December marks its unofficial start transfer market in the NBA. And from the 15th, nearly 90% of players are likely to be traded, as those signed during the last Free Agency are unlocked. A long period of rumours, information interest and ultimately only a small number of operations are completed when they come to an end. trade deadline.
Heading into the close of the market there will be plenty of names to consider. Either because their contract expires in July 2024 or because their teams have ceased to be competitive (or want to).
Next, Sports news brings players who are expected to make the NBA deadline in one way or another in this looming 2024.
- Honorable mentions: OG Anunoby, Harrison Barnes, Bojan Bogdanovic, Joe Harris, Khris Middleton, DeMar DeRozan
More | The list of players eligible for transfer from December 15
Pascal Siakam
- Salary: 37.8 cm
The Cameroonian player is after a contract extension for the maximum. However, the Toronto Raptors don’t plan to give it away on who is the pivot of the 2019 ring project. Pascal Siakamat age 30, he can still be an important figure in a title contender, more of a second sword role or in an ecosystem with potential.
With 21.2 points, 58.2% shooting from two and a very low 25.3% from threethe African would offer versatility on both sides of the pitch, as well as a competitive spirit that can help raise a team’s level.
Siakam’s name has been in the transfer rumors for several seasons now, and the Raptors, this time, seem willing to move him. More after release Fred VanVleet and Kyle Lowry in the past. The best return for the Canadiens would be in the form of rounds, young players and some expiring ones to balance the books. In that sense, the Warriors could offer the best package as we explain in this article.
Clay Thompson
- Salary: 43.2 cm
Klay Thompson’s time with the Warriors may be over, also coinciding with the credit he earned over the last decade of success running out. Golden State needs to change course as soon as possible to take advantage of the last flashes of veteran Stephen Curry.
Negotiations between the player and the franchise did not bear fruit in October, making Thomson unrestricted free agent next July. At 33 years old, Clay is still one of the best three-point specialists, but it’s no less true that he signs his career worst in that regard (36.4%).
His departure from Golden State would mark the end of a successful chapter, adding one more name to the list of personalities who were vital to their teams and who got rid of them when they were no longer useful.
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Zach LaVine
- Salary: 40 cm
The downward spiral the Bulls have been on for a few seasons has led the franchise to conclude that the work is done. So, Zach LaVine is one of those called to star in the closing of the transfer market as one of the most prominent names.
Despite the traces left by his last name, the reality is that the 28-year-old guard has yet to overcome his status as a one-dimensional player. A volume scorer who in 10 seasons in the NBA has played a total of 152 minutes in the Playoffs and has failed to be a leader despite having the team at his disposal.
LaVine still has two full seasons left on his contract plus another with a $48.9 million player option for 2027. The Bulls star has more poster than reality, but perhaps in another scenario as a second or third offensive option He could to give his best version. The problem? There don’t seem to be many teams willing to take on a contract of this caliber.
Alex Caruso
- Salary: 9.4 cm
If leaving the cold Chicago it is impossible not to mention Alex Caruso, perhaps the best player to trade in this trade deadline. That statement may have raised more than one eyebrow, but the reality is that the 29-year-old point guard would be a perfect complement to any title contender.
His defensive level places him as one of the top contributors at his position as well as in the league overall according to advanced stats. But it doesn’t end there as Caruso has managed to develop his game to become a mainstay in the attack as well. He guard is an average His highest points (9.3) this season with 61.4% shooting from two, 47.2% from three and 2.2 assistsalso shines in clutch.
It may seem strange, but right now the Bulls would be gaining more valuable assets by trading Caruso than Zach LaVine. That’s the level of prestige a player with one year left on his contract has for less than 10 million, a bargain.
Malcolm Brogdon
- Salary: 22.5 cm
After being traded to the Blazers in the Jrue Holiday trade, Brogdon is one of those being asked to change scenes again before the trade deadline. Landing a solid point guard is one of the first steps any team must take if they aspire to have a big run this season, and the 31-year-old more than meets those requirements.
Although minor injuries have been a constant throughout his career, Brogdon is still a player to keep in mind, especially with the year he’s having in Portland. The point guard is average 16.5 points, 5.8 assists and 38.8% in triples as partner of Scoot Henderson and Anfernee Simons.
Teams like the Lakers, Magic or Heat could try to acquire his services and take advantage of both this and the next year of his contract.
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