{"id":61236,"date":"2024-01-12T08:30:27","date_gmt":"2024-01-12T13:30:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=61236"},"modified":"2024-01-11T19:31:35","modified_gmt":"2024-01-12T00:31:35","slug":"nba-trade-targets-western-conference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/01\/12\/nba-trade-targets-western-conference\/","title":{"rendered":"1 Realistic Trade Target For Every Western Conference NBA Team"},"content":{"rendered":"

The NBA trade deadline is quickly approaching and trade rumors are in full swing. After analyzing\u00a0the Eastern Conference<\/a> teams it’s time to analyze what each Western team needs and what player they could target. While emphasizing fit and realistic moves, here is one trade target for every Western Conference team.<\/p>\n

If a player isn’t on this list he is either featured on the Eastern Conference list or I couldn’t find an ideal fit for him.<\/p>\n

1 Realistic Trade Target For Every Western Conference NBA Team<\/h2>\n

Dallas Mavericks: Kyle Kuzma<\/h3>\n

Currently, the Mavericks are a piece away from true contention. With a star at the level of Luka Doncic<\/a><\/strong> you should always be looking to improve and in win-now mode. With Kyle Kuzma<\/a><\/strong> on the trade block<\/a> and Wizards possibly looking to fully bottom out this could be the perfect opportunity for the Mavericks to make a move. Kuzma is a quality three-level scorer and the perfect complimentary wing. Dallas can offer a bigger contract such as Tim Hardaway Jr<\/a><\/strong> or Richaun Holmes.<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0As well as intriguing young players including Josh Green<\/a><\/strong> and Jaden Hardy<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0with distant picks to make a deal work. Ultimately landing an all-around wing like Kuzma would change the Mavericks\u2019 season outlook and upside.<\/p>\n

Denver Nuggets: Andre Drummond<\/h3>\n

The Nuggets are top-tier contenders and have a strong chance to repeat as champs. As a result, no major move is necessary at the deadline. Upgrading the backup center position and getting more value out of the non Nikola Jokic<\/a><\/strong> minutes is a goal at the deadline. Andre Drummond<\/a><\/strong> is the perfect target given that need. Recently, Drummond has stepped up for the Bulls he is once again an elite rebounder and solid rim protector. Drummond could provide the Nuggets with quality bench minutes and be part of the Nuggets\u2019 playoff rotation. He is the ideal player to round out Denver\u2019s roster.<\/p>\n

Golden State Warriors: Pascal Siakam<\/h3>\n

The Warriors desperately need a move at the trade deadline and should go all in for Pascal Siakam<\/a><\/strong>. He is the only realistic target that addresses both of the Warriors\u2019 main needs in secondary shot creation and front-court size. Furthermore, the Warriors can offer an intriguing package to Toronto centered around<\/a> Jonathan Kuminga<\/a><\/strong>. The deal would also include Chris Paul<\/a><\/strong>, possibly another player, and draft capital. Due to Siakam\u2019s two-way abilities, shot creation, and versatility, he\u2019s the only player who moves the needle for the Warriors.<\/p>\n

Houston Rockets: DeMar DeRozan<\/h3>\n

The Rockets veteran off-season additions have been a perfect fit and they\u2019ve been one of the league’s best stories as a result. Without their first-round pick this year why not invest further and make a playoff push? DeMar DeRozan<\/a><\/strong> could be available for a discount price. Parting with expandable players including Victor Oladipo<\/a><\/strong>, Jock Landale<\/a><\/strong>, Jae’Sean Tate<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and some light draft capital could land DeRozan. With DeRozan on an expiring contract, the Rockets could lock him up on a more team-friendly deal in the off-season. DeRozan\u2019s shot creation and scoring make him an ideal wing next to Alperen Sengun<\/a><\/strong>. A Raptors reunion with Fred VanVleet<\/a><\/strong> is also an exciting possibility.<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Clippers: Royce O’Neale<\/h3>\n

The James Harden trade has turned out better than anyone could have expected and the Clippers are clear contenders. As a result at the deadline, no major moves need to be made. However, adding another shot-maker and defensive-minded wing wouldn\u2019t hurt. Making Royce O\u2019Neale<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0the ideal candidate to round out the Clippers roster. Bones Hyland<\/a><\/strong>, Amir<\/strong> Coffey<\/strong><\/a>, and Kobe Brown<\/a><\/strong> would be a fair deal in exchange for O\u2019Neale.<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Lakers: Zach LaVine<\/h3>\n

Zach LaVine\u2019s<\/a><\/strong> value is at a low point. Throughout LaVine rumors the Lakers are the only team he\u2019s consistently been connected<\/a> with and the fit makes sense. LaVine would provide the Lakers with much-needed floor spacing and perimeter creation. Additionally, the Lakers are the perfect spot for LaVine to reinvent his game in a way and buy into a winning system. D\u2019Angelo Russell<\/a><\/strong>, Rui Hachimura<\/a><\/strong>, a few rational players, and possible draft capital would make this deal work. Not a bad price considering LaVine\u2019s talent and clear fit. Some might be apprehensive about adding LaVine due to his massive contract. However, with the Lakers underperforming they need to make a move and get back into contention with LeBron James<\/a><\/strong> and Anthony Davis<\/a><\/strong> having incredible seasons.<\/p>\n

Oklahoma City Thunder: Lauri Markkanen<\/h3>\n

There\u2019s a good chance the Thunder don\u2019t make a move at the deadline and opt to continue developing their elite young core together. However, if Lauri Markkanen<\/a><\/strong> is available he is certainly worth targeting. According to Kevin O\u2019Connor<\/a> of The Ringer, Utah wants about five first-round picks for Markkanen. The Thunder have 15 first-round picks<\/a> and could wow the Jazz with an offer. At some point, the Thunder will have to cash in on some of their picks, and trading five for Markkanen while retaining much of the young core and future assets is reasonable. Markkanen would provide the Thunder with more frontcourt size and floor spacing while being a seamless fit next to their already loaded core. Landing a star like Markkanen would solidify OKC as a top contender<\/a> and further accelerate the team’s timeline.<\/p>\n

Memphis Grizzlies: Saddiq Bey<\/h3>\n

After Ja Morant\u2019s<\/a><\/strong> season-ending injury<\/a>, many are expecting the Grizzlies to fully bottom out. However, to me, Memphis has already secured a spot in the lottery<\/a> and will likely have a top-seven pick. Why not find some long-term fits next to Morant for a bargain price? Saddiq Bey<\/a><\/strong> fits that description perfectly; he is a prototypical 3-and-D wing that Memphis has needed since Dillon Brooks<\/a><\/strong> left in the off-season. Bey is a pending free agent and with the Hawks likely selling at the deadline<\/a> he will be available for a cheap price as a result. Finding a wing with a skill set that compliments Morant for next to nothing would be a great pickup for the Grizzlies.<\/p>\n

Minnesota Timberwolves: Jordan Clarkson<\/h3>\n

The Timberwolves are currently the one seed in the West and have been an incredible story. Minnesota\u2019s top-ranked<\/a> defense and elite size around Anthony Edwards<\/a><\/strong> has led them to this level of success. However, with a bottom-half offense and an inexperienced team, it\u2019s fair to wonder if they’re true contenders. The Timberwolves guard depth is a clear weak point adding Jordan Clarkson<\/a><\/strong> would help both of these problems. Clarkson is a spark plug off the bench who would give Minnesota needed bench scoring and another ball handler. Due to the Timberwolves’ lack of draft assets, they would have to part ways with fan favorite and awesome backup center Naz Reid<\/a><\/strong>. Making this move controversial and less likely. Ultimately, adding Clarkson would change the Timberwolves playoff outlook and give them more balance so this move is worth the price.<\/p>\n

New Orleans Pelicans: Dejounte Murray<\/h3>\n

The Pelicans are an under discussed landing spot in Dejounte Murray<\/a><\/strong> rumors<\/a>. New Orleans could use a natural point guard and playmaker making Murray a perfect fit. Murray could play next to possibly evaluate Brandon Ingram<\/a><\/strong> and Zion Williamson<\/a><\/strong>. We would also see Murray’s game reach another level by getting away from the awkward fit next to Trae Young<\/a><\/strong>. The Pelicans are currently the 6th seed in the West and project to be a tough playoff matchup. But they could make a big swing moving towards legit contention. The Pelicans have a lot of young wings with high upside but not enough opportunity. As a result, it\u2019s worth considering trading Trey Murphy<\/a><\/strong>, and another player to make the contracts work and draft capital to land Murray. Ultimately, with the Pelicans future draft assets and young talent they could make the best offer in the Murray sweepstakes.<\/p>\n

Portland Trail-Blazers: Kevin Huerter<\/h3>\n

The Trail-Blazers are in a rebuild so trading win-now players including Jerami Grant<\/a><\/strong> and Malcolm Brogdon<\/a><\/strong> in exchange for picks is logical. In addition to picks, the Blazers will likely receive some raw young talent and players on larger deals to make the contracts work. The young talent will likely be nothing crazy but some of those bigger contracts could have real value. Along those lines, Kevin Huerter<\/a> <\/strong>is an intriguing fit. The 25-year-old wing is in the midst of a down year and has a good chance of being moved as a result. Despite the down year Huerter has been a knockdown shooter for most of his career. He would fit nicely next to Portland’s young guards and could return to his previous level of play.<\/p>\n

Phoenix Suns: Dennis Schroder<\/h3>\n

The Suns season has been a massive disappointment riddled<\/a> with injuries. Phoenix lacks a natural point guard and playmaking. With no draft picks and a top-heavy team, the Suns don\u2019t have a ton of moves they can make. However, since Dennis Schroder<\/a><\/strong> has been rumored<\/a> to be unhappy and Immanuel Quickley<\/a><\/strong> is viewed as the guard of the future a Schroder move is possible. Schroder is averaging a career-high 6.8 assists per game making him an ideal facilitator next to the Suns\u2019 big three. He would also provide the team with an additional scoring option.<\/p>\n

Sacramento Kings: Jerami Grant<\/h3>\n

The Kings need a move to establish themselves as true contenders. Sacramento\u2019s bottom-ten<\/a> defense is a clear area of improvement. With Siakam trade talks off the table<\/a>, Jerami Grant<\/a><\/strong> is the next logical fit. Grant is a high-level two-way wing who fits into the Kings\u2019 identity of offense and three-point shooting. All while alleviating defense concerns. Grant would be a seamless fit next to De\u2019Aaron Fox<\/a><\/strong> and Domantas Sabonis<\/a> <\/strong>complimentary their games perfectly. Grant\u2019s fit next to young wing Keegan Murray<\/a><\/strong> is both intriguing and exciting.<\/p>\n

San Antonio Spurs: Tyus Jones<\/h3>\n

The Spurs desperately need a point guard and playmaker next to Victor Wembanyama<\/a><\/strong>. There are rumors<\/a>\u00a0that the Spurs are considering a reunion with Dejounte Murray<\/a><\/strong> but that feels pretty unlikely given the franchise\u2019s approach so far. Drafting<\/a> a guard with playmaking abilities feels like a very likely scenario at this point. The Wizards might look to completely bottom out making a Tyus Jones<\/a><\/strong> trade realistic. Adding Jones would give the Spurs a steady playmaking and shooting presence next to Wemby. The Spurs may win a few more games but they would still be a bottom-five team. Ultimately, this would be a positive move for Wembanyama\u2019s development and that should be the Spurs’ top priority.<\/p>\n

Utah Jazz: Davion Mitchell<\/h3>\n

The Jazz will likely look to be sellers<\/a> at the deadline and acquire even more future draft picks. Similarly targeting young players who could benefit from a change of scenery would be a smart move. Davion Mitchell<\/a> <\/strong>was a lottery pick in 2021 but has been phased out of the Kings rotation as they\u2019ve become more competitive. Mitchell has shown signs of being a high-level perimeter defender and playmaker. With open minutes in Utah\u2019s backcourt, he could rejuvenate his career and the Jazz could grab him at a low price.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The NBA trade deadline is quickly approaching and trade rumors are in full swing. After analyzing\u00a0the Eastern Conference teams it’s time to analyze what each Western team needs and what player they could target. While emphasizing fit and realistic moves, here is one trade target for every Western Conference team. If a player isn’t on […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4779,"featured_media":61321,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1608,30,20,25,31,27,26,32,21,62,33,22,28,23,29,34,24],"tags":[1262,350,1628,321,1128,926,1754,569,457],"class_list":["post-61236","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-basketball","category-mavericks","category-nuggets","category-warriors","category-rockets","category-clippers","category-lakers","category-grizzlies","category-timberwolves","category-nba","category-pelicans","category-thunder","category-suns","category-trailblazers","category-kings","category-spurs","category-jazz","tag-dejounte-murray","tag-demar-derozan","tag-jerami-grant","tag-jordan-clarkson","tag-kyle-kuzma","tag-lauri-markkanen","tag-pascal-siakam","tag-tyus-jones","tag-zach-lavine"],"modified_by":"Zach Kircher","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61236","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4779"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=61236"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61236\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/61321"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=61236"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=61236"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=61236"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}