NBA Rumors: The 5 superstars who are a poisoned gift leading up to this Trade Deadline
There are players who have a big name, but for one reason or another, they don't meet the expectations set by their financial contracts.
A few days before the February 5 trade deadline, the market is filled with rumors and big names on the table. However, not all stars represent a real opportunity. For various reasons—salary impact, physical problems, off-court history, or questionable fit on the court—there are players whose signing could become more of a risk than a solution. John Gonzalez, a journalist from CBS Sports, has compiled a list of five players that teams would do well to avoid in this market closure.
Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks
Anthony Davis' case is quite evident. Since his arrival in Dallas a year ago, in the high-profile trade involving Luka Dončić that ultimately led to the firing of general manager Nico Harrison, the power forward has barely been able to participate regularly. During this period, he has played only 29 out of 80 possible games, and he is currently sidelined due to injury.
Economically, the risk is enormous: $54 million this season, $58 million next season, and $62 million more in a player option the following year. Nicknamed "Street Clothes" for his injury history, it is very difficult to imagine that he can justify such a salary impact, despite his dominance when he is fit to play.
Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
Following the low return the Atlanta Hawks got for Trae Young, it is not surprising that teams are not making great offers for Ja Morant. Like Davis, the Memphis point guard has had serious issues staying on the court, both due to injuries and suspensions stemming from his off-court behavior.
Gonzalez highlights another concerning aspect: his athletic development. Instead of progressing, Morant seems to have stagnated. His career has been built on tremendous athleticism that has allowed him to make spectacular plays, but in a league that increasingly values outside shooting, he has not added a reliable threat from the outside. With $87 million remaining in the last two years of his contract, the price tag is high for a player who, at 26, shows no clear signs of improvement.
Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans are not actively seeking to trade Zion Williamson, but his situation fits the same pattern. The power forward remains one of the most dominant players when healthy, but his availability has been very limited.
In seven NBA seasons, he has only surpassed the 30-game mark in two seasons, including the current one where he has played 33 games. With $87 million committed in the next two years, the investment is hard to justify, no matter how exceptional his talent when he plays.
LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets
The name of LaMelo Ball reinforces the sense of a repeated pattern. The Charlotte guard has had enormous struggles staying healthy: 47 games, 22, and 36 in his last three seasons. And when he is available, doubts persist about his real impact on team performance.
Ball has been criticized for "not contributing to winning," a critique based on his weak defensive contribution and modest shooting efficiency. While he has been key in the recent string of five consecutive victories for the Hornets, Gonzalez warns against focusing only on the short term and overlooking underlying issues.
Zach LaVine, Sacramento Kings
The last name on the list is Zach LaVine, currently with the Sacramento Kings. For many analysts, he epitomizes the concept of "empty calories" in offense: a high-level scorer whose impact does not always translate into wins.
LaVine has a player option for the upcoming season close to $49 million, a figure that, according to Gonzalez, makes it extremely unlikely for teams to flock to Sacramento ready to take on that financial commitment.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Rumores NBA: Las 5 superestrellas que son un regalo envenenado de cara a esta Trade Deadline
