One of the sneakily big dates of the season is here: Dec. 15, when most of the players that signed free agent contracts last summer have become eligible to be traded. It’s the first time front offices can get rid of disappointing additions, and teams embracing the tank can hawk the veterans they inked in the offseason to playoff contenders looking for an upgrade.
Things won’t be nearly as hectic as they are once we get closer to the trade deadline in February, but lots of exploratory talks might heat up. We already know that the Suns agreed to trade Trevor Ariza to the Wizards before talks broke down because of miscommunication with the third team involved: the Grizzlies.