The NBA trade deadline is rapidly approaching, which means teams will start to get serious about upgrading their team. It has been a hectic regular season so far. But this is where the serious playoff teams start to separate themselves from the pack. These are six trade targets that contending teams should go after, from stars to role players.
Contending Team Trade Targets
Jerami Grant, PF – Detroit Pistons
2021-22 Stats: 20.1 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 2.6 APG
Jerami Grant is one of the biggest names on the trade block this season for a reason. Going to Detroit has allowed him to showcase his entire offensive repertoire. On the right team, Grant can be a superstar role player for a contender. Teams would be thrilled to have him as their third or fourth-best player. Grant has shown that he can function as a volume scorer or a defensive wing. His versatility makes him one of the most sought-after players at the deadline. Dealing Grant would mean Detroit is going all-in on the youth movement, and I believe they could get a young player and picks for him.
Ideal Landing Spots: Bulls, Mavericks, Wizards
Myles Turner, C – Indiana Pacers
2021-22 Stats: 13.1 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.1 APG, 2.9 BPG
The Indiana Pacers have been stuck in no-mans land for a while. It seems like they will be starting the rebuilding process at the trade deadline. Myles Turner is one of the best trade targets for any team looking to upgrade their center position because of his defensive prowess and shooting ability. He has been one of the best rim protectors in the league for a while now, and at only 25 years old, is young enough to be considered part of anyone’s long-term future. He is only owed $36 million over the next two years, and moving him would be beneficial to a Pacers team that is looking to start over.
Ideal Landing Spots: Hornets, Mavericks, Knicks
CJ McCollum, SG – Portland Trail Blazers
2021-22 Stats: 20.6 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 4.5 APG
The Portland Trail Blazers have not been able to get over the hump with their current duo of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. While they have made the playoffs the last eight years, they have only advanced past the first round three times, reaching the conference finals once. After a disappointing 15-24 start, it might finally be time for Portland to shake things up drastically. McCollum has averaged over 20 points for the last seven seasons and is truly a professional scorer. He is still under contract for the next three seasons and should be considered for any team needing a great offensive guard.
Ideal Landing Spots: Knicks, Mavericks, Celtics
Gary Harris, SG – Orlando Magic
2021-22 Stats: 11.6 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 1.9 APG
Gary Harris needs to go to a contending team, plain and simple. The 27-year-old is in a contract year, and he has picked up his play this year. He is shooting 37% from three this year and has always been a great defender. Harris is a solid 3-D player who has played meaningful playoff games when he was in Denver. Orlando is embracing the youth movement and has no need to keep Harris around if they can get anything valuable for him. Any team with the ability to take in Harris’ $20 million contract should consider bringing him in.
Ideal Landing Spots: Wizards, Cavs, Mavericks
Terrence Ross, SG – Orlando Magic
2021-22 Stats: 12.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 2.2 APG
Terrence Ross is another player the Magic should move at the deadline. He has struggled from three this year only shooting 30%, but has picked up his play as of late. Ross has always been an offensive spark plug off the bench and is a great fit for any team needing bench scoring. He recently dropped 33 points against the Celtics and is only owed $24 million over the next two years, so finding contracts to match shouldn’t be tough.
Ideal Landing Spots: Celtics, Lakers, Nuggets
Cam Reddish, SG/SF – Atlanta Hawks
2021-22 Stats: 11.9 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 1.1 APG
Cam Reddish came into college with a lot of hype surrounding him, and he showed flashes of greatness which led him to be picked tenth overall by the Hawks in 2019. His first three seasons in the NBA have been a rollercoaster, with the Hawks now trying to ship him off for a first-round pick. It is obvious that Reddish is a gifted scorer. He is averaging a career-high 18.3 PPG per 36 minutes this season. However, Atlanta does not seem interested in extending him after his rookie contract expires next season. Still only 22 years old, Reddish has the potential to be a star in this league but needs the right situation to do so.
Ideal Landing Spots: 76ers, Knicks, Rockets
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