New Orleans Pelicans: Jonas Valanciunas
The answer here was either Valanciunas or Jaxson Hayes. The Pelicans have two starting caliber centers: they ought to at least get value for one.
Ultimately, we opted to have them keep the better defensive player. Between Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and C.J. McCollum, this team will have plenty of offense to spare.
New York Knicks: Evan Fournier
This one is actually a little misleading. The real answer is “Evan Fournier with a bunch of draft picks”. As it stands, the Knicks are sitting on a mountain of draft capital. Meanwhile, they’re expected to go big-game hunting this summer. If they’re going to trade for a star, they should try to keep RJ Barrett to compliment them if possible. Fournier’s contract and a surplus of draft capital (with a young player or two attached) should get them in a lot of conversations.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Derrick Favors
This was another particularly easy call. The Thunder have embraced a full-on youth movement. They have a core trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Josh Giddey. Otherwise, this roster is largely made up of high-ceiling, low-floor prospects the Thunder ought to invest in. Favors is the only veteran who could have trade value to a win-now team.
Orlando Magic: Markelle Fultz
We almost went with Terrance Ross using the same reasoning as we just did for the Thunder. With that said, Ross’ trade value may minimal. He’s aging, and his play is in decline.
The Magic should still look to move him. On the other hand, they could actually get value for Fultz. Meanwhile, they’ve got a logjam of point guards. Cole Anthony flashed star potential last season. Jalen Suggs struggled in his rookie campaign, and Orlando shouldn’t sell low. By the process of elimination, Fultz is the odd man out.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Six NBA Observations On Top Prospect Summer League Flashes
Philadelphia 76ers: Matisse Thybulle
Matisse Thybulle is a complicated player. He’s one of the best defenders in the NBA, but it might not be an exaggeration to say he’s one of the league’s worst offensive players.
That could change if his three-point shot comes back to its rookie season level. On the other hand, the contending Sixers don’t have time to be patient. They should move the still-young Thybulle to a rebuilding organization.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Six NBA Observations On Top Prospect Summer League Flashes
Phoenix Suns: Dario Saric
If you were expecting Deandre Ayton, you thought wrong. Having just agreed to a max rookie extension with the Suns, he’s not eligible for trade until January 15.
The Suns have been the most rumored destination for Kevin Durant, but with Ayton off the table (for now), they’re probably out of the race (for now). If they’re running it back, they should look to package Saric’s contract with some future-focused assets to upgrade their guard rotation.
