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“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” Yes, this Christmas song is currently playing on repeat in my head. The NBA trade deadline and offseason are personally my two favorite times of the year. I love teams making moves, adding and subtracting players trying to get it right. The trade deadline is just a day away, it came quick! As the deals are being purposed behind closed door and we wait for Woj & Shams to drop bombs. I’m going to go through each Eastern Conference team and propose my best trades for each franchise. In addition, some teams may be apart of 2 possible blockbuster deals I have at the end.
Atlanta Hawks (17-37)
*Portland Trail Blazers send a 2018 First Round Draft Pick to Atlanta*
The Atlanta Hawks are my favorite dumpster fire in the league and Eastern Conference. They are sellers and by reports almost anyone can be had for a price, this leads me to believe they’ll want to acquire a draft pick, and try to trade Kent Bazemore.
The Portland Trail Blazers are stuck in the 6-9 seed range in the West. Damian Lillard has already spoke to the front office a few weeks back, the talks were said to be about the direction of the franchise. This move gives the Blazers some younger assets in Taureen Prince and Kent Bazemore. Evan Turner and Moe Harkless are solid on the defensive end, but give little offensively. Prince has proven that his potential could be a constant 3&D wing. Bazemore is sporadic, but his production is still higher than that of Evan Turner. Marco Belinelli is just an expiring deal and an added 3-point shooter who they could maybe sign for the cheap this upcoming offseason.
Orlando Magic (17-36)
*Cleveland Cavaliers send a 2018 First Round Draft Pick to Orlando*
The Orlando Magic, currently house a great value treasure chest of assets. The rebuild going on in Orlando has been going on far too long, after trading away guys like Tobias Harris & Victor Oladipo. It’s been shown that the Magic made some poor choices on who to keep and ship out. This time they are looking to start fresh with a complete roster overhaul. In this deal they get two expiring contracts in Channing Frye and Jose Calderon. The prime parts for Orlando is they receive a draft pick and a young player in Cedi Osman who has had bright moments in limited showings.
The Cavaliers will be a constant partner for most of these hypothetical trades. In the middle of a harsh turn of the New Year where the Cavs sit 28th or 29th in most team categories. The Cavs make this deal because it addresses some of the issues on defense. Jonathan Simmons has carved a starting role out in Orlando, his defense is top notch and offense has really come along. He’s also coming off a career high in points scored against the Cavaliers in a 21-point comeback. Elfrid Payton although sporadic offensively is a lockdown defender at a position where Cavaliers have zero defenders. Mario Hezonja is a smaller piece, but he’s been proving his offense is coming along. Could be apart of the Cavs future depending on how LeBron James free agency goes this offseason.
Chicago Bulls (18-35)
*Cleveland Cavaliers send 2018 First Round Draft Pick to Chicago*
Bulls are attempting to move Robin Lopez, the interest level for him is hard to gauge as he’s more of a throwback center. Jerian Grant has been solid and would likely be an upgrade at point guard for the current Cavs. The Bulls really make this trade simply for more cap flexibility next year and another draft pick
This move for the Cavaliers would be a move alongside of a bigger move. Tristian Thompson is likely already on the way out on the other deal. Robin Lopez becomes his replacement, Jerian Grant is another chance at having a successful point guard.
Brooklyn Nets (19-36)
*New Orleans Pelicans send 2018 Second Round Draft Pick to Brooklyn*
Lots of moving parts in this 3 team deal. The Nets make this move primarily in order to grab a potential piece for the future in Justice Winslow and the Pelicans second round draft pick. James Johnson gives them a little size in small ball basketball and being a veteran leader on the young roster.
Miami Heat get out from under a longer term deal in James Johnson, they accept parting with offensive headache Justice Winslow. Carroll has been very good this season in a resurgence season. Spolestra can find positive uses for him within an offense that could use help in shooting,
Pelicans are determined to scrap it out for a low playoff seed in the West. Big issue for the Pelicans is their lack of shooting around Anthony Davis. Joe Harris has been a stud and could produce nicely off the bench in New Orleans while Quincy Acy is a buffer in case any more injuries occur. A streaky, but somewhat capable shooter, only cost the Pelicans a second round pick and they free themselves from Ajinca.
New York Knicks (23-32)
*Oklahoma City Thunder send 2018 First Round Draft Pick to New York*
In the blink of an eye, a posterizing dunk concluding, the Knicks season came to a screeching halt. Reminiscent of when Yoda felt every jedi dying in, Star Wars Revenge of Sith, was every Knick fan and NBA lover watching another star go down with a season ending injury.
As for the aftermath, Knicks now are in a position where it’s time to play young guys and sell veterans. This first deal moves Courtney Lee to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Now, yes these teams did just make a deal involving Melo, so why not make another? Courtney Lee would fill the void left by Andre Roberson being out. Lee is on a decent deal with still 2 years remaining.
The Knicks get Alex Abrines who has had nice moments in OKC, Kyle Singler is a money filler who may see more playing time, along with a second round pick. Depending on the market for Lee this could be the best deal out there. Portland Trail Blazers could be involved in possible trading for Lee as well.