Now that there are only two teams left and summer is fast approaching, rumors of an NBA trade are in full swing and there are some interesting suggestions.
Let’s take a look at some of the latest rumors and talks.
JAYLEN BROWN
After a less than ideal end to the Celtics season, in which Jaylen Brown shot 8:23, rumors of a trade are circulating.
The shooter has not committed to staying with the C’s prior to his free agency in 2024, and if he re-signs he is eligible for a five-year, $295 million deal with Supermax this summer.
The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor believes a fair trade for Brown would be beneficial for Blazers star Damian Lillard.
“Lillard is far more powerful than Brown, and he brings with him greater offensive versatility in that he can be both successful as an off-ball shooter and can play a pass-first role when needed,” O’Connor said.
If that fails, O’Connor has another option for Boston to consider.
“…The Celtics should also consider another basis for a Portland trade: Brown to the Blazers for Anfernee Simons and the No. 3 pick,” O’Connor wrote. “Simons is less of a playmaker than Lillard, but he was an extremely efficient goalscorer, averaging 30 points per game as he came ahead in games that Lillard missed this season. Simons is also more of a passer than Brown.”
With luxury tax rules coming up and the most brutal of them coming into effect in the 2024-25 season, it would be a smart move to trade Brown, as he and Jayson Tatum obviously aren’t.
JOHN WALL
John Wall, 32, hasn’t played a minute in the NBA this season, so he’ll have to turn his talents elsewhere.
An NBL team in Australia, South East Melbourne Phoenix, has added the five-time All-Star to its roster for the upcoming season, reports The Herald Sun’s Michael Randall.
Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer confirmed the franchise is eyeing Wall or Dante Exum – an Australian who has played in the NBA and is currently playing in the EuroLeague.
“Of course, if Dante or John were willing to play in the NBL, we would do whatever it takes to make it happen,” Greer said.
If not, we’re sure Dwight Howard would be happy to recruit his former Wizards teammate to the Taoyuan Leopards in Taiwan.
GORDON HAYWARD
Two of the biggest question marks surrounding Philly this offseason are whether James Harden will leave and what will become of Tobias Harris’ expiring $39.3 million contract.
Sixers Beat reporter Adam Aaronson has suggested the 76ers should target Charlotte veteran Gordon Hayward.
“The Charlotte Hornets also catch my eye,” says Aaronson said on the podcast The Rights to Ricky Sanchez. “You have Gordon Hayward on an expiring contract that’s about $8 million cheaper than Harris’ deal. Hayward would make a lot of sense as a target if Harden leaves as the Sixers would need more reliable ball handling.”
Hayward was great in his prime but a series of very unfortunate injuries curtailed that time.
The forward would be a solid senior player for Philly as he averaged 14.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists with a 47.5 percent shot rate from the field this season.
CAM JOHNSON
Brooklyn traded a slew of picks to bring in James Harden and that obviously didn’t work out, but The Athletic have proposed a trade that will allow the team to regain some of their talent.
As part of the proposed trade, the Rockets would acquire Cam Johnson for KJ Martin, Jae’Sean Tate, the No. 4 pick in 2023, and two future first picks (including Nets’ own first pick in 2024).
“Essentially, the Rockets are getting their hands on Johnson, a versatile two-way winger that they have coveted for some time,” writes Kelly Iko. “A bit of creativity would have to be used here as both Johnson and the outgoing Martin could be restricted free agents, but that’s a nice fit.” Johnson would be seated alongside Jabari Smith Jr. upfront, giving Houston a much-needed shot boost.”
KYRIE IRVING
How could we write an article on trade rumors without mentioning Kyrie? Despite his pleas for the NBA world to stop speculating about his future, rumors still abound.
We’ve all heard Kyrie talk about the Lakers and it’s something LeBron would love, but apparently LeBron is pretty much alone on this.
“I wouldn’t particularly like the news if I was with the Lakers or in the front office,” a general manager told Heavy Sports of Irving attending two Lakers games in the postseason. “They don’t have an overwhelming feeling like, ‘We have to get Kyrie.’ It’s just LeBron.”
Dallas also has no desire for a trade for Kyrie and D’Angelo Russell. So we wait with bated breath for Irving’s next move.
KARL-ANTHONY DID
Earlier in the year there seemed to be a lot of interest from the Knicks in Karl-Anthony Towns, but according to Sport New York’s Ian Begley, the franchise’s interest has “died a little.”
Towns has only played in 50 games or fewer in three of the last four seasons and made three playoff appearances in his eight seasons in the NBA.
The Timberwolves’ big man also averaged the fewest rebounds (8.1) and second-lowest points (20.8) of his career this season.
2023-05-31 14:06:28
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