Dallas Mavericks: Josh Green
Looking at this Mavericks roster, Green is the obvious choice. Anyone else they have is either too functionally important to their squad or doesn’t have much trade value. Green is an intriguing young wing. He’s already a high-end defender, and if his three-pointer comes around, he could be a starter for some time. A rebuilding team may be interested in sending the Mavericks a quality veteran for him.
Denver Nuggets: Zeke Nnaji
Like the Mavericks, most Nuggets are untradeable for one reason or another.
We almost said Michael Porter Jr. With that said, he’s probably more valuable to the Nuggets than anyone else right now. Concerns about his durability are prevalent, and his long-term contract could put off potential suitors. On the other hand, Nnaji is a young player with solid potential who could fetch them a long-term upgrade.
Detroit Pistons: Kelly Olynyk
The Pistons already traded the player they needed to trade this summer. Getting a first-round pick for fringe star Jerami Grant will open up opportunities for their younger players.
They should use the same philosophy in dealing Kelly Olynyk. Their frontcourt is crowded with high-potential young players between Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart, and Saddiq Bey. Meanwhile, some contenders should covet Olynyk for his floor-spacing.
Golden State Warriors: Jonathan Kuminga
Some Warriors fans will see this as blasphemous. We don’t blame them.
After all, who wouldn’t want their team to be the defending champions while rostering a high-upside player like Kuminga? With that said, the Western Conference is only getting tougher. Meanwhile, Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green are only getting older. If the Warriors can flip Kuminga (and, in all likelihood, Andrew Wiggins’ contract) for a star, they’ll have much better odds of defending their title in 2022-23.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Six NBA Observations On Top Prospect Summer League Flashes
Houston Rockets: Eric Gordon
There is no other answer here.
The Houston Rockets are brimming with potential, but they’re also distinctly rebuilding. Realistically, Gordon is their only remaining player who’s distinctly off of this team’s rebuilding timeline. They need to do it if they can land a first-round pick for Gordon.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Six NBA Observations On Top Prospect Summer League Flashes
Indiana Pacers: Myles Turner
An old adage about smoke and fire frequently applies to NBA trade rumors. It certainly applies here.
The Pacers have been rumored to be shopping Myles Turner for a long time. It’s time to pull the trigger. At 27, he’s off this rebuilding team’s timeline. Meanwhile, a contending team should pay a premium for his rare floor-spacing and rim protection blend.
