Both enjoying breakthrough seasons with mediocre teams, Lou Williams and Tyreke Evans have been among the talk-about names in the trade rumor mill the past few weeks, and many insiders believe there’s a good a chance these two vets end up on a different team.

Trade talks

Williams is a flamethrower of a scorer who can get buckets in various ways, while Evans is a versatile winger who has somewhat recaptured the magic of his impressive rookie run thanks to much improved three-point shooting this season. The availability of these veterans in the trade market presents an opportunity for contending teams to add more depth in their roster as they prepare for a tougher grind in the second half of the season and the playoffs.

But it’s not only veterans who are up for grabs at this time of the year, even promising young players could get involved in the crossfire of trade negotiations. According to Michael Scotto of the Athletic, the Orlando Magic is also gauging the market for power forward Aaron Gordon who, like Williams and Evans, has been putting up career-best numbers this season. Below is more information concerning the status of Williams, Evans, and Gordon with the trade deadline just around the corner.

Lou Williams

The Los Angeles Clippers have remained open to engaging in trade talks regarding Williams, who is averaging a career-high 23.5 PPG on 44.3 FG percent and 39.0 3PT percent with 5.2 APG. His starring role with the Clippers also comes in cheap, as he’s only pocketing $7MM this season.

Williams’ production and team-friendly expiring contract make him a very appealing trade targets for any contender on a tight budget. And although head coach Doc Rivers has already downplayed reports of Williams’ availability in the trade market, the Blake Griffin trade to Pistons proved that he’s no longer in control of the front office.

Atlantic Division rivals the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers have expressed interest in Williams. The Celtics already exhausted their $8.3MM DPE for big man Greg Monroe ($5MM), but they are very much capable of swinging for another deal because of their deep stash of draft picks and young players. The Sixers are also exploring the option of bringing back Williams to Philadelphia.

The former Sixth Man of the Year winner started his NBA career in Philly before bouncing around the league, playing for the Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, L.A Lakers, Houston Rockets and the Clippers. Los Angeles is reportedly asking a first-round pick in exchange their scorer. The Cleveland Cavaliers are also pushing hard to get Williams, as they continue to find ways to retool their lineup following up-and-down first half.

Tyreke Evans

In the same mold as Williams, Evans as a potential mid-season acquisition is intriguing for many reasons, though his suddenly explosive scoring ability is what impresses his suitors the most. Evans was already a solid scorer even before he sharpened his stroke from deep.

However, the dramatic improvement in his three-point shooting percentage really opened things up for him offensively this season (19.5 PPG on 45.8 FG percent and 40.0 percent 3PT percent).

Again, the Celtics and the Sixers are in the mix for Evans, same goes for the other five teams (Miami Heat, New Orleans Pelicans, Cleveland Cavaliers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Houston Rockets) who are looking for some offensive punch off the bench. According to Kevin O’Connor of the Ringer, the Memphis Grizzlies have already received offers from multiple teams, all are presumably willing to throw in a first-round pick.

Aaron Gordon

As mentioned, Scotto is reporting that fourth-year stud Aaron Gordon could be available in trade discussion, provided that the suitors are willing to meet the Magic’s lucrative asking price.

Right now, Orlando is basically gauging the trade value of every player on its roster. The front-office is receiving offers, but so far none has gone past the exploratory stage.

Gordon, who is averaging 18.4 PPG on 44.7 FG percent and 8.3 RPG, is scheduled to hit the market next season as a restricted free agent, giving other teams the opportunity of snatching one of the most promising big men in the NBA. The Magic, of course, have the right to match any offer sheet because they still own his Larry Bird rights.
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