The 2016 NBA trade deadline is less than a month from now, which means all teams are expected to burn phone lines in the hopes of striking deals either to improve their chances this season or prepare for the future.
The Denver Nuggets, who are fighting for a playoff spot in the Western Conference, are reportedly shopping J.J. Hickson, Marc Stein of ESPN revealed. Hickson has only played in 18 games this season, where he averaged just 7.6 points and 4.8 rebounds in 16.8 minutes per game.
Nuggets, I'm told, actively trying to find workable deal that would send Hickson elsewhere in advance of the NBA's Feb. 18 trade deadline
"” Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) January 20, 2016
On the other hand, Brooklyn Nets guard Joe Johnson is continuously being mentioned in trade rumors over the past several days, especially after the franchise opted to remove general manager Billy King and coach Lionel Hollins from their post, following their disappointing start this season.
Johnson, who is averaging 11.5 points on top of 4.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists this season, will be a boost to a title contender because of his leadership and scoring abilities. However, Nets Daily pointed out that Brooklyn will likely keep the 34-year-old for the rest of the 2015-16 NBA season.
The former All-Star is set to earn $24.9 million this year and will become a free agent in the summer. According to the Nets Daily report, Brooklyn will likely let Johnson's contract run out to have more room to make a splash this summer. It seems Johnson is safe unless the Nets gets an offer that would also give them expiring contracts.
Meanwhile, New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson is also on the list of players who could change zip codes in February. According to FanSided, the Pelicans could trade Anderson for a long-term talent, knowing that the sweet-shooting forward, who is averaging 1.68 points and 6.8 rebounds, could leave this summer via free agency.
Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris is still in the desert despite being linked to trade talks since he publicly requested for a move last summer. Morris made it no secret that he wants out of Phoenix after his twin brother, Marcus, was traded to the Detroit Pistons.
According to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, the Suns are looking to ditch Morris not just for the sake of dumping him because of his trade request. The Suns want talent in return, but Kyler added that the Suns "might blink" on a deal before the deadline to get rid of the disgruntled veteran.
