This weekend, trade restrictions were lifted for most free agents in the 2020 offseason. More players will be released from restrictions before the March 3 deadline. There are a number of players whose contracts are expiring and their futures with their current teams are unclear. Here is a list of players who could be traded.
Victor Oladipo ( Houston )
Which team could use Oladipo right now? The Heat are one of the favorites and seem unlikely to trade for him now. This may require an uncapped team such as the Pelicans, 76s, , , Timberwolves, , or Magic.
Andre Drummond ( Cleveland )
The Cavaliers basically got Andre Drummond for free, but they will also give him away for free. Drummond has another season under contract, and his defense has played a big role in Cleveland's hot start to the season. His $28.8 million salary makes a deal difficult to complete. Toronto The Raptors are interested in Drummond. And the Charlotte Hornets.
Kelly Oubre Jr. ( Golden State )
The Pelicans and Warriors discuss the trade surrounding Kelly Oubre . Reports like this could mean Golden State may have passed on Oubre and decided they don't want to re-sign him this offseason. That was before his 40-point performance with the Mavericks, so there might still be time for the Warriors to decide to keep him. Take away his $14.4 million salary, and the Warriors' luxury tax bill will drop from $137.2 million to $68 million.
Otto Porter (Chicago)
The Bulls team will not renew Porter on his expired contract. If he continues to perform at the level the Bulls did when they acquired him, they could get a first-round selection for him. For the Bulls, after two consecutive years of injuries and a salary of $28.5 million, it is difficult for the Bulls to get any substantial help. The Heat could make him their starting four.
Tim Hardway Jr. (dallas)
The Mavericks are off to a rough start, and this month will be key in determining their place in the Western Conference competition. Regardless of their season, Dallas is at a crossroads with Tim Hardaway Jr. . Dallas will have near maximum cap space this summer, meaning Hardaway will not be re-signed. In order to upgrade, they plan to pursue a strong player in free agency, such as Zach LaVine or Victor Oladipo, and any integration transaction may give up Hardaway.
Thaddeus Young (Chicago)
Thaddeus Young remains one of the most consistent role players in the league. The 14-year veteran had an outstanding season with the Bulls, and if they trade him, hopefully there will be a good return. He should be courted by many contenders, such as the 76ers, Nets, Clippers or Heat. For the Bulls, if they waive all free agents (including Lori Markkanen) and waive all non-guaranteed players, they could create nearly $50 million in playing space.
P.J. Tucker (Houston)
Even before trading James Harden , P.J. Tucker was already considered a potential trade candidate. The 35-year-old forward didn't get the contract extension he had been seeking, and Tucker could fit in with almost any team. The Raptors acquired him for two second-round picks in 2017. This should be more or less the return that rocket can bring to Tucker now.
George Hill (Oklahoma State)
George Hill will have no shortage of contenders, which will drive up his Thunder's asking price. His $9.6 million salary is easily moved around, essentially making him a trade chip. The Clippers are a very competitive team that desperately needs to play and give Hill a good chance.Lou Williams, Mfiondu Kabengele and a second-round pick could be what the Thunder can get.
Doug McDermott (Indiana)
Doug McDermott is having his best season in NBA. As long as the Pacers stay in good shape, they're unlikely to sell him unless they get a better, more expensive player in a package deal. They could extend McDermott's contract now or re-sign him. Otherwise, they might overprice him before the trade deadline.
Austin Rivers (New York)
The Knicks have a very solid backcourt, and with the addition of Derrick Rose, it becomes even more crowded. The Knicks could prepare for a trade by bringing Austin Rivers off the bench. Rivers just became trade eligible this week, and his $3.5 million salary makes him easy to trade. His second and third years of the contract are not guaranteed, and the cost is easily manageable.
Rudy Gay ( San Antonio )
Rudy Gay has reinvented his role with the Spurs , keeping his career alive after a fatal injury. It was discontinued at the age of 30. Now 34 years old, Gay's chances of competing for the title are getting slimmer. He has been an absolute role player during his time with the Spurs, but with his contract expiring, a trade is the best option for both parties. His $14.5 million salary shouldn't be difficult to trade, but for contenders like the Lakers, Clippers and Bucks, it might be a bit pricey.
Patrick · Mills (San Antonio)
Patrick Mills' long and forgettable San Antonio contract is coming to an end. Surprisingly, the 32-year-old signed a $48 million contract in 2017 and had his best season in four years. In fact, the statistics show that if you look at his scoring, three-point shooting and field goal percentage, he is having the best season of his career. However, his $13 million salary may make him difficult to trade. If he asks for a buyout, the Spurs will consider giving him a chance.
Lou Williams (Los Angeles Clippers)
One of the most consistent scorers in the NBA for 16 seasons. Provides the Clippers with enough backcourt depth to make Lou Williams a bargain. The Clippers need a traditional point guard and could trade for Williams, largely because of his $8 million salary. We'll likely see him on the acquisition market soon.
JJ Redick (New Orleans)
The Pelicans have had discussions with the Celtics , Nets and 76ers regarding a trade for JJ Redick. The soon-to-be 37-year-old is down significantly from last season, making trading him for $13 million a bit difficult for other teams. The 76ers could put together the expiring contracts of Mike Scott, Terrance Ferguson, Vincent Poirier and some second-round picks in exchange for Redick. His trade value would likely be similar to P.J. Tucker's, and he could be a candidate for acquisition if the trade deadline comes up.
JaVale McGee (Cleveland)
While Andre Drummond and Jarrett Allen took up all the minutes in the game, JaVale McGee was the only one out. For the Cavaliers, as a member of three of the previous four championship teams, he is undoubtedly a seasoned veteran that any contender could use. The Bucks or Nets should try to acquire him. If he and Drummond are still on the roster after the deadline, he's more likely to be bought out.
Trevor Ariza ( Portland )
Ariza's $12.8 million salary won't be easily traded in the playoffs, which means he's more likely to be available as part of a larger deal. Salary padding.If he does return to the NBA this season, he is likely to be bought out by the Thunder or other teams.
Nemanja Bjelica (Sacramento)
Nemanja Bjelica is not in the Kings' rotation, not because of a lack of skills, but to maintain his trade value. After two good seasons, the Kings hope to capitalize on the 32-year-old veteran through a trade. Like Tucker, he can join almost any team, and his $7.2 million salary makes him easy to trade.
Wayne Ellington (Detroit)
Ellington is averaging 3.1 three-pointers per game and shooting 49.5% from the field this season. The Pistons should have no problem getting a second-round pick, especially with no salary Teams with cap issues can absorb his minimum salary.
Gorgui Dieng (Memphis)
In all fairness, he is a very efficient backup center who can protect the rim well and is currently shooting 52.9% on 2.4 attempts per game. If the Grizzlies want to waive him, he could be a candidate for a buyout, given his $17.3 million salary.
Kyle Lowry (Toronto)
With Toronto falling short of expectations this season, Kyle Lowry's future is in question. Lowry has a case to be the best player in Raptors history, and if he is traded, he needs to choose a team he likes. Currently expected to make $22 million to $29 million this summer, the Raptors seem more likely to stick with Kyle Lowry and re-sign him to a short-term contract this summer.
DeMar · DeMar DeRozan (San Antonio)
There are good enough reasons for the Spurs not to trade DeMar DeRozan. DeRozan is now eligible for an extension and may consider one last big contract. The Spurs are expected to generate $50 million in cap space this summer. Without any clear goals to pursue, they may look to re-sign DeRozan to a short-term deal with big money.
LaMarcus Aldridge (San Antonio)
The Spurs may have missed the right opportunity to trade LaMarcus Aldridge, who is slowly showing signs of regression. While several teams are still interested in him, he may not be a good return for the Spurs. The Miami Heat and Portland Trail Blazers could package some of his expiring contracts for him. Like DeRozan, the Spurs will likely see how far Aldridge can go.
