If you’re an NBA fan, there’s not much to do at the moment. The games are over. Even Summer League has drawn to a conclusion. Now, we play the waiting game.
In the meantime, we can speculate. In fact, that’s all we can do. So, let’s speculate. There are star players all around the league who might be on the move this summer.
You’re familiar with the names. The fate of these three superstar players remains undetermined. Here’s where we think they’ll end up.
Damian Lillard
Some will argue that we started with an easy one. We disagree. There is nothing easy about this situation. We all know where Lillard wants to go. What we don’t know is how he’ll get there.
After all, the Miami Heat do not have the best offer for Lillard. The Portland Trail Blazers don’t seem keen to accept anything short of the best offer. How will this resolve? In all likelihood, with Lillard landing on the Heat.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Miami Heat Updates
Other teams are not going to be willing to trade for Lillard if he puts the word out that he won’t sign with them. In the end, the Blazers will likely have to find a third team to take Tyler Herro and send them some draft capital, and take what they can get.
Prediction: Eventual Trade to Miami Heat
James Harden
Here, we’re going to go with a slightly hotter take. Harden wants out of Philadelphia, just as Lillard wants out of Portland. Yet, there is a huge difference between these two.
This is Harden’s third trade request in four years. By now, he is a hugely distressed asset. Meanwhile, Daryl Morey isn’t one to take a value loss. This situation is much more complicated.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Are we saying that Harden will spend the rest of his career on the Sixers? No. We’re not even saying he’ll lace up for them again. Here’s what we’re saying: Expect him to be on the roster on opening night.
Prediction: Enters Season on Philadelphia 76ers
Pascal Siakam
This is a fun one. There are actually a lot of possible outcomes here.
After all, Siakam has a lot of suitors. This situation is different. SIakam hasn’t requested a trade, and he’ll have plenty of value around the league.
Apparently, there’s a lot of interest in him. Siakam has been linked to the Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Atlanta Hawks. Where will he land?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Atlanta Hawks Updates
We’ve got him heading to Atlanta. The Magic and Pacers are likely to think twice about sinking assets into a win-now player while they’re rebuilding. The Thunder may not want to take reps from their talented young core yet.On the other hand, the Hawks are desperate for change.
Prediction: Eventual Trade to Atlanta Hawks
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