The NBA trade deadline is coming up in a few weeks and it’s time we start talking big potential moves. We’ve already seen the Indiana Pacers make a big trade for Siakam, but which other stars could we see being moved before deadline rolls around… Let’s get into 3 NBA trades to create the next big 3s of the NBA.
Pacers Add Mikal to the Puzzle…
Pacers get: Mikal Bridges
Brooklyn Nets get: Bennedict Mathurin, Obi Toppin, Isaiah Jackson 2028 Unprotected 1st
Why for the Pacers? New Big 3: Haliburton/Siakam/Bridges
This won’t be an easy trade to make considering what the Indiana Pacers will be giving up, but this trade makes them true contenders. Having Mikal Bridges, who can guard 1-4 at an elite level and score in various ways will put them over the edge.
Putting another shooter and defender with Haliburton allows him to dissect the defense and continue to kill teams with his offensive prowess. Trading away Mathurin will definitely hurt, but if the Pacers are all-in on winning now… it’s time they make those difficult decisions now.
Why for Nets?
Mikal Bridges is 27 years old right now, I’m not saying he’s old… but he’s not as young as they make him out to be to build around. The Brooklyn Nets aren’t going to be making the playoffs this season and it’s time they trade Mikal to get some actual young assets to build around.
Bennedict Mathurin has shown flashes of stardom and someone the Nets can start their rebuild with. Isaiah Jackson is another young center with a lot of potential to add to it. In totality, the Nets get younger and start genuinely rebuilding with their young assets.
DeRozan Heads Back Home…
Lakers get: DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso
Bulls get: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince, Jalen Hood-Schifino
Why for Lakers? New Big 3: LeBron/AD/DeRozan
It seems the Lakers truly need a spark and scoring option other than AD and LeBron. Although DeRozan isn’t a shooter, he’s a pure scorer that can score at will. They’re not giving up much to get DeRozan, who’s on an expiring contract, but if they want to make a late season push… getting DeRozan to pair with LeBron and AD might give them that extra push. Not to mention… the return of Caruso? Come on… this is a no-brainer.
Why for Bulls?
Before losing DeRozan for nothing in the summer, they might as well get some pieces out of it. Getting Hachimura, who’s shown flashes of elite two-way ability and another young asset in Hood-Schifino should be enough to do the deal. They’re not going to get much for an aging veteran who’s on an expiring, might as well make use of it while they can.
Mavericks Get Their Defensive Wing
Mavericks get: Jerami Grant
Trail Blazers get: Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, 2027 1st (Top 4 Protected)
Why for Mavericks? New Big 3: Luka/Kyrie/Grant
Getting another player that can defend at an elite level in the frontcourt will be essential for the Mavericks. They were at their best when they had a bunch of switchable defensive wings around Luka (like Dorian Finney-Smith or Reggie Bullock). Add Jerami Grant, who can score on his own, but also defend the 3-5 positions. Grant can come in and immediately give you 20 a night and also defend the opponent’s best player. In a conference with KD, LeBron, AD, and Jokic… you need a Grant on your team.
Why for Trail Blazers?
Let’s be honest, that Grant extension was not it. For a team that is looking to rebuild, they don’t need to be paying a 29 year old $160M. Getting assets that can be flipped and also a future first should be very enticing for the Trail Blazers. I find it hard to believe that they’d get a better offer due to Grant’s long-term contract.
