https://theathletic.com/4107795/2023/01/20/nba-trade-deadline-big-board-predictions/Gary Trent Jr.
Trent Jr., 24, can be an unrestricted free agent this summer after the Toronto Raptors gave him a three-year, $52 million deal two years ago with a player option on Year 3. And it’s a pretty simple equation for Trent Jr. He’s an extremely effective third or fourth option for an offense, but he’s not going to really contribute as a rebounder or passer. Defensively, he’s good in matchups where he can use his strength to body up offensive players but a bit worse when faced with any sort of quickness. Getting him for a playoff run while also getting his Bird rights is worth at least a first-round pick plus something else. — Vecenie
Several franchises are still deciding if they will even consider putting key players on the block, which would indicate a fundamental change in their directions. It makes sense to discuss those situations separately, as many (if not all) of those big names will not be available at all. We’re calling this group “The Ifs.” If these players become available, it would fundamentally change this trade deadline and the overall league landscape.
Trade Big Board: The 'Ifs'
DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine
GM Artūras Karnišovas and the Bulls could turn the trade deadline on its head by putting one or both of their biggest stars on the block. DeRozan and LaVine would each be the highest-profile player on the market. Both are under contract beyond this season, so neither would be a rental. Still, the current feeling is that the Bulls will keep their core together, so the potential availability of DeRozan and/or LaVine is more of a curiosity than a probability. (Even if I and others believe they should be selling this deadline.) — Leroux
O.G. Anunoby
If the Raptors decide to make Anunoby available, he would immediately become the most popular player on the market due to his age and skill set. Anunoby is a top wing stopper who should be on one of the All-Defense teams this season. He’s disruptive, strong enough to absorb contact and can switch across the positional spectrum.
He also is developing into an offensive weapon, averaging 18 points per game on 47 percent from the field and 37 percent from 3, and has become far more comfortable attacking off the dribble and in ball screens. At 25, he still hasn’t hit his ceiling as a player, and teams would have him for two potential playoff runs before he becomes an unrestricted free agent. If the Raptors decide to entertain trades, the price tag should be at least two premium draft picks and a player, or potentially even three premium picks. He fits on every team in the NBA. — Vecenie
Fred VanVleet
VanVleet’s availability depends on the direction the Raptors end up taking. If they decide it’s time to give up the postseason chase and take a bit of a step back, VanVleet is tailor-made to hit the trade market. He’s about to turn 29 and is on a de facto expiring contract — he almost certainly won’t exercise his $22 million player option for next year, since he’ll get more money guaranteed over a longer term on the open market, even as he’s mired in one of the worst shooting slumps of his career.
Speaking of, what’s going on there? It’s not his pull-up shooting: he’s making 33.1 percent of his pull-up 3s this year, not all that different from his 34 percent average the last two years. The catch-and-shoot numbers, however, have cratered. He’s making only 33.8 percent of those after nailing more than 40 percent on such shots over the last two seasons combined. If you believe the tide will turn and VanVleet didn’t suddenly forget how to shoot, he offers teams a great buy-low opportunity. However, there is concern VanVleet has been overworked in the last four years. Despite suffering nagging knee and hip injuries, VanVleet has finished in the top 10 in minutes per game in each of those seasons while playing in an aggressive defensive system. Regardless, VanVleet would be attractive on the trade market for a number of teams looking for a starting guard. — Vecenie
Russell Westbrook
This “if” is less about the player and more about whether his team wants to make a big swing. Westbrook was on the block all summer and was nearly traded before training camp before his off-the-bench mini-resurgence quieted the torrent of rumors. If the Lakers decide to pursue a significant move at the deadline, it likely must involve Westbrook, as the only other players on the roster making over $13 million are cornerstones LeBron James and Anthony Davis. There is a path involving the Lakers including both Patrick Beverley and Kendrick Nunn in a trade, but that package can only bring back a player (or players) making $22.8 million or less, and it would presumably add to the Lakers’ luxury-tax bill.
Westbrook has embraced his new bench role but is still an awkward fit around the Lakers’ stars. His $47.1 million expiring contract provides a way for the Lakers to add multiple talented players in one move, though it will likely cost them at least one of their two tradeable future first-round picks. Would Lakers GM Rob Pelinka prefer to trade Westbrook for player(s) on long-term contracts or let his deal expire to help create roughly $34 million in cap space this summer? — Leroux
. The mentorship for Scottie will be a bonus.
