The NBA and NBPA have agreed on a deal to start the next NBA season on December 22. With the season now fast approaching teams will be ready and waiting to make changes to their rosters to get them in order as quickly as possible. With so much going on around the league, it’s likely many deals will be struck in a very short period of time. The list of players that could be on new teams by the start of the season is extensive and there is no shortage of stars that could be available for trades.
Coming off a second team All-NBA season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Chris Paul will be a coveted asset should he become available. Paul has been linked to many teams including the Philadelphia 76ers where he would be reunited with his ex-Clipper coach Doc Rivers as well as Daryl Morey, who was Paul’s GM in Houston. Another Eastern Conference team that could look to acquire Paul is the Milwaukee Bucks. Milwaukee adding Paul would stabilize their offense, as well as serve as a sign to to last years MVP and Defensive Player of the Year Giannis Antetokounmpo, that they are working to put a championship roster around him. Paul’s leadership and playmaking ability cannot be recreated and its very possible he could end up being the difference maker for whatever team he ends up on.
As a veteran two-way guard Jrue Holiday could attract a-lot of attention in this years trade market. The Brooklyn Nets are an interesting option as Holiday would solve the defensive problems in the backcourt and fit well off-ball next to Kyrie Irving. Holiday could have a similar fit with the Denver Nuggets should they decide to shake up their roster after last seasons Western Conference Finals appearance. Holiday’s versatility makes him a high value target and even teams like the Golden State Warriors have rumored interest in acquiring him. Wherever Holiday ends up he will undoubtedly make an immediate impact on both ends of the court.
Kevin Love has been rumored to be on the trade market ever since LeBron James left the Cleveland Cavaliers. Love’s combination of size and shooting make him a valuable trade target for teams looking to contend. The Phoenix Suns have been linked to trade rumors for Love in the past and he could fit nicely in their offense with Devin Booker. Love has hinted that he would be open to playing for his hometown Portland Trail Blazers, who will likely look to retool their roster a bit after last season’s first round exit. Despite Love’s defensive issues his scoring and rebounding are an extremely valuable combination for teams looking to make a leap in the standings.
Bradley Beal is arguably the best player that could become available this offseason, should he demand a trade from Washington. Beal has proven to be an elite scorer and can fit into just about any offense with his shooting ability. In the end, Beal may not ask to be traded and the Wizards may let him play out the season with John Wall and see where that takes them in the Eastern Conference. If Beal is dealt he would likely be the number one target for many contending teams. The Lakers, Nets, and Nuggets would all be great fits for Beals offensive skillset, but at this point he is the least likely of the listed players to be traded.
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