The NBA trade deadline is getting closer and with the date just over a month away, buzz and rumors have started percolating more and more and names like Jimmer Fredette, Spencer Hawes, Pierre Jackson, Donatas Motiejunas, Rodney Stuckey, Kyle Lowry and Mike Dunleavy have all been mentioned as names that could move and teams like the Toronto Raptors, NY Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings and Miami Heat could be interested.
The deadline still has a month of rumors to spin around, but after big names like Luol Deng, Rudy Gay and Derrick Williams have already moved this season, there is a chance that Fredette and Asik could finally get moved after months of speculation. Asik is the most likely player to get traded at the deadline, as he has been asking for a deal since back in the summer when the Rockets signed Dwight Howard and as ti gets closer to February 20, the deals could get sweeter for Houston.
The team looked motivated to trade Asik back in December when there were rumors that he could end up moving to the Philadelphia 76ers or the Boston Celtics, but that fell through as time went on. The Rockets were reportedly asking for too much from the Celtics and that was what led to the deal breaking down and now as the deadline gets closer, a move could happen between the two sides. Asik is an All-Star caliber center and after averaging over 10 points and 11 rebounds last season, he has had his starting job taken away and his numbers slashed and now he is looking for a new start.
Asik and Donatas Motiejunas could both end up moving with the way the Rockets have focused on using Terrence Jones and he has taken over their spots in the lineup and so has Omri Casspi. Motiejunas had a five game stretch recently that saw him play under 20 minutes and the more he gets stashed on the bench the more it seems like the Rockets are setting up for a move.
Fredette is a name that has come up a bunch since the Kings declined the option on his fourth year and while he has never been able to break into the rotation for Sacramento, the team has not really given him much of a chance either. Teams may be interested in Fredette for the right price and the Kings would love to snag a draft pick for him if they can get it.
The Toronto Raptors were expected to deal Kyle Lowry this season, but after their strong play they may decide to keep him and this comes after the team had interest from the Warriors and the Knicks as well. The Sixers have Evan Turner and Hawes and the center/power forward is a prime target for teams after averaging 14.3 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks this season.
