NBA Rumors: 2 Northwest Division Players Expected To Be Traded Before The Deadline

The NBA Trade Deadline is less than a month away and there is lots of chatter surrounding practically every team in the NBA. At this point in the season, most teams know (or at least think that they know) if they are going to be contenders this season and should look to add to their core, or if they have no legitimate chance at a title and should offload some expiring contracts for future assets. Here are 2 players from the Central Division who have had their names brought up when discussing potential trades:

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For Southeast Division click here.

Larry Nance Jr. - Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers should be sellers at the deadline, regardless of Damian Lillard's status for the remainder of the season. With a 20-27 record and the 10th spot in the Western Conference standings, even at full-strength, the Blazers simply aren't good enough to win a championship and would be better off building towards next season. Portland has just 6 players under contract for next season, and one of them (Nassir Little) has a team option. With just over $31 million already coming off the books next season, the team could gain nearly $10 million more in cap space by moving reliable 2-way forward Larry Nance Jr. ahead of February 10th's trade deadline. Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report suggests that Northwest division rivals the Minnesota Timberwolves could be interested in the versatility Nance brings on defence. Trail Blazers management also needs to decide if a "big 3" of Lillard, C.J. McCollum, and Normal Powell are worth building around, or if they should trade one of the latter two to give Dame a new partner-in-crime.

JaMychal Green - Denver Nuggets

JaMychal Green has struggled mightily this season. The 8-year veteran is shooting just 25% from three, well below his career average of 37%, and many of his stats across the board are either the lowest or second-lowest marks of his entire career. One of the 6'8" power forwards main weapons is his outside shooting and his inability to help space the floor has partly led to the Nuggets 25-21 record - despite being thought of as a title contender heading into this season. Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray's injuries certainly are bigger factors, but Green's shortcomings have been magnified in their absence, and as a result, he is said to be available. Expect the Nuggets to move Green ahead of the deadline to a team that is willing to bet that the 31-year-old regains his old shooting form when he shot at least 38% for three straight seasons from 2018-2021.