The NBA trade deadline is in less than a week, and it’s time to figure out who’s going to benefit, and who’s going to be hurt by deadline moves. I’m not sourced. I’m a bit of a prophet, but not a great one. But I do spend too much time on the internet. So, this is my best fantasy slant on what can happen.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls clearly need to sell, even if it’s not obvious to their front office. Coby White is the most likely to be traded. His contract is expiring, he can’t be extended (13 million dollar contract, he’s going to be looking for 25-30 on the market, max extension is 19.5 for him), and he fits a need for teams that need a secondary playmaking guard. Detroit makes sense, so does Houston, so does Minnesota. Any of these are fits for him, but also will cut the volume significantly from his game. He’s not likely to sniff 20 PPG on any of the rumored teams.
If Nikola Vucevic is dealt, he likely loses all value. Same goes for Kevin Huerter, even though he has no value anyway.
Ayo Dosunmu also is rumored to be dealt, and would maintain value wherever he goes.
There is a possibility that they don’t deal any of their guys either, in which case their value stays the same. Side Note: The Bulls have a ton of soft tissue injuries. Their pace is just too fast for human legs. I’m trying to get off all their players where I can. Except Vucevic, he doesn’t play hard enough to pull a muscle.
Milwaukee Bucks
If Giannis is dealt, we already have data on what Milwaukee will look like. Myles Turner will get more shots and possibly salvage his fantasy season. Bobby Portis will get more minutes, and Ryan Rollins’ role is secure.
I’m hoping Gary Trent, Jr. gets dealt to a situation that values him. He’s a good threes play, and a stash if you can do it. Or maybe, maybe, he did play 25 minutes last night, so he could rebuild his value in Milwaukee. Guy to watch at least.
And obviously, a Giannis deal would have huge ramifications and require many high dollar and high usage players to move around. I said earlier, I’m not a prophet, so no predictions here. Just a reaction if it happens, okay?
Of course, there’s a chance they trade all their good players and tank. Then we react. Not a prophet, remember?
Michael Porter, Jr.
He’s in the best fit for himself right now in Brooklyn. Any deal hurts his value because he won’t get as many shots. Man, would he look good in Detroit. But we shall see.
Nets related, they likely deal Day’ron Sharpe or Nic Claxton. Sharpe is a really good player when he gets minutes. Might wanna scoop him up.
Memphis Grizzlies
They’re a team in flux, and it all hinges on their decision on Ja Morant. If he stays, we’ve seen that movie. But the sequel, titled “Life After Ja,” the guy I’m eying is Scotty Pippen, Jr. He was solid as a fill in and is practicing again. Put him on the watch list. Another good player, Ty Jerome, is coming back soon as well. They probably cannibalize each other’s value. I’m not doing anything except in deep leagues proactively. Jerome did sign a bigger contract, so he’s likely to get first crack at it. I’d go Jerome, then Pippen, but nothing until we hear more.
Jonathan Kuminga
He’s an obvious add if he gets moved. I’m not sure he’s a good real-life player. I am sure he’ll get shots up whenever he gets on the court.
Charlotte Hornets
They have a clear core now of four young players all playing well and they’re winning. They might not want to mess that up. Or they may deal Miles Bridges to try to add to this group. Bridges is losing value every game, and a trade would probably not help. Keep an eye on Grant Williams if they do deal Bridges.
Pelicans
Nobody knows what the Pelicans are going to do, really. Zion Williamson could be traded and that would help his value to get him with a new medical team. That’s exciting talk, right?
The guy you want to stash here is backup center Yves Missi. He’s blocked in New Orleans, and a team acquiring him would surely see him as a center possibility (hear that, Chicago?). He’d become an instant double double threat with blocked shot potential and a high FG%. He’s actually my favorite stash this whole article.
And with that, we out. Hope you all stay safe in the bomb cyclone!
