Post by Washington Wizards on Jan 27, 2020 16:03:11 GMT -6
With less than a month remaining in the season and the trade deadline fast approaching, these next few weeks will likely be full of player and draft pick swapping as teams look to position themselves for a title run or the ultimate tank. Here's a look at how I think each team currently stands:
Challenging for a Title:
Denver Nuggets (13-1)
Phoenix Suns (12-2)
Dallas Mavericks (11-3)
Minnesota Timberwolves (10-4)
New Orleans Pelicans (8-6)
Just Happy to Be Here:
Chicago Bulls (10-4)
Toronto Raptors (8-6)
___________________________
Teams above this line are likely buyers (except Bulls?), and teams below it are likely to be sellers
The Mediocre Club:
Portland Trail Blazers (7-7)
James Harden (7-7)
Washington Wizards (7-7)
Oklahoma City Thunder (6-8)
Trending Towards the Lottery:
Boston Celtics (5-9)
New York Knicks (5-9)
The Tank Brigade:
Milwaukee Bucks (3-11)
Philadelphia 76ers (0-14)
Los Angeles Lakers (0-14)
It's obvious how trade season is going to play out: the teams at the top will want to acquire proven assets to boost their odds at the title, while the teams in the middle and bottom will be hoping to pick up some young assets for the future. Let's take a look at some of the top players who will likely be available for trade over the next couple of weeks:
Chris Paul (CHI) - 36.1 FPPG
This one is no secret. Bulls has repeatedly announced that CP3 is available for a low price (if you take him at his word). His "tank" has gone in the complete opposite direction from what he originally thought - much like the actual military, his group of 18-24 year olds are fighting well on his behalf and leading him to a likely playoff spot. Trading CP3 would be Bulls' admittance that his team isn't quite ready for a title run, and would allow him to hopefully acquire another young asset. That $14.5 million contract will be tough to move, however.
Tristan Thompson (WAS) - 32.2 FPPG
Also no secret here. Wizards (myself) has been stuck in mediocrity this entire season, and is hoping to deal some of his older veteran assets for younger pieces. We have already seen the departure of Lou Williams, Mike Conley, and Kevin Love earlier on in the season, and Tristan is likely next up.
LaMarcus Aldridge (POR) - 37.7 FPPG
I've only been in this league for one year, but I have already became familiar with a phenomenon known as the Cycle of BlazersTM, in which Portland acquires some veteran assets in an attempt at a playoff run, then decides it's no longer worth it and trades them for more prospects. With Blazers stuck in mediocrity this season, he could once again continue the cycle and move Aldridge for some assets. His beefy contract (10M per year) and advanced age will probably give buyers some pause, but there is no doubting his immediate influx of fantasy points would help a contender.
CJ McCollum (NYK) - 34.5 FPPG
I wasn't around for this, but Knicks won a title a few years ago (I think), but may be starting the eventual downfall every team faces after winning it all. Stephen Curry's injury certainly hasn't helped matters, but the Knicks have had a disappointing season, and will likely be backed up against the cap for the next couple of seasons with a Ben Simmons extension looming. Trading McCollum now would allow him to get some good value in return while opening up some space for Simmons.
Other Assets that May be Moved:
Buddy Hield (WAS), Jordan McRae (WAS), Brook Lopez (BOS), Jae Crowder (BOS), Mike Conley (OKC), Paul Millsap (OKC), Matisse Thybulle (DAL), Patrick Beverley (NYK), OKC 2020 1st (MIN)
Challenging for a Title:
Denver Nuggets (13-1)
Phoenix Suns (12-2)
Dallas Mavericks (11-3)
Minnesota Timberwolves (10-4)
New Orleans Pelicans (8-6)
Just Happy to Be Here:
Chicago Bulls (10-4)
Toronto Raptors (8-6)
___________________________
Teams above this line are likely buyers (except Bulls?), and teams below it are likely to be sellers
The Mediocre Club:
Portland Trail Blazers (7-7)
James Harden (7-7)
Washington Wizards (7-7)
Oklahoma City Thunder (6-8)
Trending Towards the Lottery:
Boston Celtics (5-9)
New York Knicks (5-9)
The Tank Brigade:
Milwaukee Bucks (3-11)
Philadelphia 76ers (0-14)
Los Angeles Lakers (0-14)
It's obvious how trade season is going to play out: the teams at the top will want to acquire proven assets to boost their odds at the title, while the teams in the middle and bottom will be hoping to pick up some young assets for the future. Let's take a look at some of the top players who will likely be available for trade over the next couple of weeks:
Chris Paul (CHI) - 36.1 FPPG
This one is no secret. Bulls has repeatedly announced that CP3 is available for a low price (if you take him at his word). His "tank" has gone in the complete opposite direction from what he originally thought - much like the actual military, his group of 18-24 year olds are fighting well on his behalf and leading him to a likely playoff spot. Trading CP3 would be Bulls' admittance that his team isn't quite ready for a title run, and would allow him to hopefully acquire another young asset. That $14.5 million contract will be tough to move, however.
Tristan Thompson (WAS) - 32.2 FPPG
Also no secret here. Wizards (myself) has been stuck in mediocrity this entire season, and is hoping to deal some of his older veteran assets for younger pieces. We have already seen the departure of Lou Williams, Mike Conley, and Kevin Love earlier on in the season, and Tristan is likely next up.
LaMarcus Aldridge (POR) - 37.7 FPPG
I've only been in this league for one year, but I have already became familiar with a phenomenon known as the Cycle of BlazersTM, in which Portland acquires some veteran assets in an attempt at a playoff run, then decides it's no longer worth it and trades them for more prospects. With Blazers stuck in mediocrity this season, he could once again continue the cycle and move Aldridge for some assets. His beefy contract (10M per year) and advanced age will probably give buyers some pause, but there is no doubting his immediate influx of fantasy points would help a contender.
CJ McCollum (NYK) - 34.5 FPPG
I wasn't around for this, but Knicks won a title a few years ago (I think), but may be starting the eventual downfall every team faces after winning it all. Stephen Curry's injury certainly hasn't helped matters, but the Knicks have had a disappointing season, and will likely be backed up against the cap for the next couple of seasons with a Ben Simmons extension looming. Trading McCollum now would allow him to get some good value in return while opening up some space for Simmons.
Other Assets that May be Moved:
Buddy Hield (WAS), Jordan McRae (WAS), Brook Lopez (BOS), Jae Crowder (BOS), Mike Conley (OKC), Paul Millsap (OKC), Matisse Thybulle (DAL), Patrick Beverley (NYK), OKC 2020 1st (MIN)