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As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the cycle of rumors is about to resume in a major way.
James Harden was the first big star to move this season as the Rockets traded superstar to the Nets in a multi-stream blockbuster.
Bradley Beal’s name has been brought up, but the Wizards star is reportedly keen to stay in Washington and has not indicated a preference to be traded.
So which stars will be on the move? Crossover staff are exploring some of the deals that should happen.
David E. Klutho / Sports Illustrated
Chris Mannix
JJ Redick in Boston for lottery-protected first-round pick
Is a first-round pick too hard to give up for a 36-year-old goaltender who struggled with his shot? Maybe, but Boston is in dire need of an experienced help off the bench and Redick has 110 postseason games on his resume. The Celtics are a natural business partner: Boston has a $ 28.5 million trade exception, which allows them to absorb Redick’s $ 13 million salary without firing a contract. And with Pelicans vice-president of basketball operations David Griffin racking up the first-round picks, the Celtics can come up with another, and do it comfortably in the fact that he’ll likely land in the mid-20s. Redick’s shooting woes have been bizarre, but he’s started showing up recently and a change of scenery for a contender could revive him. This is a calculated risk for Boston, which should not rely on an inexperienced second unit in the playoffs.
Howard beck
Bradley Beal at the Nuggets for Gary Harris, PJ Dozier, RJ Hampton and a ton of first-round picks
I know, wizards don’t want to trade Beal (yet). I know, Beal hasn’t asked (yet). I know the Wizards should demand Michael Porter Jr., and nothing less. But . . .
If Beal finally decides it’s time to leave DC, the Nuggets should move all-in. They control all of their first-round picks, so they can make a Brooklyn-esque-type bid: four firsts and four first-round swaps. Would that be enough to satisfy the assistants in reconstruction? Perhaps. Sure, they’d prefer a blue-chipper (like MPJ), but how many teams have one they’re willing to trade? How many Beal contenders could (or want) to exceed the Nuggets’ potential draft package? (The above trade meets ABC requirements, but there are many other setups that don’t involve Porter.)
For the Nuggets, Beal is definitely worth the investment. He’s a sniper, experienced playmaker, and savvy ball handler who could well place himself between Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokić, giving the Nuggets one of the most powerful lines in the NBA. They would have the firepower to take on the Lakers and Clippers right now. If Porter soon becomes a star, so much the better.
Michael pina
Celtics send unprotected 2021 first-round pick to Mavericks for Tim Hardaway Jr.
Boston absorbs Hardaway Jr.’s expiring $ 18.9 million contract in the $ 28.5 million trade exception they created during last offseason signing and trade with Gordon Hayward .
Hardaway Jr. was the third-best scorer in NBA history last season. But with Dallas currently 9-14 and far from guaranteed to make the playoffs, it makes sense for them to grab a draft pick (the trade chip they need) and prepare for an important summer – their last. to spend a lot of money on free agents before Luka Dončić gets his maximum extension.
Despite 39.1% from 8.0 three-pointers per game this season, Hardaway Jr. was transferred to the bench last week. The Celtics could use that outside shot to space out the floor from Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Kemba Walker. It’s an ideal role for THJ, a skilled offensive weapon who should seize the chance to increase his value in Boston before entering the open market.
Michael shapiro
Raptors ship Kyle Lowry to the Clippers
Lowry could potentially be on the move before the March 25 trade deadline, and a number of contenders could certainly use the services of the 2019 champion. But one team in particular stands out as Lowry’s most intriguing destination. The Clippers are currently No.3 in the Western Conference, and despite an MVP-level campaign from Kawhi Leonard, their lack of quality point guard is a real obstacle to their championship aspirations. Is it difficult to find sufficient return for Toronto? Sure. But injecting Lowry into a potential Los Angeles battle would be downright exciting. If the Clippers could make such a deal, they could be considered the favorites of the Western Conference.
Robin lundberg
Bulls trade Pelicans Zach LaVine for Lonzo Ball and two first-round picks
I’m going to focus on two players that I’ve seen trade rumors that I think could be traded for each other, Lonzo Ball and Zach Lavine. Sending Ball to Chicago with the salary (JJ Redick or Josh Hart and another little hunk) plus a few first-round picks (and maybe even more draft compensation) would give Ball a fresh start and the Bulls a shot. evaluate it with their youngsters and write selections to add to it.
Meanwhile, Lavine would provide the Pelicans with a punch and shot they really needed and give them a complement to Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram in the top three. If I’m Chicago I don’t think I would actually deal with Lavine, but it would at least be a reasonable return and given that the question was an exchange I would like to see, well, Lavine alongside Zion and Ingram definitely qualifies. .
Ben Pickman
Bucks acquires PJ Tucker for DJ Wilson, Torrey Craig and future second-round picks.
With James Harden now on the Brooklyn Nets, PJ Tucker has long been assumed to be the Rockets’ next player to be on the move. Tucker is expected to become a free agent this offseason and there have been several reports in recent weeks of rival teams contacting Houston about his availability. While his numbers this season are down slightly from years in the past – Tucker averages just 4.7 points and 4.6 rebounds on 33% of three shots – the undersized forward still has the ability to have an impact on a high level team.
The Bucks are currently just 16-8 and appear to be heavily engaged in a battle with the 76ers, Nets and Celtics for the top seed in the conference. Milwaukee’s starting lineup only played 25% of the team’s minutes, 20th most in the league, but was effective when deployed. Still, adding a player of Tucker’s pedigree – especially for the cost of Wilson, Craig (who is eligible for treatment after February 20), and a few seconds to come – would only help a Bucks team looking to win. his first championship since 1971.
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