Let us look at the 5 big NBA trades that could happen in 2021
With the offseason starting, every team will be focused on rebuilding themselves so that they can win the NBA championship in the 2021-2022 season.
Along with the draft picks, many teams will be picking players through various trade deals, and free agency signings to create their perfect roster.
Below, we look at the top 5 NBA trade scenarios that could happen in the 2021-2022 season.
1. Ben Simmons traded to the Golden State Warriors by the Philadelphia 76ers
Warriors get: Ben Simmons, George Hill, 28th pick
76ers get: James Wiseman, Andrew Wiggins, 7th pick, future first-round pick
These two teams seem to be perfect trade partners, especially Simmons’ fit next to fellow NBA Defensive Player of the Year finalist Draymond Green in the frontcourt.
Ben Simmons can play a more natural power forward position and Draymond Green will be playing small-ball center if the Golden State Warriors make the trade happen. On the other hand, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson will be playing their usual game in the backcourt.
Philadelphia will get Andrew Wiggins who has improved vastly in his three-point shooting. Wiggins averaged 18.6 points while shooting 38% from the three-point line a season ago.
2. Detroit Pistons trade Jerami Grant to the Washington Wizards
Wizards get: Jerami Grant
Pistons get: Davis Bertans, Anthony Gill, 15th pick
27-year-old Jerami Grant was absolutely phenomenal in his first season with the Pistons after being acquired in a sign-and-trade during the 2020 NBA offseason. Grant averaged 22.3 points and 4.6 rebounds on 35% shooting from the field.
With Detroit Pistons currently in rebuild mode and boasting the No. 1 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, rumors suggest that Pistons could move him for other parts.
On the other hand, the Wizards must upgrade a decent roster if they want to retain Bradley Beal for the long term. By moving off the underperforming Bertans for a great two-way player, Washington would be helping Beal and Russell Westbrook.
3. Sacramento Kings trade Harrison Barnes, Marvin Bagley III to the Los Angeles Lakers
Lakers get: Harrison Barnes, Marvin Bagley III
Kings get: Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell, 22nd pick, two future second-round picks
It is clear from this year’s first-round playoffs exit that the Los Angeles Lakers need a better supporting cast behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
The Lakers can acquire Harrison Barnes who is an underrated player. He’s capable of scoring 20 points on a consistent basis, hit on 39% of his threes last season, and is a great defender. Adding a young and disgruntled Bagley III to the mix for depth makes sense, too.
It is confirmed that Sacramento is moving off both Barnes and Bagley III during the NBA offseason. Acquiring Kyle Kuzma to team up with the star-studded backcourt of De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton would be a win.
The Kings could also potentially package the pick they acquire in this trade with their original first-round selection (projected to be ninth overall) to move up for wing Jonathan Kuminga.
4. Pascal Siakam traded to the Chicago Bulls by the Toronto Raptors
Chicago Bulls get: Pascal Siakam, Aron Baynes
Toronto Raptors get: Patrick Williams, Coby White, Thaddeus Young
This trade has the potential to be a blockbuster NBA trade. Chicago Bulls have emerged as a title contender after acquiring All-Star center Nikola Vucevic from the Orlando Magic.
The Bulls just need another star to team up with Vucevic and Zach LaVine. Pascal Siakam seems to be the probable answer. In the process, the Bulls build what could be a top-end title contender in the Eastern Conference.
Raptors on the other hand already have the No. 4 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. They just might enter full-scale rebuild mode if they manage to trade Pascal Siakam.
Coby White would move to the two-guard spot next to Fred VanVleet while Williams showed a ton of promise as a rookie after being selected No. 4 overall in the 2020 NBA Draft.
5. Portland Trail Blazers trade Damian Lillard to the New York Knicks
New York Knicks get: Damian Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers get: R.J. Barrett, Obi Toppin, Immanuel Quickley, two 2021 first-round picks, three future first-round picks
This trade also has the potential to be a blockbuster NBA trade. The Knicks are now favored to land Dame if the Portland Trail Blazers are forced to trade him.
Coming off a surprisingly successful 2020-21 season, the Knicks are now suddenly a suitable landing spot for big-name players. The Knicks also have the required assets to make a move for acquiring Damian Lillard.
On the contrary, Portland will have to start rebuilding. If Lillard goes, then C.J. McCollum is also most likely to go away. If that happens, acquiring three potential core players and five future first-round picks would help expedite said rebuild.
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