It seems as if every year a new big star hits the trade market. This star tends to be in a smaller market and is unhappy with the team’s success. Either that or the team itself hopes to do a complete reset and wants to get rid of their star. With a new season approaching here are some potentially available stars.
Who’s the Next Available Star?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has consistently been the only proven star for this Oklahoma City Thunder team. He is only 24 years old and seems to fit this team’s timeline. The only problem is he’s helping them win games which hurts their chances of effectively tanking. He also may begin to feel frustrated as he continues to be shut down by the team for fear of being injured, which hurts his chances at individual accolades.
Shai has yet to be elected to an All-Star game, yet puts up the numbers and production that would make him an All-Star. Last year Shai put up 24.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. Shai’s best year with the Thunder team-wise involved a first-round loss in the playoffs. Since then they decided to take a rebuilding approach and have seen no success from there. He could provide a good impact on a winning team if given the chance.
LaMelo Ball
LaMelo Ball is a very young, one-time All-Star for the Charlotte Hornets. His impact has been monumental for the team since he joined two years ago. Despite a high impact, the team has seen little success winning-wise. They have yet to make the playoffs or win a play-in game.
Ball averaged 20 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 7.6 assists last year. He led the team in assists as the primary ball-handler but didn’t lead the team in points. The player who led the team in points last year was Miles Bridges, who’s no longer on the team. The fact that the Hornets did nothing to replace Bridges might make Ball upset in the future. If Ball is serious about winning he may begin to explore his options shortly in the future.
Bradley Beal
Bradley Beal has been on the trade block for the last couple of years with little success. He recently just got an extension that’ll sign him for the next five years. His long-term contract shouldn’t impact the team too negatively if they decide to move on from him. Beal could end up being a huge contributor for a contender for a long time.
Beal’s biggest gift to the game is his natural scoring ability. The three-time All-Star dealt with injuries last year, but the year before averaged 31.3 points. He also shot 48.5% from the field and 35% from three. Beal’s been stuck on Washington without a direction for years but has shown his ability in the past to be a second star alongside John Wall.
Washington has yet to do a full rebuild with Beal, yet hasn’t been a true contender. They either need to go all in with Beal or give up on him as his trade value depletes. Some retooling could allow them to get off of a loaded contract as well as get some valuable assets.
