NBA Trade Rumors for 2016-17 NBA Season: Aldridge to Hawks, Shumpert and Bradley to Be Traded
With less than a week to go before the start of the 2016-17 NBA regular season, trade rumors continue to spread. Even players that play a pivotal role in their respective teams aren't exempt from these speculations. Here are some of the latest.
1. LaMarcus Aldridge to Hawks
According to Inquisitr, LaMarcus Aldridge of the San Antonio Spurs will be traded to the Atlanta Hawks. In exchange, the Spurs will get Paul Millsap and a future 1st round draft pick.
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Rumors also point to the possibility that Aldridge is unhappy with the Spurs. Prior to entering the franchise, the power forward was allegedly promised to be the primary focal point on offense. Last season, though, it was Kawhi Leonard who was and has always been the main man. After all, Leonard has more to his resume with an NBA Finals MVP and a championship ring.
A tweet by NBA RETWEET states that "LaMarcus Aldridge isn't happy that he isn't the number one guy. Felt that the Spurs pitched to him that he would be the go to guy (SAEN)."
If the trade pushes through, then LaMarcus Aldridge would be paired up with Dwight Howard in the front court. Howard was added to the roster to strengthen the front court of the Hawks, who has been an Eastern Conference title contender these past few seasons but hasn't really solved the Cavaliers puzzle.
Having Aldridge in the lineup will serve as a safety net in case Dwight Howard couldn't perform. Aldridge averaged 18.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.1 blocks per game last season.
Despite these rumors, Aldridge has denied, through the Jim Rome show, that he is going to be traded. He said that Coach Gregg Popovich has always told him about his great performance. He added that his primary aim is to be the team's leader, which doesn't necessarily mean being the top scorer of the team.
2. Iman Shumpert to be traded
Rumors report that Iman Shumpert may be traded by the Cleveland Cavaliers before the end of this season.
Zach Lowe of ESPN reports that some teams have been showing their interest in acquiring Shumpert; a player who has been used as a defensive asset by the Cavs. One team that may engage in trade talks with the Cavaliers for Shumpert is the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Iman Shumpert averaged 5.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.0 steal and 0.4 blocks on 24.4 minutes played per game last season. Shumpert signed a 4-year, $40 million deal with Cleveland two years ago.
3. Bradley to be traded
Another trade rumor indicates that the Boston Celtics is willing to give up on their top defensive guards Avery Bradley. By trading Bradley, the team hopes to get another superstar to become a true Eastern conference championship contender.
Bradley averaged 15.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 steals per game last season.
