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The NBA 2020-2021 season has raised the stakes with an earth-shattering blockbuster deal involving a big-name player.
A four-team trade has sent the three-time scoring champion James Harden to the East Coast to reunite with his former teammate Kevin Durant. The move has effectively shifted the power balance in the NBA and has got the association buzzing with excitement.
It remains to be seen how things play out in Brooklyn, but one thing is for sure that the season has just got more binge-worthy. On that note, let us have a look at five players who could be traded before the trade deadline.
5 players who could be traded before the trade deadline
Teams will now be on the lookout for key players who could make their rosters stronger for the season and beyond.
While the magnitude of the James Harden trade may not be matched, there are still many star-caliber players who are on the trading block and could see movement before the March trade deadline.
Without further ado, let us take a look at five such players.
#1 Bradley Beal (Washington Wizards)
Bradley Beal's name keeps surfacing in NBA trade rumors, but it remains to be seen if the Washington Wizards will put him on the trading block this season.
Beal has been playing the best basketball of his life, but his team remains at the bottom end of the Eastern Conference. His 30-point average this season could be one of the most significant bargaining chips for the Wizards front office, and they could potentially have their own blockbuster trade to get their season back on track.
Beal signed a two-year extension with the Wizards back in 2019 and could become a free agent next season if he opts out of his contract. The chances of this happening become high when we factor in the franchise's abysmal performance this season.
#2 Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls)
Zach LaVine has been tearing it up this season and has proven his worth as an All-Star-caliber player in the league.
He is having a career year playing with the Chicago Bulls this campaign, as he is averaging 27.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists. The former slam dunk champion could be a productive asset for most teams in the league.
However, he would be most effective with teams that are eyeing the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy this season.
Zach LaVine becomes a free agent at the end of the season, and this could play a big factor for the Chicago Bulls putting him up on the trade block this season.
The trade could work magic for the Bulls, as the return on the player would be high. The 25-year-old can play multiple positions and produce a burst of energy and athleticism.
#3 DeMar DeRozan (San Antonio Spurs)
DeMar DeRozan is another player for a trade deal before the March deadline this season.
DeRozan is reportedly not happy in his current role with the San Antonio Spurs and could be on his way out of the franchise. He will probably become a free agent next summer and is expected to opt out of his contract with the Spurs.
The 31-year-old guard is not getting any younger and could probably aim to join a title contender as he reigns in on possibly his final long-term contract in the NBA.
DeRozan is still one of the best two guards in the league and has a lot to offer before he enters his twilight years.
#4 Victor Oladipo (Houston Rockets)
The NBA is buzzing with anticipation for Victor Oladipo's next landing spot, as many insiders have claimed that the Houston Rockets got him over as a trade asset.
Oladipo could be looking to get out of Houston, as he won't be the primary point guard in the franchise's lineup and has shown little interest in playing with them.
Oladipo has an impressive resume for suitors lining up to bring him over. There have been several reports that Oladipo wants to take his talents to the Miami Heat. If such a deal works out, the Heat would add one more piece that could help them break out of their early-season rout.
#5 Kevin Love (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Kevin Love has done a magnificent job in his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but he is an ageing veteran in a team that needs to be in rebuilding mode for the future. T
here has been a lot of speculation about where the big guy goes next. His fans would love to see him compete at the highest level of the game before it's all set and done.
Kevin Love has proven his worth as an NBA champion back in 2016 with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
He is still a sharpshooter who can stretch the floor for his teammates. He still has a lot left in his tank and could play good minutes for a team eyeing a deep playoff run this season.
