The NBA season hasn’t kicked off yet, but some players might want to keep their suitcases ready for a move.
Brandon Ingram’s Future with the Pelicans
Brandon Ingram’s contract runs out after this season, and it seems like he and the Pelicans aren’t close to agreeing on a new one. The team has two young forwards, Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones, who are making waves. Their center position is still a big question mark. It would be interesting to see Zion Williamson play at center with Dejounte Murray and the small forwards, but Ingram might be traded for more size since Murphy needs an extension soon and C.J. McCollum’s contract is hard to move.
Jonas Valanciunas in Washington
The Wizards brought in Jonas Valanciunas to work alongside rookie Alex Sarr, who starts as a power forward but is seen as a future center. With Richaun Holmes as backup, Valanciunas could be on the trading block after December 15th due to his experience and affordable contract. Rumor has it LeBron James was willing to take less money just to bring him into the Lakers fold.
Fans think trades can really shake things up!
D’Angelo Russell’s Role with the Lakers
D’Angelo Russell signed a one-year deal with an option last summer along with other players under GM Rob Pelinkaโs strategy. This limited the Lakersโ flexibility this year; they only added rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James. Russell decided to stay for another year at $18.7 million despite mixed performances last season where his defense lagged behind his scoring ability. He admitted his “lack of professionalism” during media day, making him both valuable yet expendable at trade time.
Robert Williams’ Health Concerns in Portland
Portland Trail Blazers have Deandre Ayton and rookie Donovan Clingan vying for spots at center while Robert Williams battles health issues that kept him out of most games last year due to knee problems โ now compounded by a hamstring strain possibly delaying his return even further! If he stays fit though? His defensive prowess could make him prime trade material.
K.J. Martin: A Trade Asset for Philadelphia
K.J. Martin joined Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year deal worth $16 million (second year not guaranteed), likely intended as trade bait given their salary cap constraints โ especially since four other forwards sit ahead of him already! Despite being useful enough himself averaging 3.7 points over limited minutes previouslyโฆheโs more valuable helping facilitate future deals than playing regularly right now!
