The NBA trade deadline is coming and some notable names could be targets to get traded this winter, as Reggie Jackson, Goran Dragic, Taj Gibson, Roy Hibbert, Greg Monroe, Brook Lopez, Carlos Boozer and Arron Afflalo have all been mentioned as targets and teams like the Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, LA Lakers, Chicago Bulls and Clippers all could be interested in making moves.
The most notable names that could be targets include Goran Dragic and Reggie Jackson, as they both have been getting attention from teams like the Heat and Lakers. Greg Monroe is another potential option, but so far all reports have him staying with the Pistons. Teams are going to look at signing Monroe as a free agent and the same goes for LaMarcus Aldridge, who is not getting traded despite the fact that he will be hitting free agency.
According to Real GM, the Lakers are interested in Dragic in a trade and they also will look at signing him in free agency. The Rockets are also listed in the report as interested in Dragic and this comes after the team previously had him in 2012 and let him go to sign with the Suns. Dragic said that would have no impact on him considering the Rockets as an option in free agency and they could look at signing him if no trade goes down. The Lakers reportedly want to offer Dragic a four year deal worth $80 million this summer and they hope to acquire him in a trade before that.
The Miami heat are reportedly interested in Jackson and Dragic, as they would like to upgrade at the point guard position. Jackson is likely to get traded, as the Thunder likely will not sign him as a restricted free agent and he wants to be a starter. That can't happen in OKC and now he could be moved in a deal.
The Nuggets have been shopping Arron Afflalo, while the Pacers could look at moving Roy Hibbert this season. Jackson is averaging 13 points and four rebounds with four assists this season and he the main target for the Thunder when it comes to trade deadline deals. The Denver Nuggets are the main option right now, but teams like the Knicks, Lakers and Rockets also could be interested. The Knicks reportedly are interested in signing Jackson as a free agent and not making a trade, as they see him as a potentially cheaper option than Rajon Rondo or Goran Dragic this summer.
Jackson has played well when he has had the chance over the past two years, including when he had to step up with Russell Westbrook injured. Since the trade for Dion Waiters though, Jackson has seen his playing time decrease and with him heading towards restricted free agency, it looks like he will be on his way out of Oklahoma City. According to Pro Basketball Talk and RealGM, the Thunder have been exploring deals for Jackson, as they likely will not be signing him back as a free agent.
