MIAMI — There was hardly any movement in the NBA transfer market in January. Even then, The proximity of the next February 9th deadline suggests that the last week could be crazy,
It’s easy to categorize teams based on their market goals. Thus, there are groups with needs; others who are willing to listen and release players; And, finally, franchises that might be considered ‘demolition’.
In Miami, the big bargaining chip is Kyle Lowry and many have asked about his position.
The point guard doesn’t want to leave, but it’s clear he’s not untouchable for coach Erik Spoelstra as he hasn’t played the back quarter in five of the last seven games.
The Heat’s president Pat Riley isn’t there to shake up the market on the last day, but if there’s one position he needs to strengthen immediately, it’s the backup center for Bam Adebayo.
Many names sound for that position, from Spaniards Willy Hernángómez and Serge Ibaka to Jakob Poelt or even Jae Crowder.
These players also appear to be related to some Celtics in the same position and who are looking for relief for Al Horford and Robert Williams.
Brooklyn is highly dependent on the health of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, but there is a long list of players who are desirable to other teams in a fantasy transfer.
Joe Harris, Seth Curry and Patty Mills are on that list and in exchange they would sign someone with playoff experience like the aforementioned Crowder or Bojan Bogdanovic that they could bring back after six years.
Dallas intends to continue with more quality players around Luka Doncic and the name that seems most interesting to move is that of Dorian Phinney-Smith.
For their part, the Clippers are looking for a point guard. John Wall could leave and the candidates being voiced to join are Fred VanVleet and even Chris Paul, who would thus return to his home for six years.
no need but with attractive players
There are also teams that open their doors for a player when a juicy offer comes their way. They are franchises such as the Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards in the East or the Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah Jazz in the West.
Much is asked of Hawks executives about Bogdan Bogdanovic and John Collins, players who could fit perfectly on teams like the Golden State Warriors, the former, and the Utah Jazz, the latter. Even the Washington Wizards could potentially be part of the deal by adding the departing Kyle Kuzma. ,
The Wolves have one obvious point of focus: D’Angelo Russell, who has been high for a month and a trade with Miami (for Lori), Phoenix (for Paul) or Los Angeles (for can be adjusted in Wall). He’s a free agent at the end of the season, which is a plus.
Staff demolition in February?
Although it may sound trivial, there are teams that can’t wait for summer to finish the project if it doesn’t work. For example, the Toronto Raptors and Chicago Bulls may find it more convenient to have a good draft pick than to play a play-in game.
This usually involves many departures, even of important players who can become great attractions for candidates for the ring. Without going any further, in Toronto they sound like VanVleet, Ozzie Annunobi, Gary Trent Jr. and even Pascal Siakam.
In Chicago, it doesn’t seem out of the question that they want to get rid of very high salaries like Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic or DeMar DeRozan.
That’s without forgetting the always-desired Alex Caruso, whose defensive strengths would be perfect for teams like the Nuggets or Knicks.
with suitcase in hand
Of the many names that are generating the most buzz, they are point guard, a position that is in high demand in this market and allows players to clear man-for-man barters without juggling.
Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet, Alex Caruso, D’Angelo Russell, Chris Paul and even Russell Westbrook, who will be a free agent in the summer … It’s not unusual for some of them to pack their bags in the coming days. Will be the day
Two Bogdanovics, Bogdan (Hawks) and Bojan (Pistons), could shore up a title contender’s squad. He is accompanied by other outsiders with good shooting skills such as Kyle Kuzma, Seth Curry and Joe Harris.
In the inside game, John Collins is the most talked about, but the list is long: Willie Hernangomez, Serge Ibaka, Jakub Poetl, Nikola Vucevic, Jae Crowder…
The countdown has begun and in the coming week, the NBA offices are expected to be fuming with a market closing that promises to be exciting.
