A momentous development is on the horizon when the NBA calendar moves to December 15, 2023. A total of 80 players who signed contracts during the offseason will gain NBA trade eligibility. This marks the start of trade talks for the current season. The league requires newly acquired free agents to wait at least three months from their signing date or until December 15, whichever comes first, before they may be traded.
The next date is set to energize the NBA landscape by acting as the official launchpad for trade rumors. While there may not be many immediate player moves, December 15 marks the symbolic start of the trade season.
In this post, we will highlight and examine many players that will be eligible for NBA trades on December 15. Traditionally, teams are hesitant to break ways with newly acquired players after only three months of working together. Building team chemistry and adapting to a new environment take time, and teams invest significant resources in obtaining the skills they believe will positively contribute.
Nonetheless, the modern NBA environment is marked by a constant stream of player moves designed to improve a team’s competitive prospects. Teams are not scared to make moves, especially if they include freshly acquired players. With this in mind, we look at the best NBA players who will become tradeable on December 15. We attempt to analyze their realistic possibilities of being traded. Rather than individual talent levels, the rankings are based on estimated trade possibility.
We’ll take a look at Draymond Green, D’Angelo Russell, and other NBA players who are likely to be dealt after becoming eligible on December 15.
Golden State Warriors Draymond Green
Following Draymond Green’s indefinite ban, the Golden State Warriors face a potential blow to their championship hopes. Green has struggled with emotion management issues, prompting concerns about the team’s general performance. Despite this loss, the Warriors are driven to assemble a highly competitive lineup, buoyed by the presence of superstar player Steph Curry.
Even with Curry on the court, the Warriors have struggled with their current losing record. Meanwhile, using small lines with Green at the center position has proven to be risky. To escape drowning in this sea of difficulties, the Warriors must take drastic steps.
The availability of a strong player who may rejuvenate the Warriors’ core is a potentially beneficial development. Lauri Markkanen is the man in question. He emerges as a potential NBA trade target, with the opportunity to breathe new energy into the Warriors’ storied and battle-tested roster. If the Utah Jazz, who are currently 9-16 and may be in the midst of a rebuild, are prepared to contemplate a trade for their All-Star forward, Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. might investigate this possibility by reaching out to Danny Ainge. Perhaps Dunleavy can put Green in an intriguing deal in order to secure Markkanen.