With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching, many different players are hearing their names in various trade rumors. As we near the all-star break, many teams are realizing they need to bolster their roster if they want to contend. Others are looking to acquire as many picks as possible to build for the future. While all of these trade rumors are pure speculation there is a real possibility of them occurring before Thursday.
NBA Trade Rumors
Andre Iguodala to the Miami Heat
Recently, Andre Iguodala has stated that he wants to be traded to a contender. Until recently, many of the top contenders had yet to make an offer for the veteran forward. According to Chris Chavez from Sports Illustrated, the Miami Heat have emerged as a late contender to land Iguodala.
For the Memphis Grizzlies, it would be a chance to receive some compensation for Iguodala. While they are currently requesting picks, it is possible a player like James Johnson or Kelly Olynyk could be included in this package. They could receive a couple of quality players and picks to help build for the future.
For the Heat, Iguodala could be just what they need to make a run at the NBA Championship. He would immediately contribute on the defensive end, and also provide some steady scoring every night. The Heat just need to make sure they don’t give up their young talent for an aging forward.
D’Angelo Russell on the Move
When D’Angelo Russell first joined the Golden State Warriors many speculated that his time there could be limited. It seems they may have been right, as Russell’s name has been swirling around in trade talks. According to Jasmyn Wimbish at CBS Sports, the New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves both have an interest in the talented point guard.
At this point, it doesn’t appear that Russell is in the Warriors’ long-term plans. Trading him now may be the best course of action to acquire some assets. Right now it would appear the Timberwolves have a bit more to offer, but the Knicks could still make a surprise offer. Russell has been on the trading block for months and is a prime candidate for a big trade.
Julius Randle to the Charlotte Hornets
While it seems unusual that the Knicks would trade their best player, it is a reputable rumor floating around at the moment. Kevin O’Connor from The Ringer reported that the Knicks have had trade talks with the Charlotte Hornets surrounding Julius Randle.
This is a trade that makes sense for the Hornets, as they currently are looking for anything to improve. They would be getting a player that can contribute to their franchise for the foreseeable future. The Knicks would need quite a bit in return to make this trade work. They would likely require a mix of young talent and picks to be satisfied. This trade seems like a bit of a long shot, but in the NBA just about anything is possible.
None of these trades are a sure thing by any means. At this point, it is pure speculation. However, as the deadline draws closer these NBA trade rumors become more and more of a possibility. This is the point in the season where a team can completely make or break their roster.
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