In a generally weak free-agent class compared to other years, many teams will be looking towards trades to upgrade their teams. Take a look at a few blockbuster NBA trade ideas.
Three Blockbuster NBA Trade Ideas
Damian Lillard Heads to New York in Three-Team Trade
New York Knicks receive: Damian Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers receive: RJ Barrett, Collin Sexton, and the 19th and 21st pick in the 2021 NBA Draft
Cleveland Cavaliers receive: Obi Toppin, Anfernee Simons, and the Knicks’ 2023 first-round pick.
The Knicks’ reason to do this is obvious – they get one of the top players in the entire league. Sure, losing an up-and-comer like Barrett will sting, but Lillard will always be worth the risk. Lillard along with Julius Randle makes the Knicks a legitimate threat.
Portland rebuilds here with a brand new starting backcourt of youthful talent with an all-around player like Barrett and a tenacious scorer like Sexton. This move allows them to trade CJ McCollum as well for more talent. This haul creates a speedy rebuild.
Lastly, Cleveland looks to be done with Sexton. They get Toppin, a high pick last year at a position of need, as well as a promising young guard in Simons and another first-round pick.
The Miami Heat Build Another Big Three
Miami Heat receive: Bradley Beal and Thomas Bryant
Washington Wizards receive: Tyler Herro, Precious Achiuwa, Andre Iguodala, Goran Dragic, and the Heat’s first-round picks in 2024 and 2026
A trio of Beal, Jimmy Butler, and Bam Adebayo makes Miami legitimate on both sides of the floor. Miami is once again a title contender with this and a total nightmare match-up.
It’s going to be difficult for the Wizards to gauge proper trade value for a star like Beal, especially if he ever publicly mentions he wants out. Herro wasn’t spectacular this last season, but he still has the potential to be a very meaningful starter down the road. Achiuwa is another promising youngster who at worst will be one of the first names off the bench. Iguodala and Dragic are expiring contracts that can free up cap space for the team and also allow them to rack up more assets in future trades. Lastly, the Wizards receive two future first-round picks.
The San Antonio Spurs Change it Up
San Antonio Spurs receive: Ben Simmons
Philadelphia 76ers receive: Dejounte Murray and DeMar DeRozan (via sign-and-trade)
Gregg Popovich is one of the best coaches in league history, without a doubt, so perhaps he can work his magic with Simmons. Sure, Simmons is on the hot seat after the playoffs, but he’s still a proven All-Star with plenty of untapped potential. This has all the makings for a match made in Heaven.
If the 76ers truly want to move on from Simmons, this allows them to continue to be a contender as well as add for the future. Murray is already a legitimate starter and will only improve. DeRozan brings more scoring (likely 20+ points per game) and still has a couple of years left in his prime.
[pickup_prop id=”8510″]
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
