With the NBA Draft and free agency period in the books, the rosters for all 30 teams around the association are pretty much settled. However, teams can still take the trade route when it comes to making adjustments and there are a number of big name players that are reportedly available if the price is right. Here is a look at three post free agency blockbusters trades that could happen in the NBA this offseason.
Celtics/Thunder Blockbuster
Boston Receives: PG Russell Westbrook
Oklahoma City Receives: SF Jaylen Brown, SG Avery Bradley, 2017 1st Round Pick
Russell Westbrook has been one of the most talked about superstars around the NBA in blockbuster trades available and that will continue to be the case until the Thunder eventually moves him. Oklahoma City will not be able to re-sign him and will not be able to lose him for nothing the way they did with Kevin Durant. For whatever reason, Westbrook is intent on hitting the open market. Had the two sides began negotiating, then maybe they can try to keep him. As it stands now and given how they were burned by Durant, they can’t afford to lose another superstar for nothing.
The problem right now is that the rest of the NBA knows that and is also aware they might not be able to convince Westbrook to sign with them long-term even if they trade for him this season. However, the Celtics are in position to take a risk with a chance to finally land a star player. Boston is stockpiled with first round picks including this year’s top selection Jaylen Brown and a package that includes Brown and a first round pick for next year’s NBA Draft should be a strong enough package to get a deal done. The Thunder can’t afford to get too cute holding out too long before dealing Westbrook and this trade with the Celtics makes a lot of sense for both sides.
Raptors/Clippers Blockbuster
Toronto Receives: PF Blake Griffin
Los Angeles Receives: SG Norman Powell, Jared Sullinger, 2017 1st Round Pick
The Raptors failed to address their issues at the power forward position this offseason. Sullinger is a decent addition but it’s likely not a long-term solution. Sullinger should give the Raptors an upgrade at the position but really, he’s looking to do what Bismack Biyombo did. He’s going to get ample playing time on a team that has looked terrible at the position before, and if he shows well this year, he’s going to parlay that into a huge deal next year.
So if Toronto is looking for a long-term solution, how about one of those blockbuster trades for Blake Griffin? Going the trade market with the Clippers is an option because they do have plenty of assets…assuming the Clippers are intent on moving him. LA should be more than willing to move the pending unrestricted free agent after last year’s disaster and the Raptors have enough pieces to make a move. Toronto could send Powell, Sullinger and a first round pick to the Clippers and land a star power forward in Griffin. It might take more than that but the Clippers could be receiving a decent power forward, some draft picks and a quality, young shooting guard. If they think they’re just as good without Griffin, it might make sense for them to move him for parts.
Hawks/Nuggets Blockbuster
Atlanta Receives: SF/PF Wilson Chandler, PF Kenneth Faried, SG Gary Harris
Denver Receives: PF Paul Millsap, SG/SF Thabo Sefolosha
There were plenty of reports about Atlanta’s interest in Kenneth Faried and a potential move they were close to making earlier in the offseason. Like many of these blockbuster trades, this one never went through but there is one that makes a lot of sense for both teams. The Nuggets want a star player that can help put them over the top and make them a playoff team in the Western Conference next season and they have more than enough depth to offer up Faried, Chandler and Harris in order to get him. The Hawks will improve their depth as part of a continued adjustment and they won’t be taking too big of a hit departing with the 32-year-old Millsap.
