The big names are always going to be involved in the swirling NBA trade rumors. The reality, though, is it’s pretty unlikely we see guys like DeMarcus Cousins or Kevin Durant traded. Boogie is really all Sacramento has and you just don’t trade a guy like KD. There are still other big names that could (or should) be shipped off in a trade for one reason or another, and the rumors have already started up. Let’s break down five star players that could be on their way out of town during the 2015-16 NBA season:
Derrick Rose, PG, Chicago Bulls
D-Rose was once a superstar that was putting the Bulls on his back and possibly carrying them to the NBA Finals. Then he got hurt every day for like three years. While now fairly healthy, Rose simply isn’t the same guy he was roughly four years ago and he probably never will be. He also is a walking injury risk and with a new star to lean on in Jimmy Butler, it only makes sense to move on by trading Rose away. If the Bulls think they can win it all with Rose, then fine, but betting on him is definitely a risky move.
Ty Lawson, PG, Houston Rockets
Lawson was acquired to be an upgrade at the point and to relieve James Harden of play-making duties. Lawson hasn’t panned out at all, as he plays atrocious defense and can’t hit a shot to save his life. That’s led to a demotion from starting to a bench role and recently he barely played in a tight game. It’s gotten ugly and it could be a matter of time before the Rockets realize he just isn’t a fit. Ideally he figures his role out, starts knocking down shots and helps take some pressure off of Harden in terms of handling the rock. So far, though, not so good.
Brandon Jennings, PG, Detroit Pistons
Jennings needs to get healthy first (torn Achilles), but the writing on the wall is that Reggie Jackson is Detroit’s future at the point guard position. That makes Jennings the odd man out and if he can show he’s back to normal upon returning, the Pistons should make him available in trade talks. Numerous teams could make him a star again, while he’d be a great offensive spark off the bench for the right contender.
Jordan Clarkson, G, Los Angeles Lakers
If the Lakers want to make D’Angelo Russell into a star point guard, they probably have to get rid of Kobe Bryant and Jordan Clarkson. Trading Bryant is out of the question, but he’ll be off the books next year when he ultimately retires. Clarkson won’t be, and while immensely talented, he’s probably more ideal as a project point guard. He can man the two in a pinch, but his jumper probably isn’t good enough to consistently start at shooting guard. He also gives up size, but any of his limitations are masked as a point guard, where some of his best attributes (quickness, handle, creation, penetration) are wasted at the two in L.A. The Lakers need to build for the future and it’s possible Clarkson is a big part of that. But if he’s just the two guard, they might as well trade for some assets to improve elsewhere.
Taj Gibson, PF, Chicago Bulls
The Bulls have to make a decision and trade one of Joakim Noah, Pau Gasol or Taj Gibson. If they’re smart, they’d trade one of Gasol or Noah and let Gibson either make it into the starting lineup or be one of the first guys off the bench. Nikola Mirotic has played himself into a key role and is a long-term piece to the puzzle, but Noah is a major offensive liability and Gasol tends to be a problem on the defensive end. Both have value still and would bring back a good amount out on the trading block. But do they have more value than Gibson? Probably, which is why the Bulls should trade the younger big man for whatever they can get. The reality is Gibson is a strong two-way player that is wasting away on Chicago’s bench. It’s time they either make room for him to play a key role, or get value in return for him.
Markieff Morris, PF, Phoenix Suns
The Suns burned Markieff forever when they traded away his brother (Marcus) without really ever asking him about it. They’re an NBA organization and can do as they please, but his summer trade demands suggested he was none to pleased. His rocky start to this year can’t help his status with the team, nor his overall value. Perhaps the Pistons pair the brothers back him with another deal or a contending team pays up for the versatile big man. One thing seems clear: his time in the desert is running out.
Ryan Anderson, PF, New Orleans Pelicans
It’s really nice to have a stud shooter like Rando coming off the bench or when you want to go small, he can shift to the starting lineup. But Ryan Anderson is not a mere rotation player. He’s shown time and time again he’s a 20+ points per game offensive star and he also can clean the glass. With Anthony Davis playing his position most nights, Rando is being semi-wasted in New Orleans. The sad thing is he’s also one of their best players, but if the Hornets were smart, they’d send Anderson to a team that actually plans to use him and get some guard depth in return.
Dwight Howard, C, Houston Rockets
The big man has done as he’s pleased since leaving Orlando and it seems if it’s his call, he’s found his NBA destination in Houston. Maybe the Rockets feel the same, but so far his tenure has been marred by injuries and failed expectations in the playoffs. Nearing 30 and in a walk year, the Rockets could opt to cut their losses and deal Howard for assets to do a quick rebuild so they can compete again at a high level in 1-2 years.
Think these guys are staying put or another big name not listed is getting dealt? Tell us in the comments below!
