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While teams generally pull out all the stops to keep their stars happy, it's not uncommon for a player to appear before the front office and request a trade. Just look at James Harden. He doesn't feel confident about winning the Larry O'Brien Trophy in Houston and NBA trade rumors continuously link him with a move to other contenders.
NBA Trade Rumors: Unhappy stars stuck on losing teams
Several such stars in the NBA are stuck on teams not suited to their personal growth or goals. Be it due to the quality of the overall roster or the level of play in general, these players could get impatient and demand a trade to start afresh and test their fortunes elsewhere.
On that note, let us look at five players who could demand a trade out of their current franchise.
#5 Blake Griffin
Blake Griffin's NBA career has been plagued by knee injuries right from the year he entered the league. The last time he was fully fit, he managed 24.5 points and 7.5 points per game and led Detroit Pistons to the 2019 NBA Playoffs.
Griffin is owed over $75 million over the next two seasons including a player option that he's likely to pick up due to a lack of market. However, if he wants to still be in the reckoning beyond that, the 2011 NBA Rookie of the Year may have to seek a move to a franchise that isn't looking to tank at the moment.
His contract will be incredibly difficult to move but Griffin can play a useful role as the third-best option on a contender.
#4 DeMar DeRozan
DeMar DeRozan has averaged over 20 points a game every season since 2013. His performances may lift his team in the game but they don't often result in wins. The lack of distance shooting is also a glaring omission in his skill set.
On an expiring contract, DeRozan can be the high volume scoring option for any team on the lookout for a star with this trait. His playmaking is an added bonus. Staying on the borderline rebuilding San Antonio Spurs won't help DeRozan's chances of gaining a fat paycheck in NBA free agency 2021 either so he could force a move.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Houston Rockets want Michael Porter Jr. in James Harden trade
#3 Bradley Beal
The Washington Wizards have bought some time by trading for Russell Westbrook but don't expect Bradley Beal to stay put if this move doesn't lead to improved results. Beal has made it clear that he wants to win and if the Wizards don't do the same too often, he'll be forced to ask for a trade.
Beal averaged 30.5 points and 6.1 assists per game last season and still didn't manage to land an All-NBA selection. The Wizards' quality as a whole was the major reason behind this. He wouldn't want such a situation to repeat itself.
#2 Zach LaVine
The Chicago Bulls were expected to push for the playoffs last season but despite Zach LaVine's 25.5 points per game, the franchise struggled to compete. The lack of support for LaVine from his teammates was glaring and eventually resulted in the firing of then-head coach Jim Boylen.
The Bulls will once again be hoping to contest for a postseason berth but if they start slowly, LaVine could ask for a move. He only has two years left on his contract so Chicago will be forced to act quickly if such a situation transpires.
#1 Kevin Love
It's rather surprising that Kevin Love is still on the Cleveland Cavaliers to start the 2020-21 season. Love's a perennial 20-10 threat each night with championship pedigree. His contract also doesn't fall in line with the Cavs' rebuilding process.
Love is certainly not the future of the organization and isn't the go-to guy at present either. In fact, he's shown his frustration at some of the decisions taken by the young guns on the team in the past. If a contending franchise comes calling, Love would probably be interested in a trade.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors - Ben Simmons shares his thoughts on the James Harden situation
Guess the Lakers players!
