It might seem like just yesterday that the Golden State Warriors set an NBA record with the most wins to open an NBA season but the reality is that we have already reached the midway mark of the regular season and the trade deadline is right around the corner now. While some teams will feel comfortable with their position and opt against making a major move there will be other teams that either trade to add to their current roster or trade to move current pieces for future assets on February 18th. Here is a look at the four biggest moves to expect before the NBA trade deadline.
DeMarcus Cousins Will Be Traded
It seems like every NBA season there are rumors about Cousins being moved out of Sacramento and so far, it hasn’t happened. However, with a strong list of contenders lining up for his services again this year and the Kings headed nowhere quickly, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they finally pulled the trigger on a deal. The Boston Celtics have already reportedly offered a substantial package and while Sacramento would like to keep him in town the reality is that they aren’t anywhere closer to contending than they were a couple of years ago and their loaded payroll has left a lot to be desired. The Kings already have a strong group of big men including last year’s first-round pick Willie Cauley-Stein and free agent acquisition Kosta Koufos, so don’t be surprised if this is the year they pull the trigger on a deal that moves Cousins to a contender in exchange for a big package of assets.
Markieff Morris Is On His Way Out
The fact that Markieff Morris is averaging just 22.8 minutes per game this season is an absolute joke. While the Phoenix Suns haven’t been impressed by the offers they have received for their star forward, it seems like they are overdue to cut ties with him at this point. He’s been pissed at the club ever since they traded away his brother in the offseason.
Morris is averaging just 10.4 points and 4.7 rebounds per game this season and with his numbers down across the board the Suns have continued to sink towards the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Phoenix has held strong that they won’t move Morris at any point this season unless they are blown away by an offer but the reality is that both the player and the team would be better off parting ways at this point and the best thing could be a trade before the deadline.
Ryan Anderson Will Be Moved
A rash of injuries and a terrible start to the season will prevent the Pelicans from building on last year’s playoff success but that doesn’t mean they can’t add some important pieces to help lead to a better future for the club moving forward and their biggest trade chip at this point appears to be pending free agent Ryan Anderson. The big man has averaged 16.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.0 three-point shots and 1.1 assists per game this season and his ability to stretch the floor will be huge for contending teams looking to upgrade at the power forward position. New Orleans has plenty of areas of need and would be better off spending money to address other areas so it makes sense that they would move Anderson now when they can get some tangible assets back in return before the trade deadline.
The Celtics Will Add A Big Man
Whether it’s finding a way to get Cousins out of Sacramento, Morris out of Phoenix or Anderson out of New Orleans the bottom line at this point is that the Celtics want to add a veteran big man to their squad and after missing out on Kevin Love in free agency this past summer it appears as though they have upped the ante with their trade proposals. Boston will explore all potential options and with a quality young core including several solid young pieces and a full slate of draft picks there is no reason to think that the Celtics won’t get the job done when it comes to adding a veteran big man at some point before this year’s NBA trade deadline.
