The 2022 off-season should be filled with moves and trades, so let’s look at the players who could change their uniforms this summer.
SUPERSTARS
Anthony Davis
The Lakers are probably the most disappointing team of the season, so the big man from Chicago could look to find a new home, asking for a trade. If that happens, it would surely be one of the biggest moves of the last couple of years. One of the teams that could trade for him is the Chicago Bulls, who are looking to find the missing piece to become a true contender.
Bradley Beal
The Wizards started the season looking like a legit contender, but right now sit at the 11th spot in the Eastern Conference. In 10 seasons in Wahington, the All-star from Missouri has collected five playoff appearances and has never passed the second round, it might be time to put loyalty aside and think about winning.
Zach Lavine
This summer Zach Lavine is an unrestricted free agent and he made it clear that he wants the money he deserves. The Bulls are going to do everything it takes to bring back the 2-time All-star, but there are a lot of teams who could look to pursue him as well.
Russell Westbrook
The Lakers and Westbrook have agreed to find a new home for the former MVP, but that won’t be easy. The 9-time all-star has a 47 million player option, so it’s going to be hard to find a team that would take on that big contract.
Kyrie Irving
After the Nets renounced to give Irving the extension, all the doors are open for the former all-star. He could opt-in the 36 million player option, or he could decide to renounce to a part of the money and explore free agency.
OTHER NOTABLE PLAYERS
Collin Sexton
The Cavs are one of the most surprising teams of the season and are not so far from being a legit contender. At the same time, they have one of the best young core in the league. For the Cleveland team the situation now is tricky: should they already go all-in and sacrifice some of the young pieces (including Sexton), or should they wait for the development of their young core. Meanwhile, Sexton is a restricted free agent and a sign-and-trade could be a perfect way to flip him for some good assets.
Jusuf Nurkic
The big man from Bosnia is averaging 15 points and 11 rebounds a game, numbers that would be useful for a contender, no doubt on that. After six seasons in Portland, the “Bosnian Beast” could be looking to contend for a championship, so a change of uniform is not out of the question.
Jalen Brunson
Brunson has proven to be one of the most underrated players in the league: his ability to play both guard position and the impact that he can make from the bench has earned him a good contract, whether in Dallas or not.
Bobby Portis
Portis leaving Milwaukee this summer would be a surprise, but the center from Arkansas only has a 4.6 million dollar option, so could opt-out and search for a bigger payday.
Robert Covington
This wasn’t sure the best season for the 3-and-D player, but his reputation is still high and some contenders should be interested in him.
Mitchell Robinson
Many teams are reportedly interested in the 23-year-old center from Louisiana, who seems like he could move on from New York this summer, and his numbers are good for his age: 8.5 points, nearly 9 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game.
John Wall
The veteran point guard is certainly picking up his 47 million dollar option for next year, and won’t see free agency. Although a trade, as difficult as that would be, is not off the books.
