NBA Trade Rumors: Moves each team should make by trade deadline
By Matt Shetler
Detroit Pistons: Cole Patty, Life On Dumars
As the Pistons GM, making a trade is sort of like planting crops in a desert. The current roster is the desert, and the potential trades are the crops trying to grow. Seriously, who could the Pistons move at this point without taking on a horrible contract? Would it be nice if the team could deal Will Bynum for a young player on a rookie deal? Of course! That isn’t going to happen though, and it is in Detroit’s best interest to keep Brandon Knight, Greg Monroe, and Andre Drummond. So, unless a team wants Bynum or Jason Maxiell at a price that they shouldn’t be wanting either player at, the Pistons best bet is to be quiet during the trade deadline.
Jan 16, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks shooting guard Kyle Korver (26) shoots a three in the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 109-95. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Indiana Pacers: Stephen Ajamie, Always Miller Time
For the Indiana Pacers, I would want to add some scoring for the bench. With Danny Granger coming back to the starting lineup, Lance Stephenson could provide that energy to the second unit. But I don’t know if he’ll be the best scoring option. If the Pacers could swing a deal for someone like Kyle Korver or J.J. Redick, I would be fine with that. Giving up a draft pick would be the best option, unless one of those teams were willing to take on the contract of Gerald Green as I feel like he’s been such a bust, it’s probably best to move on. Bringing in Korver for that instant offense could help out the second unit.
LA Clippers: Ian Denchasy, Fully Clips
After polling all the writers at FullyClips.com, we have come to the agreement that the Clippers should do NOTHING at the trade deadline. With a 17 game winning streak earlier in the season, the league’s best point guard and power forward (Chris Paul and Blake Griffin), a rising star center in DeAndre Jordan, and championship experienced players in Lamar Odom, Matt Barnes, Chauncey Billups, and Ronny Turiaf, the Clippers are well positioned to make a serious run toward the finals now and for the foreseeable future.
The Clippers are a mirror image of their leader – Paul – and have bought into Paul’s “chemistry” argument, forming close bonds as a way of rallying around each other during the season and playing hard for more than just wins, but for each other as well. With signing Chris Paul the Clippers number ONE priority, any deal would conceivably have to get his approval.
The most common trade rumors making the rounds are always involving the Clippers young point guard – Eric Bledsoe. Kevin Garnett is one name floated, but he would have to waive his no-trade clause with the Celtics for the deal to happen and he’s indicated strongly that he is not willing to do so. There would also be the matter of making the numbers work, meaning the Clippers would have to send Caron Butler or another player with a high salary to pull it off. The same goes for the second most posted rumor involving Utah’s Paul Millsap for Bledsoe. Millsap is currently making just over $8 million before his contract is up this summer.
Memphis Grizzlies: John Hugar, Beale Street Bears
For the Grizzlies – don’t do anything. Trading Rudy Gay was enough already. I’m sure Z-Bo’s name might get thrown a few times this week, but it would be the worst possible thing to do when what the team desperately needs is for team chemistry develop. They can consider trades in the offseason, for now, they need to just go to war with what they have.
Memphis Grizzlies: Charles Livingston, Beale Street Bears
The Grizzlies could really use a reliable three-point shooter, but to be fair, Austin Daye has shot it really well since coming over from Detroit. A back-up center would be nice as well, but those guys don’t exactly grow on trees and wouldn’t be cheap.
Milwaukee Bucks: K.L. Chounard, Behind the Buck Pass
For the Bucks, their top motivation has to be sending out Monta Ellis for a player who meshes better with their remaining pieces, but I don’t think they will make a trade.
But if they do, I could definitely see them trying to push Tobias Harris and Samuel Dalembert to Orlando for J.J. Redick. Even though Orlando is reportedly firm on getting a first-round pick in return, if no one comes through to with that offer, then they may settle for the next-best thing: Harris, a former first rounder with an intriguing knack to use his big body to make space as a scorer.
If they do that move, the Bucks may then want to use Monta the way he should be used: as a sixth man off the bench. Good luck selling that to a former star on a short contract, though.