In the NBA, we often see insane trades happen before the start of the season. There is no doubt that sometimes unexpected movements suddenly occur. It could possibly happen again before the 2022-23 season.
In this article, we’ll cover four wild trades that could potentially happen ahead of the 2022-23 season. Maybe we’ll see teams working on deals with similar executives in the future.
Miami Heat receives: Russell Westbrook, 2027 first-round pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers receive: Kyle Lowry, Duncan Robinson
This trade clearly has multiple positive effects for the Miami Heat. They could take away the long-term salary promised to Kyle Lowry and Duncan Robinson by swapping Russell Westbrook’s expiring contract and the compensation draft. Additionally, the Miami Heat could use a tough, gritty-nosed player like Russell Westbrook, who seems like a good candidate for Heat culture.
For the Los Angeles Lakers, it’s about acquiring strong complementary players alongside stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Both Kyle Lowry and Duncan Robinson are capable floor spacers, which is beneficial when playing with two stars that thrive near the edge. Kyle Lowry can also be a secondary ball handler for the team and get easy buckets for other players on the roster.
Russell Westbrook would likely start as PG for the Miami Heat in this scenario, and he’d give the team a player who can thrive in the regular season and take some of the load off Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler. There’s also a chance that we’ll see Coach Erik Spoelstra convince Russell Westbrook to agree to play hard-nosed defense within the Heat system, and if Russell Westbrook ever becomes an elite perimeter defender again, he’ll be an even bigger player. precious. The Miami Heat would also get a valuable first-round pick in this scenario.
All in all, it’s a simple trade and one that immediately helps both franchises. Obviously, it’s unclear if the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers will ever talk about a deal with this structure, but it certainly has its upsides.
The Sacramento Kings receive: Chris Paul
Phoenix Suns receive: De’Aaron Fox, 2024 first-round pick
This trade may seem strange at first glance, but there are reasons to do so. Chris Paul took the young Phoenix Suns all the way to the NBA Finals in the 2020-21 season. Perhaps the Sacramento Kings could take a risk and acquire the star point guard to achieve the same effect with their young core.
Due to Chris Paul’s age, De’Aaron Fox and a first-round pick are all it takes to close the deal. Obviously, for the Phoenix Suns, that’s fantastic from a value standpoint because they would get a young point guard and draft compensation. For the Sacramento Kings, they would add Chris Paul to a group of hungry young players who can take some of the offensive load off the older point guard’s shoulders. His leadership and knowledge would be crucial for a Sacramento Kings franchise that has been unable to make the playoffs for 16 straight seasons.
Obviously, this could backfire on the Sacramento Kings if Chris Paul ends up aging badly. But maybe the risk is worth it from the Sacramento Kings’ perspective, because they could start building a winning culture with one of the NBA’s most accomplished point guards.
New Orleans Pelicans host: Kyrie Irving
Brooklyn Nets receives: CJ McCollum, Jaxson Hayes, 2023 first-round pick
This trade would simply be for the New Orleans Pelicans to increase their talent level and star power. Kyrie Irving can do everything CJ McCollum can do on the basketball court and is a better shot-maker and ball-handler. Irving’s off-ball game and sharp shooting ability suggest he could thrive playing against Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson.
In this scenario, CJ McCollum would likely be the centerpiece of the deal. Kyrie Irving is on an expiring contract with the Brooklyn Nets, and the team has yet to resume extension talks with him. So a deal for him probably wouldn’t require that many assets to complete.
CJ McCollum would give the Brooklyn Nets a scorer and playmaker who can help them win now, and the Nets would get a promising young big man in Jaxson Hayes. Hayes notably leads the Pelicans franchise in all-time FG% at 63.4%, and is an athletic rim runner who has shown signs of being able to play both the PF and C positions. The 2023 first-round pick is obviously the draft compensation needed to get a deal done. For the Nets, it’s about getting good value for Kyrie Irving before his contract expires.
All in all, this could potentially be a solid trade for both teams. The New Orleans Pelicans would raise their team cap, while the Brooklyn Nets would get assets in return rather than let Kyrie Irving walk for nothing in next season’s free agency.
Atlanta Hawks receives: Anthony Davis
Los Angeles Lakers receive: John Collins, Clint Capela, 2023 first-round pick (ATL), 2024 first-round pick (SAC via ATL)
This trade would feature the Atlanta Hawks making another winning move now for Anthony Davis. They’re clearly determined to build a contender around superstar point guard Trae Young, and Anthony Davis would certainly boost the Hawks’ talent level as he’s a versatile big man at both ends of the court. Davis is a good rim protector who also has the mobility to guard multiple positions, and offensively he’s a good post scorer who can also provide ground spacing for his teammates with his perimeter shot.
The Atlanta Hawks would send a big package centered around young big man John Collins to seal the deal in this scenario. John Collins is a versatile big man who is an athletic rim finisher who also has some ability to space the floor. He could start for the Los Angeles Lakers as PF. Clint Capela would also be sent in this scenario, and he would provide the team with an elite defensive center who is also capable of rebounding high and being effective near the edge. The two first-round picks would be the draft compensation, with the Kings’ pick being particularly valuable.
For the Los Angeles Lakers, that trade would likely be to move Anthony Davis for depth if they don’t believe he can regain his superstar form. For the Atlanta Hawks, that would mean betting on Anthony Davis being that second superstar alongside Trae Young. Obviously, this could be a risk for both franchises, but at the same time, the trade could also end up being a win-win.
