We are halfway through the NBA season and rapidly approaching the much anticipated trade deadline on February 10th. At this point in the season, we have a better understanding of where teams sit in the standings and can categorize who the buyers and sellers will be. Since this is one of the most exciting times during the NBA season, I took it upon myself to create 5 realistic trades that could happen before the deadline. Side note: I have tested all of these trades in the ESPN Trade Machine, therefore they are all 100% legal following the NBA’s rules and player salaries.
Philadelphia 76ers trade Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris in a 3 team deal with the Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings
76ers Get: Buddy Hield, Tim Hardaway Jr., Marvin Bagely III, and Tyrese Haliburton
Mavericks Get: Tobias Harris
Kings Get: Ben Simmons, Shake Milton, Jaden Springer, Josh Green, Boban Marjanovic, Sterling Brown, picks
In this trade, Ben Simmons finally gets his wish and is no longer a member of the Sixers. I think the Kings are legit suitors for Simmons, since they are a young team who hasn't made any progress towards getting in the playoffs in what feels like forever. With Simmons now on the team, they can rebuild the franchise with a top 25 NBA player alongside guard De’Aaron Fox. In return for Simmons, I believe it's fair for the Sixers to get back guard Buddy Hield, who would become an excellent scoring option next to Joel Embiid. Additionally, receiving Tyrese Haliburton who would fit as another great young piece on the Sixers bench. The Sixers would also get Marvin Bagley, who has been publicly upset with the Kings for the last couple of years, as he has been a very underwhelming 2nd overall pick from Duke just a few years ago. I added the Mavs to this trade because they currently sit firmly in the Western Conference playoffs, but in my opinion still need another piece to seriously contend. Therefore, I give them Tobias Harris who has been involved in trade rumors over the past few weeks and is for sure an upgrade from Tim Hardaway Jr. who I traded to the Sixers to match salaries. Since this trade centers around the Kings, I give them a plethora of young players to help build their team around for the upcoming years, such as scoring guard Shake Milton and former first round picks Josh Green and Jaden Springer. With that said, I think all 3 teams benefit, as the Sixers move on from Simmons and get missing pieces they need, the Mavs get a much needed boost for the postseason, and the Kings get a jumpstart in rebuilding.
Indiana Pacers trade Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner in a 3 team deal with the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks
Pacers Get: Al Horford, Romeo Langford, Aaron Nesmith, Rodney Hood, Semi Ojeleye, picks
Celtics Get: Domantas Sabonis, Brook Lopez
Bucks Get: Myles Turner
The Pacers have made it clear that they will be open for business at the trade deadline, as what they have now is not working. In this trade, the Celtics upgraded tremendously in the frontcourt by adding a consistent All-Star Domantas Sabonis and a capable starter in Brook Lopez. The Celtics end the Al Horford experiment, as he has criticized the Celtics locker room on multiple occasions, sending him to the Pacers. The Bucks get Myles Turner, who is a super athletic center and would perfectly fit Milwaukee’s playing style and make them even stronger championship contenders. Lastly, the Pacers get back a bunch of young players and picks to help them rebuild their franchise. Overall, the Celtics improve drastically, the Pacers get some pieces, and the Bucks improve in their one weak spot.
Clippers trade for Myles Turner
Clippers Get: Myles Turner
Pacers: Ivica Zubac, Justise Winslow, Keon Johnson, and Jason Preston, picks
The Clippers have had a down year so far due to injuries, as Kawhi is recovering from an ACL injury and Paul George has been sidelined for about a month with a shoulder injury. The Clippers still have a solid team that can definitely contend when their star players come back and Turner can be a great upgrade at center. The Pacers get picks and some decent, young role players, but are able to succeed in their main goal of moving on from Turner and getting as many assets as they can for him.
Lakers trade for Jerami Grant
Lakers Get: Jerami Grant
Pistons Get: Talen Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn, Sekou Doumbouya, picks
The Lakers have not met expectations so far this season, but with this trade they add another All-Star caliber player to help them regroup for the playoffs. Grant can serve as a great power forward and Anthony Davis can be shifted to the center position when he returns from his injury. Pistons get nice young pieces in THT, Nunn, and more picks in the future to help them rebuild.
Bulls trade for Jerami Grant
Bulls Get: Jerami Grant
Pistons Get: Patrick Williams, Coby White, and Tony Brown Jr.
This is another option for the Pistons to move on from Grant in return for young talent. White and Williams have both shown signs of being great players. However, injuries have kept them sidelined from being consistent talent. Despite their histories, they are both solid players to help the Pistons build a team. Since the Bulls have sat at the top of the Eastern Conference for most of the year, they have become real contenders and might be a team that could make a splash at the trade deadline. Grant could be a valuable addition, as he would fit nicely with Lavine and DeRozan’s playing styles as the Bulls can use an upgrade at the stretch four position.
Commenti