NBA Trade Rumors: 5 stars most likely to be dealt during 2017 NBA Draft
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
There's a decent chance a star gets traded during the 2017 NBA Draft, and the latest rumors would suggest it'll be one of these five players.
With the 2017 NBA Draft just around the corner, the rumor mill is starting to churn out some juicy information. Not only are we getting a good idea of plans for some of the top picks, but we're also hearing word about a few players who could be traded in the near future.
As we've seen in the past, blockbuster trades can go down on draft night. And with how many big names have been mentioned as candidates to swap teams, it wouldn't be the least bit surprising to see some sparks fly on June 22. At the same time, we can't get our hopes too high of seeing a major move take place.
For now, though, we can look at some guys who could be on the move. For the following five names, they've been rumored to be trade candidates for some time. Most were on the block prior to the 2017 trade deadline, while a couple recently found their way into the headlines.
Either way, they're here now — right in the middle of the trade talks. Depending on how things play out during the 2017 NBA Draft, they could find themselves wearing different colors next year.
So here they are — the five stars I believe have the best odds of being traded during the draft. Keep in mind, though, that just because their chances are the best doesn't necessarily mean they're high. Having a five percent chance when everyone else has one percent still gives you the best odds.
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
5. Paul George, SF, Indiana Pacers
It's been months since the Paul George rumors began running rampant. While it's believed he'll ultimately end up with the Los Angeles Lakers, there have been discussions about a potential trade that could land him with a contender in 2017-18.
Despite all of that, there's a reason he's only fifth on this list.
Realistically, all signs point towards George landing with the Lakers in 2018. That's why teams are hesitant to trade for the Pacers' superstar. Why invest significant assets in PG-13 if he's going to leave next offseason? It makes sense, especially when considering this insight from The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor:
"The vibe I've gotten from talking to NBA executives and agents over the past few weeks is that teams aren't willing to sell the farm for George because of the possibility that he'll sign with the Lakers is so strong."
While that obviously makes a trade less likely, it doesn't mean the Lakers won't get desperate a make a deal. The feeling right now is they're content to wait for George, but things can change in an instant in today's NBA. Maybe with the addition of a rising star at No. 2 overall, they figure bringing in George is enough to make them playoff contenders now.
I know — it's unlikely. You never know, though.
Will George get traded this offseason? The answer would seem to be no. However, with several contenders in need of one more superstar, I wouldn't be surprised if someone risked a one-year loan to win a ring.
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
4. Kevin Love, PF, Cleveland Cavaliers
It may seem strange, but Kevin Love's name has been tossed around recently as a potential trade candidate this offseason.
The Cleveland Cavaliers obviously have some work to do this offseason in terms of being able to compete with the Golden State Warriors. Considering their financial situation, getting rid of Love and his $22.6 million cap hit for 2017-18 would certainly help the cause.
That is, if Cleveland is willing to break up the bunch that's made three straight NBA Finals appearances. However, it doesn't sound completely crazy when you hear what Dan Patrick and Chris Haynes recently discussed:
If the #Cavs get swept, @ChrisBHaynes thinks they'll trade Kevin Love. Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/WVFQxIA5ii
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) June 8, 2017
Obviously the Cavaliers didn't get swept, but a 4-1 shellacking that included one mercy loss by the Warriors isn't going to be enough to save Love if Dan Gilbert wants to deal him. As Haynes mentioned, he has been the scapegoat in the past for Cleveland. Maybe it's time for them to switch things up and see if a new recipe works better?
Love may not be working for Cleveland, but he'd likely be welcomed with open arms by other teams. The New York Knicks have been mentioned as a potential landing spot, but I wouldn't be surprised to see a number of teams enter the mix if he's made available.
Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
3. Ricky Rubio, PG, Minnesota Timberwolves
Prior to the 2017 trade deadline, there was a lot of talk about Ricky Rubio being sent packing. He initially seemed to have worn out his welcome in Minnesota, and the Timberwolves are eager to get youngsters like Kris Dunn more minutes. So don't be surprised if trade talks pick up again during the draft.
In fact, here's what ESPN's Ian Begley had to say about a potential change of scenery for the Spanish point guard:
"Some members of the organization would again like to try to pursue Minnesota's Ricky Rubio in a trade this offseason, sources said."
Realistically, him getting traded is no given, though. With the way he played during the 2016-17 campaign, the Timberwolves have reason to keep him around. However, with a pricey contract and prospects itching for playing time, it may be in Minnesota's best interest to move him and get help in the frontcourt or add a draft pick.
In a league that thrives on playmaking point guards, Rubio certainly offers value. While some will scoff at his inconsistent scoring abilities, there's no denying he's one of the better passing guards in the NBA. If the Timberwolves get a good offer on draft night, I could easily see Rubio swapping jerseys.
Then again, maybe Minnesota stands pat and hopes another year of development will get this young lineup over the hump. Rubio would help, even in a reduced role.
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
2. D'Angelo Russell, PG, Los Angeles Lakers
Jordan Clarkson was also a consideration here, but he doesn't quite fit in the "star" category. While some would say that D'Angelo Russell doesn't either, he appears much closer than his fellow Laker. Either way, one Los Angeles guard is likely to go this offseason.
Why? Because there's a very good chance the Lakers land a top-tier guard during the 2017 NBA Draft. With the No. 2 overall pick, they'll likely end up selecting Lonzo Ball, a true facilitator at the 1-spot. De'Aaron Fox could also be a consideration, or Markelle Fultz if the Boston Celtics passed on him for some unfathomable reason.
So chances are the Lakers get yet another guard this offseason during the draft. That would leave the position rather crowded with Russell, Clarkson and an incoming rookie all vying for minutes. While the team could obviously move one over to the 2-spot, that doesn't mean a trade couldn't still be a way to resolve the logjam.
It could be something worth looking into, especially if the Lakers can get considerable returns on Russell. Magic Johnson needs to give Paul George every reason to sign next offseason, and adding more proven assets would be wise.
Assuming they get a point guard at No. 2 overall and get a good offer for Russell, I could see him playing elsewhere in 2017-18.
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
1. Carmelo Anthony, SF, New York Knicks
Most of the guys on this list have been mentioned time and time again as potential trade candidates this offseason. However, none had their team presidents publicly stated that he "would be better off somewhere else" (via Mike Vorkunov). Well that's exactly what Phil Jackson did in regard to Carmelo Anthony.
Put simply, Jackson is going to do everything he can to move Carmelo this offseason. While that eagerness will hurt the value teams are willing to kick back to them, the Knicks appear destined for a future without their scoring machine. In the end, though, that's their problem and not ours.
At this point, it seems as if every big-market team has been connected to Anthony in some way. The Boston Celtics were mentioned as a potential landing spot, and there was speculation the Lakers might also be interested. Depending on the Knicks' asking price, just about any team could enter the mix for the 33-year-old small forward — assuming he waives his no-trade clause.
So here we are, with Carmelo leading the way in terms of star trade candidates. It's a good look for Jackson and the mess that he's made in the Big Apple. However, it could lead to a blockbuster deal during the draft, and who doesn't love a big-time trade to shake things up?
A lot can change between now and June 22. However, at this point in time, it seems like Anthony is the star most likely to be dealt during the draft.
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