Lou Williams, Tyreke Evans and other potential players on the move before the NBA's trade deadline

Jay Asser 22:44 30/01/2018
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  • Lou Williams is averaging a career-high 23.5 points this season.

    The first domino ahead of the trade deadline has fallen with Blake Griffin traded to Detroit. Here are five players who could be on the move next, with his former team-mate kicking off the list:

    Lou Williams

    It would only make sense that after the Clippers unloaded Griffin, they would then move Lou Williams and DeAndre Jordan, right? Not necessarily.

    Both are expiring contracts – though Jordan could opt-in for $24.1 million in 2018-19 – but LA might be content holding on to them and re-signing them in the summer. Out of the two, Williams could be moved easier, thanks to his lower salary and what he can offer a contender: scoring and shooting in a pinch, either as a starter or off the bench.

    Kemba Walker

    Charlotte have made it clear that their point guard is available for the right price, although that price may be too steep for teams who would like to pursue him.

    Walker isn’t having as good of a season as he did last year, but he’s still a borderline All-Star and a talented scorer. He’s also on a cheap contract that will pay him just $12 million next season. All these reasons are why Charlotte are likely seeking high value in return and few, if any teams, will want to match that price point.

    Rodney Hood

    Hood might not be any more than what he already is, but at just 25, he’s worth taking a gamble on.

    Utah aren’t going anywhere right now and the only players on their roster that should be in their future plans are Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell. Detroit, even after trading for Griffin, are reportedly eyeing Hood, who would instantly provide outside shooting and some scoring, complimenting the Pistons’ new frontcourt look.

    Tyreke Evans

    Evans is having the best season of his career at the age of 28 and would provide a major boost to any contender in need of a scoring punch.

    Memphis are headed for a lottery pick and could improve their selection by shipping Evans somewhere he could play meaningful minutes, like Boston. However, Evans is playing too well for the Grizzlies not to command a first-round pick and teams will hesitate at spending that for an expiring contract.

    Julius Randle

    Despite his production, Randle is a bit of a question mark in today’s NBA as a bruising power forward who doesn’t stretch the floor or provide much rim protection.

    But he’s only 23 and seems to produce whenever he’s on the floor. The Lakers are chasing cap space in the summer and Randle doesn’t figure to be in their long-term plans as he’ll hit restricted free agency, so it would make sense to move him now if a team values his old-school game.

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