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The 2018-19 NBA season has officially begun and there are lots of storylines to follow in the next eight months. One of those is that some NBA stars who might see themselves wearing a new uniform before the 2019 trade deadline. Last season, a handful of NBA stars like Blake Griffin and Eric Bledsoe were dealt. Griffin, a franchise cornerstone for the Los Angeles Clippers, was traded to the Detroit Pistons less than a year after signing a monstrous five-year, $173 million deal.
On the other hand, Bledsoe was sent to the Milwaukee Bucks a month into the 2017-18 season after expressing that he wanted to be with the Phoenix Suns. Other stars that found a new home at the trade deadline last season include Dwyane Wade, Rodney Hood, Elfrid Payton, Jordan Clarkson, George Hill, and Larry Nance Jr.
This season has just started but there are already some players rumoured to be getting traded before or on the trade deadline. Here are the top five NBA stars likely to get traded this season.
#5. Jimmy Butler
One of the biggest stories heading into the 2018-19 NBA season was Jimmy Butler demanding a trade away from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Butler is already fed up with the Timberwolves a year after he was acquired from the Chicago Bulls due to the relaxed nature of Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins.
The four-time NBA All-Star has been very vocal about his decision to leave. He showed up at team practice a week before the season began and led bench guys to a win against the starters in a scrimmage. Butler was also shouting out profanities at his Timberwolves teammates, coaches, and even general manager, Scott Layden.
It is only a matter of time before the Timberwolves grant Butler his request, with the Miami Heat almost pulling off a deal before talks broke down. The presence of Butler might affect the performance of the team, and Minnesota cannot afford to take a step back in a loaded Western Conference. Since other NBA teams know that Butler wants out and he will be a free agent next summer, the Timberwolves likely have to take a discount in any potential deal.
Most Likely Destinations: Miami Heat, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers
#4. Nikola Vucevic
The Orlando Magic has been stuck in rebuilding mode ever since they traded Dwight Howard in 2012. The Magic made several bad picks in the draft but they also developed a few borderline All-Stars like Nikola Vucevic. The 27-year-old center has averaged 16.0 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game, while shooting 50.1 percent from the field in his six seasons in Orlando.
However, the Magic are intent on making the trio of Aaron Gordon, Jonathan Isaac, and recently drafted center Mo Bamba as the cornerstones of the franchise. Vucevic could serve as a mentor for Bamba in the first half of the season, before getting traded at the deadline.
He is on an expiring deal, which makes him a great trade target for teams trying to make the playoffs, or playoff teams that want to improve their chances of dethroning the Golden State Warriors.
Most Likely Destinations: Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics
#3. Mike Conley
After seven straight trips to the NBA playoffs, the Memphis Grizzlies were one of the worst teams in the league last season. The Grizzlies finished with a record of 22-60, and the quick descent was mainly due to the absence of Mike Conley, one of the most underrated players in the NBA. Conley only played in 13 games last season after suffering a left Achilles injury that needed surgery.
Many are expecting the team to start rebuilding and trade at least one of their two franchise stars in Conley and center Marc Gasol. Conley still has two years left before he enters free agency, but his huge contract might discourage some teams. However, Conley is still in his prime and any team with playoff aspirations would love to have him on their roster.
He could also serve as a mentor for a young team like the Phoenix Suns or the Orlando Magic.
Most Likely Destinations: Phoenix Suns, Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers, Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs
#2. Kemba Walker
Kemba Walker was one of the most talked-about players during the off-season. Walker only has a year left on his contract with the Charlotte Hornets, and he has been linked to several teams in free agency. He is just entering his prime, evidence by his two-straight All-Star appearances, and many teams are likely to pursue him.
Walker is the Hornets' all-time leader in points scored and three-point shots made. He has career averages of 18.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.
However, the Hornets, as well as Walker, have been reluctant to talk about the situation. Michael Jordan can offer the most money to his franchise player but he could decide to start a rebuild if their season starts slow. With just a $12 million salary for the 2018-19 NBA season, Walker is a bargain rental for any playoff team.
Most Likely Destinations: Phoenix Suns, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, Milwaukee Bucks
#1. Marc Gasol
As mentioned earlier, the Memphis Grizzlies were one of the worst teams in the NBA last season with a record of 20-66. A rebuild is expected once the Grizzlies fail to stand out in a stacked Western Conference. And to make that happen, Memphis not only has to trade Mike Conley, but also Marc Gasol.
The 33-year-old center has played his entire career with the Grizzlies, and he deserves to compete for a title before retiring.
Gasol has two more years left on his $110 million contract signed in 2015. He is still a defensive presence down the block, while also contributing in the offense with his rare play-making ability at the center position. The former Defensive Player of the Year could find himself in a new uniform before the NBA trade deadline.
The Grizzlies are in a win-win situation with Gasol, since they can use him to mentor Jaren Jackson Jr., or trade him to acquire assets to rebuild the team.
Most Likely Destinations: Houston Rockets, Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards, Oklahoma City Thunder
