NBA · 11 months ago

Predicting Landing Spots for the Top NBA Players on the Trade Block

John Canady

Host · Writer

8) Marcus Smart, Memphis Grizzlies
Marcus Smart spent most of his years as the heart and soul of the Boston Celtics before being dealt to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of the deal that sent Kristaps Porzingis to Boston. The gritty guard has struggled with injuries throughout his time in Memphis, which has led the team to find some young gems who have stepped up in his absence. With conversations about the guard heating up, a team like the Detroit Pistons could be an interesting fit, especially if they do look to add more veteran help with a playoff push in mind.

Prediction: Detroit Pistons

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1) Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
The buzz surrounding a Kevin Durant trade out of Phoenix was at an all-time high over the past 24 hours, with the Golden State Warriors hoping to bring the forward back to the Bay. However, after Durant shot down the Warriors' interest, general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. quickly shifted his attention to Jimmy Butler. Any deal for Durant seems unlikely, but with the Suns' current record, the NBA has proven to be a 'never say never' league.

Prediction: Phoenix Suns

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2) Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves
Julius Randle was arguably dealt in the most significant blockbuster move of the offseason when the New York Knicks dealt him to Minnesota to acquire Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves. In a move that the T-Wolves thought could give them more depth that would allow them to get over the hump, the result has been almost the exact opposite of the expectations. Randle's fit and regression in Minnesota has been lackluster, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Timberwolves try everything they can to offload the forward before the deadline for a win-now player. However, it'll be hard to see them land a deal unless it's with a lottery-bound team and they include draft compensation. I can see Randle staying put in the Western Conference.

Prediction: Minnesota Timberwolves
3) Cameron Johnson, Brooklyn Nets
Cameron Johnson seemed like he could be dealt immediately after the Brooklyn Nets acquired him in the Kevin Durant deal two seasons ago. However, the former North Carolina standout stayed put in Brooklyn while Sean Marks continued to scan the market, hoping to turn a rebuild into a retool. However, with the Nets still struggling to find a winning formula, it seems that Marks is finally considering hitting the restart button. With Johnson likely on his way out, the one team who could greatly benefit from an acquisition to snag the sharpshooter is the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder
4) Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls
The Bulls seem to be heading toward a rebuild, and with the Warriors previously discussing a deal to land Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic, it wouldn't be a shock to see Golden State remain interested despite LaVine ending up elsewhere. It's clear the Warriors desire to shake up their roster with the move to land Butler, and they still have the pieces to grab a versatile frontcourt option like Vucevic.

Prediction: Golden State Warriors
5) Collin Sexton, Utah Jazz
Collin Sexton seemingly rejuvenated his career in Utah, averaging 18.3 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds this season. The former lottery pick has the talent to be a tremendous two-way player for a playoff team, and as Danny Ainge continues to stack draft picks and young players, a Sexton deal could make sense. One team that could make sense if an agreement were made is the Detroit Pistons, who have quietly positioned themselves to make a playoff run.

Prediction: Detroit Pistons
6) Coby White, Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls continue to gauge the market at the possibility of cashing in on what assets they do have as they trend towards a rebuild in the Windy City. Among their tradable assets is star guard Coby White. One team that seemed interested in the talented guard is the Orlando Magic. The Magic want to pair a talented guard with Paolo Banchero. If he is dealt, Orlando would be my predicted spot.

Prediction: Orlando Magic
7) Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers
Myles Turner has been in trade rumors for several years, but the Indiana Pacers never seem enticed to move him. However, if a deal were too good to pass up, it's been clear that the stretch big could be had for the right price. Nonetheless, a contract in the offseason would make more sense as the Pacers stay in the playoff race.

Prediction: Indiana Pacers
8) Marcus Smart, Memphis Grizzlies
Marcus Smart spent most of his years as the heart and soul of the Boston Celtics before being dealt to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of the deal that sent Kristaps Porzingis to Boston. The gritty guard has struggled with injuries throughout his time in Memphis, which has led the team to find some young gems who have stepped up in his absence. With conversations about the guard heating up, a team like the Detroit Pistons could be an interesting fit, especially if they do look to add more veteran help with a playoff push in mind.

Prediction: Detroit Pistons

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1) Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
The buzz surrounding a Kevin Durant trade out of Phoenix was at an all-time high over the past 24 hours, with the Golden State Warriors hoping to bring the forward back to the Bay. However, after Durant shot down the Warriors' interest, general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. quickly shifted his attention to Jimmy Butler. Any deal for Durant seems unlikely, but with the Suns' current record, the NBA has proven to be a 'never say never' league.

Prediction: Phoenix Suns

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