The 2018-19 NBA trade deadline is approaching and for most teams, it’s time to separate themselves from the rest of the pack. Every season, there are buyers and sellers looking to make the next big move to put them over the top. Who will it be this year? Will the Philadelphia 76ers find a PF? Will the Los Angeles Lakers find a way to get Carmelo Anthony in Purple & Gold? Will the Golden State Warriors make a move? What will be done?
Then you have players who have played well but for some reason or another, their production has not resulted in much team success. There will also be teams looking to shed veteran salaries they no longer have a use for or those they regret giving out. Championships are won during the trade deadline and players careers are resurrected thanks to movement.
Here are 5 players in desperate need to change teams by the NBA trade deadline.
Marc Gasol
Not to take anything away from Gasol’s talent, but it’s time he and the Memphis Grizzlies start their divorce process. The Grizzlies are in rebuild mode and there’s nothing worse than having a talented player play for a team with no real shot at winning a championship as he ages. Gasol will be 34 by the time the 2018-19 NBA season ends and he’s on the books to earn $24 million this season with a Player Option in 2019 for another $25 million.
A Gasol trade will work out for both parties. The Grizzlies can get draft picks and players plus shed some salary. For Gasol, he can get a chance at a ring with another team depending on where the deal sends him. Gasol is averaging 15.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists this season while shooting 43.9 percent plus providing 1.2 blocks per game.
He’s not washed up, but he’s not the player he once was. The Grizzlies would be wise to move him now and get something in return before it’s too late.
Hassan Whiteside
The Mami Heat finally may be in a position to trade Whiteside. With a player option in 2019 for $27 million, there’s no better time than now to make a deal. Whiteside was once viewed as the new face of the franchise when Dwyane Wade departed. Since then, he has been in the figurative NBA doghouse, given reduced minutes and his name has come up in trade talks.
This season, Whiteside has returned to form but has done so in limited action. On the year, he’s averaging 12.6 points and 12.4 rebounds in 25.8 minutes of action while shooting .540 percent plus providing 2.3 blocks per game. Whiteside is back but his time in Miami may be over.
The Heat can make this trade knowing they will not only get valuable assets in return but knowing they have their next rim protector in place with Bam Adebayo. Whiteside may need this change more than the Heat does. Imagine what his talents can do for a team on the cusp like the Toronto Raptors or the Boston Celtics.
Draymond Green
A sacrifice has to be made when it comes to the Golden State Warriors. There is no way this team can keep their current core together without breaking the bank every two seasons. While some will say that Klay Thompson will draw a better interest on the NBA trade market, the truth is, Green leaving may be what’s best for him and the team.
The issue between him and Kevin Durant earlier this season shows that Green is not thinking team but envy. Yes, he was there during the dark times but has success gone to his head? While his defense is still one of the best in the league, the Warriors can easily replace his production. How many other shooters are out there like Thompson?
With Green becoming a free agent next season, it may be time to see what his worth is to a team like the Philadelphia 76ers. The Warriors will still win but letting Green go may be in his and their best interest.
Brandon Ingram
The presence of LeBron James has done nothing for the Lakers besides disrupt their future. Even before his injury, the Lakers were not favorites to win the West. The team was struggling but most of all, pieces felt out of place. While Kyle Kuzma has played well, it’s Brandon Ingram that has suffered the most.
The Lakers have three athletic players who can play either the SF position in James, Ingram, and Kuzma. Eventually, the team will have to let one of them go as the lineups favor everyone but Ingram. With LeBron’s injury, Ingram has been able to shine. However, when LeBron returns, Luke Walton will be forced to throw out more makeshift rotations.
Ingram has the higher ceiling here and just like D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle, he will need to be moved so he can shine.
Dario Saric
With one trade, the Sixers and Minnesota Timberwolves may have destroyed the promising career of a good player. Before being traded for Jimmy Butler, Dario Saric was on his way. While with the Sixers, Saric averaged 13.5 points and 6.5 rebounds while shooting .427 in 28.2 minutes per.
Since coming over to the Wolves, Saric has averaged 9.3 points and 5.2 rebounds in 22.6 minutes. Saric is a better all-around player than Taj Gibson, but the Wolves believe they have a better chance with Gibson starting and Saric on the second unit. The best option for both moving forward will be to move Saric.
He’s young (24), can create off the dribble, hit from the perimeter and is a solid passer and defender. Him moving from Philly should have been a better opportunity, but it has turned out to be the exact opposite.
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