(The original article was published on May 27, the author is Greg Swartz in the open-air stands, and the content of the article does not represent the translator's views)
The trading market in the NBA this summer is expected to be extremely active. The teams not only seek to strengthen the lineup, but also try to keep their salaries below the first and second rich lines. All teams will prioritize their ideal trading goals early in the offseason before turning to more realistic options. But teams have different definitions of “ideal goals” depending on their salary profile, young player assets, and the reserves of first-round picks available for trading. Here are three ideal (and realistic) trading goals that 30 teams should pursue this summer:
Oklahoma City Thunder
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks forward
Zion Williamson, Pelicans power forward
Domantas Sabonis, Kings center
For the Thunder, only winning the championship this year can avoid disappointment. If you successfully reach the top, you may remain unchanged this summer; if you lose, they may start any transactions with a large number of draft picks and young assets. Antetokounmpo is the ultimate goal, but it may take Jaylen Williams or Homgren (or even both) to make the two-time MVP partner with the new MVP Alexander really tempting. With Joe Dumas taking over the Pelicans management, coupled with Zion's injury risks, its transaction value may not be high, and the Thunder should at least try it out. Sabonis will be a comprehensive upgrade of Haltenstein, whose rebounding, support and all-around scoring abilities can perfectly complement Homgren's frontcourt.
Houston Rockets
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks forward
Devin Booker, Suns pointback
Kevin Durant, Suns forward
As one of the most noteworthy teams this summer, the Rockets should strive to chase all superstars that may flow into the market. Few teams in the league can provide better Antetokounmpo trading quotes than the Rockets, and this two-time MVP is the first scoring point that the Rockets urgently need in the playoffs. As the Rockets control the first round picks in 2025 and 2027, Booker and Durant naturally have a connection with the Rockets, both scoring machines can provide the backbone of the offensive end for the Rockets' young core.
Los Angeles Lakers
Jarett Allen, Cavaliers center
Walker Kessler, Jazz center
Nicolas Clarkston, Nets center
The Lakers' reinforcement direction this summer is no longer a secret. It is necessary to find a starting center. It is best to cooperate with Doncic and James, and provide the ability to protect the basket. Jarrett Allen perfectly meets these two needs and has the ability to pass; Kessler is second in the league in averaging 2.4 blocks per game this season; the rebuilding Nets are expected to sell Clarkston.
Denver Nuggets
Dalton Kneckett, Lakers defender/forward
Royce O'Neal, Suns forward
Keon Ellis, Kings point guard
Nuggets could have chased superstars such as Durant this summer, but the star Jokic seems to be more inclined to strengthen the bench. Kneckett will be the perfect catcher shooter around Jokic. If the Lakers seek to trade the new starting center, the Nuggets can intervene as a third party. Reus O'Neal is a reliable 3D wing with a three-point shooting percentage of 40.6% this season. 25-year-old Keeon Ellis averaged 4 three-point shootings this season, with a three-point shooting percentage of 43.3%.
Los Angeles Clippers
Colin Sexton, Jazz defender
Jordan Clarkson, Jazz defender
Keont George, Jazz point guard
Clippers should call the Jazz this summer to strengthen their offensive firepower, which is only ranked 15th in the league this season. Harden, who is about to be 36, may become a free agent, and even if the 11-time All-Star returns, it is wise to control his playing time. The above three Jazz defenders are in different stages of development and have their own characteristics: Sexton, 26, (18.4 points this season), played under Coach Tyron Lou at the beginning of his career; Clarkson, 32, also worked with Coach Tyron Lou in the Cavaliers; Keont George, 21, was abandoned by the Jazz midway through this season and may enter the trading market.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Kevin Durant, Suns forward
Zion Williamson, Pelicans power forward
Derek White, Celtics defender
Timberwolves have chased Durant, Edwards' Olympic teammate and idol before the trade deadline, and it is not surprising that the two sides continue to negotiate this summer. If the Thunder is never overcome, the healthy Zion and Edwards combination will create a dual-core without solution attack. With Conley's peak past and Dillingham not yet mature, Derek White can perfectly fill the point guard vacancy and equip Edwards with a backcourt partner who has both offense and defense.
Golden State Warriors
Domantas Sabonis, Kings center
Derek White, Celtics defender
Kobe White, Bulls guard
Sabbonis will be the Warriors' perfect third star, even if it is necessary to trade to chase dreams Green. The 29-year-old center has led the league's rebounding list for three consecutive years, and is the second only to Jokic in the league to hit 41.7% from three-pointers this season. The combination of Curry, Butler and Sabonis can provide coach Cole with a lot of offensive options. Derek White's asking price may exceed the Warriors' expectations, but he is indeed Curry's most ideal backcourt partner and can further improve the team's defense. Kobe White is about to enter contract year, and if the Bulls have any hesitation about the decision to renew their contract next year, the Warriors should regard it as a potential target to supplement offensive firepower.
Memphis Grizzlies
Jeren Brown, Celtic defender/forward
Domantas Sabonis, Kings center
Jarett Allen, Cavaliers center
Grizzlies had traded to Smart for their leadership. Although the team building idea was not effective due to injury issues, the team building idea is worth continuing. Now it should turn to another Celtic member who has proved the core ability of the championship. If Jaylen Brown is not available, the Grizzlies should consider upgrading to Zach Eddie's center position. The rookie from Purdue University performed well this season, but the Grizzlies who are determined to compete for the championship need immediate combat power. Sabonis can form a perfect offensive complement to Jaren Jackson Jr., while Jarrett Allen can create a double tower basket protection system.
Sacramento Kings
Derek White, Celtics defender
Ju Holiday, Celtics defender
Marcus Smart, Wizards defender
Kings must improve their defense (defensive efficiency this season is 115.3, 22nd in the league), and urgently need to add ball holding points after trading Fox. Derek White is the ideal candidate, averaging a career-high 16.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists this season. Zhu Holiday may become the target of the Celtics' sale to avoid the second rich line, and the Wizards in the reconstruction are expected to sell Smart.
Dallas Mavericks
Kevin Durant, Suns forward
Derick White, Celtics defender
Anfini Simmons, Trail Blazers' guard
The draw of this year's No. 1 pick has completely changed the Mavericks' team building trajectory. They should continue to actively strengthen around Davis and Irving while choosing and leaving Cooper Flag. Letting Durant be Flag's daily mentor can not only help the No. 1 pick adapt to the NBA, but also help the Mavericks to strive for next year's championship. Derek White and Anfini Simmons are both candidates for double-sports guards. They can serve as starting point guards during Irving's torn ACL (it is expected to return in January next year). After he returns, he can also be transferred to a shooting guard.
Phoenix Suns
Paul George, 76ers forward/guard
Jaden McDaniels, Timberwolves forward
Jabary Smith Jr., Rockets forward
Before trading Durant, the Suns should first test the intention of the 76ers to swap Bill and Paul George. Although both contracts are poisonous, Paul George is more suitable for partnering with Booker and Durant than Bill. If the Sixers refuse and Durant’s deal is inevitable, the Suns should target the offensive and defensive potential striker with a long contract. Jaden McDaniels, 24, (contract only accounts for 15% of the salary cap in the next four years) is the league's top wing defender; Jabarri Smith, 22, can renew his contract early this summer, and if Durant joins the Rockets, he should be a must-fight asset for the Suns.
Portland Trail Blazers
Zion Williamson, Pelicans forward
Jonathan Cumingga, Warriors forward
Michael Porter Jr., Nuggets forward
Trail Blazers may become the potential next player in the star trade this summer, especially considering that the team is being listed for sale recently. Zion, 24, averaging 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists per game this season) is one of the few players who can cause a sensation in the market. Although the risks of injury are still there, staying healthy even at the beginning of the season is enough to attract buyers. Kumingga can be used as a trading target for signing first and then exchange, and his athletic ability can activate the vitality of the Trail Blazers; if the Nuggets decide to reorganize the lineup, 26-year-old Porter Jr. may flow into the market.
San Antonio Spurs
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks forward
Laury Markanen, Jazz Power Forward
Cameron Johnson, Nets forward
If the Spurs are willing to give the second pick, forming an offensive and defensive double towers of Antetokounmpo and Vinbanyama will shock the league. The lineup with Wenban Yama, Antetokounmpo, Fox and Castle as the core will be able to compete for the championship as soon as next season. Considering the player's age structure, the window for the championship can reach 5-7 years. Markanen can offer a three-point projection seven-foot man option, while Cameron Johnson offers a similar skill package for a lower salary.
New Orleans Pelicans
Cameron Johnson, Nets forward
Anfini Simmons, Trail Blazers guard
Jarett Allen, Cavaliers center
three-point shooting is the Pelicans' biggest weakness this season, with a three-point shooting percentage of 34.7% (24th in the league), and averaging 12 three-pointers per game (27th in the league). Cameron Johnson (averages 2.8 three-pointers, 39% of three-point shooting) can effectively improve outside firepower; while Dezhangtai Murray missed the early stage of the season with a torn Achilles tendon, Anthony Simmons was able to undertake the organizational tasks. If the Pelicans think that second-year center Missy is not yet mature, Jarrett Allen will be an immediate upgrade in the playoffs.
Utah Jazz
Reed Shepard, Rockets guard
Jabbarri Smith Jr., Rockets power forward
Jarrei Mi Sohan, Spurs power forward
Jazz have accumulated a lot of young talents in recent years, but few players can lock in long-term rotation positions. Teams should continue to trade veterans while collecting more potential cornerstones for team building. Shepard averaged 4.4 points per game in the rookie season of the Tanhua Show last year, but his potential is still considerable; Jabbarri Smith, who is also a Tanhua background, needs more room for development; Sohan lost the starting position of the Spurs this season, and both forwards need to regain opportunities in rebuilding the team.
Summary>>B/R talks about the top 3 trading goals of the Eastern Conference team this summer: The Heat chases Durant, the Nets dig Kumingga
Original text: Greg Swartz
Compiled by: Li Taibai