5 Major Deals That Should Happen by the NBA Trade Deadline

The NBA trade deadline is just three days away, and the rumors are predictably beginning to surface in bunches.

A slew of big names could be moved, and there are a myriad of struggling teams across the league that, given their veterans who could become feasible pieces on contenders, have significant seller potential.

Given the sheer unknown of deals that could materialize between now and the Feb. 6 cutoff, here are a few trades that we expect to unfold.

5. Thunder Trade Danilo Gallinari

After offloading the likes of Russell Westbrook and Paul George over the summer, many expected the Thunder to tank their way to selling high at this year's deadline. However, OKC is sitting pretty at 30-20, good for seventh in the West and 2.5 games out of the No. 4 seed. Barring a collapse of epic proportions, expect GM Sam Presti to hold on to Chris Paul and Steven Adams (for now) in hopes of a playoff run, but to clear Gallinari's expiring $22.6 million contract off the books. What contender couldn't use a 6-foot-10 forward that can stretch the floor? Gallo is averaging 19.1 points and 5.7 rebounds per game while shooting 41.3% on threes.

4. Andre Iguodala Ends up in...Houston

Houston's laughable efforts on defense sees the Rockets ranked in the bottom third of the league in virtually every relevant category through 49 games. GM Daryl Morey has never shied away from overpaying for pieces to gear up for a championship run, and why would he stop now? The Rockets are desperate for a defensive wing with championship grit, and Iguodala absolutely fills that bill, even though his $17.2 million salary will be a tough pill to swallow. Could we see Houston trade Clint Capela, whose name popped up on the rumor mill less than 24 hours ago? At 25 years old, he'd fit in perfectly alongside Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. in Memphis.

3. Kevin Love Goes to the Blazers

We honestly couldn't picture a better fit for Love, who is itching to rid himself of the Cavaliers stench. Portland, thanks to the sheer inferno that is Damian Lillard, has catapulted back into the thick of the playoff race in the West. Expect the Trail Blazers, who just acquired Trevor Ariza, to continue rounding out their roster as they push for the postseason. They still need help in the frontcourt behind Hassan Whiteside with Jusuf Nurkic and Zach Collins still recovering from injury.

2. Warriors Trade D'Angelo Russell to Timberwolves

Russell has been clamoring to link up with Karl-Anthony Towns, and we presume that Golden State will grant his wish. With Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson set to return in 2021, it's virtually impossible to picture how D-Lo, a ball-centric, shoot-first point guard, fits into the Warriors frenetic offense that requires ball movement. Minnesota could include their 2020 first-round pick and one or two future assets in a return package.

1. Derrick Rose Reunites With LeBron in Los Angeles

Yes, Detroit's rumored asking price for Rose is ridiculous, but we think they will come to their senses over the next 72 hours -- not because they want to, but because they have no other choice. The Lakers are in need of a playmaker off the bench who can create his own shot and scoring opportunities for teammates. The former MVP is averaging 18.5 points and 5.8 assists per game on 49.8% shooting. Those are numbers that Rajon Rondo, Alex Caruso, Troy Daniels, Jared Dudley, and even Kyle Kuzma do not provide. Expect a deal between LA and Detroit to get done.