Each of these three players could be dealt at the NBA trade deadline; I just don’t think they will. And that’s the biggest reason why they’re honorable mentions and not on the actual list of players that should be traded at the deadline.
Boogie
There’s no question that the Sacramento Kings will eventually trade DeMarcus Cousins. It’s almost inevitable, but it just isn’t going to happen right now. He’s under contract through 2018 and there’s no rush for the Kings to move him. Even if Boogie wanted to be dealt, he has no leverage. What is he going to do – stop showing up for work? Doubtful. However, if the right deal presented itself, filled with a myriad of young talent or an assortment of future picks, the Kings might pull the trigger. I just don’t think it’ll happen this season.
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Whiteside
The Miami Heat still don’t know if they’re going to pay him this summer or watch someone else do it. Either way, Hassan Whiteside is going to get a huge payday soon. If the Heat don’t intend of giving him the max contract that he’s likely going to demand on the open market this summer, they should try and get him for something now – a sign and trade won’t be in play this summer. The Heat desperately need some outside shooting and if they were to pair Whiteside in a deal with Luol Deng, they might be able to address that weakness. If such deal presented itself, I really think Pat Riley should pull the trigger.
However, I don’t think there’s going to be a shooter worth that much on the market at the deadline. Unfortunately.
Noah
Joakim Noah may have lost a step, but he can still provide value for many teams out there, perhaps more than he’s currently providing the Chicago Bulls with. Noah has a very much movable contract, also an expiring one, and a team like the Dallas Mavericks could very much benefit from a deal for a defensive-minded center. Will they do it? Unlikely. The Bulls aren’t known for making in-season trades. Don’t expect Noah to be moved, even if it does make sense.
Next: The Other Morris Twin