NBA Trade Rumors: Contenders eyeing Atlanta’s Kent Bazemore
NBA Trade Rumors: According to a report, contenders are eyeing the possibility of trading for Kent Bazemore ahead of the deadline
As we quickly approach the New Year, expect the NBA trade market to really heat up over the course of the next few weeks. And a big part of that will be contenders trying to add a final piece or two for the stretch runs.
That’s no different this year, as we’ve already seen Trevor Ariza moved to the Washington Wizards last week. Even though the Wizards aren’t a contender, they made this move in an attempt to make a jump to the playoffs.
Nevertheless, Ariza was only the beginning of what many expect to be a busy trade season in the NBA. And one interesting name that should be kept an eye on is Kent Bazemore, who is currently playing for the Atlanta Hawks.
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According to New York Times scribe Marc Stein, contenders are reportedly showing interest in the possibility of adding the veteran wing.
"The Hawks like Bazemore for both his on-court production and his veteran presence in a young Atlanta locker room. But he’s generating interest from contending teams that covet a versatile swingman."
Bazemore is possibly in the final year of his contract. He does have a player option for next season, and it’s not clear whether he’ll elect to opt in or out, though considering that it’s an option for $19 million it wouldn’t be all that surprising for him to opt in, especially if he doesn’t believe he’s going to get that type of payday again.
Nevertheless, Bazemore has been having a good year with the Hawks this season. Bazemore is averaging a career high 13.2 points, four rebounds and three assists on 44 percent shooting from the field and 31 percent from 3-point range.
There’s no question that Bazemore, even in a small role, will be able to help a team that is in the playoff hunt. Question is, which team has the means (and could make the space) to land Bazemore?
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Perhaps a team like the Houston Rockets or Los Angeles Lakers would be interested in the West? At this point, these two teams should be making calls on nearly every player on the trade block.