Atlanta Hawks: John Collins
John Collins has had his name in trade rumors for so long that he’s probably got a bag packed and ready to go.
It seems like the Hawks are intent on clearing his cap hold in a bid to eventually acquire a bigger-name star. Meanwhile, he’s been linked to Sacramento’s fourth overall pick, as the Kings seek to make a playoff run next season. This summer may finally be the one that sees Collins get dealt.
Boston Celtics: Derrick White
It’s hard to pinpoint a trade target for the Celtics. They’re fresh off an NBA Finals run: they don’t really need to trade anybody. Still, if they’re looking to make a meaningful upgrade this summer, White has most moveable contract of any expendable Celtic. The organization could attach it to some future draft capital to bring in a more impactful player.
Brooklyn Nets: Kyrie Irving
If Kyrie Irving gets dealt this summer, it’ll make waves across the Association. We wouldn’t rule out the possibility. Reports suggest that the Nets are hesitant to offer the wayward point guard a long-term contract. If the situation gets combustible, the Nets could move on from their star point guard.
Chicago Bulls: Nikola Vucevic
Rumors suggest that the Bulls could be looking for a more defensive presence at the 5. That makes sense: Vucevic is known to struggle on that end of the floor.
Trading him might not be easy. He’s got a sizeable contract to go with those defensive deficiencies. Nonetheless, with some sweeteners attached, the Bulls may be able to find a suitor for the floor-spacing big man.
Charlotte Hornets: Gordon Hayward
The Charlotte Hornets are ripe with potential trade targets. With Miles Bridges set to hit restricted free agency, any one of Hayward, P.J. Washington, Terry Rozier, or Mason Plumlee could be due for departure.
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We figure Hayward is the safest bet. Washington could still be part of this young core, Rozier is on longer-term money, while Plumlee just has less trade value. By the process of elimination, Hayward is the choice here.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Collin Sexton
There was a temptation to go with Caris LeVert here. The guard/wing is a talented scorer, but prone to bouts of inefficiency. The Cavaliers could look to move on from him as well.
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Still, Sexton feels like an even safer bet. Darius Garland’s emergence during his injury-related absence in 2021-22 had to have this organization asking questions. With the talented scoring guard set to hit Restricted Free Agency, look for the Cavaliers to orchestrate a sign-and-trade.
