Training camps are set to get underway around the NBA and while that might not seem to mean much for fans, the reality is that it is one of the busiest times of the year for the players. Rookies get their first chance to prove they belong among the veterans, the veterans want to prove they can still school the young players and if you are invited to camp without a guaranteed contract, then you still have to prove that you deserve one.
One of the most intriguing aspects will be the trade market where a number of players will head to camp but are clearly on the trade block. Even though it’s an odd time for a trade, here are four guys that could get moved during training camp:
Markieff Morris, Phoenix Suns
Power Forward
Morris has publicly demanded a trade both through word of mouth and via Twitter to the point where the NBA was forced to step in and fine him for his comments. Morris wants to be traded perhaps more than any other player in the league right now.
A bad situation in Phoenix was made worse by the fact that the Suns traded his brother Marcus to the Detroit Pistons after signing them both last season with the focus on them playing out the next couple of seasons together on the same team. Phoenix doesn’t actually have to trade Morris if they don’t want to but considering his talent level and the distraction, his presence could be a detriment to training camp.
The Suns will want to find a potential suitor that can give them a decent package in return and move Morris before the 2015-16 NBA season gets underway in a few weeks.
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Ricky Rubio, Minnesota Timberwolves
Point Guard
The Timberwolves suddenly have an extremely talented young roster that is loaded with potential and while some feel they are closer to contending for a playoff spot than the rest, the reality is that they have an uphill climb in the loaded Western Conference.
Minnesota is banking on Karl-Anthony Towns and Zach LaVine becoming stars along with the reigning Rookie of the Year Andrew Wiggins. While the talent is there with Rubio, he simply hasn’t been able to stay healthy and he isn’t getting any younger. Rubio turns 25 in late October and he’s the highest paid player on the team. With Andre Miller already in the fold along with youngsters like LaVine and Tyus Jones too, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Timberwolves moved Rubio. There are teams that will feel he boosts their championship hopes for this season and they’ll be willing to move future assets in order to get him.
Jamal Crawford, Los Angeles Clippers
Point Guard
The Clippers added to their roster when they traded for Lance Stephenson and signed Paul Pierce in free agency, so when DeAndre Jordan changed his mind and decided he wanted to return to Los Angeles, they were in a tough situation as far as their payroll was concerned. The Clippers locked Jordan in for the long term but they want to shed some salary and it looks like Crawford is the most likely to be moved. The Clippers have reportedly shopped around the former Sixth Man of the Year with the hope of moving him in order to save some money.
While he is 35-years-old he still averaged 15.8 points, 2.5 assists and 1.9 threes last season, he faded in the playoffs. The Clippers will probably entrust his role to either Pierce or Stephenson, or both. That means he’s expendable.
Mario Chalmers, Miami Heat
Point Guard
Pat Riley got creative again last season when he added Goran Dragic at the trade deadline last season and after signing him to a lucrative extension this offseason, the Heat once again look like a team that could contend in the Eastern Conference. However, there have been multiple reports out of Miami that Riley is looking to shed some salary in order to lighten the bill for being a luxury team. Chalmers looks like the most likely to be moved.
The veteran point guard is a quality backup that has played on championship teams and he is available at a decent price, so it might not be long before a team bites. The Heat are also reportedly trying to move veteran Chris Andersen at some point.
