Rajon Rondo, Roy Hibbert, Iman Shumpert and Thaddeus Young all reportedly are likely to be dealt before the February trade deadline. Alex Kennedy of BasketballInsiders.com reported those names, along with several others, are among the players he continually hears being mentioned in trade talks.
The 2014-15 season could shape up into a busy one for front offices across the league. A number of big-name players reportedly continue to be discussed in trade talks, creating the possibility of some blockbuster trades before the February deadline passes.
"Some names to keep an eye on are Rajon Rondo, Thaddeus Young, Roy Hibbert, Brandon Bass, J.J. Barea, Eric Gordon and Iman Shumpert," Kennedy wrote on Wednesday. "All of these guys have been mentioned in trade rumors and could be moved before February's trade deadline. ...
"I included Hibbert, Bass, Barea, Gordon and Shumpert because their names keep coming up in trade scenarios. Where there's smoke, there's fire. It seems like those players have been shopped and they could be on the move."
It appears to be a foregone conclusion Rondo will be wearing another uniform by next season. He's on an expiring contract, and if he isn't traded this season, he'll be the biggest free agent on the market next summer. Although Boston purportedly wants to keep Rondo, they will likely try to move him if they have any doubts about being able to re-sign him in July.
The Sacramento Kings reportedly are the most aggressive suitor for Rondo, but Boston is in a holding pattern to see if any better offers come up. If Rondo does hit the market next summer, expect the New York Knicks and the Houston Rockets each to make a strong push for him.
Young, who can opt out of his contract in July, has been linked to the Cavaliers-Timberwolves deal involving Kevin Love and appears to be headed to Minnesota. If that turns out not to be the case, Philadelphia will likely increase their efforts to move the reportedly discontent forward as to not let him walk for free next summer.
Shumpert has been the subject of trade rumors since last season, but Knicks president Phil Jackson has had a difficult time finding a suitor for the defensive-minded guard.
The Pacers may not want to gamble on whether Hibbert, who at times has appeared unhappy in Indiana, exercises his player option next summer. With Pacers star Paul George likely out for the season, Indiana could look to the future by acquiring assets via a fire sale.
Barea's contract makes him a difficult sell for Minnesota, but Bass's expiring contract could be attractive option for teams wanting to create financial flexibility for next summer.
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