Three Trades That Need to Happen This NBA Offseason

NBA

Jul 20

The NBA has been dead this offseason, according to some fans. Although Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving reportedly want out of Brooklyn, their future, according to reports, won’t be determined for a long time. In addition, some reports show that the Brooklyn Nets won’t trade the all-star players this upcoming season. So besides the hype from Brooklyn - and the awkward trade for Rudy Gobert – there have been no major trades or trade hype early during this off-season.

Here are three trades that need to happen this off-season to make it the best in NBA history— or at least interesting.

Mitchell to Miami

There is no doubt that the Utah Jazz are in rebuilding mode. According to an NBA insider, the Jazz are now looking to trade Donovan Mitchell. In fact, they almost had a 10-pick trade set with the Knicks until New York declined it at the last minute. Although New York wasn’t willing to give up much of their future, I’m sure some teams will – especially if they are looking to win a championship.

And the perfect place for him – and Utah – is Miami.

Miami has been missing a third option and ball handler, especially when Jimmy Butler gets tired after playing his heart out. Although Miami is reportedly looking to pursue Durant aggressively, there is no doubt they want another star player at any expense this offseason. However, the problem is they can’t afford Mitchell. After Gobert’s trade to Minnesota, the bar for draft picks on All-Star players has soared. Consequently, if Miami wants a chance at Mitchell – and a championship in the beaten Eastern Conference – they need to get another team involved for draft picks and players.

Russell Westbrook to the Spurs - and then free agency?

It is still unclear if Irving will be traded to the Lakers. But it is a fact that Westbrook doesn’t want to be there anymore. In fact, he recently parted ways with his longtime agent of 14 years over differences in Westbrooks’s future. Westbrook, now 33, is believed not to want to stay in Los Angeles, despite opting into his $47 million contract. LeBron James and Westbrook were also seen sitting away from each other during the NBA’s Summer League tournament in Las Vegas.

Yet, despite this, there is no market for Westbrook. The only team that is rapidly willing to take him and is having conversations with the Lakers is the San Antonio Supers – another Jazz-like team ready to rebuild its franchise. Although the Lakers would have to give up both of their remaining picks to trade him, the top-75 point guard will probably not play for the franchise, in my opinion.

Unfortunately, a team that trades for Westbrook would probably buy him out – just like John Wall. However, the Lakers, and James, will finally have gotten rid of a major issue in their backcourt and given a chance to win another championship. While Westbrook, despite his complaining, will get a free $47 million contract and be able to be himself.

Kevin Durant to the Warriors, part two.

Durant is looking to win championships. So what better place to win it than back where you have already won it? Although this would be a critical look for Durant, in my opinion, this is a reunion most fans would like to see in the NBA. According to Fox Sports Bet, the Warriors are already the favorite to win it all next year, and adding Durant would be the icing on the cake.

But, more importantly, the Warriors have a better combination of draft picks and players to satisfy the Nets’ high demands. They could easily give up 3-4 first-round picks, a few second-round picks, and some of their talented youth bench players while still keeping their future set with some extra championship rings under their belt. However, it is unclear if the Warriors would want to make this trade. Although it would give them Durant, Golden State has proven they can win without him, especially if there isn’t a LeBron-level talent dominating the league. In addition, trading everything for KD would prevent a full future investment.

But none of these things matter, at least until the Nets decide. I think they won’t for a while – or they might not make one at all.