NBA veteran centers expected to flood trade market before Feb. 5 deadline
veteran-centers-expected-to-flood-trade-market-before-feb-5-deadline
Several established big men could change addresses in the coming weeks, with front offices preparing for a particularly deep center market ahead of the NBA’s Feb. 5 trade deadline, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
League sources told Fischer that the Brooklyn Nets are bracing for inquiries on Nic Claxton, while the Phoenix Suns have kept Nick Richards available since the offseason. The Portland Trail Blazers, meanwhile, are reportedly more willing to discuss Robert Williams than they were at this time last year.
The Utah Jazz are also expected to listen on Jusuf Nurkic, though his $19 million salary could limit the club’s return.
Vucevic headlines list of rental options
Nikola Vucevic is viewed as one of the most intriguing names in play. The 35-year-old Chicago Bulls center is in the final season of a contract worth $21.5 million and continues to post solid numbers—16.7 points and 9.6 rebounds a night on nearly 50 percent shooting, including better than 40 percent from three-point range.
Rival executives told Fischer they are curious whether Chicago will look beyond a straight Vucevic deal. With significant salary set to expire and ample projected cap space, the Bulls could pursue bigger moves rather than settling for a short-term rental market.
Fischer cited Anthony Davis and Domantas Sabonis as hypothetical targets should Chicago decide to overhaul its frontcourt, though no concrete talks have been reported.
With multiple playoff hopefuls seeking size and a host of veteran centers potentially available, the position appears poised to dominate trade chatter through deadline day.
Source: Hoops Wire
