NBA Trade Deadline: 5 things to expect and not expect this week

What to expect and what not to expect heading into this week’s NBA Trade Deadline. 

It is two days until the NBA Trade Deadline! And there has been a multitude of rumors just creeping out since the beginning of this week. This piece is to help you guys know what to expect and NOT expect from teams around the league until that deadline at 3:00 p.m. (ET) March 25 (Thursday).

Maybe I’ll throw a trade proposal in there too, who knows I’m feeling generous.

Expect: Aaron Gordon worth two (?) first-rounders

That’s right folks, if there is a deal that will go through for Orlando’s Aaron Gordon, it is going to include two first-rounders and possibly more.

How do we know this? Chris Haynes reported that a deal with the Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic revolving around two firsts for Gordon fell through only because Gordon refused to commit long term. While it is a bit strange to see a player of AG’s (let’s say…medium?) caliber dictate his trade destinations, I super do not blame him for not wanting to join the Rockets (finally snapped that 20-game losing streak baybee!).

But the price has been set. And there are reports that the Celtics are planning on sending Marcus Smart and two firsts to Orlando in return for Gordon and Evan Fournier. Frankly, I see that as a stupid move on Boston’s part but with Danny Ainge being Mr. Annual ‘oooooo almost got ya!’ General Manager, I doubt we see it come to fruition.

AG is going to cost you a minimum of two firsts. Unless you are a team with a number of recent first-rounders on the roster (Minnesota). I think he will be traded ahead of Thursday’s deadline, though.

Prediction: Minnesota swoops in last minute and gets a deal done. Let’s say Ricky Rubio (with potential to be moved to a third team), Jarrett Culver, and two 2022 second-rounders for AG and James Ennis III.