited amount of minutes makes him the most sought after free agent.
He has many options available to him, and it’s likely that teams will even move players around simply to have the option of picking him up, he is most likely to end up on a contender. The most likely landing spots for the former All-Star are the Nets, Lakers, Sixers, Bucks, Heat, Jazz, or Hawks.
Isaiah Thomas
This comes as a surprise to some, considering Thomas hasn’t suited up for an NBA game since 2019. Make no mistake, the former All-Star and MVP candidate still has options on the table. Much like the previously mentioned Cousins, Isaiah battled injuries throughout his last 3 seasons. This heavily reduced the interest he could garner from teams around the league. At his worse, he’s been a good shooter, good playmaker, and high-scoring bench option. While many contenders are in the market for point guards with those qualities alone, it’s likely Isaiah will play at a higher level than we’ve recently seen of him. Isaiah has made a name for himself in previous years by surpassing expectations, and this year he has the opportunity to do just that.
Despite giving up on the guard in 2020, the Clippers seem to have the most interest in Thomas. Other teams that will make their pitch to the guard are the Lakers and Bucks.
Gerald Green
While he lacks the All-Star credentials of our aforementioned players, what Green does for a team is beyond box stats. The 13-year veteran plays team-defense at a high level, as well as good on-ball defense. He’s the type of player who actively tries on every defensive possession, and will buy into your team. We’ve seen these types of players make impacts on teams, despite lower-end box scores. That being said, Green averaged 9 points per game, shooting 40% from the field, and a respectable 35% from three. He is tagged with being a streaky shooter, but the defensive impact he can have is undeniable.
Teams looking to add a strong wing defender will consider Green. Teams like the Bucks, Jazz, Nuggets, Celtics, Pacers, and Grizzlies.
Allonzo Trier
After going undrafted in 2018, Trier landed a spot on the Knicks’ G-League team. Soon after, he was brought up to the main team, and immediately put himself into rookie of the year conversations. As the Knicks do so frequently, they gave up on a young guard a little too early. His minutes were cut in half the following season, and was later cut from the team.
While he didn’t fit the theme of this years’ Knicks team, relying on tough team-defense, Trier has massive upside that won’t go unnoticed. For starters, he is a high-level shooter, shooting 45% from the field, and just shy of 40% from three in his short 88 game career. He has an innate ability to get to the paint at will, as well as create his own shot, invaluable assets in today’s NBA. ‘Iso Zo’ has the potential to be an elite scorer off the bench, or even a good starter on some teams. Despite his frequently erratic-play, experience will be his best teacher. Many guards with similar shooting numbers in their first years were able to gather large contracts, Malcolm Brogdon, Evan Fournier, Allen Crabbe, Tony Snell, and Matthew Dellavedova. Should there be any exception to Trier? We’ll see at the deadline.
While almost every team is looking for shooters, his lack of playoff experience, and lack of defense limits interest from contenders. However, there are still many teams looking for young guards with star-potential. Some landing spots for the guard could be the Kings, Rockets, Grizzlies, and Thunder.
Damian Jones
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Fresh into the market, after his 2nd 10-day contract with the Lakers, Jones become an unrestricted free agent. While auditioning for the Lakers’ back up center spot, he averaged a respectable 5.4 points per game on 94% from the field. While this is definitely on the lower-end, keep in mind that the Lakers roster is already loaded with offensive-talent, and ball dominant players. Jones proved to be very efficient on both ends of the floor, the young center could have been what the Lakers needed had he had the opportunity to synergize and grow with the team. However, with the Lakers’ salary cap, roster limitations, and other All-Star big-men (who we’ll be covering later on), Jones couldn’t land the job.
That being said, other teams are still looking for solid centers. Some teams that will be giving Jones a call will be the Celtics, Hornets, Pistons, Timberwolves, Kings, and Spurs.
Jeremy Lin
How could I not mention Lin? I’m a huge fan of him on, and off the basketball court. In recent days, he has been pushing for a movement to spread awareness of hate-crimes against Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders. Due to this, his availability this second half of the season has been in question, and he may opt to go beyond basketball. Whichever path he decides to go, I’ll be supporting him and his goals.
That being said, Lin has rebuilt himself as a very viable option as a backup or even starting point guard. With phenomenal shooting numbers in the G-League at around 49% from the field, and just shy of 40% from three, these kinds of numbers make you well-known in the market. His experience as a nine-year NBA veteran, with solid playoff experience, and a championship ring to boot, make him a very good pickup for any contender or young team. The biggest question surrounding him is his health. His on-and-off availability due to a back injury is going to hurt his chances, but the lack of other strong point guards in the market does raise his value.
Teams who will be considering Lin are the Warriors, Clippers, and Knicks.
Other Free Agents to Watch For:
Kyle Korver
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
Shabazz Napier
Emmanuel Mudiay
Jamal Crawford
Glen Robinson III
Allen Crabbe
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
Jordan Bell
Troy Daniels
Bruno Caboclo
Courtney Lee
Frank Mason III
Money Moves?
Other than the current free agents, many bigger names around the league have the potential to be moved in the next few days. While there are a ton of names being tossed around the league, lets be real, we’re a lot more interested in star players being moved.
Andre Drummond
While it seems likely that the Cavs will settle for a buyout, due to their high-asking price, as well as Drummond’s 28 million dollar contract. There are teams with the ability to still trade for the star center.
The Warriors have the ability to offer Andrew Wiggins, as well as other assets, to create enough space for Drummond’s contract. This move makes sense for both parties, as the Warriors will gain a valuable player to help keep their playoff dreams alive. On the flip side, the Cavaliers will be adding a talented young wing with star potential, as well as assets that could help them build around their solid building blocks of Collin Sexton, Cedi Osman, and Jarrett Allen.
Another team with the ability to take on Drummond’s contract is the Knicks. While they may have more young players to send, it’s unlikely that they will part with most of them. However they do have high interest in Drummond. A deal would likely send Kevin Knox, and a first-round pick at least. Knox is a promising young player who hasn’t been able to fit into a role for the Knicks. The Knicks would be adding a star player who helps their poor rebounding heading into playoffs, and the Cavaliers would be able to pick up another young player with star potential, and more.
The last notable team with trading ability for Drummond is the Wizards. While it might come as a surprise, the Wizards have recently made players available via trade, such as Moritz Wagner, Davis Bertans, Isaac Bonga, and Troy Brown. While they won’t be parting with all of these players in a trade, a likely package would include Wagner and Brown. Washington with their elite backcourt of Westbrook and Beal, are looking to put themselves in the playoff hunt, Drummond could be their final piece. Cleveland would be receiving multiple young players, who could help the team moving forward.
Personally, I’m not a fan of buyouts, it seems like a waste of money to send a player out for nothing in return. I am also not currently working with an NBA team, and lack the insider information on the Drummond situation. However if he is bought out, his ability to sign with a team becomes very flexible. Some teams that will heavily pursue him are the Nets, Lakers, Celtics, Wizards, Warriors, Hornets, Trail Blazers, Mavericks, and Clippers.
Kevin Love
Keeping it going with Cleveland. Love, (A Big E favorite I should add) has been in trade talks since the Cavs won the championship, and hasn’t moved since. With Cleveland sending out Drummond, Love doesn’t fit in with the rebuilding path moving forward.
While his production hasn’t increased recently, he is still a great rebounder, and is able to space the floor as a big man, qualities that today’s teams are always in the market for. Sadly he does have a large contract that goes into the proceeding two seasons as well. Due to this, it limits the number of teams with high interest in him.
The first of these teams is the Kings. This team is looking to make a push for playoffs, and Love might be the piece that puts them over the edge. A potential deal would be Love for Harrison Barnes and Cory Joseph. While this may not be the prettiest trade you’ll see, it helps the Kings by adding a reliable player to space the floor for their young guards, and improve their rebounding. The Cavaliers would be adding a prime Barnes, who adds shooting, perimeter defense, and the ability to create his own offense.
The second team is the Mavericks. Multiple injuries at the start of the season didn’t help the Mavericks slow start this season, but they simply haven’t reached the same level of play of their previous season. While Love won’t improve their defensive woes, what he does add is a ton of offensive firepower. Dallas is only one season removed from having the most efficient offense in NBA history, and this could be eclipsed, or even surpassed with the addition of Love. Adding more spacing for superstar Luka Doncic could only produce positive results. Cleveland for Love would receive Dwight Powell, James Johnson, and a future 2nd round pick. Powell has been limited by recent injuries, but the young big still has a ton of upside, and would be a good pick up for Cleveland.
Lonzo Ball
Man, imagine how excited Big E will be if Lonzo and Kevin Love end up on playoff teams. Anyways, Lonzo’s infamous father Lavar recently said that the guard is unhappy on the Pelicans. While there has always been interest in the young guard, it’s likely that he will part ways with New Orleans at the deadline.
The oldest Ball brother has been making huge improvements to his shooting. Not only improving the visual mechanics of his shot, but his stats as well. In one year, he has improved his free throw percentage by 20%. Previously it was at a low 56%. Not only that, he is currently shooting sub 40% from 3, with nearly 8 attempts per game. What once was seen as one of his biggest drawbacks, is now one of his valuable assets. Other than his shooting, with quick hands and great athleticism, he is a top-level defender at the guard position. Furthermore he has gained more confidence in the league, improving his finishing ability as well. Lonzo is a candidate for the ‘Most Improved’ award this year, and teams are looking for ways to land the promising guard.
The Los Angeles native is currently sought after by the Los Angeles Clippers. Ball fills the void this Clippers team has had over the last few years of lacking a true point guard. Ball contributes to their great individual defense, featuring elite defenders such as Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Serge Ibaka. He also adds additional spacing, as well as much needed ball movement. While the Clippers have limited options to acquire Ball on their own, they could inquire three-team deals with the Hawks or Sacramento. These deals would be centered around helping each team improve immediately, and not lose out on returns for expiring contracts.
The second team in the mix is the Hornets. Lonzo’s younger brother LaMelo has been creating a lot of ‘buzz’ in Charlotte, and has cemented himself as a a building block for the franchise. Unfortunately, LaMelo fractured his wrist while I wrote this. . A big weakness they currently have is that defensively, Terry Rozier and Devonte Graham have been liabilities. With LaMelo out, there’s potential that the Hornets will change their backcourt to cover this issue. Although the pair are very productive offensively, they haven’t been able to utilize Graham to a larger extent due to his defensive woes. The young guard could be a valuable piece to the young Pelicans, and would help secure a deal for the Hornets to strengthen their backcourt for their playoff push.
Lastly, the Atlanta Hawks have shown interest in Ball. Outside of the star-studded Nets, the Hawks under interim head coach have advanced to 8-0. While the team had a hot start to the season, they became riddled with injuries and team drama. Despite this, the Hawks are gearing up to make a strong playoff push, and adding Lonzo into the lineup helps cover for star point guard Trae Young’s lack of defense. Furthermore he adds even more shooting and playmaking to an underrated and very skilled Hawks team. What’s interesting about the potential transaction these teams could have is that Atlanta could have multiple legitimate offers. Their easiest option would be to send Cam Reddish, and a pick to the Pelicans in exchange for Ball. It’s a deal that helps the Pelicans rebuild, and the Hawks get the player they want.
LaMarcus Aldridge
With the San Antonio Spurs and Alrdidge agreeing to part ways, the organization is looking for the best way to part with the power forward. A former seven-time All-Star, and five time All-NBA, the forward has continued to produce similar stat lines. Since entering the league in ’06, he has played the role of a big who stretches the floor (before it was cool), and has been at the top of his position in doing so. Many teams are lining up in anticipation of the forward being bought-out, but some teams are a bit more eager.
The Celtics have been ‘down horrendous’ for a quality big man for some time. LaMarcus’ ability to space the floor will help open the floor for Tatum, and more importantly Kemba Walker, who hasn’t been able to be as productive since joining the team in 2019. The biggest aspect of that has been no longer being the go-to guy on offense, but also lacking the shooters to play around him. On pen and paper, the Celtics could look for other options, but LaMarcus might be the easiest move, as well as the most rewarding. A deal for LaMarcus would require some salary trimming, and would be moving the larger contracts of Tristan Thompson and Grant Williams. The Spurs would be able to move on from LaMarcus’ hefty contract, and gain something in return, rather than nothing.
Speaking of hefty contracts, the Denver Nuggets who have interest in an Aldridge/Jokic duo, have the ability to swap in a large contract of their own. A Gary Harris plus an extra asset for LaMarcus may not be the best return for the Spurs, but it’s better than nothing. Harris is a solid shooting guard who could see some minutes off the bench for the Spurs. We’ve seen the Spurs strike gold with draft picks, regardless of their number, grabbing an extra pick definitely has extra value to this organization in particular.
Lastly, we have the Miami Heat. With their recent acquisition of Trevor Ariza, they’ve become increasingly flexible at the forward position. Despite being on a big winning-streak as of late, if they want to compete with top eastern conference teams, they need to improve their rebounding, as well as their three point percentages. Aldridge contributes to both of these aspects, and Miami is able to offer the most fair deal of the three teams. A deal for Aldridge consists of Kelly Olynyk and Andre Iguodala, two solid role players. Aldridge is a large upgrade for the heat over Olynyk, who plays the exact same role at a lower level. The Spurs would gain an elite defender at the forward position in Iguodala, as well as being able to slot Olynyk into LaMarcus’ previous role, granted at reduced expectations.
Victor Oladipo
Picking up Oladipo was meant to be a move that would help the Rockets bounce back from inevitably losing James Harden. However that hasn’t been the case, as the team has lost 20 straight games. Yikes. Oladipo was dealt from the Pacers, as he was unhappy with the team, as well as having an expiring contract. He likely has his eyes set on some winning teams, and he could potentially land on a few of them before his contract is up. Oladipo has an incredible amount of value, as a versatile two-way guard who can do a bit of everything and fit any role. Not to mention he has two All-Star nods, a Most Improved Player award, and made the All-Defensive first team while leading the league in steals.
The Miami Heat have been in the Oladipo rumors for some time now, and while the Heat could wait for the guard’s contract to expire, he could already be dealt to a quality team beforehand. Making a move early for the Heat would mean giving up Kendrick Nunn. While it might not be ideal to lose a promising young guard in Nunn, acquiring Oladipo and favoring Tyler Herro would likely put him out of the rotation. Miami would furthermore be sending Iguodala to create enough cap space for Oladipo. Overall the trade is very good for both teams, and Miami has the ability to extend the contract of the former All-Star guard.
As always, the Warriors are in the market for more All-Stars. The organization has always had a soft spot for versatile players, and Oladipo is no exception. The Warriors have multiple assets to offer, but the most likely deal would be Oladipo, in exchange for Kelly Oubre, Kent Bazemore, and Mychal Mulder. While the Warriors would have to trim their salaries to make this transaction, Oladipo would immediately fill in for the injured Klay Thompson. The Rockets would also gain Oubre, who not only has a large Instagram following, but is also emerging as a two-way player with star-potential. He’s only 25 years old, so the potential of re-signing and building around a trio of Oubre, Christian Wood and Kevin Porter isn’t out of the question.
Lastly, we have the New York Knicks. Hopeful of picking up an All-Star before playoffs, an exceptional guard to play alongside R.J Barrett and Julius Randle would be the best-case scenario. A guard who could likely re-sign with the Knicks the following year, perfect. A package for Oladipo would include Frank Ntilikina, Kevin Knox, and potentially an extra asset. Houston would receive two young players with good potential, while the Knicks upgrade their guard position. Ntilikina has been able to fit in as an exceptional defensive role-player, but hasn’t been able to offer as much as fellow Knicks guard Elfrid Payton. Oladipo would spread the floor for a Knicks team that struggles from outside the arc, as well as provide even greater defense to an already top-rated defensive team.
John Wall
Twenty-straight losses means big changes are coming. The injury bug, and moving of key players hasn’t allowed this Rockets team to play their desired lineups Even though the backcourt of Wall and Oladipo is relatively untested, and has plenty of accolades that spell success, it’s going to be gone by the end of the season, and likely before the deadline. The Rockets are in no position to make a miracle run to the playoffs, so why not help the rebuilding process? The decorated point guard still has a high value, as he’s having identical production to pre-injury All-Star years.
Starting off with the Miami Heat. The Heat have been in the market for a strong point guard for some time, despite Goran Dragic outplaying other point guards in last year’s playoffs. A package for Wall would include Dragic, Iguodala, and Robinson. The issue with this trade is that Dragic is on a 1-year bird, meaning Miami can only make the deal if Dragic is willing to go. On the plus-side, it means Dragic could opt to leave at the end of this season if traded to the Rockets. Robinson is also a solid young player with top-level shooting ability. Miami holding on to both Kendrick Nunn and Tyler Herro, while still upgrading their team, is a best-case scenario heading into the post-season.
If we’re in the market for point guards, of course the Clippers will be buying. Having lacked a true point guard for some time, it has greatly effected the offensive consistency of this star-studded Clippers team. While Wall would fit in amazingly on the Clippers’ roster, adding much needed ball movement and consistent scoring, the Rockets have little to gain from a deal. If the Clippers want to get serious about acquiring the guard, they’ll need to add one to two more teams into the mix. To make salary work, the Clippers would need to move Marcus Morris, Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams, and Luke Kennard. All of the mentioned players haven’t been as productive as the Clippers would have liked, and if they are real about a championship run, then at least some of these players will be moved anyways.
John Collins
It’s pretty rare that a team on an 8-0 winning streak, and deep-playoff aspirations is shopping one of their best players, but hey, that’s what makes this exciting. Drama between Collins and franchise player Trae Young has left question marks in the Hawks front office regarding their future together. Collins has been one of the leading players in Atlanta’s huge turnaround season. Averaging 18 points and 8 rebounds per game, on high shooting percentages (38% from three, 54% from the field, and 85% from the line). Furthermore he has exceptional handles for a 6’9 player, as well as a versatile offensive tool-kit. Not to mention his athleticism makes him a great wing, and on-ball defender. Collins is the ideal big man in today’s league, and at 23 years old, the sky’s the limit. Collins is exactly what any, and every team needs.
Starting off with the worst team (and franchise?) in the NBA, the Minnesota Timberwolves. While the Timberwolves are bad, they have the ability to offer the highest value package for John Collins. The package would include Jarrett Culver, a future 2nd round pick, and a 2025 1st round pick which will be guaranteed a top 5 pick. The value of these picks from the worst team is tremendous, and adding a decent young guard who still has high-potential is even better. While the Hawks would lose some of their momentum going into the playoffs, their team is still centered around many aspiring young players, they have the time to be patient, and could be greatly rewarded for it. The Timberwolves would gain an amazing player to rebuild around, and could gear towards a playoff push next year if healthy.
A trade package with a different approach, that would help keep the Hawks in contention would be a deal with the Dallas Mavericks. The package would be John Collins, Rajon Rondo, and Tony Snell to the Mavericks, in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis. There are some questions though, regarding Porzingis’ health, as well as his streaky first half of the season. However, at his best Porzingis can be an All-Star level big man, with an endless arsenal of offensive abilities. Furthermore, he provides additional paint protection at times when Clint Capela isn’t on the floor, and can be a good wing-defender with his 7’1 frame. Although this trade would turn a lot of heads, it isn’t as safe as solid draft picks, and with the amount of offers available for Collins, the Hawks likely won’t take risks.
The last trade package we will be looking at in-depth comes from the Warriors. If the Hawks are looking for a deal that would keep them deep in the playoff picture, as well as build a future, then this is the one. The Hawks would send John Collins and Tony Snell to the Warriors in exchange for Kelly Oubre, a 2022 1st round pick, and 2 future 2nd round picks. The Warriors are desperately looking for versatile players to keep them in playoff contention, Collins is definitely that guy. Atlanta would gain Oubre, who is an exceptional all-around player (Not as good as your girlfriend thinks, but still.) and can fill the same position Collins had on the team. The amount of picks the Hawks receive as well gives a healthy balance of present and future.
Raptors
Considering this is a Canadian brand, I have to mention the Raptors. I didn’t plan on going in-depth on any of the potential Raptors deals, as they seem less likely to happen by the day. The Raptors have an insanely high asking price for Kyle Lowry. Even though some teams may match it, Lowry means a lot to the Raptors’ franchise, and to it’s fans. However, he is an unrestricted free agent next season, and may return to the Raptors on a smaller deal. Teams around the league know they can make their pitch to him the next season, and can avoid a large transaction with the Raptors.
It’s also worth mentioning that Norman Powell is having a career-year. ‘Stormin Norman’ is doing just that, as he has solidified himself as a Most Improved Player candidate, averaging 20 points per game, and a crazy 45% from three on over 6 attempts per game. While this has been a shining spot for the Raptors in a down year, Powell’s contract expires at the end of this season, and many teams will contend for the guard.
The Raptors are in a difficult position, with the risk of losing two key guards. Will they make a deal before the deadline? It’s likely that the Raptors will have quality offers available for their backcourt, and have a great chance of re-signing both. However the Raptors could opt into rebuilding, following their disappointing year in Tampa Bay. There’s a lot of questions surrounding the Raptors, and we likely won’t have answers until next season.
Orlando Magic
Last and probably the least on our spotlight, we have the Orlando Magic. Nikola Vucevic has a huge amount of trade interest from multiple teams. The current All-Star is having a career-high year in points per game, just shy of 25 points and 12 rebounds per game. Offensively he is a great shooter, at 40% from three, as well as an arsenal of post-moves. His partner in crime, Aaron Gordon, is also shooting over 40% from three, as well as adding 15 points and 7 rebounds per game. Furthermore he has used his well-known athleticism, and experience, to evolve into a higher-level defender in the league. Despite not yet reaching the All-Star level, Gordon is similarly sought-after by many teams.
With such promising players available via trade, how come Orlando can’t make a deal? Well for starters, Orlando has had some very large asking prices for the two franchise players. That combined with larger-end contracts on both, makes it more difficult for potential deals. Furthermore, Vucevic and Gordons’ contracts won’t expire until 2023, and 2022 respectively. The only issues the Magic could have in the near-future are trade requests from either player in the coming years, but that would come next season at the earliest.
Final Thoughts
As fun as some of these free agent signings and trades might be, it’s more likely that we’ll see a relatively quiet end to the deadline. My favorite scenario would be Lin being called up to the Golden State Warriors, along with acquiring Oladipo to keep their season alive. Another close one is a Ball brother backcourt with Lonzo and LaMelo next year. Who knows, maybe LiAngelo will get a shot too?
That concludes our SYP look at the NBA free agency deadline!
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https://speakyourpeace.ca/how-the-nba-made-all-star-weekend-a-successful-event/
https://speakyourpeace.ca/what-does-the-future-of-italian-rugby-look-like/
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