NBA Rewind Trade Edition: Breaking down deadline week

Hottest Players On The Market

A look at the hottest commodities on the NBA trade market, as well as some names who are starting to appear more and more in rumors.

Al Horford is a center with the kind of passing ability and floor spacing that’s ideal for almost any team in today’s NBA. As one of the starters who led the Hawks to a 60-win season in 2014-15 to finish 1st in the East, Horford is an All-Star who continues to showcase his diverse offensive skill set and sound defense. With 15.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.5 blocks per game, not to mention a 34 percent three-point shot, he has great trade value.

Now, with reports saying that the Hawks are having serious discussions about moving some of their key players (even if most stay and they avoid blowing up their core, as they rightfully should), Horford is a player to look out for.

As Kevin Arnowitz and Brian Windhorst of ESPN have reported, the Hawks are thinking hard about the future of some of their key players and they’ll draw plenty of interest around the NBA:

"The Atlanta Hawks are engaged in serious internal discussions ahead of the Feb. 18 trade deadline about the future direction of their team and their core players, including three All-Stars from their historic 2014-15 team: Al Horford, Jeff Teague and Kyle Korver. If the Hawks decide to test the market for Horford, numerous teams would potentially show interest. Sources inform ESPN that the Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, and Magic have been the most aggressive in looking to acquire a veteran difference maker."

Jeff Teague is the second Hawk to keep an eye on, thanks to the Atlanta’s apparent willingness to make some significant trades and the exceptional demand for talented point guards. As you can see in the report above, he’s come up in their discussions about the possible deals they’ll make before the deadline.

With Dennis Schroder continuing to showcase his potential and talent for a player only in his third year, the Hawks seem to have decided on their future point guard. This leaves Teague partly out of place, and there are always teams around the league in need of a top point guard in today’s guard-driven NBA. With teams such as the Celtics, Magic, Knicks and Jazz all expressing interest, you can expect to hear of some hefty offers coming in for Teague before the deadline.

Dwight Howard was originally going to be a guaranteed fit in Houston. He said any mentions that he was unhappy with the Rockets were completely false and he was by no means discontent as the B-list superstar (or star, to be frank) next to James Harden. Who knows exactly how he feels, but one very interesting turn of events from last week is that the Rockets are actually looking at possible deals for Howard. Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports once again has the details:

"The Houston Rockets have started contacting teams about trading eight-time All-Star Dwight Howard, league sources told The Vertical. The Rockets are working with Howard’s agent, Dan Fegan, on possible destinations, league executives told The Vertical. Howard is believed to be seeking a maximum contract extension in July."

When something is reported by Woj, it’s especially noteworthy. To think Houston have gone from being all-in with then All-Star Dwight in 2013-14 to looking for trades just shows how much can change in a relatively short amount of time.

Yes, he’s still a physical force when he’s healthy, he’s a tough rebounder and can protect the paint, but are his days as an undisputed max player over? It looks like they are. At least when he signs a new contract it shouldn’t be close to the $30 million that obvious superstars will command with the rising salary cap. Perhaps, if the Rockets are really looking for deals, there’s a small chance a team looking for a fresh start will make a good bid for Howard. It’s just hard to see anything major materializing.

Ryan Anderson probably won’t be with the New Orleans Pelicans for much longer. They already have a lot of money tied up in their frontcourt for next season with Omer Asik at $11 million and obviously Anthony Davis’ pay soaring from $7 million to $21 million. Anderson is on an expiring contract, and once he hits free agency he’ll command the kind of contract that the Pelicans might not be able to give him to play his moderate 30 minutes off the bench.

Multiple teams already appear to be interested, while others such as the Detroit Pistons may wait to make a run at Anderson in free agency instead. One thing is certain, though: it’s unlikely he’ll be playing in New Orleans next season, and that could be the case by Thursday’s deadline.

Timofey Mozgov isn’t one of the most exciting players who could be on the move. He’s fallen off a touch this season, he’s playing eight minutes less per game and he’s no longer a regular starter. Now, as the Cavaliers seem eager to make some minor tweaks to their rotation, they’re looking for deals.

Kyle Korver also needs a quick mention when it comes to contenders making moves, as ESPN’s Brian Windhorst says he’s someone Cleveland would definitely like to get their hands on if at all possible. As one of the best shooters in the NBA who can get all his shots off-ball, come off screens and catch-and-shoot from anywhere, he’d be a great fit if the Cavs can make something work. That being said, it won’t be easy.

Kevin Love is being placed here as a bonus. Before thinking this is a suggestion that he’ll actually be traded, it isn’t. It’s hard to see Cleveland shaking up their roster so much given the vague reports that have surfaced. Yet, in comparison to the supposed nonexistent chance of the Cavs entertaining the thought of trading Love, there have been some interesting “developments”.

Yet again, Love has been linked with the Celtics although those rumors have failed to amount to much. While his defense is a liability (especially against the Warriors), Love may be staying put after all. It can’t be completely ruled out just yet, though.

Next: Teams Ready To Spend