The Rumor Mill is starting to heat up headed into summer in the NBA. Kevin Love has been the talk of the league, but we've yet to see any good indication of what move might happen. Today, I'll give you 3 blockbuster trades that would help the teams involved. I'll start with the Kevin Love trade, but the others may shock you:
Kevin Love to the Cavs
Of all the suitors for Kevin Love, Cleveland may be the most intriguing if I'm the Wolves GM. They can give me three things I covet: great 2014 draft pick, young assets, and cap relief. Here's the deal:
Cavs Get: Kevin Love, Kevin Martin (and potentially Chase Budinger)
Wolves Get: #1 Pick, Dion Waiters, Tristan Thompson, Anthony Bennett (and potentially Sergey Karasev)
Looking at Minnesota's return, you get great young talent here, specifically in Waiters and Thompson. The obvious prize is the #1 pick, that could turn into a superstar like Jabari Parker or Andrew Wiggins. But this also provides cap relief, especially if Budinger is dealt along with the other two, and that could turn into a piece like Greg Monroe. Then we're talking about a starting lineup of Rubio, Waiters, Jabari Parker, Monroe, and Pekovic. That's pretty good considering the bench would be deep as well (Barea, Thompson, Bennett/Karasev, #13 pick in draft, etc.)
The Cavs not only pick up a superstar in Kevin Love, but they get other players that would help them win right now. And since they will shed the salary of Luol Deng and Spencer Hawes, this would leave them room to lure in Lebron James. Imagine a lineup of Irving, Martin, James, Love, and Varejoa. If the Heat don't win a championship this year, Lebron opting out becomes much more likely. A situation like this in his hometown would be ideal.
Westbrook to the Magic
Bet you didn't see this one coming! Let me explain... I don't believe the Thunder will win a championship with Westbrook at point guard. They were playing their best basketball this season when he was injured. Durant should be the focus and everyone else should compliment his game, not detract from it. That's what Westbrook does. Trading him would bring back massive help, especially in the areas of shooting guard and center, current weak spots for the Thunder.
Orlando Gets: Russell Westbrook
Oklahoma City Gets: #4 Pick, Jameer Nelson, Aaron Afflalo
Acquiring Westbrook to pair with Oladipo in the backcourt is intriguing. I feel like Westbrook could accelerate their rebuild. Nelson and Afflalo aren't apart of their long-term plan anyways, and the #4 pick would be used on Exum, a player that at best would be like Westbrook in the future. I'd rather take the sure thing now. The beauty of this deal is that it keeps the young assets on Orlando on the roster (Oladipo, Vucevic, etc). They could even use some of those other assets (Harris, Harkless, O'Quinn) to bring in another contributor, maybe at small forward, or use cap space to sign a quality free agent.
As for the Thunder, they would rid themselves of the ball hog that is Westbrook and free up more time for Reggie Jackson. Afflalo would give them another scorer/shooter that would fill the void at shooting guard. Nelson would be a solid bench player that can get other players involved. And that #4 pick would give them the ability to bring in a great big man (Embiid if he falls, Vonleh, Randle, or Gordon). They could even use the pick on another great perimeter player (Parker, Wiggins, or Exum). The last option would be flipping the pick to acquire a player they covet from another team. They also own picks 21 and 29, so they have draft picks to give away.
Lowry to the Pacers
This would have to be a sign-and-trade deal, but it could work for both sides. The Pacers need offense, and Lowry would give them that. The Raptors haven't been committed to Lowry, so this allows them to move on without the financial commitment.
Pacers Get: Kyle Lowry, Steve Novak
Raptors Get: George Hill, Solomon Hill, and Future First Round Pick
As the Heat series is showing everyone, the Pacers still haven't done enough to overcome the Heat, particularly because they can't keep up with them offensively. Lowry is a nice offensive upgrade over George Hill. Novak would be a nice shooter for them off the bench, especially since Copeland never sees the floor. And I doubt this compromises their plan to re-sign Stephenson this offseason.
In this scenario the Raptors shed their responsibility to pay Lowry, and do so by acquiring a starting point guard that can make 3's and play great defense, something they need to do better. Solomon Hill is an intriguing young talent that shows flashes of being a good player in the years to come. And of course acquiring a first round pick is great incentive. The Raptors are multiple moves away from becoming a more realistic contender, but this could be one step.
By: The Sports Guys
I'm redoing Trade #3, and I'm adding Trade #4:
ReplyDeleteNew Trade 3 - Lowry to Kings
The Raptors already found the Kings a useful partner when they unloaded Rudy Gay. Now they can unload Lowry in a sign-and-trade. In return, the Kings will build a package around their first round pick (#8), a pick they've already stated they are looking to trade.
The Raptors avoid shelling out a big contact to Lowry, something they seem hesitant about. They also get nice assets to continue growing as a franchise. The Kings get another big time player to pair with Gay and Cousins. Not sure that's enough to truly compete, but it makes them intriguing, especially if McLemore develops.
Trade #4 - Rondo to the Pacers
I had the Pacers getting Lowry earlier, but I've read multiple reports that Rondo could be traded, and he's a much better fit for Indiana. To get it done, Indiana could do a sign-and-trade with Lance Stephenson, and send Hibbert along with him. Both have been rumored to be "ready to go" by either themselves or teammates. A couple other pieces may be involved too to even things out financially.
The Pacers finally get a true point guard, a guy that could really help their offense, and he is an elite defender too which Indiana desires. Hill would likely fill Stephenson's role at shooting guard, but they'd have to figure out what to do about their center position now. Getting rid of Hibbert's contract could allow them to chase a free agent like Spencer Hawes or something. As for Boston, Lance would be a dynamic guard they can build around, and Hibbert gives them a center they need. He'd be a great defensive anchor, and he'd hold down the post and allow Sullinger to stretch the floor. Parting with Rondo is tough, but they are in a great spot to draft Marcus Smart as an immediate replacement.
Another Bonus Trade - Afflalo to the Jazz
I saw an article online that had Orlando trading up to #5 by giving up Aaron Afflalo. This allowed them to draft Exum at 4, and Vonleh at 5. I think this was predicted by Bleacher Report, so check it out, cause I loved it.
My bonus trade (#5) in my comment above would only be if the Westbrook trade doesn't happen first
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