The NBA’s trade deadline is now within sight, and as such there are many contending teams hoping to make a move. For others, like the Los Angeles Lakers, getting a star that is disgruntled elsewhere could be the move that allows them to compete. Whatever the case, teams across the league are looking at potential deals and now a whole new set of players has become available for a move.
A lot of NBA players that signed contracts in the offseason weren’t eligible to be traded till January 5th thanks to restrictions placed by the NBA. However, many became available on that date. And the ones like Zach LaVine and Bradley Beal, who signed huge extensions that included raises of more than 20%, had to wait a while more to be eligible for a trade.
2/2- Restrictions lifted
MIL: Bobby Portis, Jordan Nwora
NYK: Mitchell Robinson
OKC: Luguentz Dort
ORL: Mohamed Bamba
PHX: Deandre Ayton
POR: Jusuf Nurkic, Anfernee Simons
TOR: Chris Boucher
WAS: Bradley Beal
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) January 15, 2023
For those that don’t quite understand, Bleacher Report’s Rob Goldberg provided a succinct and topical explanation.
“Most players who sign new contracts in the offseason were eligible to be traded on Dec. 15. However, an extra set of players weren’t eligible until Jan. 15 after signing new deals with a raise of at least 20 percent. The players also had to be signed using Bird or Early Bird rights to go over the salary cap.
“Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal, Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine and Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton are the biggest names on the list, although Beal has a no-trade clause in his contract and is unlikely to move before the Feb. 9 deadline.”
This is interesting news for many teams, the Dallas Mavericks have been credited with an interest in LaVine, for example. Deandre Ayton is far from settled in a struggling Phoenix Suns side as well and could want a move away. But perhaps the team most excited by this news is the Los Angeles Lakers.
Los Angeles Lakers Are Saving Their Picks For Potential Zach LaVine Or Bradley Beal Deals
The Lakers’ inaction in the trade market despite having a poor roster has been spoken about a lot. But reports suggested they only want to use their assets in a big move, like one for LaVine or Beal.
“The belief in some rival front offices persists that the Lakers are saving those picks for a splashier trade target such as Washington’s Bradley Beal or Chicago’s Zach LaVine.”
How realistic a move like that is for the Lakers remains to be seen, neither Bradley Beal nor Zach LaVine will be dealt away in a hurry. However, it is a possibility now means that the wheels will start turning a bit more. If any big names are traded before this season’s deadline, it could massively change the playoff picture.
We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.
Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.
