One More Move That Each Northwest Team Can Make

A lot of the dust of NBA free agency has settled around the league after the chaotic opening in early July that happens every year. Now, the Summer League games happening in Salt Lake City and later on in Las Vegas as well as the Summer Olympics in Paris are coming into view as fans, teams and players begin to prepare for the 2024-25 regular season. That being said, the offseason transaction period is far from over and teams across the league are continuing to make moves, maybe even as you’re reading this article! While a lot of the dominos have fallen and many teams are no longer able to spend cap money on free agents, there are still trade assets and intriguing players that can be had for the right price. That being said, here’s a look at one potential additional move that every Northwest Division team can make to put a good finishing touch on their offseason.

Denver Nuggets

Denver Receives: G/F Corey Kispert

Washington Receives: F/C Zeke Nnaji, F Hunter Tyson, 2029 and 2024 2nd round picks

This trade sees the Nuggets bring in a player that can help fill the massive hole that Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s exit left in the Denver starting lineup and subsequent rotations. While Kispert’s 38% shooting from three point range would be a welcome(and sorely needed) addition to the team, the gap between his defense and KCP’s apparent pride in being the POA(point of attack) defender cannot be understated. The Nuggets are a little hamstrung by the first and second aprons, both of which they are trying to avoid as much as they can, and this trade helps them recover in the short term. In return, the Wizards get two players with a bit of upside that haven’t gotten much, if any, opportunity on the NBA level in Nnaji and Tyson, as well as future draft capital that the Washington Wizards will covet as they continue their rebuild.

Utah Jazz

Utah Receives: F Jonathan Isaac, 2025, 2026, 2029, 2030 1st round picks

Orlando Receives: F Lauri Markkanen

Utah Jazz general manager Danny Ainge has made it known that almost everyone on his roster is available, but prying any of his more coveted players will come at a heavy price. Enter Markkanen, who has quickly become the most valuable trade asset that is available on this offseason’s market. It is tough to find a good home for Markkanen, mostly because a lot of the teams that would be able to use him to make a significant move up their conference’s standings. Orlando represents the best home, providing the most seamless fit for Markkanen while also satiating Ainge’s desire for receiving what he believes is a just return. Many teams are interested in Markkanen’s services and talent, and rumors are expected to fly around Utah until they begin making moves and begin building for the longer term future.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder Receives: G Dennis Schroder

Brooklyn Receives: F Kenrich Williams, F Ousmane Dieng

By making the moves that they did, especially those bringing in Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein, the Thunder have seemingly committed to winning in the two year window that they have before the team becomes really expensive. Sending out Kenrich Williams hurts, as he has come to be the consonant veteran voice in the locker room. Dieng, who has yet to really come around as an NBA prospect, especially when considering how much hype surrounded him when he was drafted, is the young player with potential that sells the Nets here. Bringing in Schroder adds the playmaking that the Thunder lost in the Josh Giddey trade, as well as bringing a level of speed to a young team while also serving as a mentor for Cason Wallace and Aaron Wiggins. The Thunder won’t include any draft capital if they don’t have to, but they have enough future picks to make any trade enticing enough for their potential trade partners to take.

Portland Trail Blazers

Portland Receives: F Rui Hachimura, G Austin Reaves, 2029 1st round pick

Los Angeles Receives: F Jerami Grant

Entering the offseason, the Lakers were expected to go star-hunting, and given their history, many expected them to attract a big name. Fast forwarding to now, the Lakers haven’t done that and will be entering next season with mostly the same roster. One last all-in push for a larger name would be on brand for Rob Pelinka and the Lakers’ brass as they move forward. One of the few names that fits is Portland’s Grant, who doesn’t fit with the younger team at this point. Many wouldn’t advise the Lakers to make this move considering the size of Grant’s massive contract, but his talent and defensive versatility could make the move worth it. Besides, any LeBron team needs to make the most of having him at the height of his powers by surrounding him with the best team possible for as long as you can before he decides to hang up his shoes for good.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota Receives: G Jose Alvarado

New Orleans Receives: G Wendell Moore, 2026 1st round pick

Minnesota has had a positive offseason to this point. The core of the team has been preserved, they made one of the best swing trades of the NBA draft, and they’ve positioned themselves to remain near the top of the Western Conference. This trade sees the team taking something they were already good at(perimeter defense) and taking it to the next level with one of the more annoying defensive guards in the entire league. Having Alvarado takes some pressure off of Rob Dillingham as he navigates his rookie season, and Mike Conley can teach both him and Alvarado the intricacies of being a consistent playmaking point guard. Moore and a first round pick is a high price to pay, but contending teams like the Timberwolves need to make moves like these sometimes in order to ensure that they don’t slip as the teams around them continue to improve.