With roughly a week to go before the start of the 2014-15 NBA season, general managers around the league are scrambling to find ways on how to reduce their roster number down to 15 players.
Moreover, there have been a lot of buzz as of late on the trading front,, and according to SI.con NBA writer Rob Mahoney, there are several big names already available on the trading block.
Rockets Looking For Trade: Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey is reportedly trying to cut down his roster down to 15, which ESPN NBA insider Nick Borges believed would be a lot harder because of guaranteed deals.
On Thursday, Morey waived Akil Mitchell and Josh Powell and is expected to do same on guard Geron Johnson to bring down the number to 17. According to Houston Chronicle, the Rockets GM might need to pull off a trade to achieve his goal before October 27 deadline.
Old and New Kids on the Block: Mahoney detailed in his recent article on SI.com the top players who could be traded anytime between now and February trade deadline. Boston Celtics' duo of Rajon Rondo and Jeff Green lead the list, while Detroit Pistons forward Josh Smith could also be dealt.
Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard Dion Waiters and Denver Nuggets off guard Randy Foye are also viewed as potential trade baits, and Mahoney believed all in the Philadelphia 76ers roster, except rookies Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel, are tradable in the eyes of general manager Sam Hinkie.
Extension Rush: With few days left before Oct 31, teams are also rushing to sign their players eligible for contract extension.
Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker, Golden State Warriors shooter Klay Thompson, San Antonio Spurs swingman Kawhi Leonard, and Chicago Bulls defensive stopper Jimmy Butler are some of big names eligible for a new contract. If teams failed to lock up these players before the deadline, they are set to hit the free-agency market next summer as restricted free-agents.
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