What trades would improve NBA teams trying to rebuild?
Image courtesy of NY Daily News
By MATTHEW BARON ‘22
The Golden State Warriors need to upgrade their center.
Mock Trade: Willie Cauley Stein (Warriors) and Jordan Poole (Warriors) for Aron Baynes (Suns)
This trade would add a sharpshooting center while still allowing the Warriors to rebuild this season. With the addition of Baynes, the Warriors will have a reliable center that can stretch the floor. With more spacing, the Warriors will thrive next year when they get Curry and Thompson back with the addition of their likely top-5 pick. Baynes can also do the dirty work, such as rebound, screen, and defend. He can bring this team to the next level.
The New York Knicks have a young point guard on the rise: Frank Ntilikina. While his stellar defense helps him shut down opposing players, I don’t think he is starting caliber yet, as he still lacks a reliable jumpshot. Obviously, the Knicks are in contention for the #1 pick yet again, so building around their young players, such as RJ Barrett, Ntlikina, and multiyear player Julius Randle are priorities. Another scorer who can take the pressure off of Julius Randle and RJ Barrett would take this team to the next level. Also bringing in a veteran could be in their best interest, not only because he could help lead, mentor, and teach the young players, but also because of his experience in many in-game situations.
Mock trade: Elfrid Payton (Knicks), Bobby Portis (Knicks), and a draft pick (Knicks) to New Orleans in exchange for J.J. Redick (Hornets).
J.J. Redick not only spaces the floor but also is a threat from everywhere on the court. His distracting defenders also opens up and creates opportunities for his teammates.
The Chicago Bulls have a young core of starters that, in a few years, will make up one of the best starting lineups in the league. The Bulls are ready to stop rebuilding and try to piece some wins together.
Mock Trade: Otto Porter (Bulls) and a pick to Atlanta for Jabari Parker (Hawks).
This trade improves their Small Forward. Trading for Jabari Parker will take this team to the next level.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have their backcourt of the future set with, Darius Garland and Collin Sexton. They need a young big man to form a big, young 3 with this shifty backcourt.
Mock Trade: Kevin Love (Cavaliers) for Jaren Jackson Jr. (Grizzlies).
Jaren Jackson Jr. is the perfect young star to pair along these two guards. Then in the upcoming years, they could build around their big-3.