As the NBA trade deadline approaches, several big names are expected to be on the move. This season has already been home to several trades of future free agents who vocally expressed interest in testing the free agent market this summer. Kevin Love was the first to go-the Minnesota Timberwolves trading him upon demand before the season even began. Rajon Rondo was next and, while he did not directly state that he would not re-sign with the Boston Celtics, Danny Ainge found an opportune deal and took it, sending Rondo to the Dallas Mavericks in December.
Next on the list is reportedly Goran Dragic who has apparently told the Phoenix Suns he will not re-sign with the team upon becoming a free agent at the end of the season. According to Sam Amick of USA Today, Dragic wants the freedom to run his own team. The addition and frequent utilization of Isaiah Thomas has decreased Dragic's minutes and shrunk his lead roll with the team. He is now part of a three-piece guard cycle and, while the Suns may have been leaning toward dealing Thomas, Dragic's recent statement could very well land him with a new team on Thursday.
Time is of the essence and only a select few teams are on Dragic's list. The Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and New York Knicks are the preferred destinations, but the Houston Rockets and even Boston Celtics are also in the conversation. The Rockets are not likely to deal for Dragic because it would require too much value for risk of him not re-signing in the offseason. The Celtics will ultimately take a back seat to the Lakers and Knicks, two of the worst teams in the NBA who are in serious rebuilding mode. At the same time, both teams have pieces to offer, such as Jose Calderon, who the Knicks have sought to trade. Remember that Phoenix currently has the eighth seed in the Western Conference so obtaining a solid position player is more desirable for them than draft picks.
The Brooklyn Nets have been actively shopping Brook Lopez and the Charlotte Hornets and Oklahoma City Thunder have been reported to be the closest suitors. The Hornets reportedly were very close to dealing Lance Stephenson and Cody Zeller for Lopez, but the deal fell through. At this point, it is unclear where Lopez will end up by the trade deadline, but he is likely to be out of Brooklyn. Stephenson is certainly still on the trade block, but it is unclear if he and another piece will be enough to land Lopez in Charlotte. As for the Thunder, Steven Adams is out for an extended period of time with an injured hand. That leaves Kendrick Perkins and Mitch McGary as the remaining big men to compliment Serge Ibaka. Trading for Lopez would be in their best interest and dealing Perkins in addition to Reggie Jackson and draft picks may do the trick. The Thunder need this trade and it would be a big mistake if they missed out on a deadline deal.
DeMarcus Cousins is another name that has surfaced courtesy of the Boston Celtics. The Celtics have shown interest in Cousins for some time and, although they did not end up swapping Rondo for him, it has been rumored that they are interested in acquiring him once again. However, with George Karl taking the reins in Sacramento, the Kings are probably more inclined to see if the veteran coach can groom the troublemaking center before opting to ship him out. But the Celtics certainly have chips to move in the form of numerous draft picks as well as players like Evan Turner and Jared Sullinger as they continue to rebuild.
The Denver Nuggets are a team that is not likely to make the playoffs but has several pieces that contending teams would find appealing. Arron Afflalo and Wilson Chandler are tradable targets that a team such as the Portland Trail Blazers would be wise to seek out. The Blazers need depth to support their starting lineup and the Nuggets have the fix. Afflalo, however, is a very good defender and will draw attention from multiple teams. The Los Angeles Clippers, for example, could use help with Blake Griffin out of the lineup and have several pieces to bargain with. The Thunder could be another potential suitor but would benefit more from acquiring Chandler or Kenneth Faried.
Other players that have appeared among trade rumors are Ty Lawson, Joe Johnson, and Deron Williams. The Nets are not contending for a title this season and have expressed interest in cleaning house. The Detroit Pistons have been rumored to have interest in swapping Johnson for Brandon Jennings, who is out for the season. The Nets would not come up short by ditching Johnson's massive contract for an injured All-Star, while the Pistons could potentially move into contention in return. Lawson is another name that could appear in a trade for either Johnson or Williams if the Nuggets follow the housecleaning pattern.
As the NBA trade deadline fast approaches, several teams' phones will be ringing off the hook. Some will win big, while others will miss out on an opportunity that could define their season.