NBA commerce chatter: Will Pistons’ Griffin, Cavs’ Love, Thunder’s Paul be dealt?

Keane: Clearly the Warriors and Knicks will commerce any veteran on a brief deal, however are there any unhealthy groups who ought to maintain off on a hearth sale for some time? And who’s your sleeper choose for a non-star who may make a huge impact subsequent spring?

Heery: I used to be listening to a Zach Lowe podcast just lately, and he talked about the Wizards as a sneaky purchaser for Kevin Love — not a lot for this season, however for the following couple seasons to type a good huge three with Bradley Beal, John Wall and Love. I really like that concept rather a lot for the Wizards and ponder whether they’d pull off a transfer like that for Blake Griffin as an alternative. 

To reply your first query extra straight, I do know that everybody goes to be calling the Timberwolves (10-14, 10th within the West) about Robert Covington as a result of the crew appears like a deadline vendor after a sizzling begin. Nevertheless, tanking can be harmful for the Wolves. I do know he’s a “unhealthy” wage (and that’s a bit exaggerated as a result of NBA take artists must sensationalize all the pieces), however Chris Paul remains to be participant and would instantly make Minnesota a playoff crew. Karl-Anthony Cities (25.9 ppg., 11.7 rpg., 4.5 apg., 41 % from three) is just going to place up with a lot shedding and depressing winters earlier than he turns into the NBA’s model of the distracted boyfriend meme. 

And I really feel like we touched on quite a lot of my sleepers all through this trade — Favors was one. Nevertheless, I don’t suppose we’ve talked about any Knicks gamers but. So give me Marcus Morris (19.zero ppg, 5.9 rpg). His stats are a bit inflated as a result of the Knicks are horrendous and he’s a go-to man, however he’s capturing an absurd 48.9 % from three and would deliver toughness and perspective to a contender. The truth is, he sometimes wears out his welcome after a yr, so he’d be an ideal rental for any of the Western Convention contenders (Lakers, Clippers, Rockets). 

Is there a commerce you suppose may swing the title on the market, like Marc Gasol final season with the Raptors? 

Keane: Denver must make an enormous transfer. The Nuggets (15-8) are good, however they are not on the stage of the L.A. groups. Denver is filled with younger, low-cost gamers. That is the place I wish to see a celebrity go, and I believe it ought to be Chris Paul. Look, he is overpaid, he is fragile, and he and Nikola Jokic may drive one another loopy. However the Nuggets should do one thing dramatic quickly or they’re going to be blocked by the Clippers and Lakers for the following 2-Three years.