Thaddeus Young could be the player that changes the landscape of the playoff race, ESPN’s Bobby Marks relays after surveying executives around the league.
Young’s play this season, combined with his salary situation ($13.5 million this year; $14.2 million next with just $5 million of that guaranteed), make him the most valuable player on the Bulls who’s likely to be dealt.
Zach LaVine is in the midst of a career year and the shooting guard is not expected to be on the table in trade talks leading up to the deadline. However, the clock is ticking on LaVine and the Bulls, Marks adds, as the former Dunk Champion will be able to reach free agency at the end of the 2021-22 season.
More NBA Trade Rumors
- Cleveland’s JaVale McGee is a name to watch in regard to the Nets making a move for a center, Marks writes in the same piece. Brooklyn has a $5.7 million trade exception and they have plenty of second-round picks to offer. Orlando’s Khem Birch, Minnesota’s Ed Davis, OKC’s Mike Muscala, and Sacramento’s Hassan Whiteside are also players to keep an eye on, Marks writes.
- The Pistons are obvious sellers and Wayne Ellington could be the next member of the team to go, Marks explains. The shooting guard is making 42.1% of his three-pointers this season and with his salary being the league minimum ($1.6 million), a team trading for him wouldn’t have to send back salary. Mark envisions Ellington netting a second-round pick on the market.
- There will be time for a win-now trade for the Grizzlies but Marks (same piece) doesn’t see Memphis making that before the trade deadline. The franchise has all of their future first-rounders in addition to two additional first-rounders (Utah via the Mike Conley deal; Golden State via the Andre Iguodala deal).
