LA Clippers: Brandon Boston Jr.
Ignore the Los Angeles Clippers this summer if you’re a junky for NBA trade rumors. They’re very unlikely to make a major move this summer.
With that said, Brandon Boston Jr. should appeal to some rebuilding teams. He’s got potential as a shot-creating guard/wing. The Clippers don’t need to do anything this summer, but shopping Boston Jr. might not be bad.
Los Angeles Lakers: Russell Westbrook
This was the most obvious answer in this piece.
Getting value for Westbrook should be difficult. The Lakers will likely have to attach sweeteners to his contract to make it happen. Still, trading him shouldn’t be a priority this summer – it should be an imperative.
Memphis Grizzlies: Jarrett Culver
The Grizzlies are another team without any major incentive to make a move. With Jaren Jackson Jr. slated to miss most of the year with an injury, this might be a gap year for the organization.
Culver is just about the only young player on this roster who doesn’t have a significant spot in its rotation. That makes him the Grizzlies’ most sensible trade chip by default.
Miami Heat: Duncan Robinson
For the Heat, it might be more accurate to say they should trade Robinson’s contract.
Robinson got played off the floor in the 2021-22 playoffs. He’s a quality floor-spacer, but his defensive limitations rendered him unplayable. That’s not going to make him an attractive trade chip for most teams. Still, the Heat could look to package his contract with a first-round pick in an effort to land an impact player.
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Milwaukee Bucks: Sandro Mamukelashvili
Another contender, another difficult call.
The Bucks don’t need to make a move this summer. They need Khris Middleton to be healthy in the 2022-23 playoffs. They could become NBA champions again if he’s able to do so. Mamukelashvili gets the nod here on the virtue of being 23. Sometimes, it’s that simple.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Six NBA Observations On Top Prospect Summer League Flashes
Minnesota Timberwolves: D’Angelo Russell
The Minnesota Timberwolves already made one huge move this summer. Some will suggest they overpaid for Rudy Gobert, but nobody will deny that he’s going to make them better in 2022-23.
Moving Russell should be the next order of business. He’s a solid floor general, but the Wolves need the ball in the more capable hands of Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards. A lower usage point guard who provides more reliable floor spacing would benefit this squad.
