With about a month into the season, we can sort of get an idea of which teams are going to be contenders this season and who aren’t. Although some teams look like contenders in the regular season, the playoffs are a different beast. Here are some trades I believe that some “contenders” should make to be ready playoff time…
Zach Lavine to Philly
Bulls Get: Tyrese Maxey, Matisse Thybulle, Danny Green, 2021 1st round pick, and 2024 1st round pick.
76ers Get: Zach Lavine
I think this trade should be a no brainer for the 76ers. They get that go-to scorer in the clutch in Zach Lavine that they desperately need in the playoffs. A lot of the times in the playoffs they can’t rely on Simmons and Embiid either, that’s where Lavine comes in. Lavine would fit perfectly with that team, providing scoring and clutch ability. This trade is good for the Bulls because they get a young good 3 & D wing in Matisse Thybulle and also Tyrese Maxey who’s proving to be a great pick for the 76ers so far. NOt to mention, you also get two unprotected 1st round picks that you could either flip or use to acquire more young assets.
It’s clear the Bulls aren’t going to be making any noise any time soon and it’s better to get some assets for Lavine before you waste his talent more on a terrible team.
Vucevic to Dallas
Magic Get: Tim Hardaway Jr., Dorian Finney-Smith, and 2022 Unprotected 1st round pick
Mavericks Get: Nikola Vucevic
This trade would be amazing for the Mavericks. Vucevic would give them that prototypical center that they can rely on for buckets on the inside while having Porzingis at the 4 position shooting from the outside and blocking shots. Although Vucevic isn’t the greatest defender, he’s an insanely good offensive player. Vucevic can also shoot from the outside really well and rebound at a high level. The Magic get Tim Hardaway Jr. who’s on a expiring contract and a solid 3 & D wing in Dorian Finney-Smith.
They also get an unprotected 1st round pick for Vucevic which is pretty good. The Magic aren’t going to be doing much this season or the next couple of years, so why not get something for Vucevic while you can? They should focus on their young players like Cole Anthony, Johnathan Isaac, and Markelle Fultz.
‘
Derozan to Golden State
Spurs Get: Eric Paschall, Kelly Oubre Jr., Kevon Looney, and Jordan Poole
Warriors Get: DeMar Derozan
This trade allows the Warriors to get another go-to scorer to pair with Stephen Curry while Klay is out. Derozan is shooting a career high 34.6% from three point land this season and averaging 20.7 PPG. Although 34.6% isn’t that impressive, that’s a really good percentage for Derozan who’s known more as a mid-range scorer/slasher. I think Derozan would compliment Curry extremely well and they could potentially make some noise in the playoffs together.
The Spurs get some young assets for a player that is on an expiring contract in Kelly Oubre Jr., Eric Paschall, and Jordan Poole. I think San Antonio is the perfect place for Kelly Oubre Jr. to mature his game and become more efficient on both ends of the floor. Eric Paschall is a young PF that has a lot of potential as a scorer that the Spurs could use.
