NBA trade rumors: 5 players who could be dealt at the deadline
L.A. Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma scores a basket. (Photo by Ringo Chiu/Zuma Press/Icon Sportswire)
January 16th, 2020
Kyle Kuzma (Lakers)
Kyle Kuzma recently put together two of his best games this season – at a time when trade rumors swirl around the 24-year-old forward.Kuzma is averaging 13.2 points per game, but recently made the most of an opportunity with Anthony Davis and LeBron James both out, posting a 36-point performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
That brings up two questions: Do the Lakers possibly sell high on Kuzma following his recent performances and try to maximize the return to further bolster their lineup? Or do they hold onto him, knowing he provides potential to produce off the bench or in the event of injury or fatigue? That last point is important to factor in for the playoffs too.
Devin Booker (Suns)
Devin Booker’s name has been attached to trade rumors, specifically as a potential return for the Lakers in a Kyle Kuzma deal.Would the Lakers, one of the NBA Championship favorites, have enough assets to make it happen? You know, acquiring Anthony Davis from New Orleans last summer wasn’t cheap.
Kevin Love (Cavaliers)
The Cleveland Cavaliers are slipping toward the Eastern Conference basement. Kevin Love is apparently not happy.So, welcome Kevin Love to the NBA trade rumor mill. At 31 years of age, Love is averaging 17 points and over 10 rebounds per game this season, so his on-court performance may be of interest to contending teams. However, he’s in the first year of a four-year, $120 million contract, and it’s been speculated that price tag might scare teams off.
Andre Drummond (Pistons)
The Detroit Pistons are reportedly trying to move on from Andre Drummond as all signs point toward a rebuild.
Drummond is averaging just over 17 points per game this year. He’s also up to 15.7 rebounds per game, well above his career average of 13.8.
Drummond has a $28 million player option for the 2020-21 season, and if he doesn’t pick up that option he would go to free agency, which means Detroit would risk losing him for nothing. The last-place Atlanta Hawks have reportedly expressed an interest in acquiring his services ahead of the deadline.
And then we have this:
No, The Knicks Definitely Should NOT Trade For Andre Drummond
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) January 12, 2020
An in-depth look at why giving up assets to add Drummond would be a blunder by New York: https://t.co/D47Zqw6Vn8
Chris Paul (Thunder)
Chris Paul was traded last summer to the Thunder, and his name has once again appeared in trade rumors.Averaging just over 16 points per game, Paul is putting together a nice campaign for the Thunder, which are currently in a playoff spot in the West after winning eight of their last 10 games.
No, The Knicks Definitely Should NOT Trade For Andre Drummond
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) January 12, 2020
An in-depth look at why giving up assets to add Drummond would be a blunder by New York: https://t.co/D47Zqw6Vn8
But at the age of 34, it’s reportedly unlikely he gets moved out of Oklahoma City midseason.
Again, similar to Kevin Love, a massive contract might get in the way.
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