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With over a third of the 2020-21 NBA season played, fans are beginning to turn their attention to the NBA Trade Rumors that are gaining traction as we near the deadline for teams to make deals.
Most teams in the league have gauged where they rank and will now be looking at available players who can help them climb the standings. In this article, we have listed 5 players on expiring contracts who we believe teams should target prior to the deadline.
NBA Trade Rumors: 5 players with expiring deals that could benefit playoff contenders
Now is the time of year when the front offices are once again scrambling to solve their respective sides' early-season deficiencies. Those in the playoff picture will be looking at players becoming free agents in the summer as the perfect targets to help their postseason hopes.
Here are five such stars who have what it takes to advance a franchise's hopes of competing come the end of the season.
#1 Victor Oladipo
Victor Oladipo hasn't seen his name disappear from NBA Trade Rumors even after the shooting guard moved to the Houston Rockets earlier in the season. It is heavily suspected that the 28 year-old could end the year with another side, considering his expiring contract and the fact he has made it known that Houston were not his no.1 destination.
Oladipo is one of the league's elite two-way players, having led the league in steals in 2018. Averaging 19.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists, Oladipo is posting numbers similar to his last NBA All-Star season.
New York Knicks have been involved in NBA Trade Rumors as potential suitors for Oladipo, with the franchise said to be monitoring the guard. He has also been linked with the Miami Heat, who could use a more consistent and experienced scorer in the backcourt.
#2 DeMar DeRozan
Becoming an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, coupled with the fact that the San Antonio Spurs are in the midst of a rebuild, NBA Trade Rumors have recently focused on the abilities of DeMar DeRozan.
Though it's been said that the forward's move to the Spurs was a mistake, DeRozan is still playing extremely efficient basketball and is averaging 20.2 points and a career-high 6.7 assists.
DeRozan's experience as well as his high-percentage mid-range shooting would make him an extremely valuable player for any playoff contender. The 31 year-old can comfortably be a franchise's second star with his unselfish play on offense.
#3 Andre Drummond
Despite his impending free agency in the summer and the fact that the Cleveland Cavaliers brought in Jarrett Allen, Andre Drummond continues to be a threat worthy of playing in a playoff side.
The most obvious name circling in NBA Trade Rumors are the Boston Celtics considering their trade exception. Drummond is currently on $28.75m, therefore his salary is almost a perfect fit for the Celtics, who would possibly add a second-round pick or two to sweeten the deal.
Drummond would bring to any side such as the Boston Celtics incredible rebounding ability and solid defense in the post. The 27 year-old is averaging 17.9 points and 13.8 rebounds to go along with 1.6 steals. He has been the league's leader in rebounding four times throughout his career and would offer an NBA playoff contender decent coverage against the likes of Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid in the paint.
#4 Lonzo Ball
Lonzo Ball's name has been amongst NBA Trade Rumors recently due to being one of the few point guards on expiring contracts. He's certainly one who can genuinely help a title-challenger. Since trade rumors began to generate pace, Ball has been playing some electric basketball for the Pels.
New Orleans are themselves playoff contenders, and therefore will likely not settle for any player who can't be a part of their core 'big three'. Despite this, the Pelicans do have the worst bench in the league and so might look to add some depth instead.
Ball has been linked with the likes of the LA Clippers, who are looking for more creation from the point guard position. The fourth year star is averaging 13.9 points, 4.7 assists and is scoring with a career-high efficiency of 53.7%.
#5 P.J. Tucker
P.J. Tucker has made his career by being an elite two-way player and a hustling defender. His energy and ability to do the dirty work were one of the key cornerstones behind the Houston Rockets' recent years of success.
Tucker is expected to be traded before the deadline after rumors started prior to the season, when the player and franchise could not agree on a contract extension. With Houston not competing for the title this season and the forward at 35 years old, the franchise may look to bring in some draft picks or young talent in a trade.
Tucker would bring hard-working, experienced leadership to any locker room and could be the veteran several playoff contenders need this season. He may not fill up the box score but he will scrap his way through every possession and make sure that his opponent has to work their hardest to beat him on offense.
Guess the Lakers players!
