The NBA trade season is one of the most fun and unpredictable times of the year. With plenty of trade rumors and big trades each year everyone is on the edge of their seats once the trade season begins. While trade-season peaks in February at the trade deadline December 15th will mark the start of the trade season. As recently signed free agents are now eligible to be traded making over 80 players available to be dealt. Let’s analyze four players who could use a change of scenery for one reason or another.
NBA Trade Rumors: 4 Players Who Need a Change of Scenery
Zach LaVine: Chicago Bulls Guard
Perhaps the obvious name in early trade rumors has been Zach LaVine. The Bulls are stuck in no man’s land with a 9-16 record and the 12th seed. They need to start a rebuild and cash in on their assets. Making LaVine and DeMar DeRozan on the market. Furthermore, it’s been rumored that LaVine and Billy Donovan’s professional relationship is broken. There have been rumors of tension throughout the season and when LaVine exited the court refusing to get interviewed after a comeback win against the Heat many believed this was the final straw.
LaVine has been sidelined with a foot injury since November 28th leading people to believe he has played his last game with the Bulls. The Lakers have been heavily linked to LaVine due to their need for another floor spacer and perimeter creator. The Lakers feel like the favorites to land LaVine however, I believe the 76ers and Pistons could also be intriguing fits. The 76ers could benefit from another ball-handler and scoring threat. The Pistons are the worst team in the league and desperately need spacing as a result they could overpay for LaVine. If Jaden Ivey is on the table it could be the best young player Chicago has been offered and we could have a surprising trade on our hands.
Best fit: Los Angeles Lakers
The Trade:
Lakers receive: Zach LaVine
Bulls receive: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, Christian Wood, 2028 pick swap, 2030 first-round pick
Jerami Grant: Portland Trail Blazers Forward
In the off-season, Jerami Grant signed a massive 5-year 160 million 160-million-dollar contract extension. After Damian Lillard requested a trade it was clear Grant was not part of Portland’s future and he would likely be dealt at the deadline. Grant is once again averaging over 20 points a game while shooting 40% beyond the arc and playing great defense. Grant makes a positive two-way impact no matter the situation and he has proven he can play with talented teams. This makes Grant an ideal piece for several competitive teams.
The Kings and Pacers jump out immediately because both teams desperately need wing defense. Grant would be an incredible 3rd option in the Kings’ high-powered offense all while evaluating their defense. On the Pacers, he would be the perfect wing next to Tyrese Haliburton boosting the team’s upside on both ends of the floor. Due to their cap space, the 76ers could make a push for Grant. This would give Philly another high-level creator that fits in perfectly with their surrounding core.
Best fit: Sacramento Kings
The Trade:
Kings receive: Jerami Grant
Blazers receive: Kevin Huerter, Davion Mitchell, Colby Jones, Chris Duarte, 2027 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick swap
Pascal Siakam: Toronto Raptors Forward
The Raptors have been rumored as sellers for the past year. With Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby at the center of these trade rumors. They currently sit at 10th in the East and need to make a move. With Siakam and Anunoby as pending free agents and Scottie Barnes amid a breakout season, the time is now for Toronto to start rebuilding. Siakam could be the best name on the market and demand a huge return as a result. It’s rare for a player on an expiring contract to have such high value. But Siakam could improve the playoffs or title chances of several teams.
Siakam is a highly versatile two-way star who can fit just about anyone. The Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings are intriguing landing spots for Siakam. He would elevate both teams defensively and give them another elite creator on offense. By addressing their main needs both teams would be much more competitive in their respective conferences. Both teams could make intriguing offers with young players, quality veterans, and draft picks. The Warriors and Hawks have outside chances but would benefit greatly from adding Siakam. He would give the Warriors real size and a number two option while Siakam would give the Hawks increased star power and defense. Both squads would be able to overcome their slow starts and make a real playoff push. However, it’s unclear if the asking price is too high for either team.
Best fit: Indiana Pacers
The Trade:
Pacers receive: Pascal Siakam
Raptors receive: Buddy Hield, Jarace Walker, Jordan Nwora, T.J McConnell, 2024 first-round pick, 2027 first-round pick
Jaden Ivey: Detroit Pistons Guard
Nobody has suffered more from the Pistons’ mess this season than Jaden Ivey. After a promising rookie season, the 2022 5th overall pick has been an inconsistent part of Monty Williams’ rotation. Including a minute reduction from 31 minutes per game as a rookie to 23 this year. While starting in just 6 games this season. When your team is on a 21-game losing streak not developing your young talent is unacceptable and Ivey deserves better. He deserves a chance to show what he’s got and properly develop.
Furthermore, despite what the stats say Ivey has improved as a decision-maker and finisher. What’s lacking is the opportunity to show this improvement. It’s unclear if trading Ivey is a possibility but given how bad the Pistons have been nothing should be off the table. Given team needs and opportunities the Jazz, Bulls, Spurs, and Wizards are intriguing destinations for Ivey. The idea of a Jazz trade is particularly interesting to me considering their great coaching and lack of ball-handlers.
Best fit: Utah Jazz
The Trade:
Jazz receive: Jaden Ivey, Monte Morris
Raptors receive: Ochai Agbaji, Simone Fontecchio, Kelly Olynyk, 2025 first-round pick via Minnesota
