As the trading day approached, various trading rumors in the NBA began to fly. However, not all players face being traded, and the NBA also has a "non-sale" statement. Recently, the US media listed the top 5 popular candidates in the trading market, believing that these 5 are non-selling products of the team. They are: Towns, Lillard, Owen, Westbrook and Ingram.
TOP5: Downs
The Timberwolves have lost five of their last six games and they have fallen to 9th place in the West. Still, Towns wouldn't go anywhere. Before the start of the season, there were rumors that his destination was Boston or the Warriors. However, neither team wants to give up their young players or draft assets. Eventually, Towns stayed with the Timberwolves.
This season, Towns played an All-Star performance. He's averaging more than 50 percent per game and his three-point shooting percentage of 45.3 percent is a career high. Add in 24.2 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, and All-Star Towns is back. Trading Downs would certainly give the Timberwolves a handsome return, but his big three combination with Edwards and Russell has begun to take shape, and they have a chance to lead the Timberwolves into the playoffs.
TOP4: Ingram
Ingram's season has been outstanding, but the Pelicans' record has been terrible. This season, Ingram has averaged 22.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. The Pelicans finished at the bottom of the West with a 7-20 record. Much of this has to do with Zion's absence.
Last season, the Pelicans signed Ingram on a five-year, $158 million contract. His future is already tied to the Pelicans. Even if the team's record is not good now, the Pelicans will not take the initiative to trade Ingram.
TOP3: Westbrook
Wei Shao will not be traded because his annual salary is too high. This season, Westbrook's annual salary is $41 million and is expected to reach $47 million next year. Based on his recent on-field performances, who would consider taking over Westbrook's big contract? Two years ago, the Rockets were an ordinary team. Last year, the Wizards were an under-average team. Now, the Lakers' winning percentage hovers around 50%, and they also have James and thick eyebrows.
Wei Shao has not played in the divisional finals since 2014. He plays hard, he's tenacious, he can average triple-doubles per game, but it's a team sport. His salary can cover the cost of four role players, so it's hard for the Lakers to trade him out.
TOP2: Irving
Will Irving play this season? The issue is unresolved. On paper, Irving, Harden and Durant are the NBA's top three. But he hasn't played a single game this season. No team dares to bet on Irving's chess piece, the risk is too high. Even fans know Irving is unreliable, do you think team executives will still chase him?
TOP1: Lillard
Lillard has reiterated countless times that he wants to stay with the Trail Blazers. The story of one man and one city not only kidnaps Lillard, but also kidnaps the pioneers. Lillard is less than 800 points away from Drexler's all-time scoring list. Once Lillard overtakes Drexler, things could be different. But in any case, this will not happen until after the trading deadline.