DeMarcus Cousins recently found a new home in New Orleans, joining Kyle Korver and Serge Ibaka as one of the latest stars to be traded this season. And with the NBA trade deadline closing in, there’s bound to be more transactions awaiting us. Take a look below at some more high-profile players who we think will be dealt next or will end up staying put.
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Our Biggest and Best 2017 NBA Trade Deadline Predictions
Jimmy Butler to the Celtics?
Cousin’s departure to New Orleans quickly put Jimmy Butler at the headline of trade rumors, particularly with the Boston Celtics, who are arguably just a one more superstar away from becoming legitimate title contenders. And yes, a trade between the Chicago Bulls and Celtics would make some sense for both squads some ways.
The C’s have a myriad of trade assets that can entice the Bulls or any other NBA team right now, such as the league-worst Brooklyn Nets’ first-round pick. Chicago can opt to rebuild through what’s expected to be a deep draft in June by sending off the Marquette product, while also having more salary cap flexibility.
Still, Butler is only 27 years old and has yet to reach his prime. The Bulls’ fan base would riot if their franchise player does get traded mainly for draft picks. Then again, they might not also have enough patience to endure another losing season. Keeping Butler would probably assure Chicago a spot in playoffs this season, but it’s unlikely that the team progresses beyond the opening round.
PREDICTION: Jimmy B stays in the Windy City.
Melo Drama continues…
This is old (and boring) news for all, if not most of us. There’s been endless drama between Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks’ current president Phil Jackson, who’s been so determined to trade the former Nuggets forward all season long. In fact, it came to points where he offered Cleveland a laughable Love-for-Melo swap and even personally talked to Anthony about waiving his no-trade clause. These are really incredibly tough times for Knicks fans right now, and we don’t see this coming to an end anytime soon.
PREDICTION: Melo finishes this season as a Knick.
Reggie Jackson to Orlando?
Reggie Jackson’s days in Detroit is numbered. The Pistons began this season 11-10, a stretch in which Jackson was still recovering from injuries on his left knee and right thumb. When he returned, the team went just 16-20, which probably prompted this potential trade with the Orlando Magic. And if Jackson does leave, reliable backup Ish Smith will assume the starting role while the Magic can hasten their rebuild with an addition of a veteran point guard that can mentor Elfrid Payton.
PREDICTION: RJ remains with Detroit this season.
Where will Sweet Lou end up?
The Lakers have been tough yet fun to watch. The fun part is mostly thanks to Lou Williams, who leads the team in scoring with nearly 20 points per contest. He’s also a hands-down candidate for this season’s Sixth Man of the Year Award, mainly thanks to his play-making skills. That’s exactly what LeBron James wants and what the uprising Washington Wizards need to make deep push in the playoffs.
Wherever the former Raptors guard ends up playing for by the end of the trade deadline, expect Sweet Lou to continue providing buckets on a nightly basis.
PREDICTION: Lou Williams gets traded to Washington in exchange for a combination of first and second round picks.
Who wants Gallo?
Bleacher Report says that the Raptors, Clippers and Magic continue to have strong interest in acquiring Danilo Gallinari, who appears likely to opt out of the final year of his contract with Denver the end of the season. At present, he leads the Nuggets in scoring with 17.2 points per contest, but is still recovering from a groin injury. That should cause a bit of concern for the interested suitors above.
Los Angeles might not mind, though. They’re situation is dire right now, especially with Chris Paul out for a few more weeks. Adding someone of Gallo’s caliber and versatility would be a significant boost to an injury-mired roster. However, LA will likely have to send one of its current stars for this deal to pull through, and the team might be unwilling to do that.
PREDICTION: Gallo gets traded to the Celtics, who were previously interested in him.
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