As the trade deadline is fastly approaching, so are the rumors of what players are headed where. Kris Humphries and Ben Gordon are the latest names to pop up on the NBA trade rumors' circuit. The Brooklyn Nets are begining discussions with the Charlotte Bobcats that would send Humphries to Charlotte and bring gaurd Ben Gordon to Brooklyn. ESPN.com is reporting the trade talks are ongoing between the two teams.
The Bobcats originally pursued Humphries back in the summer while he was a free agrent. At 28, Humphries is averaging 6.0 points and 6.4 rebounds in 19.9 minutes a game. Sometimes the forgotten player of Brooklyn, he has stepped his game up while center Brook Lopez was out with a long-term injury. The Nets veiw him as expendable though considering he holds the same skill set as Reggie Evans and Andray Blatche. Humphries could help fill a defensive need for Charlotte since they do not lack in shooting guards.
The Nets are in pursuit of Gordon for his ability to stretch the floor. He is averaging 13.1 points a game while shooting 41.7 percent from beyong the 3-point line. The move would allow them to play a smaller game. Operating on a must-win attitude, Gordon would give the Nets the ability to play a four guard rotation. Joe Johnson and Gordon rotating give the Nets a deep shooter at all times.
Basketball needs are the motivation beyond this trade and not the contracts. Both players currently make $12 million a year. The size and length of their contracts is nearly identical.
With the Bobcats currently holding the worst recording in the league at 11-37, they are thinking more big picture than the Nets are. They currently have future NBA star Michael Kidd Gilchrist and another high lottery draft pick going into next season. Humphries could give them the option to build a total-package team.
The purposed trade, on paper, is a win-win for both teams. Both Humphries and Gordon fill big needs for both teams. It seems wise to act now. While the deal is said to "not be close" to being done, it seems imminent this will eventually happen.