November typically isn’t a busy month for the NBA when it comes to roster changes and player movement. Most offseason signees can’t be traded until at least December 15, free agents can’t be signed to 10-day contracts yet, and the majority of the NBA’s teams are still trying to determine whether or not they need to make any tweaks to their respective rosters.
Still, there are a few noteworthy storylines related to potential player movement worth watching this month. Here are five of them:
1. Will Jimmy Butler finally be traded?
It may feel like Butler has been on the trade block for all of 2018, but word of his trade request only broke about a month and a half ago. Despite the apparent dysfunction it has created in Minnesota, the Timberwolves have shown they’re in no rush to honor that request.
The Wolves won’t be under real pressure to make a move until the February 7 trade deadline, but multiple NBA reporters and experts have suggested they wouldn’t be surprised if a deal gets done by Thanksgiving. If things get any worse in Minnesota, or if potential trade suitors for Butler get a little more desperate in the coming weeks, it could expedite the process.
2. Will any struggling playoff teams make major changes?
The Wizards (1-6), Rockets (1-5), Lakers (3-5), and Thunder (3-4) are off to rocky starts despite being widely regarded as probable playoff teams entering the season. The Thunder are playing a little better lately and the Lakers were always expected to need some time to figure things out, so I wouldn’t expect either of those clubs to do anything drastic, but there’s not much margin for error in the West.
The Wizards and Rockets would be better candidates for a drastic shake-up if they continue to lose. Scott Brooks reportedly isn’t on the hot seat in Washington, but that could change if the team can’t turn things around once Dwight Howard is back. In Houston, a major trade (for Butler?) would be more likely than a head coaching change.
3. Will the Cavaliers make any roster moves?
The one team that already made a coaching change since the season began is now a strong candidate to be one of the NBA’s most active sellers prior to February’s trade deadline. A potential Cavaliers fire sale could start as early as this month — there are trade scenarios involving veterans like Kyle Korver and J.R. Smith that could be pursued without having to wait for trade restrictions to lift in December.
Kevin Love also figures to become a trade candidate this season, but he won’t be eligible to be dealt until January 24, having recently signed an extension.
4. Will Patrick McCaw‘s restricted free agency finally be resolved?
Most NBA free agents sign new deals in July, or at least by the start of training camp. McCaw’s restricted free agency, however, continues to drag out into the regular season, vexing his teammates.
There are no RFA deadlines on the calendar for November, so it’s possible McCaw will remain a free agent a month from now. At this point, with the Warriors and their shooting guard locked in a stalemate, it appears the only hope of a resolution would involve one side caving and giving into the other. Considering how good the Dubs have looked so far this season, they seem unlikely to get desperate and increase their reported two-year offer to McCaw.
5. What sort of impact will the start of the G League season have on the NBA?
The NBA G League begins its regular season on Friday night, with a record 27 teams playing in the league this year. That means we’re likely to see frequent shuttling of players between the NBA and the G League in the coming weeks and months, with clubs assigning, recalling, and transferring players back and forth between their NBAGL affiliates and their NBA squads.
It also means that players on G League contracts will have an opportunity to make a case that they’re worthy of consideration from NBA teams. There are five open two-way contract slots around the NBA, as well as 11 open roster spots. G League call-ups could fill some of those spots, especially if injuries start piling up for certain clubs.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
The terrible start for the Rockets has to be good news for the Wolves. Maybe the Rockets get even more antsy and offer a deal with even more picks? (e.g. 2nd rounders too)
It seems to me that a motivated Houston should help to drive up the price on Butler.