Atlanta Hawks: Rudy Gobert
Recently, reports have been linking the Hawks to Spurs guard Dejounte Murray. In all likelihood, the team is looking to add a strong point-of-attack defender alongside the defensively limited Trae Young.
That’s fine, but the offensive fit between the two projects as wonky. Both are most effective with the ball in their hands. The Hawks would be better served to acquire Gobert to clean up their defense. His offensive fit with Young in the pick-and-roll is far more sensible.
Boston Celtics: Malcolm Brogdon
The Celtics had an impressive 2021-22, advancing all the way to the NBA Finals. This team’s versatile defense overwhelmed every opponent in the Eastern Conference. Between Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the Cs are covered for scoring. With that said, ball security was an issue for them in the Finals. They should target a smart floor general like Brogdon to alleviate that problem.
Brooklyn Nets: Myles Turner
When it comes to teams that are hard to predict, the Nets might be the most difficult in the league.
As it stands, we don’t even know if Kyrie Irving or Kevin Durant will be on this roster heading into 2022-23. Let’s assume they are, and the Nets are in the running for the NBA title. Getting a stretch big who can maximize Ben Simmons should be a priority. Turner and his career 34.9% three-point percentage would be a great fit.
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Charlotte Hornets: Richaun Holmes
The Hornets’ summer was always destined to be defined by their pursuit of a big man (besides Miles Bridges’ restricted free agency). They may have acquired their center of the future in the 2022 draft, selecting Mark Williams. They could still use a veteran to show the incoming big man the ropes. Holmes is the perfect low-usage, rim-running, rim-protecting big for the job.
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Chicago Bulls: Rudy Gobert
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Rudy Gobert’s name has already come up twice. Plenty of NBA teams could use the best rim protector in the game.
The Bulls are no exception. Last season, their defense suffered behind Nikola Vucevic’s subpar interior defense. If they can swing a trade for Gobert, it’ll be a massive upgrade.
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Cleveland Cavaliers: Royce O’Neale
The Cleveland Cavaliers took a major step forward in their rebuilding process in 2021-22. Next season, they should look to put it to bed by making a postseason appearance.
The Cavs had success by running triple-towers lineups on a routine basis. They should continue that trend in 2022-23, but diversifying their frontcourt rotation with some more versatile defenders would be a sensible decision. O’Neale would allow them to run a wider range of looks.
