New York Knicks: Cam Reddish
You were expecting someone else?
Yes, the Knicks are likely to move on from Julius Randle this summer. On the other hand, his $26.1 million dollar price tag will make him harder to move than Reddish. After acquiring the young wing from the Hawks at this year’s deadline, the Knicks barely played Reddish. They should move him to a rebuilding team who will.
New Orleans Pelicans: Jaxson Hayes
If you were expecting someone else here, you should adjust your expectations.
Zion Williamson is a popular name in trade rumors, but the Pelicans will likely avoid trading him at all costs. Meanwhile, Hayes is a young combo big with great upside himself. The Pelicans will be looking to increase their win total in 2022-23, so if they can make a win-now move involving Hayes, we wouldn’t expect them to hesitate.
Orlando Magic: Mo Bamba
Once again, we’re listing a Restricted Free Agent. Sign-and-trade scenarios are common where a team has outgrown a young player. With the Magic expected to welcome one of Jabari Smith Jr. or Chet Holmgren to a frontcourt already featuring Wendell Carter Jr., Franz Wagner and a returning Jonathan Isaac, Bamba looks like the odd man out.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Lu Dort
Reading the Thunder’s intentions isn’t easy. Are they tanking? If so, are bad players good assets? Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the real answer here?
LATEST NBA DRAFT AND TRADE RUMORS: Latest Intel & NBA Trade Rumors: Kyrie, Collins, Kings, Turner, More
Probably not. Sure, the Thunder may move SGA in the context of their radical rebuilding strategy, but it feels disingenuous to say that’s the most likely outcome. Dort feels like a safer bet. His high-end perimeter defense could be highly valuable to one of the league’s defenders.
Philadelphia 76ers: Danny Green
This one almost feels like cheating. Danny Green is expected to be inured for most of 2022-23. He’s essentially a contract in terms of short-term team building. Look for the Sixers to package his contract with their first-round pick to make a win-now upgrade.
Phoenix Suns: Deandre Ayton
Surely, you’ve heard the rumors. It feels like the relationship between Ayton and the Suns is damaged beyond repair. If they’re truly apprehensive about paying him a big extension, there’s only one reasonable course of action:
LATEST NBA DRAFT AND TRADE RUMORS: Latest Intel & NBA Trade Rumors: Kyrie, Collins, Kings, Turner, More
Sign-and-trade him to a team that isn’t.
