And just like that, we are halfway through the NSL regular season. Have we seen the last, worst, of the COVID chaos? I sure hope so.

I am after a different kind of chaos – trade talk chaos. In just over a months time, the trade deadline will arrive and pass, locking rosters for the remainder of the season and playoffs.

In the previous article, the teams who should be looking to buy were identified; teams like Memphis, Minnesota, who are close to true contention and have plenty of assets to move.

Here, we are looking at the opposite end of the spectrum. Teams looking to sell assets are almost certain to have much different ambitions than the buyers.

Let me just acknowledge that it has been a tough trade market this season. I would love to run a diagnostic on the market and see why there is such little action compared to previous season. Contentment? Too busy with other commitments? Teams now being 2+ years committed to a particular path and tapped out of assets? Managers becoming too stubborn and not realistic? I don’t know why, exactly. I just wanted to acknowledge it.

Tip: Dont be afraid to get creative. You are a rebuilding or team that isnt winning games, and you have veterans on your team. Dont be afraid to use PICKS (yes I said it, picks) to package with your veterans in order to get in a good younger player on a deal that better suits your window. Designate some picks that you would be willing to part with and start packaging.

Due to the market and salary constraints across the majority of organisations, no front offices are going to jump at the following players if you arent trying to be creative and generous. Get ahead of the market and the game.

Team: Atlanta
Selling: Kelly Olynyk (30 years old, $12M, 3 year deal), Kelly Oubre (26 years old, $12M, 2 year deal)
Why: The aspirations for a playoff berth were admirable, but playoffs aren’t happening this season

This team is headed for a forced condense of assets soon enough, with three first round picks in the 2022 Draft and barely a roster spot in sight. Ben stated that playoffs were the goal this season, but it just isnt happening. Green has been injured and the team isnt mature enough for playoffs, yet. Team is young, talented and under contract, so future is bright.

To Do List:

The Atlanta Hawks need to offer Olynyk, Oubre and a first to the Philadelphia 76ers for Gordon Hayward, Simonovic and 2nds.

The Atlanta Hawks need to offer Myles Turner, Cam Reddish to the New York Knicks for Clint Capela and a 2nd rounders.

The Atlanta Hawks need to offer Devontae Graham, Grayson Allen to the Golden State Warriors for Spencer Dinwiddie.

Team: Indiana
Selling: Eric Bledsoe (32 years old, $18M expiring deal), Eric Gordon (33 years old, $18M, 3 year deal), Terrence Ross (30 years old, $12.5M, 2 year deal)
Why: Because despite having talented veterans, the team just does not work this season and can barely win games (a bad dice roll of a season)

I was so wrong about Indiana. After a strong showing in last years playoffs, eliminating the higher seeded opponent, the Pacers looked to have arrived. This season, they have been injured, been really bad and made suspect trades. The cherry on top is that their finances are in awful shape, and no team has a worse ratio of cost:wins this season. Thankfully, they have their first round pick and have a talented roster. Sleep through the rest of the season and galvanise for next season.

To Do List:

The Indiana Pacers need to send Eric Bledsoe, a first and a second to the Boston Celtics for Steven Adams.

The Indiana Pacers need to send Eric Gordon to the Sacramento Kings for Goran Dragic.

The Indiana Pacers need to send Kendrick Nunn to the Brooklyn Nets for Cameron Payne.

Team: Sacramento
Selling: Blake Griffin (32 years old, $1.67M expiring deal), Serge Ibaka ($9.74M expiring deal)
Why: Because if the aspiration is to make the play in tournament, perhaps there needs to be change

It pains me to select the Kings and it pains me to start the dissection. Klemm is my guy and, under oath, I would state that I love his spirit and I love his reckless and courageous approach to team building, even if he at times fails to leave any gas in the tank for the ride home. He has a team of veterans that grind every single night to try and get the wins. I think Klemm should be open to selling, for pick assets or players on questionable, longer term deals. There will be very little organic growth within this team, so he has to retain as many good players as possible. I will pray for Klemm. Love you.

To Do List:

The Sacramento Kings need to send Goran Dragic to the Indiana Pacers for Eric Gordon.

The Sacramento Kings need to send Serge Ibaka, Delon Wright to the Phoenix Suns for Danilo Gallinari.

The Sacramento Kings need to send Blake Griffin, Cory Joseph to the Milwaukee Bucks for P.J. Tucker.