The 2022-23 NBA regular season has not even begun yet, but there is already speculation about what is to come in the future. Teams are always evaluating what they currently have on the roster and searching out ways to improve to make the team as strong as possible.
That means that there are already teams with an idea of what they will need to acquire ahead of the trade deadline to remain competitive. It is a fluid situation as things will change during the season; nothing ever goes exactly according to plan, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse. Alas, front offices always have to be ready for what may arise.
There are already some clear lines as to which teams are going to be sellers ahead of the deadline as they have their sights set on the 2023 NBA Draft that features Victor Wmebanyama, the most hyped prospect since LeBron James, and Scoot Henderson, as the top prospects put on a show in Nevada last week during the G League preseason.
Two teams likely to be in the running to have a chance at selecting one of them are the San Antonio Spurs and Indiana Pacers. They have veterans on their rosters currently that could eventually be traded according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports as well.
“The trade deadline garage sale that’s expected to free impact veterans like Myles Turner and Jakob Poeltl from rebuilding teams is a ways away.”
Myles Turner of the Pacers has been on the trade block for years. He likely would have been on the move ahead of the 2022 deadline had he not suffered a foot injury that ended up keeping him sidelined for the duration of the season. Possessing the Unicorn skill set as a big man that can knock down 3-pointers and provide elite rim protection, his market should be robust.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers, Jakob Poeltl & San Antonio Spurs Updates
Turner is on an expiring contract and plans to test unrestricted free agency in 2023. That is part of the reason that Indiana is open to eventually trading him. Jakob Poeltl is also going to be a free agent next summer.
Poeltl put together a career season with the Spurs during the 2021-22 campaign. He is a very efficient scorer, and while he doesn’t offer much as a perimeter threat and struggles shooting free throws, is more than capable of getting a basket in a half-court setting.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers, Jakob Poeltl & San Antonio Spurs Updates
Poeltl is also one of the best rebounders in the NBA. His defense is also excellent, providing a team with an anchor to rely on. Playoff teams that are in need of defensive presence heading into the stretch run of the season would do well adding Poeltl to the mix.
