Lakers, Knicks, 76ers' Top Targets After Terry Rozier Traded to Heat for Kyle Lowry
Another domino on the NBA trade market fell on Tuesday, as ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Miami Heat bolstered their backcourt by acquiring point guard Terry Rozier from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Kyle Lowry and a 2027 first-round pick.
So where does that leave the other teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers, all of whom are reportedly eyeing backcourt reinforcements at the trade deadline?
We'll take a look at some of the top targets remaining on the market for each team.
Los Angeles Lakers
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The Lakers have been linked to some of the top names on the trade market like Dejounte Murray and Zach LaVine, but they reportedly have their eyes on making an even bigger splash.
ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported on Tuesday that the Lakers "have discussed internally the possibility of packaging three picks, along with players they already have on their books, to pursue a bona fide star, such as Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers or Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks."
While chasing Mitchell and Young is likely to prove too ambitious for Los Angeles, it's clear that the team could use some upgrades to the point guard position.
A reunion with veteran point guard Dennis Schroder could be a more realistic pursuit. Schroder has performed well in his first year with the Toronto Raptors, who have been the most active seller on the trade market so far after sending Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers and OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks.
Schroder would provide the Lakers with the playmaking and energy they desperately need, and he could be packaged with a player like Bruce Brown to help improve the team's wing defense as well.
If Schroder is unavailable, 25-year-old point guard Collin Sexton of the Utah Jazz would be a strong fallback option. He would inject some much-needed youth into an aging Los Angeles roster and help take some of the ball-handling and facilitating responsibilities from LeBron James.
New York Knicks
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The Knicks have already reaped the benefits of the trade market after acquiring swingman OG Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors in exchange for RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, but they still could use one or two more additions to vault into contender status in the competitive Eastern Conference.
While Jalen Brunson has been performing at an All-Star level for New York, shipping away Quickley dealt a blow to the team's depth behind him. If the Knicks want to improve their bench, they should look no further than the reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year.
Malcolm Brogdon has been stuck on a Portland Trail Blazers team that ranks second-to-last in the Western Conference with a 12-30 record. The veteran point guard has proved he can still be productive regardless of his role, leading the team with 5.3 assists per game while splitting his time as a starter and the team's sixth man.
Adding Brogdon would give the Knicks a strong playmaker who can work behind or alongside Brunson, who is known for his scoring acumen. Brogdon's defense in the backcourt would also work wonders in New York while Anunoby locks down the wing.
If the Knicks want to add a bigger star, Chicago Bulls wing DeMar DeRozan would be a viable option. The Bulls have been toying with the idea of blowing up their core, and DeRozan would provide New York with some high-volume scoring to support Brunson and Julius Randle.
Philadelphia 76ers
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It's hard to pinpoint exactly what the Sixers need when reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid is still performing at a historic level. The big man is coming off a 70-point performance in Monday's win over the San Antonio Spurs, but shouldering such a huge burden won't be sustainable when the playoffs come around.
Philadelphia has a strong No. 2 option behind Embiid in rising point guard Tyrese Maxey, who has improved each year he's been in the league and is worthy of All-Star consideration this season. However, it remains to be seen if he can be reliable in the postseason.
While it might be difficult for another star-caliber talent to play alongside a high-usage player like Embiid, the Sixers should at least explore the possibility of finding one who fits their system. The Chicago Bulls have a pair of low-maintenance stars in Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, both of whom would be strong additions to Philadelphia and push the team over the top as the favorite in the Eastern Conference.
If pursuing a star proves to be too costly, the Sixers could turn their attention to adding some veteran depth. Malcolm Brogdon of the Portland Trail Blazers would instantly improve Philadelphia's second unit. Brooklyn Nets point guard Spencer Dinwiddie is believed to be unhappy with his role and could use a change of scenery, so he would be a reliable source of production off the bench behind Maxey.
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