As the NBA trade rumors start to warm up, Sunday, Dec. 15 represents a big day in the league. Eighty-five players who signed new contracts/extensions during the summer become eligible for trade.
With teams now facing a more difficult path to trades as a result of the new CBA changes and the introduction of severe second apron penalties, these players should help create more avenues toward a workable deal.
For the purpose of this exercise, the focus will be on players who are not only eligible for trade, but also potentially available as well. For example, Paul George will be eligible for trade from Dec. 15 but the Philadelphia 76ers won’t look to move on so quickly. LeBron James is also technically eligible to be traded but it is extremely unlikely that we see him anything but a Los Angeles Lakers uniform this season.
Jonas Valanciunas, Washington Wizards
It was a bit peculiar to see Valanciunas ink a three-year, $30 million deal with the Washington Wizards in the offseason as part of a sign-and-trade. While he has his weaknesses defending the pick-and-roll, the Lithuanian has been a steady presence at center for all his teams.
Boasting career averages of 13.3 points, 9.4 rebounds and just under a block per game, teams looking for a dependable, traditional big man will appeal to teams like the Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Lakers and, perhaps, the Phoenix Suns.
Eric Gordon, Philadelphia 76ers
Firmly behind Kelly Oubre Jr. and Caleb Martin in the rotation, Eric Gordon has had an almighty struggle this season, shooting just 23.8 percent from downtown. That represents a far cry from the 37 percent he’s shot for his career and the 37.8 percent clip he managed last season.
It might make sense for the Philadelphia 76ers to try and marginally address its lack of depth at the forward spots instead, selling opposing teams on the idea of him needing a different offense to get back to his best. Teams like the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets could all stand to improve their respective 3-point volume.
Gary Harirs, Orlando Magic
It feels like Gary Harris has been a trade candidate every deadline the last several years but he’s now been with the Orlando Magic for five seasons. His 16.6 minutes are the lowest they’ve been since joining the franchise, though he’s continued to shoot the three well right at his 37 percent career mark.
While Orlando may feel a bit pressed to keep him, considering the lack of scoring on the team in the absence of both Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, Harris could be useful bait in finding some short-term help for those forward positions. Is there a path for him back to his former team in Denver? The Lakers could also use his outside shooting expertise.
Kevin Love, Miami Heat
It’s quite plausible that Kevin Love becomes a secondary piece in a deal involving Jimmy Butler. It’s only after Dec. 15 that becomes possible. Past his prime, Love is still a solid bench piece contenders would love to have, and would fit in extremely well on the Rockets or Golden State Warriors.
In 12 games this season, Love has averaged 6.7 points and 4.8 rebounds, while shooting 37.8 percent from downtown. His 12 minutes per game are a career-low.
Buddy Hield, Golden State Warriors
Buddy Hield looked like one of the best offseason coups the way he started out the season, but has since come back down to earth. The Warriors have done their best to make him be at least a net neutral on the defensive end but the sheen is wearing off. His 3-point shooting is still extremely valuable and he can get points up in a hurry. As Golden State looks to level up its title contending credentials, Hield may just be a piece the team needs to sacrifice in order to address a bigger need.
