Forecasting NBA Trade Deadline
This Thursday is the NBA's trade deadline. Here are three moves that I believe need to get done.
1. Lakers guard Lou Williams to the Wizards in exchange for Andrew Nicholson and a first-round pick. The Wizards need bench help. Don't just take my word for it. Earlier this season Wizards starting center Marcin Gortat said, "We've got one of the worst benches in the league." Williams, who is averaging close to 19 points per game with the Lakers, would certainly bolster Washington's second unit and could make John Wall and company a legitimate threat to the Cavaliers in the East. From the Lakers perspective, they are not going to the postseason this season so getting an additional first round pick in exchange for Williams makes perfect sense.
2. Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler to the Rockets in exchange for Corey Brewer, Sam Dekker, and a second-round pick. Despite being in third place in the West, the Rockets are 9-9 in their last 18 games. They need some perimeter help and with Wilson Chandler they would be getting just that. Chandler is averaging 15 points and 7 rebound per game in Denver and a change of scenery seems to be in the cards for the 29-year-old who has been reportedly upset with his role with the Nuggets.
3. Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio to the Cavaliers in exchange for Iman Shumpert. The Cavaliers need a backup point guard as LeBron James has alluded to on numerous occasions. Rubio would be an ideal backup to Kyrie Irving with his ability to distribute the ball. Surrounding him with the shooters that the Cavaliers have Rubio instantly becomes even more valuable. Minnesota needs to see what it has in Kris Dunn. Having Rubio forces Dunn into limited minutes. Getting Rubio out of town while also bringing in a proven wing in Shumpert is a no-brainer for Tom Thibodeau and company.
