Ten players that teams in the 'Lose-O-Rama for Wembanyama' should ship

After the matchup between Victor Wembanyama’s Metropolitans and Scoot Henderson’s G League Ignite teams earlier this month, where the projected No. 1 and No. 2 picks faced off in must-see-TV, half the NBA should have shifted into full-on tank mode. Why meddle in mediocrity if you’re the Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons, or Charlotte Hornets when a generational “Alien,” as LeBron James called Wembanyama, is up for grabs next summer?

Scanning the teams who look to join the race to the bottom, there are a few vets still languishing on teams who should be all in on sucking this season. Let’s review the players on Lottery-bound teams who should be traded before the deadline.

Conley has looked more washed every year since joining the Jazz in 2019. At 34 years old, and in his 16th season, Conley can still give you locker-room leadership and a clutch three now and then, but his defense has slipped significantly from his days in Memphis.

Best Contender Fits: Lakers, Raptors, Wizards

Clarkson is one of the best backup guards in the league. He won Sixth Man of the Year just as recently as in 2021. While his three-point stroke has been choppy his whole career, he attacks the basket with efficiency and heart like few backup guards around.

Best Contender Fits: Mavericks, Nuggets, Bulls

Man, time flies when you’re in the trenches of the NBA. Gordon is the last holdover from the Harden-era Rockets, and a few years removed from being one of the most feared guards off the bench. Yet, Gordon has been the consummate professional, never bitching about his role or the rebuilding direction of the team, and doing everything he can to help the Rockets’ new core develop. At 6-foot-3, Gordon has always been a little undersized, but made up for it with his high IQ on defense, playing his role in team schematics, and was reliable in crunch time for timely baskets coming off screens. He would be a fantastic fifth-or-sixth option for teams with their first and second stars locked down, but they are looking for bench scoring to balance younger rotations.

Best Contender Fits: Grizzlies, 76ers, Timberwolves

Perhaps the only thing keeping Heild on the Pacers is that head coach Rick Carlise wants to win now. Carlisle came to the Pacers when they still had Domantas Sabonis and Malcolm Brogdon coming off a playoff appearance. As a 39 percent career shooter, Hield has always been overvalued as a scorer, although he has rarely shown proficiency in any other way off the dribble. He could become a deadly complimentary piece alongside a solidified core if slotted into a fifth scoring option role.

Best Contender Fits: Lakers, Mavs, Pelicans

Turner, another victim of Carlisle’s win-now mode, might be the most desired player on this list. His ability to stretch the floor at the five while still being an elite rim protector (see above) makes him one of the more intriguing two-way bigs on the trade block. There are already rumors of the Lakers having a deal on the table for Turner and Hield, but there might be better landing spots for the pair.

Best Contender Fits: Heat, Grizzlies, Raptors

The Knicks are one of the teams at a crossroads. New addition Jalen Brunson ensures they will be more competitive with a natural point guard running the offense. But the roster still has significant question marks around head coach Tom Thibodeau’s rotations, Julius Randle’s attitude, and the ceiling of the team’s young core. Suppose by the All-Star Break, the Knicks are five or more games under .500. In that case, the front office could become too consumed by the superstar talent and five potential first-round picks and increase their chances at Wembanyama by trading away the veterans who help them win games. Fournier is one of the best shooters in the NBA and is coming off breaking the Knicks’ record for made 3s in a single season. When he gets hot from the perimeter, Fournier can win games on his own, making him a valuable asset as a fourth option for teams looking for instant offense and playmaking on the perimeter.

Best Contender Fits: Mavs, Lakers, Suns

He has struggled to stay healthy and produce to his $17 million per year contract. The Magic’s young core has passed him, and he is now the odd-man out in Orlando, as Wagner and Ross have supplanted him at the three.

With his outspoken conservative views, he has ostracized himself from the majority sentiments of the league, making it hard for him to be desired by other teams. Since he has already appeared on Fox News as a commentator, it’s likely that will be his next expedited gig if no other team shows interests.

Best Contender Fits: Fox News

Ross, like Issac, is a good rotation player who can raise the bench level of any playoff team. However, his injury-plagued history is why he remains on the rebuilding Magic and stuck in career limbo.

Best Contender Fits: Hawks, Suns, 76ers

During the Thunder’s first preseason game, there was a hilarious Tweet by @slightlybiased on Darius Bazley, critiquing his penchant for taking the worst possible shots. Thunder fans are apologetic for exec Sam Presti, but they take all their impotent rage out on Bazley, the only player they are willing to critique. And for a good reason. He has career shooting splits of 40 percent from the field and 30.5 percent from three. That being said, Bazley has a propensity to put up points. While not the most efficient scorer, at 6-foot-8 and with above-average athleticism, he could help teams in need of transition scoring and have the balanced shooters to space for his baseline drives.

Best Contender Fits: Mavericks, Suns, Warriors

Impressive Barnes is still in the conversation as a sought-after piece at 30. Barnes is the kind of veteran every team is looking to contend needs on their roster. He’s been a vocal leader on losing Sacramento Kings squads while providing 45.3 percent from the field and 37.9 percent from three. He averaged 16.4 ppg and 5.6 rpg on the 30-52 Kings last season. Sacramento has retooled around De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, adding potential Rookie of the Year Keegan Murray. Adding Murray as a bold perimeter threat could make Barnes expendable by the trade deadline if their record is out of Play-In Tournament contention. Barnes would be the perfect backup wing or small-ball four for teams needing intelligent, prudent scoring and defense.

Best Contender Fits: Hawks, Heat, Nuggets