Dallas Mavericks: Collin Sexton
The Dallas Mavericks have arguably the best primary ball-handler in the NBA in Luka Doncic. They could stand to improve the ball-handlers behind him. Ideally, they’d acquire an alpha scorer to put alongside the prodigious playmaker. Sexton’s 24.3 points per game average from 2020-21 suggests that he’d be perfect. The Mavericks should try to arrange a sign-and-trade for the restricted free agent.
Denver Nuggets: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
The Denver Nuggets don’t need to do much this summer. They’ll mostly be banking on the internal improvement that comes from the returns of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. to improve in 2022-23. Still, they could probably use a 3-and-D wing to complement those two alongside reigning MVP Nikola Jokic. If they could find a way to flip Will Barton for Caldwell-Pope, he’s a player they’d have more use for.
Detroit Pistons: Miles Bridges
The Pistons may not need to trade for Miles Bridges at all. As a restricted free agent, it’s possible that they could offer him a contract the Hornets won’t match. With that said, if the Hornets do look to match, Detroit should try to orchestrate a sign-and-trade. He’s a perfect young play finisher to pair with Cade Cunningham long-term.
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Golden State Warriors: Jarred Vanderbilt
What do you get for someone who has it all?
The Golden State Warriors are fresh off an NBA title run. In theory, they have no needs. With that said, a defensive-minded forward to cover for Draymond Green for stretches could be beneficial. As Green ages, it’s hard to say if he’ll maintain his level of defensive intensity. Vanderbilt compensates for Kevon Looney if he receives a lucrative offer in free agency as well.
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Houston Rockets: Cam Reddish
The Houston Rockets are in the early stages of a rebuild. They’ll hope to make progress next season, but their win/loss record will be less important than individual player progression.
That makes them the perfect team to gamble on Reddish. He’s underperformed based on expectations in his NBA career to date, but he still has the natural talent and physical tools to be a 3-and-D wing with secondary shot creation abilities.
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Indiana Pacers: Rui Hachimura
The Indiana Pacers have the makings of a quality rebuild. They’ve got their backcourt of the future already. This team traded for Tyrese Haliburton at last year’s trade deadline and selected Bennedict Mathurin in the 2022 NBA draft.
Next, the Pacers should target wing depth. The 24-year-old Hachimura is a perfect candidate. He hasn’t made a star leap yet, but he’s a big, athletic wing with a wide range of offensive skills. The Pacers should see if he’s a late bloomer.
