Rookies aren’t typically a huge part of the NBA Trade Deadline, but these five players could change teams before Feb. 7.
The NBA Trade Deadline will be here in a few short weeks and rumors are flying around the Association. Usually rookies aren’t a big part of trade discussions in their first seasons because teams don’t want to give up on a player too soon. Interestingly, things could be a little different this season. Don’t expect to see lottery picks on the move, but five interesting prospects could be traded soon.
Some teams may choose to shed rookies in an attempt to create more cap space next summer. The plan won’t be just to get the rookie player’s salary off the books. Instead, they can be used as carrots to convince a team to take another bloated deal.
A few teams might be convinced to give up a promising rookie to acquire an immediate star(ter). That is a bigger risk, but the number of teams who remain in contention for a postseason berth is quite high. Several franchises are desperate to push their teams into the playoffs at all costs.
Without further delay, let’s start with
5. Lonnie Walker
The Spurs started the season very slowly, but now they find themselves squarely in the mix for a playoff berth in the meat grinder that is the Western Conference. That doesn’t mean San Antonio can stand pat and expect to coast into the postseason.
Unfortunately, the Spurs aren’t loaded with a lot of attractive trade chips. Even though Walker has only played one NBA game this season, he still has a lot of admirers around the league. If San Antonio can get the right veteran in return, they’d consider cutting bait on their promising, but very young wing.
Remember, Gregg Popovich isn’t going to coach this team forever. He may urge the franchise to load up for one last big run by dangling Walker as the centerpiece of a trade.