NBA Trade Rumors |

[DanSchwartzgan]

Also from The Athletic 

"The one NBA player who is most likely to be traded within the next week is Justin Patton. With the Thunder a mere $750,250 into the tax and Patton’s deal non-guaranteed, the stars are not aligned in the young center’s favor."

Patton has been injury plagued but he was the 16th pick of the 2017 draft. He's a big with high motor, shot blocking potential and developing as a shooter. He's a project, but one with high upside. He'll be traded to one of the 9 teams with an exception, the Mavs being one.

He's 7’0″ with a wingspan of 7’3″ and 9’3″ reach. Defensive acumen was a strong calling card. With physical gifts of this nature, Patton was projected to become a rebounding rim protector with the ability to move and defend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3nlxEQGTXs&feature=youtu.be

Excel guy.  I thought he'd have more success coming out of college.  But, I'd take a flyer here.  I'd definitely give up the Utah pick, which is basically a lottery ticket.  I'd rather have the guy I've seen in G League and for a few moments in the NBA.  He's only 22.

Only 10 teams can acquire and help OKC with tax.

The [b]Thunder[/b]‘s[b] Justin Patton[/b] is the player most likely to be dealt over the next week, according to The Athletic’s John Hollinger. Patton’s $1.62MM salary becomes fully guaranteed if he remains on their roster through January 7 and the Thunder are currently $750,250 into the luxury tax threshold. The center could only be acquired by one of the nine teams with workable trade exceptions, or by the Hawks via cap room, Hollinger adds.