The NBA trade deadline is less than a week away. Once the clock strikes noon Pacific Time on Thursday, the flurry of player movement will be over. Some teams will be looking to strengthen for a playoff push. Others will be planning for next year and beyond. Even more will be trying to rid themselves of undesirable players or contracts. Many a trade is bantered about each year as the trade deadline nears, but most are steeped in optimism towards each proposer’s favorite side. There are also rumored mega trades, such as this year’s involving the Cavs, Celtics, and Knicks, in which the trigger is rarely pulled. Here are several trades that could happen before Thursday’s deadline that are not only realistic, but could provide each trade partner something they’d truly need.
(Graphics via screenshots from ESPN’s Trade Machine)
MIAMI TRADES HASSAN WHITESIDE & JOSH McROBERTS TO DALLAS FOR ZAZA PACHULIA, JUSTIN ANDERSON, THE DRAFT RIGHTS TO PETTERI KOPONEN, AND A 2018 PROTECTED FIRST ROUND PICK
Why This Works For Dallas:
Dallas has been slowly sinking down the Western Conference standings. Interior defense has been a major problem. Trading for Hassan Whiteside completely eradicates that issue. He would be a presence on defense and fill in the necessary gaps in Rick Carlisle’s offensive scheme. Taking McRoberts’ albatross of a contract would not be a hindrance to the proceedings either. Dallas could be getting Tyson Chandler 2.0. Chandler was just hitting his prime when he helped the Mavericks to the title in 2010-11. And by trading for Whiteside at the trade deadline, Dallas could make a better offer to keep him when he hits the open market in the summer if they like his work in the playoffs.
Why This Works For Miami:
The Heat have almost conceded to not re-signing Hassan Whiteside in the summer. To make sure their unearthing of this hidden gem isn’t for naught, Miami needs to deal him before Thursday. Getting back Pachulia is a significant downgrade for the present, but his expiring contract helps for the future. Justin Anderson hasn’t gotten much of a shake in Dallas, but with Tyler Johnson hurt, Dwyane Wade needs a guy to play some big minutes for him down the stretch. The first round pick could be slapped with whatever necessary protections, but the key part of the deal could be the Finnish guard Koponen. He excelled at the FIBA World Cup for Finland and was All-Euroleague First Team last year. He would be a cost effective backup for Goran Dragic as Miami looks to splash cash at other positions.
WASHINGTON TRADES JARED DUDLEY & GARRETT TEMPLE TO CHARLOTTE FOR BRIAN ROBERTS, PJ HAIRSTON, AND TROY DANIELS
Why This Works For Charlotte:
Charlotte currently holds on to the final playoff spot in the East by a thread. They also just lost Michael Kidd-Gilchrist for the remainder of the year to a torn labrum. Charlotte doesn’t get much offense from their small forward position anyway, so why ruin that dynamic. Dudley and Temple have both played in Charlotte before, though both have only been Bobcats. Nevertheless, bringing in players that will work as one to fill the void left by MKG’s injury would be beneficial to the club. Both will be free agents in the summer as well, clearing nearly $5.5 million in salary off the books. Added benefit for Dudley: there is no more Adam Morrison.
Why This Works For Washington:
Nothing seems to be working for the Wizards this year. They were fairly quiet at last year’s trade deadline, but they were a playoff team at the time. There needs to be a shakeup in the nation’s capital. The acquisitions of Daniels and Roberts won’t be more than flyers to see if they would be potential good fits going forward. The potential key here is the problematic Hairston. He hasn’t been a model citizen as a pro, but he can fill it up when given the run. Washington could deploy him as a sixth man since Alan Anderson is still hurt and Kelly Oubre doesn’t quite have a defined role as of yet.
ATLANTA TRADES JEFF TEAGUE TO INDIANA FOR GEORGE HILL & 2016, 2017 SECOND ROUND PICKS
Why This Works For Atlanta:
For some reason, the Hawks having been shopping their entire team at this year’s trade deadline. Teague has been the most dangled of assets. If there is a team in need of a point guard, they are most likely rumored to be in for him. That is what makes the rumors about a potential trade to Indiana both puzzling and intriguing. George Hill is very comparable to Teague as a player. He is also the best value among tradeable assets among Indiana’s ball handlers. If the Hawks are truly looking to start anew, then Hill would be a more than suitable piece to build off. The two picks wouldn’t be anything to sneeze at either.
Why This Works For Indiana:
Indiana is a playoff team, but they may need a kick start to bring them back into the upper half of the Eastern Conference. Teague, an Indianapolis native, could be that spark. He would provide another scoring option to the Pacers’ perimeter game, something that Hill provided in rare occasions. Teague would also be a menace in a pick and pop game with Myles Turner. He perfected that with Al Horford and Paul Millsap in Atlanta, and an early indoctrination of that with the 19 year old Turner would spur along his development.
MEMPHIS TRADES JEFF GREEN & JAMES ENNIS TO CHICAGO FOR PAU GASOL & TONY SNELL
Why This Works For Chicago:
The Bulls are fading. This is something that their rabid fan base may not want to hear, but the Bulls may just want to look towards next year at this year’s trade deadline. Jimmy Butler is hurt as is Nikola Mirotic and Joakim Noah. Derrick Rose is just one awkward contact away from joining that list. The Bulls could blow it up now and provide themselves with some flexibility come the summer. In the meantime, Green could pick up a portion of the slack with Butler out, and play three different positions for the Bulls, a trait that is always appreciated by coach Fred Hoiberg.
Why This Work For Memphis:
Though a full Gasol reunion will have to wait with Marc’s injury, a Pau return to Memphis would be incredibly beneficial to his career and Memphis’ playoff hopes. There is a gaping hole in the Grizzlies’ rotation at the moment after Marc Gasol broke his foot a week ago. Pau isn’t in the form he was in his prime, but for the final months he could provide a reasonable facsimile of his younger brother. And come next year, Marc could more than likely convince big brother to exercise his player option to stay in Memphis. If you’ve seen them play together for Spain, you could imagine how fun that would be in the NBA.
Stay tuned for more trade deadline coverage here in the coming week! May your team get everything they need, because I know mine (the Knicks) won’t. You can follow me on Twitter @TREVORutley as well as the site @sportsftb. This should be a fun stretch run in the NBA this season, so keep your eyes peeled for all the insights and podcasts right here.