Coast-to-Coast Trade Could Start a Nationwide NBA Frenzy
Photo via Rocky Widner (Getty Images)
The NBA offseason is about to officially begin. There is already plenty of speculation about where certain players could end up. That can rachet up even more now, after the first major player-for-player trade.
For reference, the Dwight Howard deal doesn't count as "major," because neither the Hornets nor the Nets were contenders. Neither even sniffed the postseason last year.
On Tuesday night, the Washington Wizards sent starting center Marcin Gortat to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for guard Austin Rivers — yes, the son of head coach Doc Rivers. While it was eye-catching, the deal makes perfect sense for both sides.
It had become clear that Gortat was no longer a fit with the Wizards, even though they lacked other serviceability at center. Chemistry on and off the court had become an issue and age appeared to catch up with him last season. Washington had been shopping him leading up to the draft, but didn't want to part with the No. 15 overall pick in a salary dump.
It was also apparent that the Wizards needed guard depth. John Wall and Bradley Beal are All-Star talents, but the team has struggled to acquire anyone reliable enough to play meaningful minutes behind them. In Rivers, they acquire a true combo guard who also made 38 percent of his three-point attempts last season, while slightly cutting their payroll in the process.
On the other end, the Clippers had already moved on from Rivers entirely. They had two lottery picks this year, and they took two guards with them. Even before selecting them, the Clippers already had Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams and ex-EuroLeague star Milos Teodosic, and Patrick Beverley missed all of last season with a torn ACL. They needed to offload a guard, and Rivers' expiring contract made him a prime candidate, despite the family ties.
The most interesting, speculative piece in this deal, however, is what Gortat's insertion means for their incumbent center, DeAndre Jordan, and the subsequent domino effect.
Jordan holds a player option worth just over $24 million. If the Clippers retain him, they would be on the books for nearly $38 million between their top two centers, both of whom can only play center and neither of whom can contribute anything outside of the post. That doesn't sound feasible.
Regardless of whether the Clippers want him or not, the ball lies in Jordan's court. Remember, it's a player — not team — option, and, even if he "opts in," he can be traded. It's very unlikely that he sticks around.
Rumors have been swirling left and right about Jordan winding up on the Mavericks. However, they will not be the only suitors.
Oklahoma City doesn't make a ton of sense for Jordan, since Steven Adams is already there, but who knows? Regardless, even if DeAndre doesn't wind up in Dallas, DeMarcus Cousins would also be in play for the Mavericks. The same goes for Julius Randle if the Lakers opt to let him go in order to have cap space for top-tier players. Clint Capela could possibly be stolen from Houston if they want to extend him a massive offer sheet. Even that guy in the "non-major" trade to the Nets could be available.
All reports seem to indicate that the Mavericks have to (and will) wind up with a center. If that is the case, it means an intriguing free agent option will be sent packing: Nerlens Noel.
Noel is not perfect. He has an extensive injury history and is a limited player even when he's healthy. However, this is a copycat league. Look at the centers the Warriors have had in their championship runs. They've all been shot-blockers who run the floor. None of the rest of their skill sets have mattered. Noel fits the bill perfectly.
Who else is in the market for a center, and preferably a more affordable one, like Noel would be? The team whose trade just started this domino effect — the Washington Wizards.
This is only one possibility, but the trade that just took place could turn into this.
Clippers receive: Marcin Gortat and whatever the Jordan return would be
Mavericks receive: DeAndre Jordan
Wizards receive: Austin Rivers and Nerlens Noel
Of course, none of this even matters in the long run if any two of LeBron James, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard and Chris Paul end up in Houston, Cleveland, Philadelphia or L.A. (no, I'm not talking about the Clippers).
Start the rumors! Expect them to ramp up on Sunday, July 1, when restricted free agency begins. Unrestricted free agency will then kick off at noon five days later.