The NBA world was shocked once again after disgruntled superstar Jimmy Butler was traded from Minnesota to Philadelphia for Dario Saric and Robert Covington. In that trade, Philly, who were probably the third best team in the East behind Boston and Toronto, leapfrogged both of them for the top spot in terms of talent.
There are plenty of other teams like Philly in the NBA. Teams that seem to be just one player away from becoming true contenders for second place (Thanks KD).
San Antonio Spurs: Trade for Goran Dragic
The Spurs are currently sitting at 10th place in the Western Conference with a 7-7 record, despite MVP-caliber play from newly-acquired DeMar DeRozan (25/6/6) and the always consistent contributions from LaMarcus Aldridge (17 points, 11 boards per game).
One area the team is lacking production from right now is point guard. After rising star Dejounte Murray tore his ACL, San Antonio was left with Derrick White and Bryn Forbes starting in the back-court. Combined, the duo is averaging 20 points and six assists per game on 56 minutes. To put these stats into perspective, Miami Heat PG Goran Dragic is averaging 16 points and five assists in nearly half those minutes.
It also helps that it wouldn’t take much for San Antonio to get Dragic, as he’s 33 years old and set to hit free agency after this season, right when Murray returns. It would probably cost a future first and not much more for the Spurs to get a starting caliber point guard that’ll help them reach the playoffs once again.
Portland Trail Blazers: Trade for T.J Warren
Portland is once again in the midst of playoff contention thanks to their two superstars Damian “always snubbed” Lillard and C.J. McCollum. The team is currently third in the West with a 10-5 record with wins against pretty good teams like the Celtics, Bucks, and Pacers, but the lack of a true small forward to complement their elite back-court is concerning.
Meanwhile, T.J Warren has been one of this season’s big revelations, scoring 17 PPG while shooting 50% from the field and 46% from downtown. It seems likely that he’s due for some regression, but the development is still there. Warren would make a perfect addition to Portland and fit right into their starting lineup.
The price for T.J. will probably be a lot steeper than other rentals, but for a young player with some upside remaining, he should be worth every penny for a Portland team desperate for another sidekick to help Dame.
Indiana Pacers: Trade for Kevin Love
Woah, woah, woah, what!? Even though this one might seem quite unrealistic, the truth is that it makes perfect sense both for Cleveland. They can unload (perhaps) their only remaining asset and enter a full-on rebuild. Indiana can try and get another superstar to pair with Oladipo.
The Pacers are fourth in the East with a solid 9-6 record, but in terms of overall talent, they’re clearly one step behind Philly, Toronto, and Boston. Despite team chemistry being the main point of interest for Indiana’s front office, last year’s playoffs series against the Cavs proved that chemistry doesn’t win you playoff series, talent does.
So, why not try and get one of the NBA’s forgotten superstars? Let’s not forget this guy was a 20-10 machine a few years ago, and he’s only 30 years old. It should also help Indiana that the price for Love has never been lower, as he’s dealing with a foot injury after struggling to start the season. Perhaps all K-Love needs is a change of scenery and a solid locker-room to revitalize his career, and Indy has to take advantage of this unique opportunity to get a superstar-caliber player for a low price.
Houston Rockets: Trade for Tim Hardaway Jr.
After the failed Carmelo experiment, Houston is now left stretched extremely thin at small forward. Despite recently playing back to their level, Houston is still 7-7 with one of the toughest schedules in the NBA. They need another guy to return to last season’s level.
Enter Tim Hardaway Jr. He’s currently chucking up 21 PPG (not because of efficiency, but mostly because of volume). However, the truth is the kid can shoot the ball. He’s basically what Houston was looking for in Melo, only younger and less toxic.
It’s worth noting that Houston’s GM Daryl Morey has not shied away from big trades in the past, reportedly offering four first rounders for Jimmy Butler. Should Houston trade for Hardaway, prepare for threes to rain like you’ve never seen before.
New Orleans Pelicans: Trade for Otto Porter Jr.
What a disaster this season has been for Washington. The locker room is about to implode, and it looks like the core of John Wall and Bradley Beal will leave nothing behind. The Pelicans are once again relying mostly on Anthony Davis’ heroics, despite the fact that they have a pretty solid team with Nikola Mirotic and Jrue Holiday to compliment the superstar.
New Orleans would make a perfect landing spot for the young Otto Porter, who’s gotten the worst end of the stick with “point guard” John Wall (nobody eats). Porter’s currently posting his worst numbers in his career, averaging only 10 PPG and playing his fewest minutes in four years.
The price for Porter shouldn’t be too high, as Washington has to be looking to shake things up. New Orleans would probably only need to give up a first. The Pelicans would be able to roll out one of the biggest lineups of all-time, with Holiday and Porter in the back-court, Mirotic and Randle as forwards and AD at the 5.
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