Trade Candidates Highlight 2019 NBA Skills Challenge
Eight players are set for the 2019 NBA Skills Challenge, highlighted by a few guys that could be in different jerseys when the challenge actually takes place.
At this very moment, Kyle Kuzma is a member of the Lakers and Mike Conley Jr. is a member of the Memphis Grizzlies. Both are among eight NBA players set to participate in the NBA Skills Challenge, yet, when it comes in mid-February, their jerseys could be completely different.
Kuzma, of course, is part of the heavy-duty Anthony Davis-to-LA trade rumors, though it’s been reported recently that the Lakers have pulled out. Don’t be fooled, though, this is just a negotiation tactic by the Lakers; they want New Orleans to ask for less in return for Davis, fully aware that their offers have been very fair and some of the best out there.
Conley is being chased by a few Eastern Conference teams that are looking to build around their current centerpiece. Along with teammate Marc Gasol, the two Grizzlies stars have received interest from Detroit and Toronto. Both potential landing spots would have a legit “Big Three” potential if the trade is completed; Toronto wants to put proven stars around Kawhi Leonard, while Detroit wants the same for Blake Griffin.
I’d bet on it that when the NBA Skills Challenge comes around, at least one of the two (probably Conley) is participating in some foreign duds.
2019 NBA Taco Bell Skills Challenge Roster:
- Kyle Kuzma, LA Lakers
- Mike Conley, Memphis
- Luka Doncic, Dallas
- Jayson Tatum, Boston
- De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento
- Nikola Jokic, Denver
- Trae Young, Atlanta
- Nikola Vucevic, Orlando
No player from this year’s NBA Skills Challenge competed last year, an event that was conquered by Brooklyn Nets star Spencer Dinwiddie.
Jokic, it should be noted, competed in the 2017 NBA Skills Challenge that was won by Kristaps Porziņģis.
The 2019 NBA Skills Challenge will take place on Saturday, February 16th prior to the NBA Three-Point Shootout and Slam Dunk Contest.