4 NBA veterans doing too much for their rebuilding teams

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - NOVEMBER 18: Mike Conley #11 of the Utah Jazz celebrates a three point play during a game against the Phoenix Suns at Vivint Arena on November 18, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

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DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 10: Mike Conley #11 and Jordan Clarkson #00 of the Utah Jazz looks on against the Detroit Pistons during the third quarter at Little Caesars Arena on January 10, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

With the NBA Trade Deadline inching closer, here are four veterans helping their teams more than their franchises probably want them to.

The NBA just crossed the first-quarter mark of the 2022-23 season. Teams are starting to solidify in the standings. Pretenders are separating from contenders. Even then, some franchises with front offices trying to lead rebuilding efforts must be thinking about what the hell is wrong with their winning (and by extension, losing the Wemby sweepstakes) squads.

Nobody with the exception of those tinkering executives is playing for losses in the NBA, and everybody knows that. Losing helps no player in building an appealing resume nor would help him in future contract negotiations.

That’s where the Stubborn Veteran type of player comes from. Aging, talented players with too many miles in their odometers for them to be considered key pieces in the future endeavors of their franchises, but with too much talent to unlearn how to be productive on a nightly basis.

While players can be considered “veterans” from their second or third seasons in the Association after breaking the proverbial rookie wall, this list focuses on true, old veterans. All of the players listed here are already 30 years old or older, and therefore clear candidates to become part of future trades from their youth-leaning franchises.

Which NBA veterans are playing their way off of rebuilding teams?

Note that some players can’t bet traded until Dec. 15, as stated in the CBA. In its latest version, the CBA states that “a free agent who signs with an NBA team can’t be traded for three months or until Dec. 15, whichever is later.” That peculiarity will make franchises around the NBA wait a few more days and weeks, most probably into January, before engaging in negotiations with other organizations.

Here are four veterans hurting their teams more than helping them that could easily be moved to contending teams by the time the market unlocks next Dec. 15 and leading up to the trade deadline arriving in early February.

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