Approximately 120 players around the NBA became trade-eligible on Sunday, signaling the unofficial start of the NBA’s 2019/20 trade season. To celebrate the occasion, Adrian Wojnarowski and Zach Lowe hosted an ESPN special to survey the trade market, discussing which teams are most likely to make moves and which players are most likely to be dealt.
Here are several of the highlights from that discussion between Woj and Lowe:
Western Conference:
- The Warriors may field trade inquiries on D’Angelo Russell leading up to February’s trade deadline, but they’re unlikely to actively shop him and probably won’t move him before the 2020 offseason, according to Wojnarowski (video link).
- Wojnarowski believes the Mavericks would like to acquire a standout center to complement Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis (video link). He cites Montrezl Harrell as one player who might fit that bill, though Dallas would have to wait for the Clippers‘ big man to reach free agency.
- The Nuggets essentially view Michael Porter Jr. as “untouchable,” says Wojnarowski (video link).
- Wojnarowski and Lowe expect contenders to keep a close eye on Pelicans guards Jrue Holiday and J.J. Redick as the deadline nears (video link). According to Woj, Holiday loves New Orleans, but it’s not clear how patient he’ll be with the team’s rebuilding process.
- Woj and Lowe note that the Clippers pursued Marcus Morris in free agency and could have interest in him again on the trade market. Lowe wouldn’t be surprised if the club tries to see what it can get using a package of Maurice Harkless, Patrick Patterson, and its first-round pick (video link).
- Wojnarowski views 2019/20 as a pivotal year for the Rockets, adding that GM Daryl Morey seems to have given up trying to find a way to trade for Grizzlies wing Andre Iguodala after exploring multi-team scenarios earlier in the year (video link).
Eastern Conference:
- Wojnarowski thinks the best the Cavaliers can realistically expect in a Kevin Love trade is a protected first-round pick, an expiring salary, and another throw-in player (video link). Woj adds that it seems as if Love is “ready to go,” having lost patience with the rebuild in Cleveland.
- Count the Raptors and Heat among teams that will be reluctant to make any moves that compromise their 2021 cap flexibility (video links). According to Wojnarowski, Toronto wants to re-sign Fred VanVleet this summer, but continues to eye Giannis Antetokounmpo for ’21. As for the Heat, they seem less likely to trade young players for veterans than they have been in the past.
- Pistons owner Tom Gores “loves” Andre Drummond, but the club will soon have to have a serious conversation about whether to go all-in on the veteran center or whether to try to shop him, per Woj (video link).
- Lowe thinks players like Timberwolves forward Robert Covington and J.J. Redick will be on the Bucks‘ radar if they’re available, adding that Milwaukee appears willing to go over the tax line for the right deal (video link).
I feel like a trade for either Biyombo or Zeller from Charlotte would be a good move for Dallas. Biyombo is very good in terms of boards and blocks. Zeller is great in the pick and roll as well as a consistent rebounder.
Something like Courtney Lee and a 2nd for either one of them would work
What about Steven Adams? Lee and Powell? Not sure if that would work.
Lee and Powell would work (even though the latter cannot be dealt up to January 5). Or Lee and Wright. I am not sure if OKC would be asking for a draft pick too.
What’s not to love about Drummond? All this playoff wins and trophies he’s brought to Detroit. Come on Gores, be an owner not a “fan.”
You do realize Drummond can’t do it all himself. He’s a double-double machine, easily the best rebounder in the NBA. He hasn’t had much talent around him since he got to Detroit.
I’ll believe that Milwaukee will go over the tax line, when I see it.
That kind of opinion “out there” may be why they would do it. Besides getting Cov or Redick, and keeping Giannis, and advancing further.
24-3 though! And Ilyasova is pretty good. Tough to asjust hitting on all cylinders. The Lakers are 24-3 but have holes.
They wanna avoid repeater tax penalties, so they delayed it by a year. They’ll go over this summer, book it.
Jrue Holiday to the Nuggets
ive been saying for awhile now that mavs should go for adams or drummond. lee and powell would be good for Adams. powell is a great teammate and i think he fits Powerforward best. Drummond is in the final year of his contract (he does have a PO). if i were detorit i would trade drummond and get at least some role /young players instead of losing drummond for nothing. Dallas can also throw in Warriors 2nd round pick which might be pick 31 overall..
Dallas needs Adams or Drummond. and a Defensive wing like Iggy or MKG from Charlotte (mkg also on an expiring contract).
Tristan Thompson to the Mavs for Courtney Lee and Justin Jackson.