The 2015 NBA Draft is just two days away and the trade rumor mill is about as hot as ever. While the NBA Draft is naturally all about the top new prospects entering the league and where they’ll go, it’s also always been about huge trades going down. Big names are surfacing as key pieces that could be on the move, and depending on who gets traded and exactly how things unfold, it could directly impact where specific draft selections go and could ultimately change team needs and prospect value.
If you care about the draft, you care about the trade rumors that go along with it. Several big names could be switching teams before or during the draft and every die hard fan will be on the edge of their seat as they wait to find out who will be playing in a new city and what it means for everyone else. Let’s give in to the hype as we take a look at seven big names that are involved in draft day trade rumors and could be on the move:
DeMarcus Cousins (Sacramento Kings)
Boogie is far and away the superstar that tops the list and he could very well be on the move. Cousins reportedly asked for a trade about a month ago and new head coach George Karl also has expressed a desire for the two sides to split. Kings ownership doesn’t feel the same and to this point is not allowing a trade to go down, but the Lakers have shown serious interest and could have the ammo to get a deal done. The Orlando Magic have been pegged as a potential third team to help facilitate a three-team deal and in that scenario, the likes of Julius Randle, Cousins, Nikola Vucevic and L.A.’s #2 overall pick in this year’s draft could all be on the move.
Ty Lawson and Wilson Chandler (Denver Nuggets)
Notice it’s not or, but and when we talk about Lawson and Chandler being traded. The Nuggets have been rumored to be interested in blowing up their current squad for a long while now and these two are by far the most popular trade candidates. Lawson wants to play for a winner and he doesn’t seem happy in Denver, and the Nuggets have grown tired with his attitude. I like the Mavericks and Rockets as potential suitors so he has a shot at winning, while Chandler would be perfect for the Clippers or Pistons – two team that badly need small forward help.
Brandon Jennings (Detroit Pistons)
Jennings tore his Achilles last year and may not be the same guy when he returns next season. On top of that, the Pistons traded for Reggie Jackson last year and seem to have gotten behind him as their franchise point guard. With the two unlikely fitting together perfectly, one probably has to go. That’s probably going to be Jennings, who could still be a top shelf starter in the right situation. His health is questionable, but rebuilding teams like the Knicks or Lakers could show interest if he can be had at a discount price, while a healthy Jennings could also end up being the missing link in a city like Houston.
Eric Bledsoe (Phoenix Suns)
Where Bledsoe would go is anyone’s guess. The Suns just seem done with this three-point guard thing and even though they just signed him to a massive deal, it looks like he could be on his way out of town. Phoenix could be gearing up for a full rebuild and it’s highly possible the inconsistent Bledsoe is no longer part of their plans. If that’s the case, numerous teams could still see him as a difference-maker at point guard and pay a king’s ransom to land him. The Kings, Celtics, Knicks and Lakers could all show interest.
Michael Carter-Williams (Milwaukee Bucks)
Milwaukee just traded away Ersan Ilyasova last week and it doesn’t sound like they’re done making moves. They landed versatile point guard Michael Carter-Williams in a trade last year with the Philadelphia 76ers, but MCW didn’t light the world on fire and has a history of knee issues. That trade seems to be more about getting something in return for Brandon Knight, who was set for restricted free agency. That’s led the Bucks to gauge MCW’s trade value, as they try to move up in this year’s draft. Milwaukee currently holds the 17th selection this year, but would like to move into the lottery. How high they want to go could dictate who/what they give up, but it sounds like they’re willing to part with the talented Michael Carter-Williams if need be. MCW isn’t yet a lock to be on the move, but the Bucks want to land another marquee talent and he could be the ticket to making it happen. It’d potentially open up a hole at the point, but it could be a necessary risk to improve across the board.
Marcus Smart (Boston Celtics)
It’s tough to gauge whether the Celtics aren’t high on Smart or if they just want to move up in the draft. They’ve already been linked to the Philadelphia 76ers, as they offered Smart and two first round picks (16th and 28th, overall) for Nerlens Noel and Philly’s #3 overall pick. Philly wisely declined that lop-sided offer, but Smart being part of their first offer could be telling. Smart has the talent to be a solid lead guard and ace defender, but his offensive game came along slowly as a rookie and Boston has a log-jam at the point. Trading Smart to land more talent elsewhere could help them in the long run and would free up Isaiah Thomas, Evan Turner and/or Avery Bradley to man the offense more. Smart may just be the temporary face of Boston’s trade efforts, but we can probably bank on them working some type of deal out at some point to get higher up in the draft.
David Lee (Golden State Warriors)
The 32-year old Lee became expendable this year thanks to the versatile Draymond Green, but he proved his worth yet again during the playoffs when called upon a couple of times in the NBA Finals. Lee also showed he can be a total team player, but it sounds like the Warriors will now grant him his wish and trade him somewhere he can actually see quality time on the floor. Golden State is so interested in shedding Lee’s pricey salary ($15 million against the books next year) that they’ve been said to be willing to include the 30th overall selection in the 2015 NBA Draft. Lee can still provide a solid source of points and rebounds and also has an expiring deal, so while no clear cut suitor has emerged, he should have several teams trying to pick him up.
Think these guys are staying put or someone else is sure to get traded? Tell us in the comments below!
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