2023 BBNBA Trade Deadline Preview

NBA Twitter’s favorite day of the year is right around the corner; the 2023 NBA Trade Deadline.

The NBA Trade Deadline has drastically changed the landscape of the NBA since its inception in 1987. In recent years, superstars such as DeMarcus Cousins, Blake Griffin, Dwyane Wade, and Isaiah Thomas have found themselves on a new roster following the February 10th deadline.

HoopsWire.com NBA writer Sam Amico stated earlier this week that “one GM told [him] he predicts no one who averages more than 12 points a game will be traded next week.” There are a few quality former ‘Cats that fit this bill that may find themselves in a new uniform come February 11th.

Trade Candidate #1: Jarred Vanderbilt

Of any former ‘Cat, Jarred Vanderbilt seems most likely to be on the move.

Vanderbilt, at just age 23, is averaging 8.5 PPG and 7.8 RPG for a Utah Jazz team struggling to find its identity. Following the departures of franchise pillars Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, Utah management still seems unsure whether or not they want to try and contend or blow everything up.

Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.com tweeted earlier this week that he believed Vanderbilt could be traded for “the equivalent of a first-round pick,” which would be great value for a guy that was just thrown into the massive Gobert haul last offseason.

Thursday afternoon, renowned NBA reporter Shams Charania of The Athletic reported the Portland Trail Blazers have emerged as a strong suitor for Vanderbilt, looking to acquire some extra firepower in their quest to make the NBA Playoffs. Portland, led by future Hall of Famer Damian Lillard, currently sits at 26-26, a half game outside of the NBA Play-In Tournament.

Western Conference playoff contender emerges as strong suitor for Utah’s Jarred Vanderbilt: pic.twitter.com/WMzNyGEVzS

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 2, 2023

If J-Vando is ultimately dealt from Utah, he will be landing on his fourth NBA team in just five seasons.

Trade Candidate #2: P.J. Washington

While this one is probably unlikely, Washington’s name is one to keep an eye on.

P.J. is in the midst of his fourth NBA season, all coming in Charlotte. The Hornets have yet to make a playoff appearance in Washington’s tenure, and this year looks no different. Michael Jordan’s franchise currently sits at 15-37, their season likely over before the All-Star break even begins.

Washington is in the final year of his rookie contract but has earned an $8.4 million qualifying offer next season. He will be a restricted free agent following the conclusion of this season and will be free to sign an offer-sheet with any team in the league. How much is too much for Charlotte to match? Would they even take the risk?

This is why Charlotte may bite the bullet and part ways with their 2019 12th overall pick, trying to get some value instead of losing the 6-foot-7 forward to free agency.

Boston Celtics writer Jay King of the Athletic listed Washington among four other names as potential targets for the best team in the East. Although Charlotte’s asking price may reportedly be “too high” for a trade to go down, don’t rule out the possibility of P.J. being on the move next week.

.@PJWashington has LIFTOFF! ✈️#LetsFly | @drpepper pic.twitter.com/xAV9yPk4bw

— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) January 24, 2023

Washington is averaging 15.1 PPG, 4.6 RPG, and 2.4 APG in 51 games played for the Hornets this season.

Trade Candidate #3: Nerlens Noel

The Detroit Pistons are bad. Very bad.

Last offseason, the Pistons acquired Nerlens Noel in a salary-dump trade from the New York Knicks. The 2013 SEC Defensive Player of the Year is the fifth highest paid Piston, making around $9.2 million a season. Noel, who turns 29 in April, doesn’t seem to really suit this young Pistons team centered around young stars Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren, and 2021 #1 overall pick Cade Cunningham.

A contending team who needs a solid backup center will be the most likely landing spot for Nerlens. Noel is one of the league’s premier shot blockers and would be a nice bench piece for a contending team such as the Miami Heat or the Dallas Mavericks. Heat Insider Greg Sylvander reported earlier this week that the Heat had their eyes on Noel and Vanderbilt to fill that back-up spot behind 2023 NBA All-Star Bam Adebayo.

Report: The Miami Heat have expressed trade interest in Jarred Vanderbilt and Nerlens Noel, via @GregSylvander. pic.twitter.com/irLDPiovcm

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 26, 2023

Noel has suited up for Detroit in just 13 games this season, averaging 2.5 PPG and 2.8 RPG.

Happy Trade Deadline week NBA fans!