NBA Trades that need to happen
The NBA trade deadline is approaching in the next few weeks, and we all love when the rumors are sizzling. Here are some trades that need to happen. All trades are validated through ESPN's Trade Machine to make sure the financials work out.
1. Lakers-Wizards-Kings: Lakers receive G Ben McLemore (via SAC), future 2nd round pick (via WAS); Wizards receive G Lou Williams (via LAL); Kings receive F Andrew Nicholson (via WAS), G Marcus Thornton (via WAS).
The Lakers have little need for Lou Williams. He does not fit the long-term plans. They take a gamble on McLemore, a former lottery pick who many believed had potential to be one of the best players from his draft class. McLemore's contract expires after the season, but he will be a restricted free agent. Assuming the Lakers are tanking, they can give McLemore some run for the last 25+ games and see if a new system and organization helps him. Play him at both the 2 and 3 and see how his shooting and athleticism may fit in the future.
The Wizards have been one of the best Eastern Conference teams as of late, and have a legit shot at reaching the Eastern Conference Finals. But their bench has been pretty sub-par. Add a professional scorer like Williams and that can make a difference. They do not give up much in Nicholson and Thornton, neither of them getting much playing time anyway.
The Kings receive Nicholson on a 4 year contract, and hope he contributes right away. They hope Thornton's offense can help them push for the 8th seed to please DeMarcus Cousins. They probably do not want to re-sign McLemore and would rather use that cap space to extend Cousins to a monster deal, and sign some veterans. This trade does not seem that great for the Kings, but their management always makes weird moves.
2. Knicks-Clippers-76ers: Knicks receive G JJ Redick (via LAC), F/C Nerlens Noel (via NYK), C Diamond Stone (via LAC), 2 future 2nd round picks (via LAC); Clippers receive F Carmelo Anthony 76ers receive G Jamal Crawford (via LAC), G Alan Anderson (via LAC), future 2nd round pick (via NYK)
The Knicks finally rid themselves of Melo and end the tumultuous relationship. They get Redick on an expiring contract, and Stone as a potential rotation player. The big prize is Nerlens Noel, who they view as a Twin-Tower piece with Kristapz Porzingis. Of course, Noel will be a restricted free agent, but the Knicks will plenty of cap space with Melo, Redick, and Derrick Rose coming off the books. They re-sign Noel and try to find another piece.
The Clippers get Melo to help them try and get over-the-top. They trade Crawford and Redick away but know Melo will be clutch in the playoffs. Acquiring Melo will make it easier to retain CP3. They also hold onto Austin Rivers, who has been very solid the last month. If Golden State or San Antonio has an injury problem, the Clippers at full strength can give them a serious run.
The 76ers finally trade one of their big men and acquire a dynamic scorer in Crawford who will take some pressure off Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.
3. Magic-Raptors: Magic receive F Patrick Patterson, F Bruno Caboclo, G Delon Wright, future 2nd round pick. Raptors receive F/C Serge Ibaka
The Magic made a big mistake trading away young talent for what's turning out to be a one year rental. Ibaka likely will not resign next summer so they try to get something back. Caboclo is an intriguing piece who could morph into a nice player. Wright can become a solid rotation player. Patterson comes off the books this summer. Aaron Gordon gets more playing time at his preferred position, PF.
The Raptors' need for a PF has been obvious for a few years. They get a good two-way player and hope he makes them more competitive if they meet the Cavs. This comes with hopes of resigning him of course. Ibaka's defense can cover up what DeMar Derozan and Jonas Valanciunas may lack defensively. With all things clicking and the Cavs off their game, they can make a 7 game series interesting.
More to come in the following weeks.
