NBA Trade Rumors: Moves each team should make by trade deadline
By Matt Shetler
Philadelphia Sixers: Dante Nelson, The Sixer Sense
The Sixers don’t do anything because they want to see what this team is like with Andrew Bynum. Now I am one of the few folks who doesn’t quite believe that the team was built with Bynum in mind. But, the Sixers are selling a team around Bynum. The Sixers’ only trade assets are part of that Bynum core so making a trade could be a signal that management may be ready to let Bynum walk.
Phoenix Suns: Matthew Wu, Sun-N-Gun
January 15, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Portland Trailblazers center J.J. Hickson (21) during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 115-111 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Phoenix is likely to acquire Smith from my understanding. The Hawks are asking for a package that’s centered around Marcin Gortat and a future first-round draft choice. Aside from that, Sebastian Telfair is the most likely to be moved and the Suns are asking for a second-rounder in exchange, at this point it’s likely a matter of WHO THE SUNS WILL TRADE HIM TO.
Portland Trail Blazers: Mike Acker, Rip City Project
The only move that makes sense for Portland to make at this point in the season is one that involves J.J. Hickson. J.J. has had a pretty great season, but he’s playing out of position for the Blazers, and probably has more value as a trade piece than he does as a long-term fixture of the franchise.
The Nets have emerged as a possible trade partner for Hickson. Brooklyn’s short-comings at power forward would be addressed by adding Hickson. Portland would most likely ask only for picks. The Nets have a couple high picks the Blazers would love to have. In a perfect world, Portland would get back a mid-first-round pick and a decent second round pick. If Brooklyn doesn’t want to give up two picks, and wants to dump a player on the Blazers, I wouldn’t be totally against taking back Reggie Evans.
The scenario to avoid if you’re Portland is taking on any extra salary for next season. They’re looking to build through the draft (and probably free agency); taking on a guy who eats up off season salary that could go to landing a free agent is a no-go.
Sacramento Kings: Bryan Rosa, A Royal Pain
For the Sacramento Kings, there’s not a whole lot to be said, given the ownership currently in flux. I’ve seen some rumors hoping that Tyreke Evans or DeMarcus Cousins can be had on the cheap, but neither player is being moved as the Kings can’t take back any additional salary given the pending sale.
That said – although it’s unlikely, I could see the Kings making a small move, either in a simple two team trade or being the third or fourth wheel in a bigger deal that would allow them to rid themselves of their backcourt log jam. The most I can see them doing is swinging somebody like Aaron Brooks for a heavily protected second round pick – something that would give Brooks the playing time he desires, helps a team in need of some backcourt assistance and allows the Kings to unclog their guard rotation. As I said – I don’t really expect it, but, I wouldn’t be shocked to see something like that. But with the pending sale, any big pipe dream trades are off the table.