Swinging: The hot names ahead of the window closing in the NBA

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One of the highlights of every season in the NBA will come in a week and a half – the day that will mark the deadline for transfers between the best basketball teams in the world. Or as they call it in “American”: The Trade Deadline. On March 25, the exciting event will take place, which may also affect the continuation of the fight for the championship rings. Just before the market closes, time to make an order: these are the prominent players who are candidates to find a new home soon.

Victor Oladipo (Houston)
The 28-year-old guard was already part of one trade this season when he moved from Indiana to Houston as part of the huge deal that sent James Harden to Brooklyn. Now, given the fact that the Rockets’ season is not going anywhere, and Oladipo himself will become an unlimited free agent this summer, the name of the man selected second in the 2013 draft is once again mentioned in trade talks. Oladipo has partnered in 16 games this season in Houston and averaged 20.1 points, 5.0 assists and 4.9 rebounds. Beyond that, he is considered one of the best guards in the league among the guards. The New York Knicks and Miami Heat have been mentioned as candidates to absorb him.

To Marcus Aldridge (San Antonio)
The veteran Aldridge, 35, is still listed as a San Antonio player, but one way or another, he will not be part of the Spurs squad after the trade deadline, Greg Popovich has confirmed. The forward / center is far from his peak, but can still contribute to any championship contender in experience under baskets and steady shooting from half distance. This season he has partnered in 21 games and averaged 13.7 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. The Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics and also the mythological ex, Portland, were mentioned among the candidates to join the Veterans.


PJ Tucker (Houston)
Tucker, 35, like Aldridge, is not expected to continue at the Texas club after the window closes and is expected to move to one of the contenders. The veteran forward is recording a low season in his career – 4.4 points per game at just 31 percent off the arc – but there is no team that would not be happy with his services, especially given his abilities to maintain almost any position on the field. Aside from the reliable defense and shooting from time to time, Tucker brings elements that every team that dreams of a championship wants: toughness, fighting for every lost ball and a great deal of heart. The Lakers and Phoenix Suns, in the media he played four and a half years, were mentioned as options.

Kyle Laurie (Toronto)
Laurie, the NBA champion with the Raptors two years ago, has long been mentioned as a candidate to move to a contender from his hometown, Philadelphia. However, the guard, who has been playing for Toronto for nine seasons, has denied rumors of a possible trade – and so has his agent. Despite this, it is not inconceivable that the club itself will decide otherwise, as Laurie, like Oladipo, will become an unlimited free agent in the summer – and this is actually the last chance to get him any consideration. Aside from Philadelphia, one can imagine almost every championship contender expressing interest in Guard (34), who has recorded 18 points per game and 7.2 assists this season and provides quality defense on a regular basis.

Other notable players who are candidates to pass: Al Horford (Oklahoma City), Jeremy Grant (Detroit), Harrison Barnes (Sacramento), Andre Drummond (Cleveland), Nikola Wojciech (Orlando), Kevin Love (Cleveland), J.J. Reddick (New Orleans).

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