Trading begins

NBA trade season unofficially opened last December 15, and a handful of stars and role players could be moved before the scheduled February 8 trade deadline.  Majority of the players cannot be moved because of their massive salaries that make it hard for teams to match.

We’ve heard talks on the possible transfer of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Davis, Ja Morant, LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga but nothing concrete has come out this early.

Of the 450 players on roster spots, 79 free agents who signed or extended their contracts became available on the trade market.  Of that number, few of them will have to wait until January 15 because they have made more than the minimum salary and have gotten a raise of more than 20% over their salary from last season.

Giannis of late is nursing a calf injury and it was reported that unless he demands a trade, Milwaukee will do everything in their power to retain him.   He and his agent had been meeting with team officials to discuss his future, not for a trade.  The Bucks won’t be releasing their best player since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar demanded a trade to the Lakers in 1975.  But if he refuses to sign a contract extension at the end of the season, then Milwaukee will have to deal him.

AD had only played 11 games so far this season with All-Star averages of 20 points and 10.5 rebounds, but his longevity is a big question because of frequent injuries.  He is also expecting a huge contract extension from whoever trades for him.

This makes most teams cautious to take the risk for an oft-injured 32-year-old.   Three teams are reportedly willing to take a chance on Davis – Atlanta, Detroit and Toronto and the Mavericks are willing to listen to offers.

Stars who signed big free agent contracts and are eligible for trade are James Harden ($39.18 million), Kyrie Irving ($36.56m), Julius Randle ($30.86m), Myles Turner ($25.31m), Fred Van Vleet ($25m).  I don’t think these guys will be moved considering their huge salaries.

Other notables are Dennis Schroeder (SAC), Brook Lopez (LAC), DeAndre Ayton, Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia and Jaxson Hayes of the Lakers and Jordan Clarkson (NYK).