We’ve already seen some major shakeups this offseason with Chris Paul going to Houston and Paul George dealt to OKC. All the major powers are loading up in the “arms race.”
But there’s always a chance that we could also have a major deal around the trade deadline this year that would shake up the dynamics even further. Among those:
DeMarcus Cousins
New Orleans made the boldest move of last year, acquiring DeMarcus Cousins to pair with Anthony Davis. In theory, they’d be the new-age Twin Towers. That didn’t work immediately, but there’s still hope for this season that they can finally turn the corner and become a playoff force.
But what if they don’t…? Cousins is slated to be a free agent in 2018, so the clock is ticking to prove this formula will yield results. If the Pelicans struggle early on, I can see them debating “blowing up” this core and trying for a different look going forward. Maybe a DeMarcus Cousins for Otto Porter (if he’s still on WAS) deal?
Paul George
It’s hard to think about dealing Paul George after you just acquired him, but it has to be on OKC’s mind as a backup plan. I’m one of many who feel like George and Russell Westbrook pair together really well given their complementary skill sets, but there are no guarantees in life.
If the team stumbles (relative to expectations) and looks like they won’t be a legitimate contender, the Thunder need to consider flipping George like they’re on HGTV. Obviously, George on an expiring half-year contract will have even less value than George on an expiring one-year contract, so the returns here would be minimal. Maybe he’d get dealt to Boston for a few mid R1 picks (and cap filler), with an eye for the Celtics to make a deeper playoff push.
Other big names that could be dealt
It’s not likely, but other players on expiring contracts that could be flipped include: Boston’s Avery Bradley (and Isaiah Thomas), Houston’s Chris Paul and Trevor Ariza (although something would have to go seriously wrong to trade Paul already), LaMarcus Aldridge, DeAndre Jordan, and of course, everyone’s favorite trade rumor staple Carmelo Anthony. I can also see Philadelphia’s J.J. Redick as a popular half-year rental if the Sixers don’t look playoff-ready, although his $23 million will be hard to match in a deal.
Conclusion
Again, I fully understand that the asking price for players on expiring deals will be minimal at the deadline. It only makes sense for teams like New Orleans or OKC if they’re scuffling badly and think there’s no tangible way for them to make the playoffs (or to win a playoff series, maybe).
