In trade season, fans and the media obsess over the big moves. Everybody wants to see stars switching teams or struggling teams deciding to blow it up. What isn’t talked about, though, is that little moves can still make a massive difference. Adding the right complementary piece at the deadline can lift a contender to championship status. Examples of this in recent memory include the Raptors trading for Marc Gasol in 2019 and the Bucks getting P.J. Tucker in 2021. Today, let’s take a look at some buy-low targets who could fit that bill. These guys have low trade value but could reward a team that takes a chance on them.
Gordon Hayward
Once an All-Star, Gordon Hayward is well past his glory days. Injuries have plagued him ever since he left Utah. However, he still has gas in the tank. Because he plays in Charlotte, Hayward’s production in recent years has gone unseen by the masses. When he’s healthy he’s still a high-level starter who contributes in every facet of the game. He’s an efficient spot-up threat, a capable pick-and-roll ball handler and passer, a respectable team defender, and a killer mid-range shooter. Even if he’s lost a step or two, the talent and skill have not left Hayward’s body and teams should be lining up to rescue him from the Hornets.
The one problem is that he’s making over $31 million, a tough figure to match in a trade, especially because his current value does not align with his paycheck. The best chance he has of joining a contender this season is if he’s bought out, a possibility that has been rumored.
Teams Hayward would be a good fit on include the 76ers and the Mavericks.
Kevin Huerter
The Sacramento Kings, 2022-23’s breakout squad, have taken a step back this season. Their offense has regressed to the middle of the pack, and their defense is below average on its best day. Their supporting cast is in need of an upgrade, and if they look to shuffle their roster around then teams should be calling about Kevin Huerter. While he’s having a down year, the man called Red Mamba has proven to be a dynamic shooter and movement threat who can be a key cog in an elite offense. He would be perfect for any team trying to bolster their attack, and because he is just 25 and has playoff experience, he would be a worthwhile addition for contenders and rebuilders alike.
Teams Huerter would be a good fit on include the Magic, the Nuggets, and the Pistons.
Clint Capela
Not too long ago, Clint Capela was a borderline dominant interior force. In 2021, he ranked 49th on BMB’s top 100 players list after he led the league in rebounding and held things down in the paint for the Hawks deep in the playoffs. His impact has slipped significantly as the years have gone on though, and it’s only a matter of time before he loses his starting spot to the younger (and arguably better) Onyeka Okongwu. With his value at an all time low, Capela should be a target for teams looking to better their big man room. People don’t realize how hard it is to be a rim protector when the guys on the perimeter can’t guard, and Capela is a victim of that situation in Atlanta. So, in a more sound defensive infrastructure, the monstrous version of the Swiss Bank could make a return.
Teams that Capela would be a good fit on include the Thunder and the Grizzlies.
Gary Harris
Gary Harris is a quality contributor in the league’s trendiest role: 3&D. His services are expendable for the Magic, though, as they are loaded in the backcourt and are trying to grow their young core. Therefore, they could be looking to offload Harris for a better fit. If a contender could snag him they would benefit greatly as they would be getting a solid shooter and prideful defender who could play big minutes deep in the postseason.
Teams that Harris would be a good fit on include the Bucks, the Hawks, and the Suns.
Delon Wright
Teams searching for defensive improvement should look no further than Delon Wright, who’s one of the more underrated defenders in the sport. He’s an elite disruptor who uses lightning quick hands, cat-like reaction time, and a nose for the ball to rack up oodles of stocks. He can shoot and pass, too. The Wizards are tanking so the veteran could absolutely be had for the right price, and whoever is willing to pay it will not regret it at all.
Teams that Wright would be a good fit on include the Bucks, the Mavericks, and the Lakers.
Richaun Holmes
Two years ago, Richaun Holmes was making a push for top-ten center status. Now, he’s barely a rotational player. His fall off has been almost inexplicable. Statistically he hasn’t gotten worse at all, he’s just stopped getting minutes. It feels like there’s no reason why he couldn’t be a steady backup somewhere, and he should be on the radar of teams that need another big.
Teams that Holmes would be a good fit on include the Celtics and the Hornets.
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