We're coming up on about a month until the NBA trade deadline, and don't expect teams to stand pat with the status quo during that time. We've already seen multiple high-profile players trade jerseys this year, most notably Rajon Rondo to the Mavericks, JR Smith to the Cavaliers, and Dion Waiters to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Who are three players that might join them as trade fodder? Here's a look:
Brook Lopez, Brooklyn Nets
"Will the Nets move Lopez" has become an annual staple of NBA trade deadline chatter. This is probably the year it finally happens. Lopez is injury prone and having a down year (he lost his starting job to Mason Plumlee), but he's still only 26 and has a lot of talent. Multiple teams will be looking to shore up their frontcourt depth between now and the postseason. The Nets will find a suitor.
Lance Stephenson, Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets pried Stephenson away from Indiana this off-season hoping he'd be the final piece that would allow them to compete for an Eastern Conference championship, but he's been a massive headache since his arrival. However, his poor play this season has diminished his trade value and Charlotte's desperation to move him hurts their leverage. Still, both his hometown Brooklyn Nets and former team, the Indiana Pacers, may show interest in bringing him aboard.
Reggie Jackson, Oklahoma City Thunder
If Dion Waiters continues to thrive in his new home in Oklahoma City, the Thunder may no longer have a pressing need for Jackson. He is a free agent this year and many expect the Thunder not to re-sign him, because doing so will push the team into luxury tax territory. As such, the team may try and get something for him now rather than let him walk in July for nothing.
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