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NBA Rookie Rankings: 5 rookies who could move at the Trade Deadline

By Rucker Haringey

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 23: Mitchell Robinson #26 of the New York Knicks swings from the rim after making a slam dunk during the second quarter of the game against the Houston Rockets at Madison Square Garden on January 23, 2019 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 23: Mitchell Robinson #26 of the New York Knicks swings from the rim after making a slam dunk during the second quarter of the game against the Houston Rockets at Madison Square Garden on January 23, 2019 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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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.

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