NBA Trade Rumors as the Deadline Approaches

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Feb 5, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jeff Green (8) shoots during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Celtics defeated the Sixers 114-108. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The trade deadline is just around the corner on February 20^th, and NBA trade rumors are already buzzing. Because of the substantial gap between this year’s contenders and tankers (shame on them) it is anticipated to be much more active than usual. The good teams are trying to round out their rosters for a playoff push, while the bad teams are hunting for expiring contracts to clear cap space this summer. The Portland Trail Blazers are unlikely to partake either way, but why should we ignore the changes of the competition? The following players are among the most likely to find new homes after the All-Star break.

Jeff Green

Dec 31, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics small forward Jeff Green (8) drives on Atlanta Hawks power forward Paul Millsap (4) during the fourth quarter of Atlanta

The Boston Celtics are preparing for a fire sale. They are the less than proud owners of two multi-season mammoth contracts (relatively speaking) in Jeff Green and Gerald Wallace. Green is owed roughly $9.2 million per year through 2016, with a player option, while Wallace is owed $10.1 million per year through the same stretch of time. Of the two, Green will be much easier to pitch, since he is entering his prime where Wallace is entering his twilight.

The Atlanta Hawks are reportedly interested in acquiring Jeff Green. The Hawks have dropped to fourth in the Eastern Conference since center Al Horford’s cruel bout with déjà vu and a torn pectoral. They could feasibly still make a deep playoff run if they can couple first-time All-Star Paul Millsap with another capable piece. Green would cost them DeMarre Carroll and change though. Carroll is in the midst of a break out year in Atlanta, but cannot equal Green’s production or salary for that matter. More assets are necessary.

Houston has also been mentioned as a possible destination for Jeff Green, but I’ll come back to that when I get to you know who…