NBA · 1 year ago

Predicting Landing Spots for the Top 25 NBA Trade Targets

John Canady

Host · Writer

Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls
Since last season, Zach LaVine has been the most rumored name on the move. However, due to his injury history and his stint in Chicago, the market for the guard has seen a dive. Now, with the Bulls trying anything they can to get off LaVine’s contract, it would be shocking to see him return to Chicago. With that being said, it wouldn’t be a shock if a team like the Miami Heat attempted to capitalize on his low asking price.

Prediction: Miami Heat
Predicting Landing Spots for the Top NBA Trade Targets
The NBA offseason is fully underway. With free agency allowing players to sign with different teams, some players will be suiting up for new teams next season despite not being free agents. As the offseason unfolds, these players could have played their last games with their current teams.
Collin Sexton, Utah Jazz
Collin Sexton was selected by the Cavaliers as a top-ten pick to replace Kyrie Irving after his departure in 2018. The Alabama alum spent four seasons in Cleveland, where he had plenty of production as the team’s starting point guard. However, after Cleveland drafted Darius Garland, Sexton was dealt to the Jazz as part of the Donovan Mitchell trade. In his first season in Utah, the two-way guard served as a bench piece before returning to the starting lineup this past year. At only 25, Sexton has a lot to offer, and with the Jazz reportedly open to moving him, he could be an excellent piece for whatever team lands him. With the Lakers looking to remodel their rotation, Sexton has been linked to Los Angeles since the offseason began.

Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers
De'Andre Hunter, Atlanta Hawks
De'Andre Hunter was drafted by the Hawks in 2019 after winning a national championship at Virginia. Hunter joined Atlanta as a two-way prospect who could defend at a high level and had all the tools to develop into a willing scorer. In his five seasons with the Hawks, the forward has shown flashes of just how good he can be, but he’s yet to find the consistency or take the leap Atlanta hoped he could alongside Trae Young. With the Hawks selecting Zaccharie Risacher with the No. 1 overall pick, Hunter could be on his way out of Atlanta. Perhaps a team like the Hornets could take the risk and give Hunter the chance to make an impact under new head coach Charles Lee.

Prediction: Charlotte Hornets
Deandre Ayton, Portland Trail Blazers
Deandre Ayton was selected as the top overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Suns. The Arizona product managed to stay within the state as he suited up for Phoenix in what the franchise hoped to be the perfect pairing between Ayton and Devin Booker. However, after five seasons with the Suns, the double-double machine was dealt to the Trail Blazers as part of a three-team blockbuster trade last summer. The center finished the season averaging 16.7 points and 11.1 rebounds this past season. And while his stats are impressive, Portland drafted Donovan Clingan with their lottery pick in this year’s draft, who happens to play the same position as Ayton. This could be the writing on the wall that the Trail Blazers could be looking to move the former No. 1 overall pick to help aid their rebuild. If Ayton were to be traded, the Pelicans could be a team to monitor after losing Jonas Valanciunas in free agency.

Prediction: New Orleans Pelicans
Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons
Jalen Duren was selected with the No. 13 overall pick in 2022 out of Memphis. The center showed out during his rookie season and showed nothing but promise in his minutes with the struggling Pistons. Averaging a double-double this past season with 13.8 points and 11.8 rebounds while shooting 61.9% from the field, Duren is only 20 years old, but he has the potential to be a dominant bruiser in the paint as he continues to develop. Shockingly enough, there have been some rumors that the big man could be on the trade block. Nonetheless, I would be shocked to see the Pistons trade the promising center this early in his career, especially after their free agency additions to surround Cade Cunningham with talent.

Prediction: Detroit Pistons
Nick Richards, Charlotte Hornets
Nick Richards has spent four seasons with the Hornets after being selected in the second round of the 2020 draft. The seven-footer didn’t make much noise in his first two years, but in year three, Richards took a leap and cracked the Hornets rotation. Fast forward to this past year, and the Kentucky alum played a pivotal role in Charlotte, starting 51 of 67 games along the way of a career-high averaging 9.7 points and eight rebounds on 69.1% shooting from field goal range. In addition to his impact on offense and the glass, Richards has shown flashes as a capable shot blocker. With the Jazz declining the Knicks offer for Walker Kessler, New York could pivot to Richards as another option to bolster their frontcourt.

Prediction: New York Knicks
Cameron Johnson, Brooklyn Nets
Cameron Johnson was dealt to the Nets as part of the trade that sent Kevin Durant out West. The six-foot-eight forward has shot 39.2% from three-point range in his career, and he continued his impressive shooting this past season in Brooklyn. With his ability to stretch the floor and have plenty of length on defense, his skillset is highly coveted by teams hoping to get over the hump. The Lakers have been rumored to be interested in Johnson, but a team like the Cavaliers has also been reported as a team looking to add shooting in the frontcourt.

Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers
Jalen Green, Houston Rockets
Jalen Green was selected with the No. 2 pick in 2021 by the Rockets. Green looked to be the future in Houston, and while he’s shown plenty of promise, the Rockets have seemingly transitioned from a rebuilding team looking to make moves to a win-now team. To do that, Houston will be looking to make moves, especially if a big-name player becomes available. That said, the 22-year-old is undeniably one of the most coveted assets the Rockets have to offer. A team like the Nets could make sense if Green were to be moved, with a fire sale likely coming.

Prediction: Brooklyn Nets
Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets
Dorian Finney-Smith is another name reported to be on the trade block, with the Nets heading towards a rebuild. Finney-Smith landed in Brooklyn in a deal that sent Kyrie Irving to Dallas last season. The 31-year-old would provide a team with consistency on both ends of the floor as a viable 3-and-D option. Now, reports suggest that the Mavericks could be looking at the possibility of a reunion with their former forward. The Mavs could offer the Nets a pick-centric deal with salary fillers like Maxi Kleber and Dante Exum to match Finney-Smith’s $14 million annual salary.

Prediction: Dallas Mavericks
Keldon Johnson, San Antonio Spurs
Keldon Johnson was once considered a future star in San Antonio, especially after averaging 22 points, five rebounds, and 2.9 assists as a full-time starter in 2022–23. However, this season, Johnson transitioned from a starter to the bench and struggled to find consistency in the role. With a team like the Kings looking to add another piece after landing DeMar DeRozan, the Spurs could look to move Johnson and get a solid return for the forward in what could be a win-win deal for both sides.

Prediction: Sacramento Kings
Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets
Ben Simmons was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. The LSU product was considered the next coming of LeBron James with his ability to play point guard at six-foot-ten. After winning Rookie of the Year in his first season on the court, everything looked promising for the playmaker. However, after a poor postseason stint, mixed with injuries, his relationship in Philadelphia turned sour and ultimately ended with Simmons being dealt to Brooklyn. Now, Simmons continues to deal with back injuries, and it seems like the Nets may be looking to end their experiment with the former top overall pick. With the Spurs looking to put a playmaker next to Victor Wembanyama for the foreseeable future, a recreation project in Simmons for the right price could be interesting. If he can stay healthy, his impact alongside Wemby could be dangerous, considering his ability to pass at a high level.

Prediction: San Antonio Spurs
Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers
Jerami Grant is a talented player, and the Trail Blazers seem open to moving him as part of their rebuild. The high-flying forward has developed into a consistent scorer in his time with the Pistons before landing with Portland in 2022. However, at 30, Grant doesn’t fit the Trail Blazers' timeline, and rumors suggest he could be on his way out. Among teams interested, the Lakers, who have struck out with multiple other players, could be a team to watch. Grant’s fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis could be interesting.

Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers
Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz
Jordan Clarkson was a name being monitored last season before the Jazz shocked many and signed the scoring guard to a three-year, $55 million deal. While the agreement was a head-scratcher, it makes sense if Danny Ainge signed Clarkson to a rich deal to use as a trade asset further down the line. With the Jazz rumored to be listening to offers for Lauri Markkanen, Utah looks to be heading toward a complete rebuild. If teams call for Clarkson, Utah will almost definitely field offers. Nonetheless, with the Bucks looking for more scoring, they could use a contract like Bobby Portis's to land a consistent scoring threat off the bench.

Prediction: Milwaukee Bucks
Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers
Darius Garland was rumored to be disgruntled at the start of the offseason after the Cavaliers' second-round exit against the Celtics. Reports suggested that Garland’s camp would request to be moved if Donovan Mitchell signed an extension. After hiring Kenny Atkinson and Mitchell’s extension, there has been little to no update on Garland. However, if the point guard were moved, he’d be a great playmaker for whatever team lands him. It feels as if Cleveland would like to run it back with Atkinson leading the way.

Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers
Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers
Anfernee Simons was drafted by the Trail Blazers in 2018 in the bottom half of the first round. It took Simons four seasons to emerge as a star, and now he’s solidified himself as an elite NBA scorer. With general manager Joe Cronin commenting that the Blazers are planning to build around Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, it sounds as if Simons is on the outside looking in. He could be a name many teams would covet, especially with his $25 million salary. At only 25 years old, the guard has the potential to further his development and become a superstar. A team like the Orlando Magic would have the assets and contracts to bring Simons in, and there would be a need for an explosive scoring guard to pair alongside Paolo Banchero.

Prediction: Orlando Magic
Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks
Following the Bucks' first-round exit for the second postseason in a row, rumors swirled that new head coach Doc Rivers would like to change up the rotation. Among the reports, Bobby Portis appeared numerous times as a player who could be on the move. The talented forward has brought scoring and grit off the bench for the Bucks since 2020. If Milwaukee does decide to move on from Portis, he’ll likely have many suitors hoping to land him. With the Rockets always looking to get tough-nosed players, a fit in Houston could be interesting under Ime Udoka.

Prediction: Houston Rockets
Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans
Brandon Ingram may be one of the most talented players to be moved this offseason. At the start of free agency, reports suggested Ingram has likely played his last game in a Pelicans jersey. However, after no movement in the deal, it’s yet to be seen if Ingram does get a fresh start. Nonetheless, if the versatile wing is moved, a team like the Pistons could be an intriguing spot to fast forward the team's rebuild.

Prediction: Detroit Pistons
Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks
Trae Young is undeniably one of the most talented guards in the league. With his ability to be an explosive scorer and a crafty playmaker, he’s made a name for himself with the Hawks since being drafted No. 5 overall in 2018. However, Young has been involved in trade rumors since the trade deadline. One team that’s been rumored to be interested in Young has been the Spurs, who may be intrigued by his fit alongside Victor Wembanyama. However, that was before San Antonio brought in Chris Paul in free agency. Nonetheless, with the Spurs holding numerous of the Hawks' future picks from the Dejounte Murray trade, if Young was available, the Spurs would be in the best position to land the star.

Prediction: San Antonio Spurs
DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls (Sacramento Kings)
DeMar DeRozan has continued his dominance since joining the Bulls during free agency in 2021. While Chicago tried to hold off on a rebuild back then, now the organization finally looks to be committing to rebuilding with DeRozan’s departure. DeRozan made his desire to play in his home state of California clear, and his move to the Kings gives him the chance to do just that.

*Traded to Sacramento Kings*
Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards
Kyle Kuzma was sent to the Wizards in 2021 in a package that landed the Lakers Russell Westbrook. Since joining Washington, Kuzma has set career highs each year, including this past season, where he averaged 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. However, at 28 years old, the six-foot-nine forward doesn’t fit the Wizards' timeline as the team enters a rebuild. With the Kings closely linked to Kuzma, it wouldn’t be surprising if Sacramento finally gets a deal done to bring Kuzma in.

Prediction: Sacramento Kings
Bruce Brown, Toronto Raptors
Bruce Brown earned a massive payday from the Pacers in free agency last offseason following his championship run with the Nuggets. However, his time in Indiana didn’t last long, as he was shipped to Toronto during an in-season trade. Early reports suggested the Raptors would make it a point to find Brown a new home in the offseason. Still, since the beginning of free agency, there hasn’t been much information about the forward’s situation. With that said, Brown expects to be traded, and a contending team would be wise to make a move for him. Maybe a team like the Bucks could find a way to land the versatile player.

Prediction: Milwaukee Bucks
Walker Kessler, Utah Jazz
Walker Kessler was a pleasant surprise for the Jazz during his rookie year. The big man quickly became an impact player on both sides of the floor, but his rebounding ability sets him apart. With a crowded frontcourt in Utah, Danny Ainge is reportedly open to moving Kessler, hoping to gather more future draft picks. With the Knicks losing Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency, a fit in New York makes too much sense.

Prediction: New York Knicks
Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz
Lauri Markkanen was dealt to the Jazz in 2022 as part of the deal that sent Donovan Mitchell to the Cavaliers. The 27-year-old has since developed into a star during his time in Utah, and although he’s not officially on the trade block, rumors suggest that Danny Ainge and the Jazz front office are listening to trade offers for the big man. With his ability to stretch the floor and score at a high level, the seven-footer will be a significant addition to whatever team lands him if he is dealt. However, with the Warriors' young talent and desire to win now, they could have the assets to get a deal done with Utah.

Prediction: Golden State Warriors
D’Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers
D’Angelo Russell recently opted into his $18.7 million player option with the Lakers, but his return to the team is still up in the air. It’s been reported that Los Angeles could use Russell’s contract as an asset to upgrade the team's roster. The Lakers offered the left-handed guard to the Warriors to land Klay Thompson before the sharpshooter landed with the Mavericks. Nonetheless, a reunion in Brooklyn could be in the works with the Lakers' rumored interest in Cam Johnson and the Nets' willingness to bring Russell back on his expiring contract.

Prediction: Brooklyn Nets
Russell Westbrook, LA Clippers
Russell Westbrook joined the Clippers two seasons ago following a rough road with the Lakers. Last season, the former MVP swallowed his pride and put the team first by sliding into a role off the bench, hoping it would help with the addition of James Harden as the team’s starting point guard. Following the Clippers' roster changes, Westbrook could be the next name moving on from LAC, despite his player option to return. With rumors linking the 35-year-old to the Nuggets, Westbrook could go to Denver to play alongside the reigning MVP, Nikola Jokic.

Prediction: Denver Nuggets
Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls
Since last season, Zach LaVine has been the most rumored name on the move. However, due to his injury history and his stint in Chicago, the market for the guard has seen a dive. Now, with the Bulls trying anything they can to get off LaVine’s contract, it would be shocking to see him return to Chicago. With that being said, it wouldn’t be a shock if a team like the Miami Heat attempted to capitalize on his low asking price.

Prediction: Miami Heat
Predicting Landing Spots for the Top NBA Trade Targets
The NBA offseason is fully underway. With free agency allowing players to sign with different teams, some players will be suiting up for new teams next season despite not being free agents. As the offseason unfolds, these players could have played their last games with their current teams.

Predicting Landing Spots for the Top 25 NBA Trade Targets

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