NBA Trade Rumors: December 15th Marks a Pivotal Moment
As December ushers in the countdown to significant changes in the NBA, teams are eagerly anticipating the opening of player trades on December 15. This marks a pivotal moment as contracts signed during the offseason can now be exchanged. While this doesn’t guarantee a flurry of transactions immediately, it does set the stage for an active trade period leading up to the crucial February deadline. Given this context, let’s explore three potential trades that could address ongoing roster challenges for various teams in the league.
Potential Trade Proposals
Trade Proposal 1: Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs
The Chicago Bulls could send guard Coby White to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for veteran Kelly Olynyk and a protected first-round pick slated for the 2029 draft. White’s situation is precarious; he is poised to enter unrestricted free agency next summer, risking a complete loss for the Bulls if no trade occurs. With a scoring average around 20 points per game, his departure would be a significant detriment to Chicago, especially as he is a key floor spacer.
Olynyk’s contract would serve as a temporary financial tradeoff, allowing Chicago to maintain flexibility while adding a future asset in the form of a lottery-protected draft pick, likely around 20th overall. Although it might appear to undervalue White’s contributions, the Bulls lack leverage due to timing. They missed an earlier opportunity to trade him for a more considerable return when he had two years left on his contract. The Spurs, on the other hand, would gain a much-needed scoring boost in White, enhancing their guard rotation and potentially increasing their competitiveness with rising star Victor Wembanyama.
Trade Proposal 2: Dallas Mavericks and Chicago Bulls
The Dallas Mavericks might consider sending Anthony Davis and Jaden Hardy to the Chicago Bulls, acquiring Nikola Vučević, Zach Collins, and Kevin Huerter in return. This trade could significantly alter Chicago’s trajectory, not merely as a follow-up to a potential White trade but as a strategy to strengthen their roster and persuade White to remain in Chicago beyond this season.
While some Mavericks enthusiasts might point out the absence of draft picks in this scenario, ignoring Davis’s uncertain value would be unwise. At 33 years old, and with considerable injury history—having only played 16 games since his transfer to Dallas—Davis carries the risk of burdening a franchise with his hefty $111.1 million remaining contract. However, if Chicago can mitigate that risk through a trade without sacrificing draft picks, they might find Davis, a local talent, an appealing option. He could elevate Chicago’s status without dismantling their backcourt core, enhancing playoff prospects significantly.
Trade Proposal 3: Sacramento Kings and Memphis Grizzlies
The Sacramento Kings could trade DeMar DeRozan to the Memphis Grizzlies for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Although this isn’t a blockbuster deal, it represents a strategic move for the Grizzlies, currently struggling at 9-12, amid ongoing concerns regarding Ja Morant’s availability. DeRozan brings an ability to create his own shot and facilitate plays, ideal for a team looking to boost their playoff aspirations while replacing Caldwell-Pope, whose production has lagged behind expectations.
For Sacramento, this deal would alleviate the congestion on their roster by allowing more offensive freedom for players like Domantas Sabonis and Keegan Murray. Caldwell-Pope may not have the star power of DeRozan, yet he provides essential off-ball movement and defensive versatility, aligning with the Kings’ need for more cohesive offensive flow. Additionally, Caldwell-Pope’s contract presents potential value moving into the next season.
