Sport
5 NBA trades that could happen in the next month
The NBA trade window slams shut in just over a months time and there could be some seriously big moves before it closes. Here we’ll look at the biggest names that could be switching teams. We’ll be looking at players that teams might want out, the gaps certain teams are looking to fill and players that look set to have a plethora of trade options. Here are five NBA trades which could happen.
5. Marcus Smart
We kick off our list of potential NBA trades with Marcus Smart and the Boston Celtics stalwart is being linked with a move to the LA Lakers. In terms of Smart ‘attracting clicks’ it’s far from the sexiest trade rumour we’ll see over the next month but it could be a huge addition for the Lakers.
Their season has been rife with inconsistencies many of which have been underpinned by a shoddy defence; Smart would improve that no end. The last two seasons have seen him named to the All Defensive First Team whilst he’s averaging 2.0 steals per game this year.
4. Cam Reddish
Do we know where Cam Reddish is going to end up come the end of the trade window? No, that’s the honest answer. What we do know though is that the Hawks hierarchy have been inundated with interest in their.
The 2019 round one draft pick has been heavily involved in the Hawks’ good stuff this season but it’s understood they would be willing to let the 22-year-old move on for the right deal. That right deal won’t be a cheap one though; the Hawks are believed to want someone who can instantly contribute and a first round pick in exchange for their man.
Given he can deliver big moments at both ends of ten court, it’s likely teams may come and meet those demands and he is one of the big NBA trades that could occur.
3. Jerami Grant
We’ve already touched on the fact that Smart is being linked with a move away from Boston. Well, Grant is a man that could be joining the Celtics – despite the fact he’s not actually ready to get on the court. The Pistons power forward still faces a few weeks out but longer term his addition would give the Celtics a chance to rejig their lineup for the better.
Grant would play at power forward with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown moving positions; it would bring more balance to the team. The potential stumbling block is Smart – the Pistons might insist on him as part of a trade, which would scupper his potential move to LA.
2. Ben Simmons
If you’re a general basketball fan, what is happening with Ben Simmons at the 76ers is a sad state of affairs; we want to see good players playing and Simmons hasn’t been on the court this season.
The 25-year-old, three-time All-Star has been highly coveted by others in the NBA though; money has been an issue in getting a deal done to this stage but all the noises now suggest this is the window. There will be several sides interested with the most linked being the Kings and the Lakers.
1. Russell Westbrook
When Russell Westbrook joined the LA Lakers in the off season is was supposed to be a deal that elevated the purple and gold to another level. It has not worked out like that. Westbrook has played 37 games so it’s not like he’s been uninvolved but it simply doesn’t look like the right match.
The Lakers have looked bang average whilst Westbrook hasn’t delivered anywhere like the quality we know he can do. With the Pelicans, Mavericks and Pacers all in need of someone like Westbrook could it be curtains on what was supposed to be a romantic homecoming for the Californian born point guard. This is one of the NBA trades we are expecting to see.
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