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Over time, we often witness a superstar in the sport industry move from one franchise to another. In 2019 specifically, rumors are already surfacing in regards to specific stars transitioning during either during their respective offseason, or in the event of a trade. That being said, let’s take a look at 5 superstars that may be on the move by the end of 2019:
5. J.T. Realmuto (Catcher, Miami Marlins)
Plenty of MLB front offices have been interested in J.T. Realmuto, but the Miami Marlins have been extremely patient in finding the correct suitor. Within the majority of December, the Marlins have sent and received calls to make Realmuto, alongside a variety of other players, available for trade.
In 2018, Realmuto saw his best career since entering the league in 2014, raising his trade stock immensely. The catcher put together a career-high 21 HR on a .277 batting average. In addition, Realmuto was awarded his first All-Star election, and was the first solo All-Star candidate for the Miami Marlins since 2013 (Jose Fernandez).
Suitors for J.T. Realmuto: New York Mets, San Diego Padres, Houston Astros, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers
4. Leonard Fournette (Running Back, Jacksonville Jaguars)
After a bit of theatrics in Week 17, the Jacksonville Jaguars elected to fire running backs coach Tyrone Wheatley as the supposed scapegoat. However, the front office voided Leonard Fournette’s remaining guaranteed salary, which could cost him up to $7.1M.
With the front office prepared to move on from QB Blake Bortles, does Jacksonville then seek a potential return for their star running back? I believe so. In just 2 seasons, Fournette has missed 11 games with a string of injuries. The Jacksonville Jaguars are on the brink of a rebuild process, even after playing in the AFC Championship in 2017.
Suitors for Leonard Fournette: San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Oakland Raiders
3. Kevin Love (Forward, Cleveland Cavaliers)
According to NBA executives, it is believed that Cleveland Cavaliers’ Kevin Love is available for trade at the ‘right price’. This comes as a shock to many, considering Love signed a 4-year, $120M extension with Cleveland in July of 2018. Based on the current state of the Cavaliers, trading Love is the smartest route moving forward.
After undergoing toe surgery in early November, the price for Kevin Love is decreasing as time passes. At the appropriate price, the Cleveland Cavaliers will be willing to pull the trigger on Love, who spent the last 5 seasons with the franchise.
Suitors for Kevin Love: Denver Nuggets, Charlotte Hornets, Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns
2. Draymond Green (Forward, Golden State Warriors)
It won’t come through a trade, as in Kevin Love’s circumstance, but there is a realistic chance that Draymond Green leaves the Golden State Warriors in free agency this summer. With Green, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, and DeMarcus Cousins (who will also leave) all scheduled to hit free agency, the front office will be forced to pick and choose which stars benefit their roster the most moving forward.
Draymond Green is a superstar on the defensive end of the ball, but will not be worth his market value during negotiation talks to the Warriors based on his offensive inefficiency. With multiple championships to his name, Green should feel secure enough to start the next chapter of his NBA career elsewhere.
Suitors for Draymond Green: Minnesota Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns
1. Antonio Brown (Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh Steelers)
After constant rumors and reports, it seems as though the days with Antonio Brown as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers are numbered. This all came in light of an incident that took place at practice in Week 17 in which Brown was verbally confrontational with members of the team. In result, Brown skipped practice, and was forced to miss the game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Regardless of what took place, Brown is the most consistent wide receiver in all of football. In 2018 alone, Brown led the league in receiving touchdowns with 15. The Super Bowl window for the Pittsburgh Steelers is almost shut, and while moving on from Antonio Brown will hurt them in short-terms matter, it is the only reasonable solution moving forward.
Suitors for Antonio Brown: San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets
Featured Image: AP Photo/Ron Schwane
