With the NBA trade deadline right around the corner on February 18th the top contenders from around the association will be looking to upgrade by targeting the available players that can really help solidify their position heading in to the final stretch of the regular season and the playoffs. While the price to upgrade at this point in the season could be a little higher for some potential trade targets there are also some underpaid and ultimately undervalued players on the board that teams would be wise to try to acquire before the deadline. Here is a look at four undervalued trade targets ahead of the February NBA trade deadline.
Brandon Jennings, Detroit Pistons
There aren’t many opportunities to add a veteran point guard that is capable of starting right away for his new team but that could be the case with Jennings if the right deal is out there. Jennings has averaged 16.3 points, 6.1 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game since entering the NBA as a first round pick in 2009 but with the Pistons handing Reggie Jackson a massive five-year deal last summer and Jennings in the final year of his deal it is only a matter of time before the latter parts ways with Detroit. Jennings is still only 26-years-old and more than capable of being a franchise point guard for years to come so it would only make sense for a number of contending teams to make a strong push for his services hoping that he can help them both this season and for years to come with the opportunity to sign him to a long-term extension down the line.
Thaddeus Young, Brooklyn Nets
The Nets are in full rebuild mode after firing Lionel Hollins as head coach and reassigning former GM Billy King but considering they don’t have many assets they will have to go the trade route in order to acquire some picks and young prospects. Young would be an excellent fit for several teams that have question marks at the four-spot and he could be a terrific value depending on how badly Brooklyn would like to hit the reset button. The Nets will have to come to terms with the fact that at 27-years-old he will never be a part of a nucleus for them to contend in the future but after averaging 15.5 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game this season he will be a prime fit to step in for a playoff team and potentially push them over the top.
Timofey Mozgov, Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland hasn’t publicly shopped Mozgov but there has been a lot of reports out there that they would be interested in moving the big man with teams calling to inquire about the availability of the 7’1’’, 275-pound center this season. Mozgov’s role with the Cavaliers has decreased over the past couple of months so it would only make sense for Cleveland to attempt to move him in exchange for players that would help address bigger areas of need. Mozgov is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer and should command upwards of $100 million once he hits the open market so don’t be surprised if the Cavaliers stay ahead of the curve and trade him in exchange for assets that can help them both this season and moving forward in to the future.
Markieff Morris, Phoenix Suns
Up until now the Suns have made it clear they have no intention to honor Morris’ wishes and move him out of Phoenix but the reality is that he has never done less with his time on the floor and his actions in the locker room and away from the team have given the team that much more reason to trade him. Morris is still an excellent post-up player that can shoot the three-ball and create room for his teammates but his talent has gone to waste with the Suns and that won’t change until he is moved. Phoenix would undoubtedly be better off getting something for him rather than dragging this soap opera on in to next season so don’t be surprised if a contending team makes a move to acquire Morris before the February NBA trade deadline.
