With guys like Chris Paul, Jrue Holiday & Boban Bogdanovic already being moved Monday via trade, the NBA offseason is off to a hot start. However, I suspect there’s more trades to come leading up next season’s delayed December start. With some teams in “win-now” made and others in need of a rebuild, I don’t think there will be a lot of blockbuster trades, but many potential trades could change the landscape of the NBA. Here’s 3 players I think have a good shot at being traded before December 22.
1. F Kevin Love – Cleveland Cavaliers
It’s no secret that Kevin Love wants out of Cleveland. Love wants to win and the Cavs are nowhere near ready to compete for a playoff spot. For some reason Cleveland is yet to move on from Love. He’s played in only 78 games over the last two years, but still managed to average 17 points and 10 rebounds per game, while shooting 37% from three. Love might not be his old self that averaged 26 points and 13 rebounds, but he still projects as a solid role player on a championship contender.
Best Suitors: Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers, Phoenix Suns
2. G/F DeMar DeRozan – San Antonio Spurs
There was a recent rumor that former All-Star DeMar DeRozan is unhappy with the situation in San Antonio, but he opted in on his 2020-21 player option worth almost $28 million. There is an uncertain free-agent market with the COVID-19 pandemic, and DeRozan likely was not going to get $28M from any other team. San Antonio will likely still look to move him, possibly before the season starts or even during the season. The Spurs are in need of a major rebuild, and DeRozan is good trade bait they can use to build for the future.
Best Suitors: LA Lakers, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards
3. G Russell Westbrook – Houston Rockets
With recent reports indicating Russell Westbrook wants out of Houston, the Rockets will probably move him. The “reunion” of Westbrook and James Harden was a complete disaster, and now Russ is on the trade block. However, there isn’t much of a market for the former MVP. Westbrook is set to make $132.5M over the next three years, and Russ is reportedly fine not contending, so he will more than likely be traded to a bad team.
Best Suitors: New York Knicks, Charlotte Hornets
UPDATE AS OF 11/18/2020: According to Shams Charania, the Wizards and Rockets have discussed a deal centered around Westbrook and John Wall, but there’s “no traction yet, Houston is seeking more assets.” I don’t think this deal happens, I think it’s just smoke for Houston to try and get more trade offers for Westbrook, as I’ve stated that is no real trade market for Westbrook as of right now. But with tonight’s draft, he could be on the move somewhere.