Eastern Conference trade candidates

Love has only been limited to a small amount of games on the court due to injury but when he has played, he has been the only good thing for the Cavs. Love has averaged 19 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists so far this season. In the offseason, the Cavs inked Love to a four-year, $120 million extension which kicks in next season but is believed to be available for the right price.

Burks has been sharing minutes with rookie Collin Sexton but when he’s on the court, he’s averaged 10.4 points, 2.1 assists, and 4.1 rebounds. He will become a free agent after this season so any contending team could get him for fairly cheap if a contending team is interested in him.

With Love out, Clarkson has been the primary scorer on the last place Cavs. So far this season, he has averaged 16.5 points, 2.3 assists, and 3.3 rebounds. He is under contract until next season for just over $13 million so the Cavs could get some value in a trade for Clarkson.

With Hood set to become a free agent after this season, the Cavs will try and trade him to try and prevent him from walking away with nothing in return. Hood is averaging 12.4 points, two assists, and 2.4 rebounds.

Like Love, Thompson has also missed time this season with an inury. When he has been on the court, he’s averaged 11.5 points, 2.1 assists, and 11.1 rebounds. Thompson has one more year left on his contract after this season for $18 539 130. He could potentially net a player and a pick in return.

Kanter has been disappointed lately with his playing time and a change of scenery would be benificial for him. This season, Kanter has averaged 14.4 points, two assists, and 10.8 rebounds. He has previously been linked to the Kings.

Burke is averaging 11.6 points, 2.8 assists, and 1.9 rebounds this season.

This season, Mudiay is averaging 14.7 points, 3.9 assists, and 3.1 rebounds and would be a great bench option for any contending team.

Dunn is under contract for one more season after this one but it doesn’t fit with the Bulls contention window. The Bulls would be wise to try to move him now in order to tank to try and get Zion Williamson in the upcoming draft. This season, Dunn is averaging 12 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.2 rebounds and will be owed just over $5 million next season.

Like Dunn, Portis often gets injured and staying healthy is an issue for him. When he has been healthy, he has averaged 12.6 points, 1.4 assists, and 7.5 rebounds. Portis will be an RFA next season.

Lopez wanted to be bought out of his contract so he could sign with a contending team, specifically the Warriors, but the Bulls want to try and trade him. Lopez has averaged a meager six points, one assist, and three rebounds. A trade to the Warriors is a possibility with the Bulls getting the Warriors second round pick in the 2019 draft being what it should take to get the deal done.

At 42 years old, Carter can still be a serviceable producer on the court. This season, he hit the 25 000 point mark and is averaging 6.7 points, one assist, and 2.8 rebounds. A trade to the Raptors would be a sweet reunion as they try to win the franchise’s first title but there has been no rumours linking Carter to the Raptors.

One of the only good players on the Hawks may soon be finding himself playing for a contender. Bazemore is currently on the sidelines with an injury but has averaged 14 points, 2.6 assists, and four rebounds so far this season. Bazemore comes with a $19 million player option for next season.

Lin has thrived in a reserve role for the rebuilding Hawks. Lin is averaging 11 points, 3.7 assists, and 2.4 rebounds and could be a decent bench option on a contender.

Dedmon is averaging 10.3 points, 1.4 assists, and 7.4 rebounds and would be a solid option for a team looking for rebounding help. The Raptors could be a fit here.

With the Magic over five games out of a playoff spot, they will be looking to trade players on expiring contracts. One of those guys is Nikola Vucevic who is averaging 20.6 points, 3.8 assists, and 12 rebounds. Vucevic should command a strong return of draft picks and prospects. Vucevic can also be a fallback option for teams that miss out or aren’t willing to pay up for Anthony Davis.

Another player on an expiring contract on the Magic is Terrence Ross who is averaging 13.9 points, 1.6 assists, and 3.2 rebounds but is shooting 37.2 percent from three. Ross will be a rental as his contract is up after the season and would help a team in need of a three point shooter. With the Raptors struggling from deep, a reunion with Ross could be a possibility.