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The 2020-21 season has brought forth a combination of pleasant surprises and disappointing developments so far. No one expected these changes to happen right away, most notable the formation of a superteam in Brooklyn. It’s safe to say that the season is still early and there are a couple more bombshells that will explode soon. But when these developments do unfold, how will they exactly affect the card market?
The trade deadline is around three months away. As of now most teams in the league have an idea of who to keep in their respective rosters and who they can let go. In this process, teams would either be strengthening their chances of making a run for a playoff spot or selling out their pieces for future assets.
With around a month into the regular season, there are rumors circling around specific players. And as they say, when there’s smoke, you can expect a fire starting somewhere.
Here are three (3) potential trades to watch out for that can alter the value of your NBA card investment:
The Miami Heat trades for a proven All-Star
Both Giannis Antetokounmpo and James Harden are off the table. The former just signed a massive $228.2 million contract extension at the start of the season while the latter is now a Brooklyn Net. The common denominator between these two stars is that they were once targeted by the Miami Heat. Now, that they’re both unavailable, Pat Riley will have to look elsewhere to get another talented player.
The biggest name still remaining on the market is Bradley Beal. With Washington’s frustrating performance at the start of the season, the All-Star shooting guard may find himself traded away soon. In this regard, you can expect Miami to be lurking around.
Of course, Miami may fail in getting Beal. If this happens, they can still pursue Victor Oladipo, who reportedly wants to play for the Heat.
If they bite the bullet in either of these potential trades, you can expect one of Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, or Kendrick Nunn to be dangled around. In the event these young stars are traded to Washington or Houston, you can expect their card value to dip a little because of a fading spotlight. From being featured on an expected playoff performer, they'll be thrown into relative obscurity for the short-term with clubs that look poised to rebuild.
Andre Drummond’s days as a Cavalier are over
Andre Drummond’s time in Cleveland has been nothing short of efficient. During this season, the 6’10” center is averaging 18.8 points while grabbing a league-leading 15.1 rebounds per game. It stands to reason that the Cavaliers are better defensively when he’s manning the five-spot.
But that could change anytime soon. Cleveland recently acquired Jarrett Allen and Taurean Prince in a four-team blockbuster trade. It’s no secret that Allen himself is a talented center who’s younger than Drummond. And with the presence of JaVale McGee and Larry Nance Jr. in the frontcourt, you can say that Cleveland has all the big men they need for their roster.
This can potentially leave Drummond as the odd one out because of his age and huge contract. If he is, Cleveland may soon trade him for pieces that complement their young talent better or additional picks down the road.
This trade scenario may hurt Cleveland’s chances to land a playoff spot, especially if Allen can’t replicate Drummond’s contributions. It will also affect Collin Sexton and Darius Garland’s card value if the Cavs end up losing a lot of games again this season.
On the other hand, if things go well, the duo will certainly enjoy a massive surge in their card prices if Cleveland makes a run for a playoff spot. Either way, the Cavs next plans for Andre Drummond fate may be the deciding factor that will raise SexLand’s NBA cards or potentially bring them down.
The New Orleans Pelicans become buyers at the trade deadline
It’s no secret that a lot of fans love collecting Zion Williamson NBA cards. To an extent, Brandon Ingram also enjoys a significant fanbase among the card community. These two forwards command great value in the card market, thanks to their immense talent and huge upside.
That could come crashing down if the New Orleans Pelicans fail to make the playoffs. A lot of people see so much talent with this team, and it would be a great disappointment to many if they won’t even grab the eighth-spot in the Western Conference.
If this scenario becomes a reality, the Pelicans can trade either Lonzo Ball or Eric Bledsoe, attach some picks, and get a proven wing talent to help them get over the hump. This potential trade will give more minutes to Nickeil Alexander-Walker, especially after his 37-point explosion recently. Along with more minutes, the second-year player’s cards will also step up if New Orleans trades either of its starting guards.
It’s best to keep a close eye on the players and teams mentioned above. In this way, you can be prepared to sell your NBA cards to make a profit or buy more before the value attached to these players goes up.
