It’s the NBA’s time of the year

This Friday, at 3am PH time, is the NBA trading deadline and already, one controversial superstar had his demand granted and made one Texas franchise an instant title contender. 

Yes, Kyrie Irving, with all his excess baggage, had taken his talents to Dallas.  On paper, the Mavericks had improved its backcourt and this would take the load off Luka Doncic at the point but the question is - until when will this experiment give good results or last.

Aside from Kyrie, there are some notable players who could find themselves changing zip codes and we’ll start with the most notable one.

RUSSELL WESTBROOK (LAL) - he’s perpetually on the trading table discussions but his massive $47m contract discourages buyers.  If the Lakers can’t find a deal that would give them the highest possiblity to win the title this season, expect Russ to stay in LA.  Recently, Bleacher Report said that the Lakers had “exploratory talks” with Utah regarding Westbrook.

KELLY OLYNYK (UTA) - it was reported that Boston is interested in getting back the 9-year vet who had spent his first four years with the Celtics.  He averages 11.5 points and 5 rebounds in 28 minutes for the Jazz.

JORDAN CLARKSON (UTA) - the Jazz wants JC to remain in Utah and likes to give him a contract extension but if he’s not satisfied with the $14.3m player option for next season, there’s a chance the Jazz would find a trading partner.

FRED VAN VLEET (TOR) - there had been rumors that the Raptors are willing to deal away FVV.  He will be a free agent in the offseason but has a $22.8m player option.  Back issues had greatly hampered his play this season.  He could find himself with the Clippers as former teammate Kawhi Leonard reportedly wants another point guard.

ZACH LAVINE (CHI) - as per reports, LaVine, who signed a 5-year, $215m max deal with the Bulls, is having on-court issues with the team.  His name was linked to the Lakers, Heat and Knicks but with the huge contract, Chicago might as well settle differences and build around him and DeMar DeRozan.

GORDON HAYWARD (CHA) - when healthy, Hayward is very productive but injuries hampered his effectivity, appearing in only 24 games.  He is to recieve $31.5m next season and it would be risky for teams to deal for someone who had hamstring issues and a fractured shoulder.

JOE HARRIS (BKN) - like Hayward, he’s coming off injuries (two ankle surgeries), missing the whole of last season.  The 6-6 sharpshooter’s trade value is down considering that he’s owed $19.2m next season.

D’ANGELO RUSSELL (MIN) - on a $31.4 million expeiring contract, it seems that management had stalled in offering D-Lo an extension.  He’s having a career season with the Wolves and the Clippers were reported to be interested in him if Minnesota makes him available.