Tobias Harris
Top Landing Spots: Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves
If you wanted to argue that Tobias Harris was overpaid, we wouldn’t stop you. On the other hand, if you wanted to argue that he wasn’t productive, we’d like to have a word.
Harris had a down shooting year in 2021-22, but we expect him to bounce back. Typically, he’s an elite floor-spacing forward who can create his own shot and survive on defense. Any of the following three teams could use a player fitting that description.
It’s going to be a challenge to find an interested trade suitor willing to take on Harris’ contract. It would probably need to be in part of a move where more is attached with him in the trade package unless a team really wants a scoring threat at the four spot.
Luguentz Dort
Top Landing Spots: Portland Trail Blazers, Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks
If the 23-year-old Luguentz Dort were about 4 inches taller, his name wouldn’t be in this article. Nobody would reasonably expect the Oklahoma City Thunder to part with him this summer.
He isn’t, so he is. Dort is an undersized wing with a shaky jump shot. He’s not a perfect player. He also happens to be one of the most fundamentally sound and effortful perimeter defenders in the league. Contending teams and rebuilding teams alike could have an interest in landing him this summer.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: 1 Ideal Trade Target For All 30 NBA Teams Entering Free Agency
The Thunder could have made Dort a restricted free agent this offseason and gotten a long-term deal in place by matching offer sheets in a largely limited free agency landscape. They opted not to. Instead, he will be an unrestricted free agent next summer. This is the same situation Jalen Brunson faces now.
Rudy Gobert
Top Landing Spots: Charlotte Hornets, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors
The question “who could use Rudy Gobert” is effectively the same question as “who needs rim protection?”. After all, nobody provides more of it than the 3x Defensive Player of the Year.
The answer is, of course, several NBA teams. Gobert may be offensively limited, but any player with an elite skill will always find use in the NBA. Any one of these teams should be angling to have Gobert put that skill to use in their jersey next season.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: 1 Ideal Trade Target For All 30 NBA Teams Entering Free Agency
The longer the summer goes on, it feels less likely that Gobert will actually end up getting traded. The Utah Jazz still haven’t hired a head coach and shaking up a core part of the roster after the departure of Quin Snyder may be less appealing to do.
John Collins
Top Landing Spots: Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz
After a disappointing season, the Atlanta Hawks appear primed to make some bold changes to their roster. They didn’t do anything crazy during the NBA Draft, but it’s not too late to get creative.
Any team that is seeking a versatile rim roller who can knock down catch-and-shoot jumpers at a high clip should be looking to trade for John Collins. He can be involved directly as a ball screener while also being able to space out.
Being accepting of his defensive limitations would be a requirement, though. Some teams may be willing to take that risk, but it also puts a limit on what his value could be perceived as being in trade discussions since a rim protector is ideally playing alongside him to cover that up.
