With less than 10 days until the trade deadline, let’s take a realistic look at each club based on what executives, agents, and players are talking about.
One crucial rule: this is not fantasy basketball. Hypotheticals are used to build together every transaction in NBA history and will take place every hour of the day between clubs until February 8 at 3 p.m. ET. However, this is not the same as just thinking up a scenario that is not out of the range of possibilities, even if it sounds entertaining.
Trading for Murray in 2022 hasn’t gone as planned for Atlanta. The Hawks have a potentially pricey roster, will be without numerous first-round picks in the future, and, worst of all, are underachieving.
Murray has been available for a month, but it should not be assumed that Atlanta would deal him. If it receives a suitable offer, it is likely to be for draft compensation.
The Celtics have completed their trades, but they still have two first-round picks to trade. And, with a current tax bill of $39 million, the most in franchise history, the Celtics are more likely to fill their available roster space with a buyout player.
The Nets entered the trade season as potential buyers. But a 5-12 record since Christmas Day has dimmed their perspective, and they are now considering all possibilities. They have seven marketable first-round picks, so anything is conceivable, but they may also be part of a three-team trade that protects significant assets for the future.
If they do make a deal, it will most likely be for a guard, with former Nets All-Star D’Angelo Russell among the options mentioned. Dinwiddie, whose contract is set to expire for $20.3 million, is likely to be the focal point of any major trade before the deadline.
It is unclear whether the Hornets will want to keep Bridges when he becomes an unrestricted free agency this summer.
If they act quickly, they may be able to acquire an asset. Contenders are intrigued because Bridges’ $8 million contract is reasonable given his output. Bridges, on the other hand, has the authority to veto any trade since it would result in the loss of his Bird rights, limiting his chance to negotiate a larger contract in the summer.
He would probably prefer a team with cap capacity to pay him, like as the 76ers, but he would also like to be guaranteed a meaningful role.
Lowry’s contract is about to expire for $30 million, and he recently joined Charlotte in the trade that sent Terry Rozier to Miami. He is a buyout candidate if he is not relocated again.
