NBA Today: 5 Players who should ask for a trade

#2 Robert Covington

Robert Covington is currently averaging 12.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists on 44.7% shooting as Minnesota's defensive specialist and spacer

Robert Covington has been gaining interest around the league as he's the 3-and-D prototype—someone a contending team would be willing to pay for. He's on an expiring deal, and with the Minnesota Timberwolves not looking great with their squad right now, RoCo might consider asking for a trade while teams are still high on him.

The Bucks are rumored to have interest on the 6'7 forward, and with an $11 million contract, a package that includes Ersan Ilyasova might interest Minnesota, who'll get back a floor spacer in the Turkish player. The Bucks might also try to find another team so they don't move too many players. They might call OKC, as Schroder could just be the shooting PG the Timberwolves need. With other teams interested in Covington, the Bucks might also need to add a pick and another player to get him.

Another team interested in Covington are the Houston Rockets, who are currently in need of a defensive specialist on the wing. The Rockets almost beat the Warriors in seven games two years ago, which was in large part of Trevor Ariza's elite wing defense and floor spacing. RoCo can help with Houston's size and need of a 3-and-D. The forward's game also fits the Rockets' offense well. The Rockets are tight right now though, so they might have to give up more than Danuel House and picks to pull off the trade. If this isn't enough, they might also need another team to please Minnesota.

#3 DeMar DeRozan

DeRozan slashing through in their game against the Phoenix Suns

Last season, Toronto shook up the NBA by trading for Kawhi Leonard (and Danny Green) in exchange for the fans' beloved DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl, and a protected first-round pick. Toronto went on to win the championship as DeRozan had a first-round exit with the Spurs.

The Spurs are currently 12th in the West right now, and DeMar might consider asking for a trade if he sees San Antonio's chances of making their 23rd straight playoff appearance get slimmer and slimmer. Currently, the high-flying G/F is averaging 20.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists—a stat-line that could impress a playoff contender. DeMar will also be a restricted free agent next year, and the Spurs might look to test the market so they don't overpay to keep him or lose him for nothing come 2020.

A trade destination could be the Orlando Magic, who sit uncomfortably at the eighth seed with a 12-14 record. They badly need a wing scorer who will not only help them climb the standings but also make them more competitive come playoff time. A package of a young center in Mo Bamba and a forward in Aaron Gordon might thrive in the Spurs' system. With Marcus Morris leaving the Spurs hanging the last off-season, this might be a great deal for the Spurs as they're clearly looking for bigs. They could also package DeMar with Bryn Forbes, who'd make for an additional playmaker for the Magic.

The Pistons could also be an appealing destination for DeMar. Detroit could try if a package that includes Thon Maker, Reggie Jackson, and Langston Galloway (plus a pick or another young player) might make the Spurs bite.