Every NBA Team's Ideal Trade Target This Season
With the shortest offseason in recent NBA memory now over, teams may not have had enough time to get their rosters exactly to their liking.
Although a March 25 trade deadline is still months away, it's never too early to start identifying trade targets.
James Harden continues to pop up in rumors, as do other players of varying star levels. And some teams' ideal trades are financially based or ones that help set up future deals.
With the NBA regular season kicking off this week, we enlisted B/R NBA reporters Eric Pincus (who handled Western Conference teams) and Greg Swartz (Eastern Conference) to find ideal trade targets for all 30 teams.
Atlanta Hawks: Ben Simmons
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The Hawks already have one All-Star point guard, so why would they try to trade for another?
Simmons has the size (6'10", 240 lbs) and athleticism to play virtually anywhere in the lineup and is already an all-world defender, which the Hawks will forever need next to Trae Young.
Young would help offset Simmons' lack of three-point shooting as the current Sixer prefers to set others up outside the arc instead.
If Philly makes Simmons available at some point, the Hawks could put together a terrific package of young players and picks. A starting point of John Collins, Cam Reddish and a first-round pick should be enough to get the Sixers' attention.
Boston Celtics: George Hill
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The health of Kemba Walker should be a huge concern for the Celtics, with the 30-year-old battling pain in his left knee for the past year.
Out until at least January, Walker is now undergoing stem cell injections while veteran Jeff Teague is asked to run the show. Boston doesn't need a replacement to step in and drop 20 points a night, but rather a veteran who can manage the game, set up Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown and knock down open shots.
Basically, the Celtics need Hill.
After ending up with a rebuilding Oklahoma City Thunder team this offseason following a four-team trade, Hill should be thrilled to join a Celtics team with championship aspirations. The 34-year-old led the NBA in three-point shooting last season (46 percent) while averaging 9.4 points and 3.1 assists off the Milwaukee Bucks bench.
Hill would be an upgrade over Teague in the Celtics' starting lineup if Walker misses extended time, or he can serve as a floor-spacing sixth man off the bench when the four-time All-Star returns.
The Celtics could offer one of their young role players (Romeo Langford, Grant Williams, Carsen Edwards) to the rebuilding Thunder in a package for Hill.
Brooklyn Nets: Joel Embiid
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The Nets' center duo of DeAndre Jordan and Jarrett Allen could use an upgrade, as Jordan is past his prime and Allen hasn't reached his yet.
Brooklyn is built to win now.
While a trade for James Harden may be tempting, the Nets don't need another ball-dominant scorer on the wing. Embiid would impact the game in far more areas than Harden as someone who can score, rebound, protect the rim and shoot well enough.
An All-Star starter each of the past three seasons, Embiid is a two-time All-Defensive team member who uses his incredible size (7'0", 280 lbs) and wingspan (7'6") to both block and alter shots in the paint.
A Big Three of Kevin Durant, Embiid and Kyrie Irving would be the NBA's best and fit together far better than one with Harden.
The Nets have plenty of attractive trade pieces they could include, with a package of Allen, Caris LeVert, Spencer Dinwiddie and multiple first-round picks enough to at least get a conversation started.
Charlotte Hornets: Mo Bamba
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After drafting LaMelo Ball to run point and signing Gordon Hayward to start on the wing, the Hornets' biggest position of weakness is at center.
Cody Zeller and Bismack Biyombo will be free agents in 2021, leaving rookie second-round pick Vernon Carey Jr. as the lone center on the roster.
Bamba would give the Hornets a big man with considerable upside, one who's currently stuck on the Orlando Magic bench behind All-Star Nikola Vucevic.
Only 22, Bamba is entering his third pro season after being selected No. 6 overall in 2018. He's already a terrific shot-blocker who's shown the ability to hit the three-ball, giving Charlotte another young piece to add to its core.
While the Hornets should inquire about Vucevic's availability, Bamba has the greater upside defensively and could become Charlotte's immediate starter. A Bamba-Miles Bridges swap could make sense for both sides.
Chicago Bulls: Derrick Rose
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Head coach Billy Donovan helped turn Chris Paul back into an All-Star with the Oklahoma City Thunder last season and should do wonders for Rose in a return to Chicago.
This is a young Bulls team that could use a veteran leader to rally around in their playoff quest and set up Lauri Markkanen, Wendell Carter Jr. and Patrick Williams.
There's the obvious nostalgia factor to consider here, but Rose also fills a team need at point guard and could thrive as both a starter or sixth man.
He should be a prime trade candidate on a Detroit Pistons team that won't make the playoffs, with his former Bulls franchise serving as the perfect landing spot.
Detroit taking back small forward Chandler Hutchison and a pair of second-round picks could get a deal done.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Jarrett Allen
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Drafting small forward Isaac Okoro meant only one position being left to fill in the Cavaliers' rebuild: center.
While Andre Drummond can keep the seat warm for now, he's 27 and will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Cavs will likely have to overpay to keep him (especially with Rudy Gobert getting a five-year, $205 million deal from the Utah Jazz), and they should already be looking at alternatives in the trade market.
Allen, 22, doesn't fit the Nets' win-now mode, and he may not even win the starting job with popular veteran DeAndre Jordan in Brooklyn. He'd be a terrific fit in Cleveland, however, as an athletic, rim-running center who could play alongside Kevin Love or Larry Nance Jr.
If the Nets look to bring in a third star and need a third team to help facilitate a blockbuster deal, the Cavs should jump at the chance to try to land Allen.
Cedi Osman could be of interest to the Nets, or Cleveland could simply give up a 2022 first-round pick (via the Milwaukee Bucks) that Brooklyn could use in a future trade.
Dallas Mavericks: Buddy Hield
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The Mavericks had been quietly hoarding cap space for the summer of 2021, but with Giannis Antetokounmpo coming off the board, they should bring in the Kings' sharpshooter.
It might take a few veterans to get to Buddy Hield's salary ($24.7 million for the upcoming season). Still, Dallas would be able to get there with different combinations of Tim Hardaway Jr., Dwight Powell, James Johnson and/or Boban Marjanovic, along with some youthful considerations and draft picks.
Dallas doesn't have a lot to offer in first-rounders, but if the Mavs can get the Knicks to remove protections from the 2023 pick sent for Kristaps Porzingis, the Mavericks might have enough to pry Hield from the Kings.
Denver Nuggets: Trevor Ariza
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The Nuggets have a deep roster, but they lost a key piece over the offseason in Jerami Grant, who left via sign-and-trade to the Pistons.
Trevor Ariza, who was traded from the Trail Blazers to the Rockets to the Pistons to the Thunder, may find himself on the move one more time.
The Nuggets would need to move enough salary to match Ariza's $12.8 million—perhaps with Will Barton ($13.7 million), along with draft considerations.
Detroit Pistons: Frank Ntilikina
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The Pistons should be looking to add young talent wherever they can get it, even with players (Josh Jackson) who have looked like busts in previous stops.
Getting Ntilikina from the New York Knicks would be a smart gamble, especially given his relationship with the Pistons' new franchise point guard. Killian Hayes previously praised Ntilikina in the predraft process.
"I've never played in the NBA, so I ask questions about it. I've known Frank [Ntilikina] for a long time now. He's told me a lot about the NBA and what it takes to stay in the NBA. So I'm listening to these guys, because they've been through it," Hayes said, per Peter Botte of the New York Post.
Ntilikina is still just 22 years old heading into his fourth pro season and remains an elite defensive prospect with his 7'1" wingspan from the guard position.
He wouldn't have to be a franchise point guard with Hayes around, instead playing the role of defensive specialist off the bench while helping the rookie adjust to the league after previously playing in France.
With a rebuilding year ahead of them, the Pistons should be looking to hit singles and doubles instead of home runs while building up the young talent base.
Getting Ntilikina shouldn't cost the Pistons anything more than a second-round pick.
Golden State Warriors: Reggie Bullock
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The Warriors have a $9.3 million disabled player exception for Klay Thompson, who tore his Achilles before training camp. They can use it to take in a player on the final year of his contract, and Reggie Bullock of the Knicks would give Golden State an experienced perimeter defender and shooter.
Bullock is under contract for $4.2 million, and New York might have an interest in Damion Lee, Alen Smailagic, or perhaps a future second-round pick. Golden State may prefer to move a player given its luxury-tax position that could cost the team over $100 million this season.
Houston Rockets: Lonzo Ball and Pelicans' Haul
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The Rockets face a massive decision on James Harden. The 2018 MVP wants out, and while Houston doesn't have to trade him, superstars have a lot of power in the league. Buzz has linked Harden to the 76ers and Nets, but the Pelicans have a long, long list of quality players and draft picks.
If Harden is willing to buy in, the Pelicans can partner him with young stars Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. Houston would get back several players from New Orleans that would start with Lonzo Ball while potentially including (some but not all) Josh Hart, Jaxson Hayes, JJ Redick, Eric Bledsoe, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Kira Lewis Jr.
The return for Harden will be plentiful.
Indiana Pacers: CJ McCollum
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A midwestern kid growing up, McCollum could thrive as the No. 1 offensive option with the Pacers.
With Victor Oladipo entering the final year of his contract, the Pacers should pursue some sort of McCollum-Oladipo swap that would end in more long-term security for the small-market franchise.
McCollum, 29, won't be a free agent until 2024, giving the Pacers a core of he, Malcolm Brogdon, Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis all under contract for at least the next three seasons.
Averaging 22.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists this past season as a No. 2 offensive option, McCollum could take as many shots as he pleased with the Pacers while showing off his playmaking chops as well.
If Indiana has doubts about Oladipo re-signing, McCollum would be a perfect replacement.
Los Angeles Clippers: Jordan McLaughlin
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The Clippers didn't add a playmaking point guard over the offseason, as they are significantly hampered by a hard cap that limits their spending power. Still, they can get around it by trading for two-way guard Jordan McLaughlin of the Timberwolves.
The Clippers looked into signing McLaughlin before the season but couldn't make the numbers work. Perhaps a two-way swap with Amir Coffey going to Minnesota (probably with a second-round pick) would get it done.
McLaughlin is an underrated player, bringing an unselfish maturity to the court. The critical wrinkle that works for the Clippers: the salary for players on two-way contracts does not count against the cap.
Los Angeles Lakers: None
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The Lakers are hamstrung by a hard cap, barring the team from even signing a 15th player to start the season, and Alfonzo McKinnie could be the casualty.
The Lakers could look for a team with a trade exception large enough to take in McKinnie's $1.8 million 2020-21 salary. L.A. can throw in enough cash to make it worthwhile for another team—perhaps $2.5 million (or more) to avoid sending out a second-round pick with him.
Shedding the young forward would open a roster spot for the Lakers to add a veteran...perhaps even Pau Gasol to join his brother Marc in the purple and gold.
Memphis Grizzlies: Derrick Rose
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The Grizzlies fell just short of making the playoffs in the Orlando bubble, though the team has taken a significant step forward, and much of that has to do with young star guard Ja Morant.
Even beyond Morant, the Grizzlies have a lot of talent, but they could use an experienced scorer to play both behind and alongside him.
Currently on the rebuilding Pistons, Derrick Rose would give the Grizzlies another significant postseason weapon. The cost might be Tyus Jones, who would be a valuable fit for the Trail Blazers in a three-team trade sending Rodney Hood and Nassir Little to Detroit.
Miami Heat: James Harden
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Of all the teams that could make competitive offers for Harden, Miami would be the best destination for the 2018 MVP.
The fit with the Brooklyn Nets and Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant wouldn't be right, and a combination of Harden and Joel Embiid with the Philadelphia 76ers could struggle from a leadership standpoint.
Mixing Harden's talent with the Heat's structure would be the best combination for all involved.
Assuming Miami could keep both Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, getting Harden would make the Heat the favorites in the East and perhaps the NBA. Even parting with a young star in Tyler Herro and a collection of role players would be worth it.
Erik Spoelstra would bring out the best in Harden's on- and off-ball game, with Butler serving as the type of no-nonsense teammate he probably needs.
While a lot of teams could make a good offer for Harden, Miami offers the best fit.
Milwaukee Bucks: P.J. Tucker
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The Bucks sacrificed much of their draft capital to land Jrue Holiday, meaning they likely won't be making any blockbuster trades this season.
Tucker, 35, helps an already elite Milwaukee defense with his toughness and experience. Since he's able to play either big position—he started on Houston's playoff teams the past three years—he'd be a terrific sixth man for the Bucks.
Tucker is enough of a floor-spacer (36.1 catch-and-shoot three-point rate) to give Giannis Antetokounmpo the space he needs, and an all-defensive lineup of Holiday, Khris Middleton, Antetokounmpo, Tucker and Brook Lopez would be a nightmare for teams to try to score on.
With the Rockets on shaky ground, the Bucks should try to pluck Tucker while they can. An offer of D.J. Wilson and a future pick should get a conversation going.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Cedi Osman
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In many ways, the Timberwolves are loaded with Karl-Anthony Towns in the middle and a long list of guards in D'Angelo Russell, Ricky Rubio, Malik Beasley and Anthony Edwards. Where the team is weaker is at the forward position.
The Cavaliers are fond of 25-year-old, 6'9” forward Cedi Osman, and they may be reluctant to part with him. Still, if the Timberwolves were willing to include Jarrett Culver and enough incentive (draft considerations or even Jaden McDaniels, taken 28th overall), perhaps Minnesota can find its missing forward in Osman.
New Orleans Pelicans: James Harden
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The Pelicans have a deep, talented roster. Frankly, they're too deep. They have too many mouths to feed, and the young players such as Jaxson Hayes and Nickeil Alexander-Walker aren't going to get the time on the court to develop.
The team has too many guards (Lonzo Ball, Eric Bledsoe, Josh Hart, JJ Redick, Kira Lewis Jr. and Alexander-Walker) and a plethora of future draft picks. If the Rockets concede to James Harden's trade demand, the Pelicans may have all the right pieces to get a blockbuster done.
A team built around Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Steven Adams, Harden and whatever pieces New Orleans can withhold from Houston would be a formidable force in the West.
New York Knicks: Spencer Dinwiddie
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The Knicks have finally put together a strong young core but could use a win-now veteran to help turn the culture around in New York.
Dinwiddie proved he's starter material after averaging 20.6 points and 6.8 assists for the Brooklyn Nets last season, although a return of Kyrie Irving means he's likely headed back to the bench.
At 27, Dinwiddie should still be in his prime when the Knicks begin making playoff runs, and his presence would take offensive pressure off RJ Barrett and Obi Toppin.
While New York may still want to target a franchise floor general at some point (no, Dennis Smith Jr. doesn't count), Dinwiddie would help the team now and still has room to improve his own game.
If the Nets need a third team to help them bring in another star, the Knicks should try to get Dinwiddie out of it. With a pair of future firsts owed to them by the Dallas Mavericks, the Knicks should be willing to part with one in a package for Dinwiddie.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Will Barton
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The Thunder are all about draft picks. Their list of future incoming selections is massive, but don't expect the team to be satisfied with its current haul.
Several teams inquired about Trevor Ariza, hoping OKC would buy him out before the season, but the Thunder are stubborn. Why cut $12.8 million in guaranteed salary when they can trade him before the deadline, bringing in even more draft currency?
Look for a team like the Nuggets to show interest, with the contract of Will Barton and at least a second-rounder as a sweetener. Of course, then look for the Thunder to trade Barton to another team, with even more draft picks on the way!
Orlando Magic: JJ Redick
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While getting Cole Anthony with the 15th overall pick represented great value for Orlando, he shot just 38.0 percent overall and 34.8 percent from three in his lone college season at UNC. Combined with current starting point guard Markelle Fultz (26.7 percent from three in 2019-20), there's some serious brick potential without adding additional spacing.
Redick was the 11th overall pick by the Magic in 2006, and he once again fills a need in Orlando. Now 36, he's shown no signs of slowing down from outside the arc (45.3 percent from three on 6.6 attempts per game) and could be paired with either Fultz or Anthony.
Making the playoffs won't be easy without some additional help—not with the Atlanta Hawks making some major roster additions and the Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets getting better as well.
Redick would help keep Orlando in the playoff picture while making life easier for the young guards. The Magic can offer any of their future first-round picks or a player like Terrence Ross if New Orleans wants proven talent back in return.
Philadelphia 76ers: Patty Mills
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Even if Daryl Morey wants to see the Ben Simmons-Joel Embiid experiment play out another year, there are still smaller moves he can make to improve the roster around them.
Mills, 32, has been an important piece of the San Antonio Spurs for the past nine seasons, yet he finds himself in a crowded backcourt heading into the last year of his contract.
His addition would give the Sixers more lineup flexibility, such as using Simmons more off the ball. If nothing else, Mills is a playoff-tested vet (90 career games) with a 2014 championship who can serve as Philly's sixth man.
Coming off a season where he averaged a career-high 11.6 points per game, Mills would give the Sixers even more floor spacing (38.9 career three-point percentage) to use around their stars. A pair of future seconds should be enough for the Spurs to bite.
Phoenix Suns: DeMarcus Cousins
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The Suns are one of the deepest, most well-balanced teams in the league. Given where they were just a couple of years ago, that's a stunning development.
They have a healthy balance of veteran talent and productive young players. If they could use anything, it'd be a backup big to help them in the playoffs.
The Rockets signed DeMarcus Cousins this offseason, but the franchise may be changing directions with James Harden looking to move on. Perhaps Cousins could be had for minimal assets (a second-round pick) as a luxury piece for the Suns?
Portland Trail Blazers: Tyus Jones
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The Trail Blazers are coming off a solid offseason, bringing in Robert Covington, Enes Kanter, Harry Giles and Derrick Jones Jr. Carmelo Anthony and Rodney Hood re-signed, and the team may have enough to fight for a top-four seed in the Western Conference.
If they have a weakness, it's at the point guard spot behind Damian Lillard. Anfernee Simons is a talented, young scorer, but the Blazers could use someone like Tyus Jones.
If the Blazers are willing to part with Nassir Little and Hood, maybe the Pistons will give the Grizzlies a savvy playoff veteran like Derrick Rose, with Jones routed to Portland.
Sacramento Kings: Tyrell Terry and Others
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The Kings are heavily invested in Buddy Hield, but they have new management led by general manager Monte McNair. And dating back to last season, Hield had bristled at his benching by coach Luke Walton.
While his replacement in the starting lineup last year (Bogdan Bogdanovic) has moved on to the Hawks, McNair may look to get out of some of the team's heftier contracts from the previous regime. Hield is a good player, but this may be addition by subtraction for the Kings as they move forward.
The Mavericks drafted a similar player to Hield in Tyrell Terry with the 31st pick. Dallas would need to send multiple players (including a combination that could include some but not all of Tim Hardaway Jr., Dwight Powell, James Johnson and Boban Marjanovic) and an eventual first-round pick with Terry for Hield.
San Antonio Spurs: Lauri Markkanen
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The Spurs are evolving after missing the playoffs for the first time in decades. The era of LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan may be nearing an end, as the veterans have almost completed their contracts.
Looking to the future, the Bulls have an impressive young player who will be a restricted free agent next summer in Lauri Markkanen, and he'd be a solid get for San Antonio. With Devin Vassell (11th in 2020) looking good in the preseason, perhaps the Spurs would be open to thinning out some of their depth with Keldon Johnson, Lonnie Walker, Luka Samanic or Trey Lyles in a deal with the Bulls for Markkanen.
The Spurs also have almost all of their first- and second-rounders through 2027 for potential deals.
Toronto Raptors: Jaxson Hayes
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Hayes was the No. 8 pick in the 2019 draft and presents some serious upside with his 6'11" size and shot-blocking ability, although the trade for Steven Adams (and two-year extension) has blocked his path to a starting job with the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Raptors should check on Hayes' availability, especially after losing both Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka in free agency.
Hayes, 20, would give Toronto a potential long-term partner to pair with Pascal Siakam, one who wouldn't be thrown into the fire immediately with Aron Baynes and Chris Boucher already on the roster.
While the Raptors should also be looking for moves that help them compete now, adding Hayes helps long-term. Finding matching salary and sending their own 2021 first-round pick (top-10 protected) to New Orleans could be enough to get a deal done.
Utah Jazz: Ryan Arcidiacono
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The Jazz are built exceptionally well for the 2020-21 campaign. They have at least two players at every spot and several who can play multiple positions. They have no glaring need if they can rely on noted defender Shaquille Harrison to back up Mike Conley at the point.
The Jazz also have Donovan Mitchell, who can play either guard spot. But if they were to make a move, adding Ryan Arcidiacono from the Bulls would give extra insurance at the point.
Chicago has Tomas Satoransky and Coby White at the position, and the Bulls might be willing to take a flyer on young Jazz players Miye Oni and Juwan Morgan for Arcidiacono.
Washington Wizards: Andre Drummond
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The Wizards appear to be all-in after trading for Russell Westbrook and re-signing Davis Bertans, but even that may not be enough to make the playoffs in an improved East.
Washington was the worst rebounding team in the NBA last season and signed one of the worst rebounding big men in Robin Lopez, who's a good defender and locker room piece. Rebounding could still be an issue for a team that wants to get Bradley Beal and Westbrook as many extra shot opportunities as possible.
Drummond once again led the NBA in rebounding and is a two-time All-Star. His Cleveland Cavaliers are still very much rebuilding, meaning any reasonable offer should be considered.
The Wizards would have to send back a package of Thomas Bryant, Robin Lopez and Ish Smith to match salaries, with a future second-round pick likely needed to incentivize the deal. A starting five of Westbrook, Beal, Rui Hachimura, Bertans and Drummond should be playoff-worthy.
