Feb 27, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) reacts after a missed shot against the Cleveland Cavaliers during overtime at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
This year’s NBA free agency class was once upon a time shaping up to be transcendent. But thanks to a number of stars signing max extensions—like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, and Paul George—that’s no longer the case.
After Kawhi Leonard and Chris Paul—whose playoff brilliance continued in Game 1 of the NBA Finals Tuesday—the caliber of available free agents this summer drops off. Sure, there are a number of very good point guards and former All-Stars available—we’re talking Mike Conley, Kyle Lowry, and DeMar DeRozan. But it could be a complete dud if Leonard and Paul re-sign with the Clippers and Suns, respectively, as is generally the expectation around the league. That being said, let’s also remember that predicting what Leonard’s going to do is forever an exercise in futility.
So that means the trade market is where it’s probably going to be poppin’. There are plenty of stars and impact players who could be on the move, either because said player is disgruntled with his situation (Damian Lillard), has potentially worn out his welcome (Ben Simmons and Kristaps Porzingis), or represents a chip that’s too enticing not to use (Andrew Wiggins, CJ McCollum, and Kemba Walker). If names like that are actually dealt, the summer could be extremely spicy.
Here’s our usual disclaimer: Trade proposals and/or highlighting potential destinations is forever an overly simplistic exercise. Keep in mind that NBA transactions are way more complicated than they’re always made out to be. As ESPN NBA front office insider Bobby Marks told Complex Sports this past winter, when you’re trying to consummate a trade always operate by this rule: “How does it help both teams? How is it a win-win?”
Here are 10 intriguing names that could be on the move when the trade market heats up.
Damian Lillard
We highlighted the spots that Dame Time could potentially be a fit for a couple of weeks ago when a report dropped that the ultra-loyal Lillard might be open to leaving the only franchise he’s ever played for. I’m still highly skeptical he ultimately asks out, but things just aren’t working with the Blazers and you could easily argue they probably need to switch things up in order to seriously contend in the stacked Western Conference. The Blazers will obviously do everything they can to try and appease and repair what increasingly sounds like is a damaged relationship with its superstar. His massive salary could complicate a deal, but teams will find a way to make the financials work.
What’s He Worth: Google the James Harden trade
Potential Destinations: 76ers, Knicks, Mavericks, Warriors, Heat
CJ McCollum
If Lillard isn’t on the move, the Blazers could break up their backcourt by dealing McCollum for a package that (ideally) brings back a scoring guard and possibly another piece or two. McCollum is forever rumored to be a trade chip and since he’s developed into a borderline All-Star (as long as he’s healthy) he’ll forever be attractive to other teams. He’s only 29 and a career 18.9 PPG scorer, hitting 39.8 percent from three over his eight seasons in Portland. McCollum will be in demand across the league for years to come.
What’s He Worth: Multiple picks and/or a borderline All-Star
Potential Destinations: 76ers, Mavericks, Warriors, Knicks, Heat
Ben Simmons
As we wrote in the wake of Philadelphia’s spectacular postseason flameout, the Sixers have a Ben Simmons problem. While coach Doc Rivers says he wants him back and president of basketball operations Daryl Morey proclaims Philly is committed to the defensive whiz of a point guard who lacks any discernible jump shot—Morey, apparently proving his quasi-commitment recently purchased an NFT of Simmons—it’s hard to envision Simmons returning. Despite being First-Team All-Defense this past season and a three-time All-Star who did some excellent work guarding Trae Young, Simmons was a massive liability down the stretch of playoff games who shied away from scoring when the Sixers needed him most. Maybe it’s best for everyone if Simmons is playing somewhere else come October. Some believe Phlly could be selling low on Simmons while others believe he’s worth way more around the league than generally believe. I side with the latter.
What Would He Bring Back: More than you think
Potential Destinations: Blazers, Warriors, Clippers, Bulls, Wizards, Timberwolves
Andrew Wiggins
The No. 1 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft hasn’t developed into the difference maker we all expect from players taken atop the draft, but Wiggins has made himself into a pretty good third option on a number of teams. While he’s made some serious strides from his early days with the Timberwolves, Wiggins will forever frustrate with questionable decision-making and never be as dominant as his athleticism would suggest. But he’s far from a lost cause and he’s an enticing chip (albeit with $65 million left on his contract) the Warriors would gladly dangle in the right deal. It also feels like he was acquired two seasons ago just so he could be traded.
What’s He Worth: If packaged with multiple first-rounders, a current All-Star
Potential Destinations: 76ers, Knicks, Wizards
Kevin Love
A surprise addition to Team USA since Love hasn’t played in more than 60 games in a season since the 2015-16 campaign, the power forward who won a title with the Cavaliers five years ago has seen his production severely dip due to injuries while his salary remains sky high. But if Love shows signs of life playing under Gregg Popovich at the Olympics chances are he becomes an enticing option for a team looking for a piece to put them over the top. “For me to come here, I feel I have a lot to prove,” Love told reporters at Team USA’s camp in Las Vegas. If he doesn’t get traded this summer, it’s widely believed he’d facilitate a buyout from the Cavs at some point next season. If somebody’s going to get traded this summer from the Cavs, it’s probably Collin Sexton.
What’s He Worth: A young rotational player or two, but no All-Stars
Potential Destinations: Warriors, Blazers, Hornets, Knicks
Kristaps Porzingis
Well, it looks like the Knicks won the Porzingis trade and KP could easily be playing for his third team come next season since things don’t appear to be working out in Dallas. On top of his constant injury concerns, Porzingis and Luka Doncic don’t appear to be on the same page, with Porzigins reportedly complaining about his role in the offense. And we all know who’s going to win that battle. The Unicorn is far from a lost cause since he’s still good for 20 a night, can rebound, block a few shots, and connect at an above league-average rate from beyond the arc. His problem is he can’t stay healthy, he’s due a ton of money, and he’s possibly worn out his welcome in a second city. If Dallas did deal KP, only 25, it would be selling low. There are reports that interest in Porzingis around the league is generally lacking.
What’s He Worth: In theory, a first-rounder plus additional assets, but see above
Potential Destinations: Thunder, Raptors, Hornets
Pascal Siakam
Are the Raptors going to do a mini-tear down this summer since they own the No. 4 pick in the draft. Or do they keep it moving with the pieces they have, one season removed from that NBA title? Depending on what the organization decides to do regarding free agent Kyle Lowry could affect Siakam. So don’t be surprised if the Raptors end up dealing their dynamic wing who was an All-Star two seasons ago and the 2018-19 Most Improved Player. Siakam’s shooting numbers took a dive this past season as he missed a bunch of time due to injury. But he’s only 27, (normally) a disruptive defender, and a good guy. He’ll have interest from just about everyone should the Raptors be willing to deal him or another team comes calling with too attractive of an offer to turn down.
What’s He Worth: A young, dynamic guard plus additional draft assets
Potential Destinations: Heat, Mavericks, Hornets, Hawks, Spurs
Kemba Walker
It’s been a swift comedown for Walker since he signed that big free agent deal with the Celtics two offseasons ago. His nagging knee is a big reason for that and it turned out Walker just wasn’t the fit Boston thought he’d be. So new president of basketball operations Brad Stevens dealt the point guard to Oklahoma City a few weeks back in a surprise move. Well, Walker easily could be dealt again, as that’s generally expected to be the case among NBA insiders. Even though Walker’s due a ton of money, Thunder GM Sam Presti can easily find a suitor for the veteran point guard that will net him even more future assets.
What’s He Worth: Since it’s the Thunder, picks please
Potential Destinations: Lakers, Clippers, Knicks, Mavericks, Heat, Sixers
Kyle Kuzma
The Lakers’ sub’s name has a higher profile than his game warrants. But Kuzma is certainly serviceable coming off the bench with the ability to get 15-20 on any given night. He didn’t develop into the player Lakers fans were hoping he’d become after that impressive rookie campaign. He’s certainly a piece Los Angeles could deal to clear some space (after he signed a $39 million extension last offseason) and bring back a steady veteran LeBron signs off on. If the Lakers are seriously linked to Walker, you’re going to hear a ton of chatter (whether real or fabricated) about Kuzma getting shipped to Oklahoma City. Regardless of where he’s potentially shipped to, the Lakers can do a lot better than Shannon Sharpe’s proposal.
What’s He Worth: A former All-Star and possibly a pick
Potential Destinations: Thunder, Pacers, Hornets
Tyler Herro
I have serious reservations the Heat trade Herro after a disappointing sophomore season because his ceiling remains so high, he’s cheap, and you know Pat Riley and company are ecstatic they hit big with the 13th selection in the 2019 NBA Draft who balled out big time in the bubble last summer. But if Miami wants to add some firepower in the starting lineup to help out the dynamic duo of Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, Herro could be its most intriguing trade chip. Including him in a package that features Andre Iguodala (team option) or Goran Dragic (team option) for an impact point guard or wing is a hypothetical that will have Miami fans overheating trade machines.