While two weeks have passed by in the NBA season, on-going potential trade scenarios have piled up involving DeMarcus Cousins of the Sacramento Kings, Brook Lopez of the Brooklyn Nets and Nerlens Noel of the Philadelphia 76ers.
The trading buzz started way back in the offseason, and the three big men are no absentees in the trading market. According to the latest article in Bleacher Report, it says that is to no surprise to anyone that these stars are in the list of possible player moves in the league.
However, no team can finalize a move, not until December 15. Based on the same report, it takes note that the said date is the first day wherein the players who signed during the offseason can be moved only if they signed before September 15. While teams are unlikely to make a major move during the mid-season, there are players that are projected to leave their teams by mid-December.
As to the latest updates, "The Boogie Man," DeMarcus Cousins of the Kings, has a 50-50 chance of going somewhere due to his high demand for price and value. Just within eight games, the All-star has already averaged 25.5 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. The big man has his own share of personal issues and branded as a difficult player to handle. However, this shouldn't hinder the Kings' management from making a move unless they start negotiating an extension for his contract when it expires on 2018.
On the other hand, arguably one of the most versatile big man in the East, Brook Lopez of the Brooklyn Nets is rumored to be transferred immediately. Despite adding another weapon in his skill set-three-point shooting, the team has still struggled at the start of the season and is not looking to be either a title or playoff contenders this year. The 7-footer is arguably the most available choice in the market, and with the right price, he might land to another NBA city team. Lopez has been an on-and-off player due to his injuries, and pursuing him is a risk-reward idea.
Philadelphia 76ers' center, Nerlens Noel has been on the trading block and teams like Toronto Raptors have shown interest in signing him. But, interview reports say that Noel has voiced out to the 76ers' team management about his concerns on having three talented big men, and having to split playing minutes must be settled. Noel is predicted to leave at some point, but as to when—only time will tell.
