Keeping It Heel
Fansided

UNC in the NBA: What players could be moved at the trade deadline?

By Trevor Marks

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 19: Head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts against the Miami Hurricanes during the second half at Watsco Center on January 19, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 19: Head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts against the Miami Hurricanes during the second half at Watsco Center on January 19, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 15: John Henson #31 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts in the final seconds of their 111-98 loss to the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on January 15, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 15: John Henson #31 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts in the final seconds of their 111-98 loss to the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on January 15, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

John Henson, C, Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers are in utter free-fall.

Sitting at 11-43 with the third-worst record in the NBA, the Cavs are without any semblance of motivation when it comes to racking up meaningless wins that would only hurt their lottery odds this May. With that said, no one on the roster — sans rookie guard Collin Sexton and perhaps second-year wing Semi Osman — should be considered untouchable. With nothing left to play for but draft positioning, a fire-sale is in the cards for second-year general manager Koby Altman.

A Monday trade that sent guard/forward Rodney Hood to the Portland Trailblazers signaled the start of such a sale: Alec Burks, JR Smith, and John Henson could be next.

Henson, who was dealt from the Milwaukee Bucks in November in a cap-preserving maneuver, has yet to suit up for the lowly Cavs after suffering a torn ligament in his right hand early in the season. If initial recovery timelines hold up, the 6-foot-11 center should return sometime following All-Star Weekend, which would give him a few weeks of regular season play before the playoffs start.

Due to a glut of big men currently on the roster and no apparent need for the former UNC standout, Henson could be dealt to a contending team in need of interior rim protection and rebounding — perhaps Houston — for a package consisting of second-round draft picks. Owed $9.6 million this season and $8.7 million next year, finding a taker for his salary could be difficult. Nonetheless, a deal should come eventually — be it this week or in the offseason.

In 14 games with Milwaukee, the seventh-year center averaged 5.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 13.4 minutes per game.

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