Dream Offseason Trade Ideas for Every NBA Team
The 2024 NBA offseason hasn't officially arrived, but it may as well be here for the handful of teams that are already eliminated from playoff contention.
If you're wondering whether this is an appropriate time to talk about hypothetical offseason wheeling and dealing, the answer is unequivocally and emphatically yes.
Front office executives are already putting potential summer plans in place, so why shouldn't we be doing the same? By weighing everything from on-court needs to off-court asset collections and anything in between, we've come up with realistic dream trade ideas for all 30 teams.
Atlanta Hawks: Flip a Star Guard for a Pile of Draft Picks
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A once-bright future in Atlanta has given way to a prosaic present in which this club has become play-in tournament regulars. The Hawks need a reset about as much as anyone, and they can—and should—help usher one in by trading splitting up the Trae Young-Dejounte Murray backcourt to recoup whatever assets one (or both?) of those guards would deliver.
As far as hot takes go, this has the Scoville scale reading of an ice-cold beverage. The Hawks already "know they have to trade one or the other" of their marquee guards, per NBA insider Marc Stein.
Atlanta, which is still out two unprotected first-round picks and a swap from the 2022 Murray trade, needs all of the draft picks it can get. Even if the Hawks don't plan on bottoming-out due to those unpaid draft debts, they should covet draft picks over anything in a Young or Murray deal, because it could take several potential-rich prospects to turn things around.
Boston Celtics: Part with a 1st-Round Pick for Frontcourt Depth
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Nitpicking this season's Celtics has proved borderline impossible, but the one common worry with this group is the potential fragility of this frontcourt. Between Kristaps Porziņģis' lengthy injury history and Al Horford's advancing age, even the glass-three-quarters-full crowd can envision a scenario in which one of Boston's bigs goes down at the least opportune time.
Next season, Horford will be even older than he is now, and Porziņģis will still have the same injury concerns. In other words, the Shamrocks might need greater protection than they could find from Luke Kornet or Xavier Tillman, both of whom are mere months away from entering unrestricted free agency.
Boston could see enough value in having a consistently reliable third center to warrant parting with a first-round pick. The ideal target would probably be able to toggle between the 4 and 5 spots, since that would give them a role even when Horford and Porziņģis are upright, but the ability to man the middle for stretches without them would be critical.
Brooklyn Nets: Turn Multiple 1sts into a High-End Shot-Creator
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The Nets are water-treaders and will be so long as second-tier (or lower) players like Mikal Bridges and Cam Thomas sit atop their offensive food chain. That's why some external observers have viewed Bridges as a potential trade candidate, though Brooklyn doesn't share that sentiment.
Instead, the Nets have been in the market for the type of upgrade who could seize control of this attack and help boost this bunch up the conference standings.
"The ultimate plan is to add another star or two around Bridges via trade or free agency while Bridges is on a team-friendly contract for the next two seasons," Michael Scotto said on The HoopsHype Podcast.
Since the Nets won't have control over their own first-round pick until 2028, tanking is off the table, so they might as well look to be as competitive as possible. They also have some interesting incoming picks to shop around, and if they could convert a handful of them into a full-fledged star, there's a non-zero chance they'd make major waves as soon as next season.
Charlotte Hornets: Deal from Crowded Backcourt to Add a Defensive-Minded Wing
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The Hornets lost more than 67 percent of their games last season and have managed to backtrack since. If you wanted to argue they should remain in the market for long-term assets that may eventually deliver more blue-chip prospects, you'd have a credible case.
Then again, perhaps if you just plopped healthy versions of LaMelo Ball and Mark Williams into this year's mix, maybe Charlotte's collection of young talent would look a lot different. The Hornets could be much closer to assembling a long-term nucleus than their record suggests, so they could value actual players over mystery-box draft picks.
If they do, they should prioritize trimming this congested group of guards to help strengthen the wing rotation with a defensive-minded player. A core built around Ball, Brandon Miller and a potentially re-signed Miles Bridges has a chance to score with ease sooner than later, but that group would need more role players doing the dirty work on the defensive end.
Chicago Bulls: Find a Taker for Zach LaVine
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There's a real temptation to call for an overdue demolition of this Bulls core, but the ascensions of Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu could convince Chicago's front office to keep ignoring those calls. If you indulge in some of the optimism around Lonzo Ball, you could convince yourself Chicago has at least a decent shot at upward mobility next season.
That chance to grow might be the greatest argument for moving on from Zach LaVine.
LaVine is a tricky player to trade with his bloated contract and injury issues, but this relationship has run its course. He was a rumor-mill regular throughout trade season, and the Bulls "will try" trading him again this offseason, per K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago.
The Bulls have seen significant addition-by-subtraction results without LaVine this season, as they're 4.7 points better per 100 possessions with him off the court. His ball-dominance and score-first tendencies are bad fits with this bunch, so if there's a way to unload him without giving up major assets, Chicago would almost certainly have to pounce on it.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Use an Isaac Okoro Sign-and-Trade for a Stretch Big
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While the nightmare scenario of Donovan Mitchell potentially wanting out hovers above the Cavaliers, no one residing in Northeast Ohio would consider that a dream deal. Instead, let's focus on Cleveland potentially finding the kind of stretch big who could make this a more formidable frontcourt come playoff time.
Last season, this offense essentially became unfunctional as the non-spacing tandem of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley proved too easy to cover—especially as defenses ignored defense-first swingman Isaac Okoro on the wing. While Okoro has since improved his three-point percentage (38.8 percent), he still doesn't shoot at a high enough volume for opposing teams to pay him any mind (3.2 three-point attempts per game).
If the Cavs are moving forward with the Allen-Mobley combo, that might require moving on from Okoro, who's about to enter restricted free agency. Facilitating his exit via a sign-and-trade that brings back a big with shooting range and non-atrocious defense would allow this offense to breathe while also ensuring Cleveland still has something to show for its investment in Okoro, the No. 5 pick of the 2020 draft.
Dallas Mavericks: Trade Tim Hardaway Jr. and a Sweetener for a Two-Way Wing
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The Mavs are running light on assets after giving up a pair of first-round picks to get P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford at the trade deadline. If Dallas was willing to cough up those selections for role players, it's hard to imagine this franchise would hold anything back as it attempts to cash in on the championship potential of the Luka Dončić-Kyrie Irving duo.
As long as the Mavs are following the lead of these two net-shredders, defense should be prioritized in their support spots. In a perfect world, though, they'd get impact defense from a player who doesn't simply specialize in the game's less glamorous end. Slot a two-way wing alongside these guards, and Dallas could really be in business.
If the Mavs wanted to take a big swing, they could pair Tim Hardaway Jr. (and his $16.2 million salary for next season) with the best sweeteners they have left, whether that's Josh Green, Jaden Hardy, Olivier-Maxence Prosper or a handful of second-round picks. That should be enough to deliver at least a three-and-D wing.
Denver Nuggets: Turn a Young Player and a Pick into a Reliable Reserve
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The defending champion Nuggets have one of the NBA's best starting fives. But when head coach Michael Malone has to call upon his reserves, things can get a little dicey.
Denver's second unit is largely young and unproven, which is partly by design to offset that pricey starting group. But that could still leave this group vulnerable if it winds up in a spot where it needs to rely on these up-and-comers.
That could be especially true if someone like Christian Braun or Peyton Watson gets elevated to the starting lineup should Kentavious Caldwell-Pope chase a bigger paycheck elsewhere in free agency.
The need isn't so great that the Nuggets should part with Braun or Watson, but any other member of the young core should be up for grabs. Attach them with a second-rounder or two, and that should help Denver fetch an established, plug-and-play veteran for the second unit.
Detroit Pistons: Use a Few Seconds to Find a Young Shooter
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While the Pistons' dismal record might suggest that they should remain in the asset-collection phase of their rebuild, they may not be able to stomach more losing to this degree. This is the fourth time in five seasons that their winning percentage has dropped, and it's currently residing at an all-time low for the franchise (.173).
If they attempt any form of rebuild-acceleration this summer, they should do it in free agency, as they could have roughly $60 million in cap space. They aren't close enough to competing to justify parting with any actual assets in a trade.
Dealing multiple second-round picks is a different discussion, though, especially if it helps attack this squad's severe shooting shortage. You'd think a team with downhill threats like Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey would've loaded up with spacers around them, but the Pistons have one of the league's east threatening perimeter attacks—they're 30th in made threes and 27th in three-point attempts and three-point percentage.
Golden State Warriors: Empty the Asset Collection for Stephen Curry's Co-Star
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The Dubs' dynasty might be a thing of the past, but that doesn't necessarily mean their days of contending are finished. If they can find a high-end sidekick for Stephen Curry, they could wind up nearing elite status yet again.
But it would have to a big swing—and they know it.
"The Warriors have long understood that a star wing next to Curry is their cleanest path back to title contention before Curry's late prime fades," The Athletic's Sam Amick, Anthony Slater and Jovan Buha reported. "... If there's a path to LeBron [James], Giannis Antetokounmpo (their dream scenario), impending free agent Paul George or a reunion with Kevin Durant, they will explore it."
Those are pie-in-the-sky trade targets, but a 10th-seeded team entertaining championship dreams needs that exact type of lift. Plus, the rise of swingman Jonathan Kuminga gives Golden State the caliber of trade chip needed to reel in a big fish.
If the Warriors are willing to move Kuminga (and more) this offseason, they could get callbacks on inquiries for just about anyone who reaches the trade market.
Houston Rockets: Use Picks—And a Top Prospect—to Add a Difference-Maker
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The second phase of Houston's post-James Harden rebuilding plan has been productive, but the Rockets won't want to hover here for long. The progress they made this season—jumping from a sub-.275 winning percentage into the play-in tournament race—has been impressive, but it will lose its luster if another leap doesn't soon follow.
Just like last summer, Houston must look outside the franchise to get the kind of help it needs. Free agency was the avenue then (producing Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, among others), but the trade market is the focus now, as the Rockets have the picks, prospects and motivations needed to chase a difference-maker.
If the Rockets built an offer around Alperen Şengün, a 21-year-old who was in the All-Star discussion this season, or Jalen Green, the 2021 No. 2 pick who was the league's fifth-highest scorer in March, that might be as strong as anyone can put on the table. Plus, Houston would still have one of these long-term building blocks and a deep supporting cast surrounding the incoming difference-maker.
The Rockets might enter the championship conversation the second that deal gets done.
Indiana Pacers: Package a Second-Tier Prospect and a Pick for a Volume Shooter
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Indiana's early-season sprints to 130-plus points were fun to watch, but if you wanted to question this group's postseason bona fides, a severe lack of defense loomed as a fatal flaw. The Pacers have to worked to correct that imbalance, and it has already paid off. Since the All-Star break, they've been one of nine teams to post upper-half efficiency ranks on both offense (fourth) and defense (14th).
The defensive strides are critical, but Indiana might need to think about offense this offseason. Half-court offense has been trickier to navigate without a high-volume sharpshooter like Buddy Hield, whom the Pacers moved at the trade deadline. They might have to address that to maximize the Tyrese Haliburton-Pascal Siakam-Myles Turner trio.
It isn't a glaring enough concern to warrant giving up a possible building block like Bennedict Mathurin or Jarace Walker, but it could be worth the subtraction of a lower-tier prospect like Ben Sheppard or Isaiah Jackson. Ideally, Indiana would turn one of those prospects and a second-rounder or two into a shooter who launches more frequently than Doug McDermott and defends better than Hield.
Los Angeles Clippers: Turn P.J. Tucker and a Sweetener into a Three-and-D Wing
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When the Clippers acquired James Harden in early November, they also netted P.J. Tucker in the trade, and they immediately included him in their rotation. The early minutes made sense, since a high-impact defender with a low-maintenance offensive game felt like the perfect complement for stars like Harden, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
Tucker had previously proved capable of handling small-ball 5 duties, so he also offered Clippers head coach Ty Lue some extra flexibility with his lineups. Unfortunately, it quickly became clear that Tucker's present wasn't an accurate representation of his past.
While Tucker remains an intense, physical defender, the 38-year-old is no longer capable of silencing the league's top scorers. Meanwhile, his offense has deteriorated to the point of being nonexistent. He has become a one-way player who forces the Clippers to play 4-on-5 offense when he's inside the lines.
What L.A. really needs is the kind of player he used to be. That's tough to find on a limited trade budget, but if this club is going to ever capitalize on the Harden-Leonard-George trio—assuming it remains intact this summer—then it shouldn't bother holding any of its remaining assets back from a deal. The Clippers should cobble them all together if needed to find the three-and-D swingman this supporting cast could really use.
Los Angeles Lakers: Convert Assets into a Third Star
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The Lakers have mostly had healthy versions of Anthony Davis and LeBron James this season. The fact they're still likely headed for the play-in tournament highlights the flaws with this roster.
L.A. needs another difference-maker to get over the proverbial hump, and it reportedly plans to spend this summer in hot pursuit of one.
"They are going third-star hunting this offseason," Jovan Buha of The Athletic said during a Q-and-A session, via Jesse Cinquini of Lakers Daily. "And we'll see how that affects the D-Lo (D'Angelo Russell) situation. We'll see how—you probably have to give up Austin [Reaves] in almost any…third-star trade."
Buha mentioned Trae Young, Kyrie Irving and Donovan Mitchell as potential targets, so clearly the Lakers won't shy away from a steep asking price. Whether the right star shakes loose remains to be seen, but if L.A. is willing to move Reaves, it could also have up to three first-round picks to put in a trade.
That might not be enough for Mitchell, but it could perhaps deliver Young or Irving depending on how the playoffs unfold.
Memphis Grizzlies: Use Future Picks to Find a Plug-and-Play Center
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The injury bug pulverized the Grizzlies this season, but they could re-enter the championship chase in 2024-25 with better health. They just might need to find an impact big man to help make that happen.
Memphis used to maul opponents when it had a healthy Steven Adams manning the middle. Ever since the Grizzlies lost him—first to injury, then via a trade to Houston—they haven't been the same on the boards or in the interior.
Jaren Jackson Jr. checks a lot of interesting boxes for a starting center, but glass-cleaning isn't one of them. This season, during which he has almost exclusively played the 5, he has managed to average only 5.6 rebounds in his 32.1 minutes per game.
Memphis has to beef up its collection of bigs. Defensive rebounds can kick-start transition opportunities. Offensive boards can produce second-chance points. Both have been critical components of the success the Grizzlies have enjoyed during Ja Morant's tenure, and they need to facilitate a trade that covers those areas back up.
Miami Heat: Use Tyler Herro Trade to Find Size, Perimeter Defense or Both
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Tyler Herro might be a regular on the trade-rumor circuit, but the Heat have never seemed especially keen to give him away. In fact, Miami reportedly informed Herro's representatives last summer that if he was going to be moved, it would be for "a top-75 (all-time) player," per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
The Heat didn't get that return (i.e., Damian Lillard) for Herro last offseason, and they'd have trouble keeping a straight face while requesting someone of that caliber this time around. Injuries have limited him to only 36 games this season, and when he has suited up, he has mostly displayed quantity-over-quality offense and very little defense.
Miami should ditch the idea of Herro becoming a star and use him to help cover up areas of need elsewhere. Maybe he paves a path to the kind of size the Heat have lacked around (and behind) Bam Adebayo. Perhaps Herro helps deliver a lockdown defender with a reliable outside shot, or someone who'd better fit with Terry Rozier than Herro can.
Milwaukee Bucks: Turn a Prospect and Filler into a Perimeter Stopper
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The Bucks have defended better since Doc Rivers took over as their head coach in January. They were 19th in defensive efficiency before his debut, and they're 11th since.
But there are still enormous questions of how this club—in particular, the backcourt combo of Damian Lillard and Malik Beasley—will hold up on that end once the postseason starts.
If the defense wilts at the worst possible time, the Bucks will have to address that this offseason. Milwaukee might currently lack the personnel needed to field a championship-level defense, and it can only hope that's correctable on the trade market.
The Bucks are short on trade assets, but they could catch the right team's attention by shopping around young players like MarJon Beauchamp or Andre Jackson Jr. Both have flashed two-way playmaking, but their shooting limitations make them shaky options at best to slot alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.
If Milwaukee could parlay their potential into a plug-and-play defender with a respectable jump shot, that would do wonders for its 2024-25 outlook.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Use Prospects to Help Cover Any Holes the Cap Crunch Creates
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The Timberwolves have assembled one of the Association's best rosters, but they may not have the funds to hold it together much longer. Minnesota's future finances have been a talking point since last summer, and it's not like the math is getting easier to calculate.
If you round up Mike Conley's $9.975 million salary, you're looking at six different eight-figure salaries on next season's books. Four are worth more than $22 million, three are above $35 million and two are over $43 million. That's before factoring in any new deals for impending free agents Kyle Anderson, Monte Morris or Jordan McLaughlin.
This all appeared incredibly complicated even before Minnesota's potential ownership change recently hit a snag. Financial cuts are almost certainly coming, and when they do, the Wolves have to do what they can to cover them up.
If that means missing out on the potential of a prospect like Leonard Miller, Josh Minott or Wendell Moore Jr., so be it. This team is too good to be focused on anything other than the present.
New Orleans Pelicans: Use Draft Picks to Find a Better Fitting 5
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The perfect center that the Pelicans could slot alongside Zion Williamson would be a high-level shot-blocker and floor-spacer. Jonas Valančiūnas basically leaves both boxes unchecked. He has never averaged even one three-pointer per game, and he last supplied one block per outing in 2019-20.
New Orleans has too many trade assets to keep such an imperfect fit with its franchise player. The Pelicans own all of their first-round picks, along with three additional firsts and a pair of swaps. They have everything they need to broker a blockbuster trade, should the right opportunity ever surface.
Even if New Orleans needs to settle for shot-blocking or three-point shooting—there are only so many unicorns to go around, after all—upgrading at center with a player who provides one at a high level could have a significant impact.
New York Knicks: Swap Size for Shot-Creation
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When the Knicks have Mitchell Robinson healthy and in rhythm, they are absolutely stacked at the center spot. Between Isaiah Hartenstein, Precious Achiuwa and Jericho Sims, New York has more bigs than it can always play.
Depth is a good thing, but come this offseason, the Knicks may have more bigs than they can pay. Hartenstein and Achiuwa both need new deals—Sims could as well if New York declines his $2.1 million team option—and neither will be cheap. Hartenstein in particular looks primed for a massive pay raise given his across-the-board production and all-caps ELITE defense (he ranks second leaguewide in defensive estimated plus/minus, per Dunks & Threes).
If the Knicks re-sign Hartenstein, it might be time for them to move on from Robinson, since they would have a hard time justifying two non-spacing centers with eight-figure salaries on the roster. Robinson should have plenty of trade value, though, and New York would be wise to cash that in to help replace the shot-creation it lost when sacrificing both RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to get OG Anunoby.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Flip a First or Two for a Glass-Cleaning Center
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Between their pile of draft picks and collection of prospects, the Thunder have everything needed to broker a blockbuster trade—save, perhaps, for the motivation. Before the season, executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti made clear this franchise wasn't remotely in a rush to shake-up the roster.
"We have to finish our breakfast before we start acting like we're on the cusp of something," Presti told reporters.
Does the fact Oklahoma City has since scaled up the Western Conference standings change that mindset? Maybe, but there aren't any indications the Thunder are suddenly in a hurry to cash in their trade chips.
Should this core's maiden playoff voyage spotlight their lack of size, that should signal to the front office that it's time to give up some assets for a bulkier, physical presence on the interior who could help with their rebounding woes (28th in rebounding percentage).
Orlando Magic: Pay Up for Perimeter Scoring
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Two seasons ago, the Magic were a 60-loss bottom-feeder. Now, they're pushing for a top-six seed in the East.
Their dominant, lockdown defense—second in efficiency on the season, first by a wide margin since the All-Star break—has fueled this rise. Their inconsistent, space-constricted offense has capped this growth. Orlando sits just 23rd in offensive efficiency, and everyone behind them in that category has already been eliminated from playoff contention.
The Magic's lack of creation and perimeter shooting will loom as fatal flaws until they're properly addressed. That should happen this summer, as Orlando has enough assets (both draft picks and prospects) to chase the highest of high-end point-producers, though even a second-tier target like Anfernee Simons or Jalen Green would make a major impact.
Philadelphia 76ers: Use Draft Picks to Deliver Whatever Free Agency Doesn't
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The Sixers are uniquely positioned to strike it rich in free agency, since there aren't many teams with significant cap space, and most that have it lack win-now intentions, win-now talent or both. Philadelphia could have nearly $65 million in cap space while keeping the contend-now combo of reigning MVP Joel Embiid and breakout star Tyrese Maxey.
The 76ers will chase the biggest names on the market—Paul George is firmly on the radar—but that won't be their only means of upgrading this roster. They're also in possession of multiple first-round picks, including an unprotected 2028 first from the Los Angeles Clippers (plus top-three-protected swap rights on their 2029 first).
That means whatever free agency doesn't deliver, the trade market could potentially provide. If the Sixers sign a star, they can flip a few draft picks to beef up their supporting cast. If free agency yields only non-difference-makers, Philly could pivot toward a sizable trade offer for the top wings available.
Phoenix Suns: Find the Best Ball-Handler or Big That Nassir Little Can Bring Back
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The price to surround Devin Booker with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal has been enormous. The Suns are effectively without any tradable draft picks at this point, and they're capped into oblivion for the foreseeable future. Material changes aren't happening to this team unless they suddenly pivot away from a member of their Big Three.
If you find yourself thinking that Nassir Little can't be worth much in a trade, you're almost certainly right. However, that doesn't matter for this discussion. Wherever his trade value lies—he's 24 and signed at a reasonable rate through 2026-27, so he should be worth something—this team's trade budget doesn't stretch much beyond it.
The Suns could use their upcoming playoff (or play-in) run to determine whether their need for a versatile center or a perimeter playmaker is greater. Then, they can dangle Little and anyone whom teams might consider a sweetener to address that need as best as they can.
Portland Trail Blazers: Flip the Veterans for More Long-Term Assets
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After splitting from longtime franchise face Damian Lillard in September, the Trail Blazers should have braced themselves for a lengthy rebuild. However, they may not be totally onboard with blowing it up even though they're on pace to post the second-lowest winning percentage in franchise history.
"I actually think the Blazers are hoping, dare say, for a Rockets-like rebound, and I think they are hoping that next year they are competing for the playoffs," ESPN's Brian Windhorst said on The Hoop Collective podcast (via Martand Bhagavatula of All Trail Blazers). "I think that's one of the reasons why you didn't see Jerami Grant or Malcolm Brogdon (traded). Jerami Grant's name wasn't out there for an iota, that I heard, and Brogdon's name never got serious."
If that's the path Portland plans on taking, it's already time to rethink things. The Blazers need long-term building blocks in the worst kind of way, so stacking up as many draft picks as possible should be their leading summer strategy.
Grant and Brogdon could both deliver draft assets, but deals involving Robert Williams III, Matisse Thybulle and even Deandre Ayton would be worth exploring, too.
Sacramento Kings: Find an Impact, Two-Way Wing
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One year removed from their successfully snapping their record-setting playoff drought, the Kings are having trouble leaping any higher. They haven't really backtracked, but other teams have surpassed them in the loaded Western Conference.
That wouldn't normally be a call to action for a team so new to the postseason stage, but Sacramento's window to strike is right now. De'Aaron Fox turned 26 in December, and Domantas Sabonis will turn 28 in May. If they're going to lead a lengthy postseason run, it needs to happen sooner than later.
The Kings probably need a third star to make that happen, or at least someone who can complement that tandem in a 3A-3B support pairing with Keegan Murray. Sacramento can't be too picky about keeping assets not named Murray out of the exchange, but multiple firsts, Davion Mitchell and salary-filler should fetch a healthy return.
San Antonio Spurs: Sacrifice Some Picks to Get Victor Wembanyama a Premier Playmaker
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Despite adding a generational talent atop last year's draft in No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs have largely been confined to the league's cellar this season. Expect, that is, when they've given the game's next great big man an actual point guard to play with.
That point guard—Tre Jones—isn't great, but he is a competent contributor (as evidenced by his nearly perfectly average 15.2 career player efficiency rating). Just having that level of player in the lead guard spot has been enough to make San Antonio seem formidable.
When Wembanyama has shared the floor with Jones, the Spurs have posted a plus-4.0 net rating. Only six teams have that mark surpassed this season. If that degree of competitiveness is doable with Jones, just imagine what Wembanyama could do with a high-end option at point.
That's what the Spurs have already done by poking around Atlanta for a Trae Young trade. With a draft pick collection as strong as San Antonio's, this franchise should be able to afford a floor general of Young's ilk—if not Young himself.
Toronto Raptors: Use Assets to Add a Potential Building Block
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While Toronto traded away both Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby this season, the Raptors hardly signaled a willingness to bottom out. They sought out players (RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley) rather than draft picks in the Anunoby deal, and while they landed three firsts for Siakam, they already used one of those picks to pry Kelly Olynyk and Ochai Agbaji away from the Utah Jazz.
Toronto's plan, it seems, is to add relatively established (but still ascending) talent around first-time All-Star Scottie Barnes. Even if Barrett and Quickley both achieve building-block status, though, the franchise should be on the hunt for more young talent.
The Raptors still have a pair of firsts left over from the Siakam swap, and their only outgoing pick is a lightly protected first headed to San Antonio. They have more draft picks and draft swaps to throw around, so an ideal summer would involve packaging a few together to find a player on Barnes' timeline with star-level potential.
Utah Jazz: Trade Jordan Clarkson for Long-Term Assets
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Utah has spent the past year-plus preparing for the future, unloading a host of veterans—including Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert, Mike Conley, Royce O'Neale and Kelly Olynyk—to amass an impressive pile of draft picks. However, that future planning has yet to include a trade of Jordan Clarkson, the lone remaining 30-something signed beyond this season.
The Jazz clearly value what Clarkson brings offensively, but with Keyonte George and Collin Sexton doing everything they can to cement themselves as this team's long-term backcourt, Clarkson's attacking attributes seem a bit superfluous. Barring an unlikely leap next season, Utah won't reside anywhere near the top of the West, and this front office has twice proved that being sorta good isn't good enough.
While some might argue that should render Lauri Markkanen expendable, he's at least young enough (26) for the Jazz to believe they'll field a competitive club before he exits his prime. The same isn't true for Clarkson, who will turn 32 this summer and should command significant interest from win-now shoppers with scoring deficiencies.
Washington Wizards: Getting Out from Underneath Jordan Poole's Contract
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The Wizards seemingly had little to lose last summer when they acquired Jordan Poole in the package they received from Golden State for Chris Paul. Washington's rebuild clearly had no place for an aging Point God, but it hopefully had a spot for Poole, whose quick-strike scoring had a chance to flourish away from a team with such win-right-now demands as the Dubs.
That obviously hasn't happened, though. Poole's numbers are actually down—in both quantity and quality—from his days in Golden State. His 106.3 points per 100 shot attempts ranks in the 32nd percentile for combo guards, per Cleaning the Glass, which is a damning statistic for someone whose defense is perhaps most favorably described as indifferent.
Even if the Wizards opt for the slow-and-steady route with their roster reconstruction, that project is a lot harder to pull off with Poole's contract, which has three more years and $95.5 million left on it. Washington won't find anything of value in return for him, but the financial relief of shedding his salary would be a big win, even if the Wizards needed to include a second-rounder or a fringe prospect as a sweetener.
Unless otherwise noted, statistics courtesy of Basketball Reference and NBA.com and current through games played on Monday. Salary information via Spotrac.
Zach Buckley covers the NBA for Bleacher Report. Follow him on X, @ZachBuckleyNBA.
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