Deal or No Deal?
Added on Feb 20, 2013 by Scott in
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With the NBA trade deadline less than a day away, teams interested in making moves are attempting to finalize deals. A host of players are rumored to be in the mix, but as is the case every other year, not all the names involved will be changing addresses. Here’s a brief list of the players most likely to be sent packing in the coming hours.
Josh Smith (SF, Hawks) – If Smith is still a Hawk on Friday, it will be surprising. He has been linked to several destinations, including Brooklyn, Boston and Milwaukee. However, Atlanta GM Danny Ferry has no intention of giving away his leading scorer without proper compensation.
Kevin Garnett (PF, Boston) – A deal that would ship the veteran forward to the Clippers has been in the works for days, but nothing is set in stone. Garnett must first waive his no-trade clause, although with Boston struggling to cling to a playoff spot, it’s likely he won’t impede relocating to a legit contender.
J.J. Redick (G, Orlando) – The sharp-shooting specialist is scheduled to be a free agent this summer and the Magic probably won’t be able to afford his asking price. The Bulls and Pacers have shown interest, but neither will give up a bounty to acquire a player who might be elsewhere next season.
Eric Bledsoe (PG, LA Clippers) – If the Clippers can land Garnett, Bledsoe will be shipped east. However, he represents excellent insurance for Chris Paul, who has yet to declare whether he’ll re-sign after the season. Utah and Orlando are also reported to be kicking the tires on a potential trade.
Monta Ellis (G, Milwaukee) – The Bucks could move either Ellis or Brandon Jennings, although Jennings is considered by some league sources as “untouchable.” Ellis isn’t the scorer he was in Golden State and always seems to be hurt, but he would bolster any backcourt in need of depth.
