As All-Star break approaches, many NBA teams are preparing for February’s trade deadline.
The championship contenders are looking for cheap solutions to whatever their on-court issues may be, the playoff-hopefuls are looking for that final piece to the puzzle, and the tanking teams will give up anyone for a few extra draft picks.
Several large trades, such as Dion Waiters to the Thunder, have already taken place, and more are sure to come. The following three trades may not actually take place this season, but all three would benefit both teams for their final 40-45 games.
Los Angeles Lakers trade Kobe Bryant to New York Knicks for Amare Stoudemire, 2015 first round pick
Two of the NBA’s marquee franchises are in the midst of horrific seasons. Despite re-signing Carmelo Anthony to a five-year deal, the Knicks have been a train wreck this year, currently in last place in the Eastern Conference. The Lakers are on pace to win 25 games and have lost rookie Julius Randle to injury for the rest of the season. Both of these teams would love to press the reset button – and this trade lets them.
The Los Angeles Lakers no longer have any use for Kobe Bryant. Even though he has nothing to offer a team in the midst of a rebuild, they signed him to a ridiculous contract extension that will suffocate their salary-cap space for the next two years. Swapping him for Stoudemire’s expiring deal and what will likely become a lottery pick would greatly benefit Los Angeles. Imagine what the Lakers could do with two high picks and enough cap room for a max player.
For the New York Knicks, this trade makes even more sense. GM Phil Jackson won five championships with Kobe, who is a master of the triangle offense head coach Derek Fisher has been implementing. A Carmelo-Kobe combo could immediately vault the lowly Knicks into playoff contention, and with the right moves in the offseason, turn them into championship contenders for 2015-2016.
Brooklyn Nets trade Brook Lopez, second round draft pick to Oklahoma City for Kendrick Perkins, Anthony Morrow
Since the Nets acquired Deron Williams in 2011, nothing has gone according to plan. They built a team assuming they could snag Dwight Howard, but then failed to do so. They assembled the most expensive roster in NBA history and managed to only win 44 games. Now, they are a losing streak away from mediocrity, and reportedly ready to tear apart their roster. Trading Brook Lopez isn’t about acquiring better assets, it’s about cap relief. He is owed over $16 million and has nothing more to offer the Nets. While it’s unclear what Brooklyn’s long-term plan is, shedding salary is a good first step.
For Oklahoma City, Lopez could do wonders for the team. Throughout the Thunder’s impressive playoff runs over the last few years, Kendrick Perkins has been the weakest link. Lopez provides a much needed upgrade at center and could help OKC get back into the playoff picture, which is easier said than done in the West.
Charlotte Hornets trade Lance Stephenson, future pick to Indiana Pacers for George Hill, Rodney Stuckey
The Charlotte Hornets went into the 2014-15 season ready to fight for a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference. Fresh off of rebranding from the Bobcats and signing Lance Stephenson to a three-year deal, there were plenty of reasons for Charlotte fans to be excited. Then reality set in. Stephenson may very well be the worst signing of the summer. He plays selfishly, his stats are tanking, and he’s bringing the Hornets down with him.
The situation isn’t much better over in Indiana, where Stephenson took the Pacers’ playoff hopes with him, since Paul George is likely out for the season. But now, both teams have a chance for a redo. Indiana’s recent success has put it within reach of the playoffs, and Stephenson has proven that he knows how to play for head coach Frank Vogel. As for the Hornets… they probably just want Stephenson off their roster more than anything else. Maybe then they will be able to get back to the success they enjoyed last year.