Are you a fan of the Miami Heat or Denver Nuggets? Then congratulations on making it to the NBA Finals. Best wishes. Warmest regards.
Are you a fan of one of the other 28 teams who are already looking forward to next year? Fear not, this article is for you, which is almost just as good as a championship trip.
Trade season will soon be upon us, beginning with some inevitable draft-day deals to heat things up.
From blockbusters to bench help, these are ideas for every team currently sitting at home.
Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks Receive: G/F Joe Harris, PG Patty Mills
Brooklyn Nets Receive: F/C John Collins
After years of a declining role and production, it's finally time Collins leaves Atlanta.
Adding more shooting around Trae Young and Dejounte Murray should be a priority, and Harris has long been one of the best in the NBA. He knocked down 42.6 percent of his triples last year and hasn't shot under 41.9 percent in any of the past six seasons.
Mills gives Atlanta a veteran point guard behind the two stars, someone to come in and help stabilize the second unit. Both Harris and Mills are on expiring deals, which opens up $26.6 million in cap space next summer when Murray will be due for a max contract.
Collins, 25, becomes a building block in Brooklyn, able to start at power forward or come off the bench at either post position.
Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics Receive: F/C Kelly Olynyk
Utah Jazz Receive: PG Payton Pritchard, F Danilo Gallinari
As good as this Celtics roster is, the playoffs showed us that Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and company can go ice cold from the outside. Adding one more shooter, especially in the frontcourt, helps keep this offense humming and the driving lanes open.
Olynyk makes his return to Boston a year after putting up 12.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and shooting 39.4 percent in Utah. He'd be the ideal third big for this roster behind Al Horford and Robert Williams III.
The point guard-needy Jazz should have interest in Pritchard entering the final year of his rookie deal. If the 25-year-old works out, Utah will have the right to make him a restricted free agent next summer. Gallinari can help out if he's completely recovered from a torn ACL. If there are any setbacks, his $6.8 million player option runs out in 2024.
Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn Nets Receive: F/C Mo Bamba
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Royce O'Neale
The Nets are suddenly loaded with wings but thin in the frontcourt. The Lakers could use another three-and-D perimeter option and have a big to spare. A swap to satisfy both needs makes sense.
Brooklyn gets Bamba, a mobile 7-footer who can start at power forward or play either post position off the bench. The 25-year-old knocked down 38.7 percent of his threes last season and has proved to be an effective shot-blocker.
O'Neale fits nicely into a starting lineup featuring LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves with his defensive versatility and floor spacing. He's as consistent as they come from the outside, shooting between 38.5 percent and 38.9 percent from three in each of the past three seasons.
Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte Hornets Receive: 2023 first-round pick (No. 3 overall), 2023 first-round pick (No. 23 overall)
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: 2023 first-round pick (No. 2 overall), 2023 second-round pick (No. 34 overall)
If the Hornets aren't sure who to take between Scoot Henderson or Brandon Miller at No. 2, moving down a spot is the best thing to do.
Not only does Charlotte still get one of the top three players in the draft, but they also pick up an extra first-rounder this year in the process. By agreeing to move back from No. 2 to 3, the Hornets swap their 34th overall selection for the 23rd, jumping 11 spots and back into the first round.
This move gives Portland control of Henderson or Miller at No. 2, and also makes the pick more valuable in a trade should they want to flip it for veteran help.
Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls Receive: PG D'Angelo Russell (via sign-and-trade), F/C Mo Bamba, SG Max Christie, 2029 unprotected first-round pick
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G/F DeMar DeRozan
The Bulls don't need to tear things down, but they should consider a reset of the franchise now before DeRozan hits free agency next year.
Point guard is still an issue with Lonzo Ball projected to miss most, if not all, of next season following a third knee surgery. After a disappointing playoff showing, Chicago should be able to acquire Russell as a reasonable contract number to be their new starting floor general. While he's not a true pass-first guard, the combination of Russell, Zach LaVine and Alex Caruso should be enough ball-handlers to navigate through a season.
Bamba gives the team insurance in the frontcourt if Nikoka Vucevic leaves in free agency, and Christie shot 41.9 percent from three as a rookie and doesn't turn 21 until February. Getting the Lakers' unprotected first-round pick in 2029 could prove to be a valuable selection or future trade asset as well.
DeRozan gives the Lakers a third All-Star to pair with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, putting Los Angeles back into true championship contention.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: SF Corey Kispert
Washington Wizards Receive: 2023 second-round pick (No. 49 overall), 2025 second-round pick, 2026 second-round pick, 2027 second-round pick (via Denver Nuggets)
The Cavs desperately need shooting from the wing, and with a new front office running the Wizards, Cleveland should check on the price of Kispert.
The 24-year-old forward averaged a career-high 11.1 points per game last season, shooting 42.4 percent from three. Not simply a spot-up shooter, Kispert can put the ball on the floor and drive, keeping defenses honest.
The Cavaliers don't have a first-round pick to part with, but if the Wizards enter into a rebuild, Cleveland can offer four second-rounders to help its efforts.
Injecting Kispert's floor-spacing into a starting lineup with Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen would be a huge boost for this offense next season.
Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks Receive: C Deandre Ayton
Phoenix Suns Receive: F/C Christian Wood (via sign-and-trade), SG Josh Green, C JaVale McGee
A shaky center position in Dallas only gets worse as both Wood and Dwight Powell now become free agents. Getting Ayton, who was selected two picks ahead of Luka Doncic in 2018, would give the Mavs another franchise centerpiece who's still only 24 and under contract for the next three seasons.
Ayton put up 18.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and shot 58.9 percent overall this season and has become a solid defender who still carries some three-point shooting potential.
Wood is capable of starting at power forward or center, giving Phoenix yet another offensive weapon to take the pressure off Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. McGee thrived during his previous stop with the Suns as a backup center and Green is a good, young 3-and-D piece to place between the stars.
Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons Receive: PG Devonte' Graham
San Antonio Spurs Receive: F/C Marvin Bagley III
The frontcourt in Detroit is getting awfully crowded, with players like Jalen Duren, James Wiseman, Isaiah Stewart and Bagley all needing playing time and touches to grow.
Swapping Bagley out for another ball-handler better balances the roster, creating more opportunities for the other three while adding a veteran to the backcourt to help Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey with playmaking responsibilities. Graham, 28, averaged 13.0 points and 4.0 assists in 20 games with the Spurs last season.
If the Spurs are worried about presumed No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama defending centers next season, Bagley gives them another option in the middle with a little more muscle. The 24-year-old still carries some upside after putting up 12.0 points and 6.4 rebounds with Detroit last year.
Golden State Warriors
Golden State Warriors Receive: F O.G. Anunoby, F/C Thaddeus Young
Toronto Raptors Receive: G Jordan Poole, PG Ryan Rollins, 2023 first-round pick (No. 19 overall)
The Warriors could be nearing the end of their dynasty, although a trade for another two-way wing would help prop the championship window open a little longer.
Anunoby is perhaps the best wing defender in the NBA, joining a frontcourt with Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green that would get this defense back to an elite level. He also averaged 16.8 points and shot 38.7 percent from three while Young gives Golden State some additional frontcourt depth.
The Raptors may find themselves with a major need at guard this summer with both Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr. likely becoming free agents. Even if one is brought back, Poole's scoring and playmaking will be needed for a Toronto offense that looked stuck in the mud for stretches this season.
Rollins, 20, was the 44th overall pick last year and the Raptors also add the No. 19 overall selection in this month's draft.
Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets Receive: G/F Ben Simmons, 2025 first-round pick (unprotected via Phoenix Suns)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: 2029 second-round pick
No team has more cap space than the Rockets this offseason, with a projected $65.1 million in room according to Spotrac.com.
While Houston could chase certain bearded free agents, they could also use the money to take on bad contracts with draft incentives attached.
Enter Simmons, who fits this roster as a pass-first point guard who can defend multiple positions. Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Jabari Smith Jr. and company can still get their shots up, as Simmons has seemed perfectly content deferring to others.
The Rockets also get an unprotected first-round pick from Phoenix, one that could turn out to be quite valuable given Chris Paul (38) and Kevin Durant's (34) ages.
Brooklyn gets off the final two years and $78 million of Simmons' contract, opening up $37.9 million immediately.
Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers Receive: C Deandre Ayton
Phoenix Suns Receive: C Myles Turner, PG T.J. McConnell, 2023 first-round pick (No. 26 overall), 2023 second-round pick (No. 55 overall)
A year after signing Ayton to a record-high four-year, $132.9 million offer sheet, the Pacers finally get their newest franchise center.
This deal would take some patience, as both sides would need to wait for the one-year trade restriction to expire on July 14. If the rookies originally selected by Indiana sign their contracts, this would extend the wait 30 days as well, meaning Ayton-to-Indiana would likely be completed by the end of July.
If both sides agree ahead of time, however, the Suns would let the Pacers know who to select at 26 and 55 overall, players who eventually give Phoenix more depth to complement Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.
The Pacers finally end the Turner era, giving this franchise a core of Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, Ayton and whichever prospect the team selects at No. 7 overall.
Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: F/C John Collins
Atlanta Hawks Receive: G Terance Mann, PF Marcus Morris Sr.
If the Clippers want to continue the Kawhi Leonard-Paul George experiment, they should look into ways of adding more quality and less quantity around them.
Collins, 25, needs a change of scenery and could thrive as a third or fourth option in Los Angeles. He's a good enough three-point shooter to keep the floor spread and can play either power forward or center for stretches.
With Collins not living up to his contract in Atlanta, the Hawks can use Morris as the team's starting power forward while Mann is a do-it-all guard off the bench.
Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: PG Chris Paul
Phoenix Suns Receive: PG D'Angelo Russell (via sign-and-trade), SG Malik Beasley
Is it safe to say the second Russell era in Los Angeles is over after he was benched in the West Finals? Maybe, but the Lakers should at least look at other point guard options this summer.
Paul is nearing the 18th green of his career but still averaged 13.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 8.9 assists and 1.5 steals this season. With LeBron James and Austin Reaves handling the ball a lot as well, Paul's workload would stay at a reasonable level.
For the Suns, swapping Paul for Russell and Beasley makes them younger and gives Booker one of his close friends to play with. For a team short on depth, Beasley gives Phoenix's bench a veteran shooter who should thrive off kickouts from Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.
Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: F Kyle Kuzma (via sign-and-trade)
Washington Wizards Receive: F/C Brandon Clarke, F Jake LaRavia, 2023 first-round pick (No. 25 overall)
If the Grizzlies don't plan on bringing Dillon Brooks back in free agency, they'll need another forward who can hit shots and defend multiple positions. While Kuzma isn't nearly the defender that Brooks is, he's the superior offensive talent who should be thrilled to return to a contender.
The 27-year-old averaged a career-high 21.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 64 starts. Memphis could use him as the starting small forward or as a sixth man who can play both forward positions.
Clarke could miss a large portion of next season with a torn Achilles but is just beginning a four-year, $50 million deal that should still look like a bargain over time. LaRavia was the 19th overall pick in the draft last season and the Wizards also get the 25th pick this year, all for a player in Kuzma who could leave for nothing as a free agent.
Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: F Kenrich Williams
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: G MarJon Beauchamp, G/F Pat Connaughton
While his raw numbers may be modest (8.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists), Williams simply impacts winning when he's on the floor. His swing ratings have ranked in the 94th, 98th and 79th percentiles the past three seasons, with the Thunder improving by 4.9-to-13.8 points per 100 possessions with Williams on the floor, per Cleaning the Glass.
He can defend multiple positions at 6'6" and shot 60.8 percent from two and 37.3 percent from three for OKC this season.
Beauchamp, Milwaukee's first-round pick last year, gives the Thunder yet another prospect to build around while Connaughton provides some veteran leadership and shooting.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: PG Delon Wright
Washington Wizards Receive: SG Wendell Moore Jr., PG Jordan McLaughlin
Mike Conley Jr. is still a quality starting point guard in the NBA, but at age 35, the Wolves should be looking to upgrade the position behind him.
Wright has been one of the better backup floor generals in the league for years now, a good on-ball defender with terrific size at 6'5". His 1.8 steals per game ranked second only to O.G. Anunoby's 1.9, and that was with Wright playing just 24.4 minutes a night.
McLaughlin takes over Wright's job as the backup in Washington while Moore, the 26th overall pick last year, gives the Wizards a prospect with upside if they pivot to a rebuild this summer.
New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: C Myles Turner
Indiana Pacers Receive: C Jonas Valančiūnas, PG Kira Lewis Jr., F Naji Marshall
If the Pelicans still view Zion Williamson as the focal point of the franchise moving forward, this offseason needs to continue to be about finding the best pieces to put around him.
Valančiūnas is a good starting center, but Turner remains the better fit next to Williamson thanks to his rim protection and three-point shooting. Turner knocked down 37.3 percent of his outside shots and swatted away 2.3 shots a game all while averaging a career-high 18.0 points a contest.
Valančiūnas can take over center duties in Indiana or be shopped for a younger option to fit this team's timeline better. Lewis, 22, is a former lottery pick and Marshall, 25, put up 14.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists and shot 46.9 percent in 21 games as a starter.
New York Knicks
New York Knicks Receive: F/C Karl-Anthony Towns
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: PF Julius Randle, G Immanuel Quickley, 2024 first-round pick
After a nice first season with Jalen Brunson where the Knicks reached the second round of the playoffs, it's time to keep the positive momentum going.
Adding a star of Towns' magnitude to a core of Brunson, R.J. Barrett, Josh Hart, Mitchell Robinson and Quentin Grimes would help push New York to the top of the conference, as the 27-year-old has lifetime averages of 23.0 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.3 blocks and a 39.5 percent mark from three.
Minnesota belongs to Anthony Edwards now, meaning this team needs to do everything it can to put the best pieces around him in order to succeed. With limited assets remaining following the trade for Rudy Gobert, trading Towns adds a future unprotected first-round pick, a 2023 All-Star in Randle and Quickley, who averaged 22.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists in 21 games as a starter.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: PF Zion Williamson
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: PF Chet Holmgren, 2024 first-round pick, 2026 first-round pick
Let's get crazy.
If there was ever a team willing to gamble away draft picks on a talent like Williamson, it's this Thunder squad who has eight extra first-round selections coming from previous trades.
If Williamson can stay healthy, the trio of him, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey could quickly become one of the NBA's best. Mix in Jalen Williams, Lu Dort, Ousmane Dieng Kenrich Williams, Jaylin Williams and others and this OKC team is a lock for the West playoffs next year.
For a New Orleans franchise that's watched Williamson play more than 29 games just once in four years, moving him while there's still value is the safest play. Holmgren missed all of last season with a foot injury, but there's no conditioning or weight issues to worry about moving forward. The Pelicans also pick up two future unprotected first-round picks, giving them lots of trade options.
Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic Receive: SG Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: G Jalen Suggs, SG Gary Harris, PF Jonathan Isaac, 2023 first-round pick (No. 11 overall), 2025 first-round pick (lottery-protected)
The Magic look ready to make the playoff leap next season with continued internal growth. Of course, a trade for a two-time All-Star like LaVine would speed things up as well.
LaVine, 28, averaged 24.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists and shot 37.5 percent from three this season. Put him in a starting lineup with Markelle Fultz, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. and suddenly opponents would have a real fear of facing the Magic.
If the Bulls decide to rebuild, flipping LaVine for young talent and draft picks is one of the first steps.
Suggs, 21, was the No. 5 overall pick in 2021 and would immediately slide into LaVine's old starting spot. Harris is a reliable 3-and-D wing and Isaac is still only 25 after missing most of the past three seasons with injuries.
Chicago gets its own first-round pick back this year (11th overall) and a future pick from Orlando as well.
Philadephia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: SG Eric Gordon, PF Marcus Morris Sr., 2023 second-round pick (No. 48 overall)
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: F Tobias Harris
Much of what Philly decides to do this offseason will revolve around James Harden's free agency. If Harden signs with the Houston Rockets or anywhere else, the Sixers may have to add some backcourt help via trade.
Splitting Harris up into multiple players and a draft pick would help cover up a potential loss of Harden. Gordon put up 12.4 points on 37.1 percent shooting from three, Morris chipped in 11.2 points while hitting 36.4 percent of his outside shots and Philly acquires a second-rounder in this draft.
The Clippers get the best overall player in the deal in Harris, who played the best basketball of his career in Los Angeles from 2017-2019.
Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns Receive: C Clint Capela, SG Bogdan Bogdanović
Atlanta Hawks Receive: C Deandre Ayton, SG Landry Shamet
With Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, the Suns need to continue to add depth, rebounding, defense and shooting around their stars.
While Ayton has All-Star potential, his touches will be limited if he stays in Phoenix given the amount of offensive talent already on the roster.
Capela gives Phoenix a rim-running, glass-cleaning center who doesn't need the ball in his hands to be effective. Bogdanović is the ideal sixth man for this group, able to score or facilitate for others depending on who's on the floor.
Ayton can thrive in Atlanta, playing pick-and-roll off of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray all game long while expanding his overall game. Shamet gives this roster more shooting around the star guards as well.
Portland Trail Blazers
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G/F Jaylen Brown
Boston Celtics Receive: SG Anfernee Simons, F Nassir Little, 2023 first-round pick (No. 3 overall)
If the Celtics have any hesitation about giving Brown a five-year, $295 million extension following his rocky Eastern Conference Finals, the Blazers should be more than happy to make an offer.
Brown is the perfect addition to this roster, able to be a secondary scoring option to Damian Lillard while playing strong defense on the wing. If Shaedon Sharpe can develop into a star, Portland will have three elite offensive options to lean on.
Simons becomes an immediate starter in Boston after averaging 21.1 points per game this season, taking over Brown's sidekick role. Little can defend multiple positions and the Celtics can shop the No. 3 overall pick in the draft for some win-now help alongside Jayson Tatum, Simons, Marcus Smart, Derrick White, Malcolm Brogdon, Al Horford, Robert Williams III and others.
Sacramento Kings
Sacramento Kings Receive: SF Reggie Bullock
Dallas Mavericks Receive: C Richaun Holmes
With Harrison Barnes hitting free agency this summer, the Kings could be in need of help on the wing.
Bullock can play and defend multiple positions with his 6'6" frame and shot 38.0 percent from three this season. He's a proven 3-and-D option for a Kings team that may need just that if Barnes leaves (or even if he doesn't).
Holmes gives the Mavs a potential starting center with Christian Wood and Dwight Powell becoming free agents. Holmes, 29, has witnessed his role diminish following Sacramento's trade for Domantas Sabonis, but he averaged 11.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and shot 68.3 percent overall as a starter in 2021-22.
San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs Receive: PG Killian Hayes
Detroit Pistons Receive: PG Devonte' Graham
Victor Wembanyama shouldn't be the only French player the Spurs pursue this offseason, as Hayes would be a buy-low option to try and develop in San Antonio.
Still just 21 and having averaged 10.3 points and 6.2 assists this season, there's some upside here even it's clear Hayes is never going to be a strong scoring option. San Antonio can still mold him into a regular rotation player, however, especially given the team's need at point guard.
Hayes' role will only shrink with the Pistons if he stays once Cade Cunningham returns from shin surgery, and the No. 7 overall pick of 2020 shot under 38.4 percent overall for the third straight season. If Detroit isn't interested in extending Hayes this offseason or paying him in free agency next summer, flipping him for a more proven point guard in Graham is the right move.
Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors Receive: SG Bradley Beal
Washington Wizards Receive: O.G. Anunoby, Gary Trent Jr. (via sign-and-trade), C Christian Koloko
For two teams who missed the East playoffs this season, the Raptors look to buy as the Wizards choose to reload.
Beal is one of the premier shooting guards in the NBA, one that should pair extremely well with Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet and Scottie Barnes to help get Toronto back into the playoffs.
Washington finally moves on from Beal but adds one of the best wing defenders in the NBA with Anunoby, and it gets Trent as a replacement at shooting guard in a sign-and-trade. Koloko is one of the better young shot-blockers in the NBA, keeping the Wizards competitive while also getting deeper overall.
Utah Jazz
Utah Jazz Receive: G Cole Anthony
Orlando Magic Receive: F Rudy Gay, 2023 first-round pick (No. 16 overall)
A starter for much of his first two seasons in Orlando, Anthony came off the bench in 56 of his 60 games this year. If the Magic continue to go with Markelle Fultz, Utah should pursue Anthony as its next potential franchise point guard.
The 23-year-old is averaging 15.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 103 career starts and shot a personal-best 36.4 percent from three this past season.
Orlando does this deal for the No. 16 overall pick this season, although Gay can serve as a veteran mentor for the young forwards on this roster as well.
Washington Wizards
Washington Wizards Receive: G Tyrese Maxey, F Tobias Harris, SG Furkan Korkmaz, F Danuel House Jr., 2029 first-round pick
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: SG Bradley Beal, F Kyle Kuzma (via sign-and-trade)
With a new front office in Washington, we could finally see a Beal trade after 11 years with the franchise.
This deal only goes down if James Harden leaves the 76ers in free agency, opening up the need for another All-Star guard to join the backcourt. Beal and Kuzma restock the Sixers with talent around Joel Embiid, keeping them in the title hunt.
Maxey is the perfect replacement for Beal, as he's seven years younger and coming off a career-high 20.3 points per game. One of the fastest players in the game, Maxey has also become an elite three-point shooter (43.4 percent) as well.
Washington stays competitive with Maxey, Harris and others while also adding a future unprotected first-round pick from the Sixers.
Read 0 Comments
Download the app for comments Get the B/R app to join the conversation