The NBA trade deadline is coming up and names like Brook Lopez, Greg Monroe, Goran Dragic, Deron Williams and Roy Hibbert all could be on the move this year and teams like the Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls and LA Clippers could be getting interested in making a move to improve this winter.
Dragic is a top target for teams, including the Rockets, as he is set to be a free agent if he uses his option in the summer and that could lead to the Suns making a move. According to Pro Basketball Talk, Marc Stein reports that Lopez is a potential trade target for the Denver Nuggets and that the team is looking to move JaVale McGee and J.J. Hickson in the deal. Stein writes that a first round pick also could be include in that deal, as the Nuggets were willing to trade a first with the Nets to get Lopez.
That trade did not go down and now Stein reports that the Nuggets, Miami Heat and Houston Rockets have all looked in on Lopez. The Rockets have been one of the best teams in the league this season, but they may need some help, while Miami is looking to also move Norris Cole and could try to swing Lopez in a deal with another team.
Monroe is a top trade target for teams as well, but he is likely to remain with the Pistons. Williams and Lopez have been shopped for most of the season for the Nets and also could get moved. The Rockets are dealing with an injury to Dwight Howard and could make a trade for some support. The Nets have been shopping Lopez along with Deron Williams and Joe Johnson this season and while they have not pulled off any deals yet, they could start trading closer to the deadline.
Dragic has a $7.5 million player option for next year and the Sporting News reports that it's nearly certain that he will not use it. Dragic can become a free agent at the perfect time in his career, as he is young and coming off of his best seasons, this year included. Dragic will have a number of suitors, as Pro Basketball Talk reports that the Lakers, Knicks, Rockets and Kings all could be interested in signing him. The team signed Bledsoe back and added Thomas this offseason, but Marc Stein at ESPN.com reports that the Suns could be willing to move one of those two in an effort to keep Dragic.
Stein also added that the Houston Rockets could be a prime target for Dragic, as they are looking to upgrade at point guard from Patrick Beverley. The Rockets also could be interested in Brook Lopez or Deron Williams, as the Nets have been shopping those players this season and could move them in a trade at the deadline or in the summer. According to Pro Basketball Talk, Dragic plans on having an "open" free agency and he reportedly has not ruled out any teams, including the Suns.
