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Plenty of trades are certain togo down on the final day before the deadline, but NBA fans are hoping some big names change teams.
Although this season has seen few rumors surrounding the league's superstars, there are still some notable players who could be on the trading block.
It is not yet known whether these competitors will be dealt, but here are predictions for the biggest names discussed in recent weeks.
Brook Lopez, Brooklyn Nets
With the Brooklyn Nets falling further down the standings, it makes sense for them to start trading away some of their aging players. However, the chatter causing everyone to take notice is that surrounding Brook Lopez.
The 26-year-old center has had a down year and dealt with injuries, but he has still shown the ability to play at an All-Star level. This makes it a bit of a surprise that he has been the subject of trade talks with the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders:
Nets Daily also discussed a potential deal with the Charlotte Hornets that fell through, as Grantland's Zach Lowe confirmed:
With a player of this caliber still entering his prime, it wouldn't be surprising to see more teams get involved in the sweepstakes.
Still, the reason everyone wants Lopez is the same reason the Nets should hold onto him. On a roster full of players who won't be part of the future, the center is someone who can be a cornerstone of this franchise.
Unless Brooklyn is completely blown away with an offer, he should remain where he is.
Prediction: Brook Lopez stays with the Nets
Arron Afflalo, Denver Nuggets
The interest in Arron Afflalo has been all over the place this month, with a plethora of teams willing to discuss a deal. Ramona Shelburne of ESPN noted how long the list was just a few days ago:
Bleacher Report's Ric Bucher recently reported one of those teams was being more aggressive:
However, ESPN's Marc Stein hears the Portland Trail Blazers have stood out recently:
This destination makes the most sense, as the Western Conference contender could use a fourth scorer behind LaMarcus Aldridge, Damian Lillard and Wesley Matthews. Afflalo could be an immediate contributor off the bench as someone who could come in and rack up points in a hurry.
Although there was talk of multiple first-round picks, Christopher Dempsey of TheDenver Post notes the Denver Nuggets are looking for just a mid-to-late first-round pick. This wouldn't be too high of a cost, despite the objections fromBleacher Report's Sean Highkin:
Despite his struggles, Afflalo has proved to be a go-to scorer and consistent shooter throughout his career. In a different location, he could be able to regain his shooting touch and finish with a great season. This would be perfect for a team like Portland.
Prediction: Arron Afflalo is traded to the Trail Blazers
Goran Dragic, Phoenix Suns
Although he wasn't considered a real trade candidate a few weeks ago, Goran Dragic caused waves when he stated he wouldn't re-signwith the Phoenix Suns in the offseason.
Paul Coro of AZCentral.com quoted some of the point guard's negative remarks toward the organization:
The good news is if the squad wants to make a deal, there are certainly teams interested, according to Stein:
TheLos Angeles LakersandNew York Knicksare destinations at the top of Dragic's wish list, sources said, with theMiami Heatalso in the mix. But sources told ESPN.com that Houston, Sacramento and Boston all remain interested in pursuing a trade for him before the deadline, confident that they could sway Dragic to consider them long-term if they added him.The Rockets, Kings and Celtics are not on Dragic's list of preferred landing spots.
Although the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks make sense for the future, neither side is really in a position to give up draft picks. They would be smart to wait until the offseason to try to sign him as a free agent.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, this lack of motivation to complete a deal has caused the Suns to look elsewhere for a trade.
Among the other possibilities, the Heat might make the most sense as a squad that has assets to offer and the willingness to complete a deal. Dragic would also fit in well on a team that lacks backcourt options, especially when Dwyane Wade is injured.
He seems likely to be traded somewhere, and Miami could end up being the top destination.
Prediction: Goran Dragic is traded to the Heat
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Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2369622-nba-trades-2015-predicting-outcomes-for-biggest-names-on-deadline-day
