A quartet of notable NBA veterans—Jonas Valančiūnas, Malcolm Brogdon, Bruce Brown, and Jordan Clarkson—have become available on the trade market for second-round picks. NBA insider Marc Stein reported that these players could be acquired for second-round picks, a trend gaining traction in recent years. As contenders look for impactful pieces without sacrificing premium assets, this pool of talent offers intriguing possibilities.
$148.66 Quartet Headline Second-Round Pool
Jonas Valančiūnas: Rebounding Machine on the Market
Valančiūnas is a name that has surfaced in trade rumors for months. The bruising big man is averaging 11.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in just 19.9 minutes per game. His efficiency—shooting 54.8% from the field—makes him a strong candidate for any team seeking frontcourt depth.
Valančiūnas signed a three-year, $30.3 million contract with the Washington Wizards in July. At $9.9 million per year, his contract is team-friendly and easy to match in trades. The Los Angeles Lakers, in particular, have shown interest in adding him as an offensive-minded complement to Anthony Davis.
For a contender needing size, rebounding, and interior presence, Valančiūnas offers tremendous value. Teams like the Knicks could also benefit from acquiring him at a bargain price.
Malcolm Brogdon: A Proven Sixth Man
Brogdon’s availability is another headline-grabber. The former Sixth Man of the Year is averaging 14.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 14 games this season. While recovering from thumb surgery, Brogdon has remained an efficient lead guard with shooting splits of 45.5% from the field, 35.0% from three, and 84.9% from the line.
On an expiring $22.5 million contract, Brogdon represents a medium-risk, high-reward acquisition. Teams needing veteran leadership and backcourt depth can rely on his proven ability to thrive in reduced roles. Contenders seeking to bolster their bench scoring could benefit significantly from his addition.
Bruce Brown: A Two-Way Asset
Brown made his long-awaited return from injury this season after being sidelined for months recovering from an arthroscopic knee surgery. The Sacramento Kings have expressed interest, particularly amid their 6-14 slump. Brown’s versatility as a two-way player and his championship experience with the Denver Nuggets make him a coveted trade target.
Last season, Brown averaged 10.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists while shooting 56.3% true. His ability to contribute across multiple categories makes him a valuable rotational piece for any contender. However, his $23 million cap hit complicates salary matching under the restrictive CBA.
Jordan Clarkson: Instant Bench Scoring
Clarkson, a perennial scoring threat, ranks fifth in bench points per game this season with 16.3 points per game. Despite hitting just 32.4% from beyond the arc, his ability to create his shot remains attractive to teams needing bench firepower.
While the Utah Jazz initially sought a first-round pick for Clarkson, their asking price has reportedly dropped. For contenders lacking offensive depth, Clarkson provides instant scoring and shot creation at a relatively low acquisition cost ($14.18m)
Second-round Picks Redefining Trade Value
This trend of impactful players moving for second-round picks gained traction at last year’s trade deadline. Players like P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, and Buddy Hield changed teams for second-rounders, with Washington and Gafford playing key roles in Dallas’ Finals run.
The availability of Valančiūnas, Brogdon, Brown, and Clarkson underscores the growing importance of second-round picks in today’s trade market. While these picks are far from guarantees, they provide rebuilding teams with flexibility while giving contenders access to impactful contributors.
Contenders’ Low-Cost, Second-Round Opportunities With Quartet
As the February 6 trade deadline approaches, contenders have the chance to reshape their rosters without sacrificing first-round picks. Valančiūnas offers rebounding, Brogdon brings efficiency, Brown provides versatility, and Clarkson delivers scoring. For teams on the cusp of a title run, these veterans represent low-risk, high-reward opportunities to alter their season trajectories.
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