Overpaid NBA Stars on the Decline Who Could Help Contenders this Year

 By: Weston Swift



    This year is expected to have the least amount of sellers at the trade deadline, due to the fact of the introduction of the play-in games to qualify for a playoff spot. Even if this does come to fruition there still are some impactful guys that are available that could help out some contenders. Such as just this week Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin have both been sat down until there teams decide to trade or buy them out. I think their could end up being a couple of guys who will be available that could be impactful. 


The Easy One: Andre Drummond

Plenty of teams need an impactful big-man to truly make a run at the title. The obvious one is the  Brooklyn Nets who basically aren't talked about without mentioning that they need a big man. If they do somehow get him without giving anything up, I do believe they officially become the title favorites. Though on the other side of this the Lakers could be fishing around in the market with AD now being out 4-6 weeks with an uncertain injury. This pairing could be deadly and help the Lakers defend the title. Another one who are the favorites to trade for him is the Toronto Raptors, the Baynes experiment I think has officially run its course. If they could get him without giving up anything major the east should watch out. 

Most Likely: Toronto Raptors

Wild Card: Boston Celtics 



Blake Griffin

    Another max player that is on the move is Blake Griffin this will most likely have to be a buyout because no one is taking on that contract. If he his bought out plenty of teams will want his services, he's only 3, and can still shoot and contribute. I believe the Lakers, Celtics, 76ers, Raptors, basically any team who wants a deep playoff run. He'll score and is a big body if you want a small ball 5. He's not a star anymore and won't blow you away with athleticism, but he will make your team deeper and has a lot of playoff experience. 

Most Likely: LA Lakers

Wild Card: Phoenix Suns 



Al Horford

    Oh the curious case of Al Horford he's played well with the Thunder, I mean not well enough to get paid just under the max but he still has something to contribute to a contender. He can stretch the floor, be a veteran voice with playoff experience, and he'll probably have the highest basketball IQ on the court. A couple of teams would love to have him, but don't like that contract he has. The Suns really need one more reliable big-man, Kaminsky isn't the answer in the playoffs. The Raptors would love him to sure up some offense, and maybe a Celtics reunion is in the future as well. 

Most Likely: He stays put in OKC with that contract

Wild Card: Dallas Mavericks 



DeMar DeRozan 

    The worst analytics star in the NBA is how certain people see him, what I see is a consistent 20 point per game scorer every season of his prime. He would be a great 3rd star, and I have no idea why people don't see that. He's on an expiring contract that teams could trade for and if it doesn't work out, then no hard feelings after the season. I think he would be amazing for his hometown Lakers or Clippers, to complete a big 3 on either one of those teams. Personally, I want a reunion with the Raptors, I believe that could give them a nice spark. Another team that should get him is Dallas, I believe he would do well with Luka take some pressure off of him, especially if KP isn't going to ever be himself again, but even if he does come around you have a decent big 3. A fun option would be the Celtics, Kemba for DeRozan straight up who says no? I know that probably won't happen, but I believe that would help both teams. 

Most Likely: Toronto Raptors

Wild Card: Portland Trailblazers



PJ Tucker

    The shoe king of the NBA, he has already expressed interests in being moved. He would basically help every team in the NBA he makes under $10 million on an expiring, and he never misses games. He stretches the floor and is built like an NFL linebacker with barley any body fat. His age is a factor, but I think he has a few good years left especially if he continues to knock down corner 3s. The 76ers would love him, a Morey re-union would help take some pressure off Embiid and give him some rest heading into the playoffs. Brooklyn has a couple of second rounders to trade, and basically any contender should pick up the phone. I heard that Houston either wants a 1st or 3-4 second round picks, no idea how that makes sense. 

Most Likely: Philadelphia 

Wild Card: Indiana Pacers



Trevor Ariza 

    He has a pretty big contract for what he can do, but it's not terrible. He hasn't suited up this year, so that means he is well rested. He's one of the ultimate 3 & D guys, and yes he's 35 but he can shoot and be a solid defender. He's kind of in the PJ Tucker camp, that most contenders should at least call about him. Every team in the league wants a guy over 6'8 who is a knock down shooter.  The Nets, 76ers and LA teams will all probably call OKC , and I predict he will be on a contending team come playoffs. 

Most Likely: LA Lakers 

Wild Card: Utah Jazz



LaMarcus Aldridge

    Statistically he's having a horrible year, but he still averages right around 15 points while being 6'11 and can shoot. He has a hefty contract, but maybe a change of scenery would help re-energize him this year. Most likely it would have to be a buyout, but who knows especially with a limited number of sellers. 

Most Likely: He stays put

Wild Card: Phoenix Suns 



Thaddeus Young

    The man who never seems to age, Young is always a great contributor on offense and defense. He never complains and makes any team he is on better. Only a 12 million dollar contract, very tradeable! If I am any top team he might be my top target, he's only 32 and is on a reasonable contract. Lakers, Nets, Suns, Clippers and Celtics should all call the Bulls because he'll probably be the reason you win a game in a playoff series. 

Most Likely: Indiana Pacers

Wild Card: Toronto Raptors



Victor Oladipo 

    A man of mystery, he's having a very strong year, the only thing is that he's on an expiring deal but will probably demand the max at the end of the year. It seems Houston is up to trade him, but what is worth giving up for him. Dallas should really consider this, he's still in the bottom half of his prime and Dallas clearly has shown they're not attracting the big free agents.

Most Likely: Dallas Mavericks

Wild Card: Boston Celtics


Eric Gordon

    Another Houston player, and another over-paid one at that. Though Gordon is playing very well this year, and I believe could help any team that needs some bench scoring. The only thing is though his contract his huge and almost immovable for a 6th man. Though teams with large trade exceptions (wink wink Boston) and teams with salaries to shed should at least inquiry about him. 

Most Likely: He stays put

Wild Card: Dallas Mavericks 



JJ Redick 

    He has basically been cast aside in New Orleans, but he's a veteran who can shoot the lights out. I know he has said he wants to go back to the East Coast, Boston has the trade exception, Brooklyn can't afford him, Philly can maybe get something together, but at the time it's hard to see where he could end up. 

Most Likely: Boston Celtics

Wild Card: Milwaukee Bucks



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