It’s been a whirlwind of an NBA summer. What else is new? Without fail, we see a flurry of activity in the offseason. This year has been no exception. We are seeing decisions that will impact the entire league for years to come.
Free agents have signed major contracts. That always shifts the league’s landscape. With that said, those haven’t been the only significant events of the summer.
We’ve also seen some major trade requests. There are stars around the league that are looking for new homes. As the summer wears on, we’ll see where they end up. Here are three deals based on the latest rumors.
NBA Trade #1: Pascal Siakam to Atlanta Hawks
Toronto Raptors Receive: G Dejounte Murray, G/F Bogdan Bogdanovic, F/C Onyeka Onkongwu, 2029 First-Round Pick (ATL)
Atlanta Hawks Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam
Meanwhile, no Raptors have requested any trades to our knowledge. Yet, they remain prominent in trade rumors. It makes sense. The Raptors had an underwhelming 2022-23 season. Meanwhile, they just lost Fred VanVleet to the Houston Rockets in free agency. This team is a prime candidate for a fire sale.
Siakam would be the most coveted piece on their team. This is a two-way wing who can make plays for himself and others. In other words, he’d be a perfect fit alongside Trae Young.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Meanwhile, Dejounte Murray has not been. The Raptors would be happy to replace Fred VanVleet with him. All told, this deal feels like it makes sense for both sides. Obviously, that’s the goal in all of these trades.
NBA Trade #2: Damian Lillard to Miami Heat
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G Tyler Herro, G/F Duncan Robinson
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F/C Ben Simmons, 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN), 2027 First-Round Pick (PHI via BKN), 2027 First-Round Pick (MIA), 2029 First-Round Pick (MIA)
Miami Heat Receive: G Damian Lillard
Of course, no summer trade request hit harder than Damian Lillard’s. The longtime Trail Blazer is finally looking for a new home. Apparently, he’s narrowed his sights on the Miami Heat. It’s being said that Lillard only wants to go to Miami. Is there a feasible way to get him there?
We think so. The Blazers are seemingly uninterested in Tyler Herro. Fair enough. This team has enough young guards to find minutes and touches for.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Miami Heat & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
On the other hand, the Brooklyn Nets could use Herro. Meanwhile, the Blazers shouldn’t be concerned with absorbing Simmons’ contract. They’ll be rebuilding for some time – the cap space Simmons occupies is unimportant to them. Could we see another star get moved in a three-team deal?
NBA Trade #1: James Harden, Zach LaVine Move Teams
Chicago Bulls Receive: G/F Norman Powell, F/C Marcus Morris Sr., G/F Terrance Mann, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAC), 2029 First-Round Pick (PHI), 2030 First-Round Pick (Swap – LAC)
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G/F Zach LaVine
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G James Harden
You might be confused. Why are the Sixers giving up a first-round pick to downgrade from Harden to LaVine? Well, Harden has requested a trade. If the Sixers want to get a star in return, they’ll have to sacrifice. Moreover, LaVine is significantly younger.
It’s probably time for the Bulls to move on from him. This is another team who could blow up their roster this summer. If they do, flipping LaVine for Mann, two first-round picks, and a swap would make sense.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Zach Lavine, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers & Chicago Bulls Updates
So would acquiring Harden for the Clippers. This team needs a point guard, and Harden is one of the best in the NBA. If he ends up moving, it’ll just be another blockbuster move for this summer.
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