NBA Rumors: 2 Southeast Division Players Who Could 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 Central Division click here.

P.J. Washington - Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets have made small but noticeable strides, leading to their 24-20 record, good for 7th in the Eastern Conference as of writing. Much of their moderate success can be attributed to the continued development of second-year point guard Lamelo Ball, and 4th-year power forward Miles Bridges. Together with veterans Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, and Kelly Oubre Jr., they make up the majority of the Hornets scoring, while players like Mason Plumlee, P.J. Washington, and Cody Martin fill smaller, but important roles with their rebounding, defence, and versatility.

Unfortunately for the Hornets, something has to give as they are quickly approaching the luxury tax, with the aforementioned Bridges and Martin's deals expiring this summer. Sources say P.J.Washington will be the odd one out in Charlotte, being linked to potential deals with the Pacers, Rockets, and Spurs.

Danilo Gallinari - Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks have been in the news a lot lately, thanks mostly to their recent trade with the New York Knicks which saw Cam Reddish, Solomon Hill, and a 2025 second-round draft pick for Kevin Knox and a protected first-round pick. Sources speculate that the Hawks aren't done wheeling and dealing, but the name being suggested in trades is not the one you might suspect. While John Collins name has come up plenty of times with some even suggesting he may have made a trade request, it's actually his teammate Danilo Gallinari who rival GM's have been inquiring about according to Jake Fischer (Bleacher Report):

Danilo Gallinari's name also started to circulate among league executives on Monday. His $20 million salary could serve as cap filler for a larger impact veteran. Only $5 million of Gallinari's salary is guaranteed for next season, the final of his three-year deal.

Gallinari has already been linked to several teams including the Raptors, Mavericks, and Trail Blazers.