There are several reasons why the 2017 trading deadline could go down as one of the quietest in recent memory.
As reported by Bleacher Report, one of the major reasons is that there are fewer teams in the league who could prevent a potential Finals repeat between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors without moving players. Another reason is that the new collective bargaining agreement allows team officials to protect their players.
A report by Basketball Insiders revealed that teams like Phoenix and Sacramento have agreed on deals that would free their salary cap to make room for potential free agents. The Suns are setting their sight on getting De Marcus Cousins on board while Sacramento is willing to gamble on any free agent who wil agree with their terms. Nevertheless, here is a list of free agents who could potentially be shipped to another team.
Andrew Bogut
Dallas Mavericks center Andrew Bogut is one of the free agents that is likely to beat the trading deadline. The Mavs are planning to rebuild their team and trading the Australian could be one of the ways they could rebuild.
Ricky Rubio
A report that appeared In Fox Sports includes Ricky Rubio as one of the potential free agents that could be traded to another team. The Minnesota Timberwolves guard is averaging career lows in scoring, assists, and 3-point percentage.
David Lee
The Knicks and Lakers are two teams that have shown interest in acquiring the Golden State Warriors' David Lee. Giving up Lee could free up the NBA champions' salary cap.
Taj Gibson
Coming off a serious ankle surgery, Taj Gibson has never been the same since the injury. The only thing that is holding back management from trading him is the fact that he is the only big guy on the team who can do damage offensively and defensively as well.
Serge Ibaka
Since his move to Orlando, Serge Ibaka has registered career highs in points, assists, and three-point makes and attempts. However, Ibaka is not as explosive as he used to be when he was with the Thunders.
These are just some of the names that could be set in the limelight as the NBA trade deadline approaches.
