The New Orleans Pelicans shocked the basketball world when they acquired DeMarcus Cousins from the Sacramento Kings in a deal that few expected to see at the conclusion of NBA All-Star weekend. That removes one of the key pieces from the trade block but there are a whole host of other rumors that continue to swirl. With the NBA trade deadline right around the corner, there is bound to be at least a couple more moves with some key star players on the move. The NBA’s trade deadline is hit or miss, but this seems to be a year where a number of big names could be packing their bags.
Carmelo Anthony To The Pacers
The Indiana Pacers have sent a message to the other general managers around the NBA indicating they are looking for help either on the wing or on the frontline in order to solidify their roster. Indiana wants to acquire some help for Paul George and after missing out on Cousins they could increase their sense of urgency as they attempt to get something done. One name that continues to be included in trade rumors surrounding the Pacers is Carmelo Anthony, who could slide in next to George in their starting five. The asking price for Anthony is reportedly too high right now so it’s likely New York will have to bring its demands down a little bit in order to facilitate a move to Indiana.
Jimmy Butler to the Celtics
The Boston Celtics have been rumored in a number of trades including a potential deal with the Chicago Bulls that would bring Jimmy Butler to town. Butler is open to a potential trade and the Celtics could be the perfect fit as a true contender in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics have found a foundation that includes Isaiah Thomas, who is having an MVP-caliber season along with free agent acquisition Al Horford, who has performed well in his first year as a Celtic. With someone like Butler, the Celtics would now all of the sudden have the makings of a ‘big three’.
Boston is one or two pieces away from being able to match up with the Cleveland Cavaliers and with so many assets in place it won’t surprise anybody if they make a hard move for Butler before the NBA trade deadline.
Jahlil Okafor To The Celtics
Jahlil Okafor is another player that has been on the trade block for the past month and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Celtics make their move to acquire him, regardless of what happens with Butler. Boston could use another young star at the center position and they have plenty of assets to move in any potential trade. Boston could trade a first round pick and another piece to Philadelphia in order to acquire Okafor, who would dramatically improve their frontcourt depth.
The Celtics swung and missed at DeMarcus Cousins, so Okafor could be a cheaper fall back option. He has a lot of upside but the 76ers are selling him for pennies on the dollar. Yes, he has some issues on the defensive end but a wise head coach like Brad Stevens may be able to coach him up in that realm. He’s still very young. This would be a coup if the Celtics could get their hands on him.
Reggie Jackson To The Magic
The Orlando Magic have been pushing hard for a veteran point guard that can fill a void in their lineup and Reggie Jackson could be the perfect fit. According to multiple reports, the Pistons offered Jackson to the Magic in exchange for D.J. Augustin and Jeff Green. The Magic would have to throw more into this contract as Augustin is handsomely paid for what he delivers and Green is merely an expiring contract. Jackson is not playing as well as he did last season, but he’s still an asset.
Orlando needs a capable point guard and Detroit would like to solidify its roster with a couple of key pieces before the postseason rolls around so with the persistent rumors on both ends it makes sense that the Pistons and Magic complete a deal before the deadline.
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