The date Dec. 15 may not be significant to NBA fans initially, but it should be.
That’s the day in which players who signed new contracts this summer will be eligible to be traded, which is the unofficial start of NBA trade season, one of the most fun seasons in all of sports.
So as we get set for all the reports, rumors, speculation and trips to the Trade Machine, here is a list we put together of some of the big names who could be on the move after Dec. 15 now that teams have more of an ability to deal.
1. Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers
He just got a big contract recently, so he’s set to be paid through 2022-23. And although the veteran power forward is past his prime, he’s still an asset to a team who has the ability to acquire that contract — he scores, he rebounds and stretches the floor. Assuming the rebuilding Cavs make him available, he’s arguably the biggest name who could be on the market.
2. Andre Iguodala, Memphis Grizzlies
He could be an X-factor for a contender, and there’s no way the Grizzlies will let him stay home the entire season without getting something back for the former Warriors great.
Danilo Gallinari drills back-to-back early triples for the @okcthunder! #ThunderUp
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3. Danilo Gallinari, Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder have A LOT of draft picks in the future. So what’s wrong with adding a few more for the expiring deal of an underrated star who’s doing his usual mix of scoring and hitting from deep? It’s clear someone is going to pay him in the offseason and it might not be the rebuilding Thunder who do it. Might as well get something back for him.
4. Tristan Thompson, Cleveland Cavaliers
Another expiring contract … but he’s come basically out of nowhere and looks like a completely different player. Cleveland might want to capitalize on a the breakout now.
5. D’Angelo Russell, Golden State Warriors
We’ve seen his name thrown around a bit, but I kind of doubt a deal happens after he signed a deal that pays him through 2023.
6. LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio Spurs
I’ve written that the Spurs need to blow it all up, so maybe someone wants the veteran forward, whose contract runs through next year.
7. DeMar DeRozan, San Antonio Spurs
See above.
8. Rudy Gay, San Antonio Spurs
See above, although if I was betting on which player was the most likely to be dealt, I’d go with Gay.
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9. Davis Bertans, Washington Wizards
We’re getting to a verrrry interesting moment here with Bertans, who continues to hit threes at an incredible rate. His contract expires this summer and he’s going to get a raise. Do the Wizards then find a way to keep him despite the fact that they have absurd amounts of money tied up in John Wall and Bradley Beal? Or do they get assets back for the sharpshooter?
10. Marcus Morris, New York Knicks
He signed a one-year deal with the franchise and is now putting up career numbers. Some contending team is going to see lots of value there.
11. Bogdan Bogdanovic, Sacramento Kings
How do you trade a player who is super valuable to a young, growing roster? It’s simple: he’s a restricted free agent after this year and the Kings have a lot of money committed to Harrison Barnes, Buddy Hield, Marvin Bagley and Dewayne Dedmon.
12. Chandler Parsons, Atlanta Hawks
Can you believe that giant contract he signed with the Memphis Grizzlies is about to expire?
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