The NBA trade winds are blowing! With the feared second apron to contend with, contenders are trying stay below that threshold in order to have the ability to make moves, so we’ve already seen some fairly big trades.
Kevin Durant is now a Houston Rocket. The Orlando Magic acquired Desmond Bane in a huge trade. And the Boston Celtics had to deal Jrue Holiday.
Given all that, who’s next? By the time you read this, you may see some of these names off the market. Let’s dive into all the rumors and cover who might be next to be dealt:
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
There’s been some buzz about whether he’ll force a deal or not this offseason … but those have quieted a bit, aided by the Bucks star’s comments. We’ll see!
What do you do when you keep whiffing at the NBA lottery and you need to hope for some magic with the ping-pong balls? Well, you deal a stretch forward who wasn’t as good as he’s been last season, who could fetch a haul now. A contender could use him.
Hmm. This is one of those names that could be floated out there simply because of recent history, but it wouldn’t completely shock me to see the Grizzlies find a team that would want him as Memphis sells as high as possible.
Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies
The Griz traded Bane. And if they decide to blow it all up by dealing Morant, then Jackson could be going, too, especially with an expiring deal looming.
Feels like this is perpetual, but maybe THIS is the year the Pelicans decide it’s time to move on from the oft-injured forward.
Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
Another one that seems like it could go either way. But we know the Celtics are without Jayson Tatum next season and they still have second apron issues. So maybe he’s quietly floated out there this summer.
I’m doubtful here, but maybe they give him an extension instead. But if they don’t? DRAMA.