Players Who Could Be Dealt by the Deadline

The trade market will be fairly quiet in terms of star power this year.

The Feb. 6 NBA Trade Deadline is getting closer and closer. Rumors are swirling, the trade machines are fired up, debates and postulations are hurdled between fans.

Given the chaotic nature of 2019 free agency and lack of contending teams with ample cap space, this year's deadline will be a lot more ho-hum than in year's past. At best, it will be a slightly lively consolation to an even more sluggish 2020 free agency.

The headliners just aren't available in free agency or on the trading block and are, barring an unforeseeable trade, prone to barely moving the needle.

Despite all this, the deadline is one of the things that we look forward to most. Perhaps it is because the NBA does not market the on-court talent as well as the extracurriculars. But it also because change in any capacity in a league where every piece matters.

When I say it barely moves the needle, barely is the operative word. That's the margin between contender to actual champion. It won't all be contenders making moves at the deadline, but surely some will, and I am hyped to see what that turns into. I delved into a few players whose names have been thrown around:

Bogdan Bogdanovic

The 6'6 shooting guard for the Sacramento Kings should be a sought-after target during the trade deadline. He is a smart, confident player entering his prime, and is a career 38% 3-point shooter. According to NBA media, the Kings are perfectly happy keeping Bogey for the remainder of the year as he becomes a restricted free agent. I don't understand Sacramento's rationale. If they truly plan on re-signing him, that would be more understandable. But in a free agent class replete with talent, Bogdanovic could garner a hefty price tag that the Kings can't match. Even if they can, the Kings' talent is better on paper. Is this what Sacramento wants to invest in long term after signing Buddy Hield, Harrison Barnes, and upcoming decisions on De'Aaron Fox and Marvin Bagley? The Kings could get a first-rounder and/or good young talent in exchange for Bogdanovic. As missing the playoffs becomes a greater reality, I could see Sacramento feeling more likely to sell. Bogdanovic would fit well with almost any team needing an extra floor spacer. I am thinking the Lakers, 76ers, or Bucks would take a long hard look at him.

Andre Drummond

Drummond's name was the first to generate real deadline buzz. The 26-year-old rebounding machine was linked to the Hawks, Celtics, Raptors, and Mavericks. I wouldn't put it past Drummond to have a "change of heart" and use his $28M player option wherever he goes, even if he's not dealt. Drummond will be entering his prime, and his ceiling with an elite point guard in the pick-and-roll is yet to be explored. His propensity for rebounds is valuable and he has shown flashes of being active on defense. When he's on he's on, and when he's not things can go south quickly. He can limit a team's floor, but he is not a $28M player. I like any of the aforementioned teams as fits for Drummond because they all have shooters that won't clog the paint, and ball handlers that can dish the ball at an above-average level.

Kevin Love

We don't know this for certain, but there is more than enough reason to believe that Love is one of the dissenters to the John Beilein regime in Cleveland. It's a shame because Love seems the caliber of player that Beilein could employ effectively. But it isn't working, and Love has a pricey contract that keeps him on the books until 2023. He is getting older, but he has still shown value for a losing team with a weak supporting cast. Portland is the obvious destination, as they can match his salary with Hassan Whiteside and would be a hometown reunion for Love. Phoenix is also in the mix as a floor-spacing, veteran upgrade to Aron Baynes and DeAndre Ayton, but I am not sure the Suns should go all in like that.

Andre Iguodala

Despite the Grizzlies' sudden rise to the Western conference 8 seed, Iguodala will still not be suiting up for them. Having been out of the game for a few months, his ability to contribute has been overlooked. Iguodala is a terrific on-ball defender, shoots the trey at a decent clip, and can spot up in the mid-range. He is a set-and-forget player who could fit just about anywhere.

Kyle Kuzma

Zach Lowe lambasted NBA media and Kuzma for being referenced as a "star" involved in trade talks, including in a swap for Bogdanovic. "Star" definitely was used liberally when referring to Kuzma, who is averaging just 13 points a game. But I viewed it as an interpretation of what he could be. He is still just 24 years old placed on a meandering Lakers team and one off the bench with LeBron James and Anthony Davis as its stars. I could see Kuzma thrust into a much more favorable situation for a team with other solid wing defenders. Kuzma just needs to be extra scoring juice.

Other players whose names have been mentioned but may/may not actually be on the block

Danilo Gallinari

I haven't seen official rumors with Gallinari, but apparently he is not in the Thunder's long-term plans. It makes sense given they have a foundation with SGA, and Chris Paul will be there for a few years (though he too could be traded, and shown he has some gas in the tank). Gallinari has an expensive contract, but he has shown time and again that he is worth the money. He is one of the most efficient scorers in the league and guided a leaderless Clippers team to two wins against the powerhouse Warriors. The Thunder were a tank candidate in the pre-season, now they are creeping up on the 6th seed with him. Gallinari very well could be traded and give the Thunder about every single pick in the 2020 draft and beyond, but he is still a great contributor that should compete for a ring sooner than later.

Gordon Hayward

There is a glut of scoring wings on the Celtics. All of them can earn their keep with that roster, but I think for the sake of clarity and the potential of a future asset, one of them has to go. The sore thumb in that group is Hayward, who has a massive contract and could cap this team from championship contention. Hayward is still good enough to find suitors for his contract and keep Boston moving forward.

Derrick Rose

The Pistons should be in full-tank mode, and few players have elevated their value as much as Rose has. He has been the go-to player for Detroit in clutch time, and a source of light on an otherwise dark cloud overhanging a franchise that will soon see rain. He is on an extremely team-friendly deal, too. Selfishly, I know Rose could contribute for a contender and I would love to see him get the opportunity to win a ring.

Dewayne Dedmon

I think his 3 year/$41 million contract was a byproduct of his productivity in Atlanta. In retrospect, playing for a sorry Hawks team certainly inflated his value. A return to Atlanta has been rumored. Dedmon still has value as a big, 3-point shooting spacer.

Juancho Hernangomez and Malik Beasley

I am not too sure what the Nuggets had in store for the tail of their rotation. Denver was banking on Michael Porter Jr. being good, but not this early. Now, the Nuggets have played guys like Beasley and Hernangomez on and off, effectively sinking their value. They could be cheap contributors if traded.