USA TODAY International Edition
Eastern Conference: It’s up for grabs
With Thursday’s NBA trade deadline (3 p.m. ET) fast approaching, USA TODAY’s NBA insiders, Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt, take a pulse on every one of the league’s 30 teams, offering insight on what front office executives might do to better situate their teams for the future.
Atlanta Hawks
Motives: To land another first-round draft pick without taking on future money.
Methods: Everyone other than rookie John Collins is known to be up for discussion, but Marco Belinelli and Ersan Ilyasova are atop this list. There’s an interest in getting Kent Bazemore’s contract off the books, but the combined total of his next two seasons ($37.3 million, including a player option in 201920) is proving too much.
Boston Celtics
Motives: To get a wing player to help in the postseason. Memphis’ Tyreke Evans has been reported as a possibility. It’s tight; they used their $8.4 million disabled player exception in the wake of the Gordon Hayward injury to sign Greg Monroe.
Methods: Marcus Smart will be a restricted free agent this summer, and it appears he could be moved.
Brooklyn Nets
Motives: To get draft picks and young players with potential.
Methods: The Nets are open for business for the right deal.
Charlotte Hornets
Motives: To rebuild ... or not. It’s hard to get a read on Charlotte.
Methods: There have been murmurs, even last week, that a deal with Cleveland is still possible. Kemba Walker generates the most interest.
Chicago Bulls
Motives: To get draft picks. They just acquired a first-rounder from New Orleans, but additional picks can go a long way. They’d like to trim some salary, too.
Methods: Robin Lopez and the $14.3 million he is due for 2018-19 season is on the table. The Chicago Tribune reported Jerian Grant is also available.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Motives: To make a deal that makes them better — not only this season but next season, too. They’re also being careful not to squander the 2018 firstround pick from Brooklyn (acquired in Kyrie Irving trade with Boston) for short-term gains.
Methods: The Tristan Thompson and J.R. Smith contracts are not desirable, but no contract is unmovable. Iman Shumpert, who had knee surgery Dec. 1, is due $11 million in 2018-19. Channing Frye’s expiring contract could work.
Detroit Pistons
Motives: To stay out of the luxury tax. They have room to spare following the Blake Griffin trade.
Methods: Under Stan Van Gundy, Detroit has been willing to make bold trades and entertain deals for almost every player on the roster.
Indiana Pacers
Motives: To add rebouding. The Pacers rank 25th.
Methods: Al Jefferson has one season left on his deal, and it’s a partial guarantee. He has been getting minutes lately but went a long stretch (Nov. 12Jan. 8) with just three appearances.
Miami Heat
Motives: To use the $5.5 million disabled player exception that could help get them a perimeter player.
Methods: The Heat might be willing to part with one of their players at the low end of team salary, but they’re probably not going to get much in return.
Milwaukee Bucks
Motives: To get outside shooting. They rank 24th in the NBA with a threepoint percentage of 35.1.
Methods: John Henson has two seasons left on his contract, worth $9.5 million and $8.7 million.
New York Knicks
Motives: To add perimeter help. Methods: They would love to get out of Joakim Noah’s contract, but with two more seasons and $37.7 million left, trading him won’t be easy. Willy Hernangomez wants more playing time and is a viable player to move.
Orlando Magic
Motives: To put the Magic’s new front office executives’ imprint on the roster. They’re in no rush to do something, but they’re looking.
Methods: There’s probably no one the Magic wouldn’t trade, but Jeff Weltman and John Hammond drafted Jonathan Isaac with the No. 6 pick and he’s out indefinitely. Given he fits what they’re looking for, it’s unlikely he’s moved. Everyone else? Send your offers.
Philadelphia 76ers
Motives: To create enough cap space to offer an All-NBA caliber player a max deal in free agency while possibly adding a player on an expiring deal.
Methods: Jerryd Bayless has one year and $8.5 million remaining on his contract.
Toronto Raptors
Motives: To get more outside shooting — they’re 25th in three-point percentage. They have two trade exceptions. But Toronto is just below the luxury tax line and are hard-capped.
Methods: The Raptors aren’t all that interested in trading any of their young players they worked hard to acquire and develop.
Washington Wizards
Motives: Hold on to their first-round pick in the 2018 draft and get under the luxury tax. Any trades are expected to help on the margins.
Methods: Jason Smith’s contract, if moved, would help the Wizards get under the luxury tax.