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As the 2022-23 NBA season recently passed the quarter mark, teams have a general idea of what they can accomplish this year. Whether it is to compete for a title or a playoff spot, or just stay in the lottery zone, some organizations might be very active in the NBA trade market in the upcoming months ahead of the deadline.
On December 15, the market will bring some interesting new names. The NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement states that a free agent who signs with a new organization cannot be traded for three months or December 15, whichever is later. This means that a lot of 2022 free agents will become trade eligible by that day.
Former MVP James Harden is perhaps the biggest name from that list. However, with the Philadelphia 76ers hoping for an NBA title, it is difficult to imagine Harden getting moved
Still, other names could be on the move. They could certainly help some postseason-hopeful teams and should not require much to join them. With that being said, here are four NBA players who are most likely to be traded after becoming eligible on December 15.
Danilo Gallinari, Boston Celtics
After the Boston Celtics reached the NBA Finals and ultimately lost to the Golden State Warriors, the franchise made some important moves. Notably, the Celtics traded for Malcolm Brogdon to become the team’s sixth man. Another key move was signing Danilo Gallinari on a two-year, $13.3 million deal.
The problem is that he tore his ACL during the summer while playing for the Italian national team. The injury virtually ruled him out of the entire 2022-23 season. With the Celtics aiming for big things, they could opt to move from Gallinari to bring someone who can contribute right away.
Another reason they could trade the veteran away is their financial situation. Boston has a $66 million luxury tax bill, so moving Gallinari could help alleviate those numbers. At the very least, the Celtics could bring in another player with a similar salary but who is fully healthy.