While the NBA season is currently on hold, this hasn’t stopped teams from thinking about the future of their franchise. Many teams are looking at potential trade targets for the offseason as well as future free agents to sign. There has been more and more speculation of where some of the top players in the NBA could end up over the next couple of seasons. While none of these NBA rumors are set in stone, it is very possible that one or all of them could happen at some point.
Rumors From Around the NBA
Bradley Beal to the New Orleans Pelicans
A potential trade for another superstar to pair with rookie sensation Zion Williamson may be just what the New Orleans Pelicans need to become a true contender. This may just become a reality as Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the Pelicans have inquired about trading for Bradley Beal. Charania also named the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat as potential destinations, but the Lakers have little to trade, and the Heat will want to keep their young core intact. Right now that makes the Pelicans the most realistic trade destination.
They would have plenty to offer in return as they have a solid mix of young talent and veteran leadership. Someone like Brandon Ingram or Jrue Holiday may be a centerpiece of the trade. While Ingram’s contract is up at the end of the season, a sign and trade remains a strong possibility. We won’t know who exactly would all be a part of this trade, but the Pelicans do have the assets to get a deal done.
Miami Heat pursuing Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Oladipo
It has been known for some time now that the Heat are hoping to make a big splash in the 2021 NBA Free Agency. It is one of the strongest classes we have seen in NBA History. Shams Charania gave us some insight into who the Heat will be targeting. He stated that Giannis Antetokounmpo is their top priority, with Victor Oladipo as a backup plan.
Antetokounmpo makes a lot of sense for the Heat. They have a wide variety of depth and star power at the guard position but lack talent on the interior. Bam Adebayo is obviously a key piece for Miami, but their frontcourt is quite weak beyond him. Antetokounmpo would immediately make them the team to beat in the East and likely make them favorites to win it all.
Oladipo, on the other hand, doesn’t make quite as much sense. He is clearly a talented player who may fit well in Miami, but he would make their backcourt very crowded. Miami may be able to find a way to make it work, but at this point, their focus should be on improving the frontcourt.
Golden State Warriors Creating a Trade Package for a Veteran Player
The Golden State Warriors clearly did not have the season they were anticipating as they finished towards the bottom of the league. This may ultimately work out in their favor as they possess favorable odds of obtaining a top pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Shams Charania has reported that the Warriors may look to package this pick in order to pursue a veteran player.
Who this player is is currently unknown, but there are plenty of talented players out there. Players such as Bradley Beal and Jrue Holiday who have had their names in recent trade discussions are intriguing possibilities. At this point, it is pure speculation on who the Warriors may target, but them making a trade at some point during the offseason seems likely.
It is important to remember that while these rumors do come from reputable sources, they are simply just speculation at this point. None of these NBA rumors are guaranteed to happen, though they are very possible.
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