NBA Trade Rumors: 5 Players Who Could Be Traded Before 2016 NBA Trade Deadline

By Damon Salvadore First Posted: Jan 19, 2016 10:07 AM EST

We're about halfway through this NBA season, and it's fair enough to say that each and every team knows where they stand and what issues they need to improve upon. The annual NBA trade deadline is less than a month away, and speculation and rumors are swirling around the league regarding multiple players and teams.

Here are five players who could be traded this season.

1. DeMarcus Cousins

He's the big name who has been involved in trade rumors over the last few months. DeMarcus Cousins is widely regarded as the best center in the NBA today, but many feel as if his time with the Sacramento Kings could be coming to an end. According to ESPN, the Los Angeles Lakers are very determined to acquire Cousins this year. This may seem crazy to some fans. Why would the Kings trade away their best player? It actually makes sense. The Kings have never had a 30-win season with Cousins on the roster, and it's likely he will leave as a free agent once his contract expires anyway. The Kings could get a lot of value here and begin the rebuilding process.

2. Jordan Clarkson

Jordan Clarkson is a talented player who has a qualifying offer in his contract next season. Many NBA insiders feel as if the Lakers don't want to commit the future on the 23-year-old shooting guard. Clarkson can bring a team some value, especially off the bench. He won't instantly make you a title contender, but he's a young talented individual with a nice stroke. Clarkson leads the Lakers in shots made per game this season, and he is shooting 44 percent from the field. It may be wise for the Lakers to deal Clarkson now before they lose him.

3. Jason Terry

He's one of the most underrated shooters in recent years, but Jason Terry isn't quite fitting in with the Houston Rockets. His playing time is decreasing dramatically, and the Rockets defense is getting worse and worse. The Rockets are 22-21, and they need to make a move before the deadline. It's also important to note that Terry is in the final year of his contract, so don't be surprised if the Rockets shop him now and get value. As for Terry, he can still shoot. "The Jet" is shooting 43 percent from the field this season at age 38. He's not a huge asset defensively, but Terry is still a talented passer who can knock down shots from the perimeter. Maybe acquiring No. 4 on our list would be worth a risk to help defensively for the Rockets.

4. Roy Hibbert

Again with the Lakers. Maybe Jim Buss made a mistake by giving up a second round draft pick for Roy Hibbert back in July. Hibbert is in the final year of his contract in which he has a $15.5 million cap hit. It's going to be hard to trade away a player who is having his worst statistical season and has such a heavy cap hit, but the Lakers will try. According to FanSided, the Lakers are trying to deal Hibbert to a playoff caliber team. Hibbert is averaging the lowest scoring outpoint (6.6 points per game) of his career, and his rebounding (5.8 rebounds per game) is the lowest since his rookie year.

5. Paul Pierce

Paul Pierce just isn't fitting in with the Los Angeles Clippers. He's averaging a career low 5.7 points per game, and he's only playing 17.4 minutes per game. Still, Pierce can possibly still play and help a squad if given the chance. Father time is undefeated, but Pierce does have the veteran championship leadership that an Eastern Conference team could use. Heck, why not come back to the Washington Wizards? They could use him. There's a few teams in the East where Pierce could be a valuable addition.

The NBA trade deadline is Thursday, Feb. 18 at 3 p.m. ET.