All the big names get a lot of attention at the NBA trade deadline, but what about the big contracts due to expire this summer?
They deserve as much attention, because they’re used as trading chips in deals to make sure salaries match and for those who acquire them, perhaps some cap relief this offseason in order to spend money in free agency.
So we combed through Basketball Reference’s database of contracts to find the deals set to finish this summer and found a few of the big ones who could be involved in what could be a very busy Thursday.
Atlanta Hawks: Chandler Parsons ($25.1 million), Jeff Teague ($19 million), Evan Turner ($18.6 million)
No wonder there’s a report they could be interested in Clint Capela. They could send some of these to Houston to help the Rockets get money off their books this summer.
Brooklyn Nets: Joe Harris ($7.67 million)
The sharpshooter went from shooting 47.4 percent from three to 40.5 percent. That’s still good! If the Nets think they’re a playoff team, they could hold on to him.
Charlotte Hornets: Bismack Biyombo ($17 million), Marvin Williams ($15 million), Michael Kidd-Gilchrist ($13 million)
Michael Jordan is probably looking very much forward to this offseason, but I would guess he’d rather have the cap room than deal for a long-term deal at the deadline.
Tristan Thompson had himself a night.
Career-high 35 points and he was drawing up plays in the huddle đź“‹ pic.twitter.com/BlSKAE5t4e
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 10, 2020
Cleveland Cavaliers: Tristan Thompson ($18.5 million), Brandon Knight ($15.6 million), John Henson ($9.7 million), Matthew Dellavedova ($9.6 million)
I’d be surprised if Thompson doesn’t end up somewhere, and I wonder if the Cavs just end up with some cap room and start surrounding their young nucleus with some short-term talent and veteran leadership.
Detroit Pistons: Reggie Jackson ($18 million), Langston Galloway ($7.3 million)
Maybe someone wants Jackson as a rental off the bench for a playoff run? Probably not.
Dallas Mavericks: Courtney Lee ($12.7 million)
He’s been on EIGHT TEAMS! It could be nine as the seasoned vet hasn’t played much this year.
Denver Nuggets: Paul Millsap ($30.5 million), Mason Plumlee ($14 million)
I think Millsap and Plumlee are valuable enough for the contenders that they hold on to them for the postseason, especially after they recover from injury.
Los Angeles Clippers: Mo Harkless ($11.5 million)
Same with the Clips and Harkless.
Memphis Grizzlies: Andre Iguodala ($17.1 million), Solomon Hill ($13.2 million)
You know the situation with Iguodala. Maybe the Griz can flip him by Thursday.
Miami Heat: Goran Dragic ($19.2 million), Meyers Leonard ($11.2 million)
If they have a shot at a big name, maybe these two get moved.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Allen Crabbe ($18.5 million)
They just dealt for him!
New Orleans Pelicans: Derrick Favors ($17.6 million), E’Twaun Moore ($8.6 million)
I would assume that the Pels want these contracts off the books so they can give Brandon Ingram a lot of money.
New York Knicks: Marcus Morris ($15 million)
It’s the $15 million question: do they trade him in the middle of a career year and get back assets? Or do they re-sign him?
Oklahoma City Thunder: Danilo Gallinari ($22.6 million), Andre Roberson ($10.7 million)
Seems like Gallo could be on the move.
Phoenix Suns: Tyler Johnson ($19.2 million)
Remember when the Heat thought it was a good idea to match the Brooklyn Nets’ offer sheet for him? I most certainly do.
Portland Trail Blazers: Hassan Whiteside ($27 million)
If Jusuf Nurkic isn’t coming back the rest of the season, they probably need him.
Sacramento Kings: Kent Bazemore ($19.2 million)
They acquired him in the Trevor Ariza trade.
Toronto Raptors: Marc Gasol ($25.6 million), Serge Ibaka ($23.2 million)
No way the contenders move these important vets … right?
Utah Jazz: Jordan Clarkson ($13.4 million)
He’s thriving off the bench after the Jazz traded for him.
Washington Wizards: Ian Mahinmi ($15.4 million), Davis Bertans ($7 million)
They owe John Wall and Bradley Beal a lot of money but they probably should get something back for Bertans with the year he’s having.
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