{"id":115066,"date":"2024-12-30T16:58:01","date_gmt":"2024-12-30T21:58:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=115066"},"modified":"2024-12-30T16:58:01","modified_gmt":"2024-12-30T21:58:01","slug":"148-66-quartet-headline-second-round-pool","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/12\/30\/148-66-quartet-headline-second-round-pool\/","title":{"rendered":"$148.66 Quartet Headline Second-Round Pool"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>A quartet of notable NBA veterans\u2014<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/v\/valanjo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jonas Valan\u010di\u016bnas<\/a>, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/brogdma01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Malcolm Brogdon<\/a>, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/brownbr01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bruce Brown<\/a>, and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/clarkjo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jordan Clarkson<\/a>\u2014have become available on the trade market for second-round picks. NBA insider <a  href=\"https:\/\/marcstein.substack.com\/p\/sunday-best-how-and-why-the-lakers\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Marc Stein<\/a> reported that these players could be acquired for second-round picks, a trend gaining traction in recent years. As contenders look for impactful pieces without sacrificing premium assets, this pool of talent offers intriguing possibilities.<\/p>\n<h2>$148.66 Quartet Headline Second-Round Pool<\/h2>\n<h3>Jonas Valan\u010di\u016bnas: Rebounding Machine on the Market<\/h3>\n<p>Valan\u010di\u016bnas is a name that has surfaced in trade rumors for months. The bruising big man is <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?q=valanciunas+stats&amp;oq=valanciunas+stars&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCQgBEAAYDRiABDIGCAAQRRg5MgkIARAAGA0YgAQyCQgCEAAYDRiABDIJCAMQABgNGIAEMgkIBBAAGA0YgAQyCQgFEAAYDRiABDIJCAYQABgNGIAEMgkIBxAAGA0YgAQyCAgIEAAYDRgeMggICRAAGA0YHjIICAoQABgNGB4yCAgLEAAYDRgeMggIDBAAGA0YHjIICA0QABgNGB4yCAgOEAAYDRge0gEINTAzOGowajeoAhSwAgE&amp;client=ms-android-att-us&amp;sourceid=chrome-mobile&amp;ie=UTF-8#ebo=1\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">averaging<\/a> 11.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in just 19.9 minutes per game. His efficiency\u2014shooting 54.8% from the field\u2014makes him a strong candidate for any team seeking frontcourt depth.<\/p>\n<p>Valan\u010di\u016bnas signed a three-year, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.spotrac.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/8055\/jonas-valanciunas#:~:text=Jonas%20Valanciunas%20signed%20a%203,dead%20cap%20value%20of%20%249%2C900%2C000.\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">$30.3 million<\/a> contract with the Washington Wizards in July. At $9.9 million per year, his contract is team-friendly and easy to match in trades. The Los Angeles Lakers, in particular, have <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/12\/05\/lakers-trade-rumors-jonas-valanciunas-to-be-perfect-option\/\" target=\"_self\">shown interest<\/a> in adding him as an offensive-minded complement to <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/davisan02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Anthony Davis<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>For a contender needing size, rebounding, and interior presence, Valan\u010di\u016bnas offers tremendous value. Teams like the Knicks could also benefit from acquiring him at a bargain price.<\/p>\n<h3>Malcolm Brogdon: A Proven Sixth Man<\/h3>\n<p>Brogdon\u2019s availability is another headline-grabber. The former Sixth Man of the Year is <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.nba.com\/stats\/player\/1627763\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">averaging<\/a> 14.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 14 games this season. While recovering from thumb surgery, Brogdon has remained an efficient lead guard with shooting splits of 45.5% from the field, 35.0% from three, and 84.9% from the line.<\/p>\n<p>On an expiring <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.spotrac.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/20242\/malcolm-brogdon#:~:text=Malcolm%20Brogdon%20signed%20a%202,dead%20cap%20value%20of%20%2422%2C500%2C000.\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">$22.5 million<\/a> contract, Brogdon represents a medium-risk, high-reward acquisition. Teams needing veteran leadership and backcourt depth can rely on his proven ability to thrive in reduced roles. Contenders seeking to bolster their bench scoring could benefit significantly from his addition.<\/p>\n<h3>Bruce Brown: A Two-Way Asset<\/h3>\n<p>Brown made his long-awaited return from <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/09\/25\/nba-business-bruce-brown-injury-puts-snag-in-raptors-plans\/\" target=\"_self\">injury<\/a> this season after being sidelined for months recovering from an <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/09\/20\/toronto-raptors-wing-bruce-brown-reportedly-underwent-knee-surgery\/\" target=\"_self\">arthroscopic knee surgery.<\/a> The Sacramento Kings have <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/12\/28\/kings-predicted-to-land-45-0m-nba-champion-bruce-brown\/\" target=\"_self\">expressed interest<\/a>, particularly amid their <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/teams\/SAC\/2025\/gamelog-advanced\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">6-14<\/a> slump. Brown\u2019s versatility as a two-way player and his championship experience with the Denver Nuggets make him a coveted trade target.<\/p>\n<p>Last season, Brown <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.nba.com\/stats\/player\/1628971\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">averaged<\/a> 10.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists while shooting 56.3% true. His ability to contribute across multiple categories makes him a valuable rotational piece for any contender. However, his <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.spotrac.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/27008\/bruce-brown-jr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">$23 million<\/a> cap hit complicates salary matching under the restrictive <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?q=nba+cba&amp;oq=nb&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBggBEEUYOzIGCAAQRRg8MgYIARBFGDsyBggCEEUYOzIOCAMQRRgnGDsYgAQYigUyBggEEEUYPDIGCAUQRRg8MgYIBhBFGDwyBggHEEUYOTISCAgQLhhDGIMBGLEDGIAEGIoFMhIICRAAGEMYgwEYsQMYgAQYigUyEggKEAAYQxiDARixAxiABBiKBTINCAsQABiRAhiABBiKBTINCAwQABiRAhiABBiKBTIGCA0QRRg8MgYIDhBFGDzSAQgxMTk0ajBqNKgCAbACAQ&amp;client=ms-android-att-us&amp;sourceid=chrome-mobile&amp;ie=UTF-8\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">CBA<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Jordan Clarkson: Instant Bench Scoring<\/h3>\n<p>Clarkson, a perennial scoring threat, ranks <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.nba.com\/stats\/players\/traditional?PerMode=PerGame&amp;StarterBench=Bench&amp;dir=A&amp;sort=PTS\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">fifth<\/a> in bench points per game this season with 16.3 points per game. Despite hitting just <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.nba.com\/stats\/player\/203903\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">32.4<\/a>% from beyond the arc, his ability to create his shot remains attractive to teams needing bench firepower.<\/p>\n<p>While the Utah Jazz initially sought a first-round pick for Clarkson, their asking price has reportedly dropped. For contenders lacking offensive depth, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.nba.com\/stats\/player\/203903\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Clarkson<\/a> provides instant scoring and shot creation at a relatively low acquisition cost (<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.spotrac.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/15398\/jordan-clarkson#:~:text=2024%2D2025%20Veteran%20Extension,dead%20cap%20value%20of%20%2414%2C092%2C577.\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">$14.18m<\/a>)<\/p>\n<h3>Second-round Picks Redefining Trade Value<\/h3>\n<p>This trend of impactful players moving for second-round picks gained traction at last year\u2019s trade deadline. Players like <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/washipj01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">P.J. Washington<\/a>, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/gaffoda01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Daniel Gafford<\/a>, and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hieldbu01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Buddy Hield<\/a> changed teams for second-rounders, with Washington and Gafford playing key roles in Dallas\u2019 Finals run.<\/p>\n<p>The availability of Valan\u010di\u016bnas, Brogdon, Brown, and Clarkson underscores the growing importance of second-round picks in today\u2019s trade market. While these picks are far from guarantees, they provide rebuilding teams with flexibility while giving contenders access to impactful contributors.<\/p>\n<h3>Contenders\u2019 Low-Cost, Second-Round Opportunities With Quartet<\/h3>\n<p>As the February 6 trade deadline approaches, contenders have the chance to reshape their rosters without sacrificing first-round picks. Valan\u010di\u016bnas offers rebounding, Brogdon brings efficiency, Brown provides versatility, and Clarkson delivers scoring. For teams on the cusp of a title run, these veterans represent low-risk, high-reward opportunities to alter their season trajectories.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A quartet of notable NBA veterans\u2014Jonas Valan\u010di\u016bnas, Malcolm Brogdon, Bruce Brown, and Jordan Clarkson\u2014have become available on the trade market for second-round picks. NBA insider Marc Stein reported that these players could be acquired for second-round picks, a trend gaining traction in recent years. As contenders look for impactful pieces without sacrificing premium assets, this [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5018,"featured_media":115084,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[62,1608,26,29,4721,24,18],"tags":[240,4533,256,1453,167,321,609,3011,4975,98,4745,2111],"class_list":["post-115066","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nba","category-basketball","category-lakers","category-kings","category-trade-rumors","category-jazz","category-wizards","tag-anthony-davis","tag-bruce-brown","tag-buddy-hield","tag-daniel-gafford","tag-jonas-valanciunas","tag-jordan-clarkson","tag-malcolm-brogdon","tag-marc-stein","tag-nba-contracts","tag-nba-draft","tag-nba-injuries","tag-pj-washington"],"modified_by":"Frederick Okocha","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/115066","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5018"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=115066"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/115066\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":115085,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/115066\/revisions\/115085"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/115084"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=115066"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=115066"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=115066"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}