The 2017-18 NBA season is just on its fourth week, and there are already plenty of activities on the trading market. The Eric Bledsoe to the Milwaukee Bucks deal is the first of what is expected to be an avalanche of significant trade transactions, with contenders in the East and West looking to beef up their lineup between now and the mid-season trade deadline in February.
NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN even predicted a busy trading market this season. He believes the Cleveland Cavaliers’ slow start has given their Eastern Conference rivals the idea that they can finally topple the Cavs and go all the way to the finals this year.
Wojnarowski even predicted a number of West-to-East deals as the trade deadline approaches because of the wide-open nature of the East.
There will be no shortage of talents available on this year’s trade market. Bona fide All-Stars like DeMarcus Cousins and DeAndre Jordan could hit the block if their respective teams continue to slide down in the Western Conference standings. Other teams might also be open to selling some of their productive veterans like Will Barton, Tyson Chandler and Kenneth Faried for future draft pick.
But among this group of potential trade candidates, the names of Dallas Mavericks center Nerlens Noel and Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle. These two young big men are currently at the crossroad of their careers not because of their lack of talents but simply the situations they are in with their respective teams.
Noel is feuding with Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle, while Randle is not a priority for cap-clearing Lakers.
Both of these players are craving to play elsewhere, and only trade is the way out of their current dilemma. With that, it’s high time to predict which teams are willing to give these players the platform to showcase their true potential.
Nerlens Noel
The former Kentucky big man is a rare talent. At 6-foot-11, Noel has the length to protect the rim and mobility to lock down guards out in the perimeter. While he’s still a project on offense, Noel has the upside to become a two-way threat if he’s paired with a great point guard.
Team to watch out for: The Boston Celtics look to be a great fit for the defensive-oriented big man like Noel.
Boston currently has the best defense in the league (94 points allowed per game) despite the absence of a legit shot blocker. Noel would not only provide rim protection, but he would also allow Al Horford to his comfortable position at power forward, giving the Celtics a tall lineup that could counter big teams.
Julius Randle
Randle is playing the most efficient basketball of his career. The 6-foot-11 banger is averaging 11.8 points on 60 percent FG shooting with 6.7 rebounds in just 20 minutes of play per game. Unfortunately, Randle is not on the Lakers’ future plans. With the Lakers looking for ways to clear cap space for next summer, it’s safe to say Randle will be playing for another team either this season or the next.
Teams to watch out for: The Sacramento Kings are collecting young talents with the hope that one day some of them would develop into future All-Stars. The Kings signed Zach Randolph to be the mentor to their kids, but none of their current crops of youngsters resemble his game. Randle, on the other hand, is the spitting image of Randolph. Watch out for the Kings to make a move for Randle since they still have over $4 million in cap space to absorb his contract. A second-round pick might be enough to hammer a deal with the Lakers.
