We are down to the final four in the NBA playoffs and with the offseason right around the corner now is the time for executives, players and even fans to start thinking about what’s in store for this summer. The NBA Draft and free agency will dominate the headlines for the most part but it wouldn’t be a major surprise if at least a couple of teams opted to shake up their rosters via the trade route as well. Here is a look at four potential NBA trades that could happen this summer.
Hawks Trade: Jeff Teague
Jazz Trade: Alec Burks, Trey Burke, 2016 1st Round Pick
It seems like only a matter of time before the Atlanta Hawks part ways with Jeff Teague as young backup Dennis Schroder has shown he is more than capable of stepping in to the starting point guard role. The Hawks need more help elsewhere and they could address some key issues by moving Teague in exchange for a substantial haul from the Utah Jazz. Alec Burks and Trey Burke are talented depth players that would entice Atlanta and the Jazz could throw in a first-round pick to secure the playmaking point guard they need to take another step forward in the Western Conference next season.
Bulls Trade: Jimmy Butler, Justin Holiday
Magic Trade: Victor Oladipo, C.J. Watson, Mario Hezonja, Andrew Nicholson, 2016 First Round Pick
Jimmy Butler clearly isn’t happy in Chicago right now, so it might make sense for the Bulls to be proactive and try to move him now with the opportunity to add some significant pieces to their roster. On top of that, it looks like the Bulls window has closed and they need to rebuild with a different foundation. Chicago doesn’t have to move Butler and he could be part of that foundation, but he’s been a bit of a sour piece in the locker room, so a change of scenery could help him. The Magic could entice the Bulls with an intriguing package that would include a combination of Victor Oladipo, C.J. Watson, Mario Hezonja, Andrew Nicholson and a 2016 first round pick. Orlando is desperate to add some star power to their roster and this package might be enough to convince the Bulls a trade is their best option.
Bulls Trade: Derrick Rose, Dough McDermott
76ers Trade: Joel Embiid, Carl Landry, Nik Stauskas
Speaking of star players from the Bulls that are unhappy, it doesn’t look like Derick Rose wants to play in Chicago for much longer. It could be a blessing in disguise for a Bulls’ team that has to understand by now that Rose is past his prime and a major injury risk every single year. Joel Embiid has his own injury concerns but he is still young and worth taking a chance on with Carl Landry and Nik Stauskas thrown in to the equation to help convince Chicago to make this deal. Philadelphia has a plethora of big men but will be eager to address its guard situation so this trade would make sense for both sides.
Kings Trade: DeMarcus Cousins, Caron Butler
Lakers Trade: D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, Lou Williams, 2017 First Round Pick
DeMarcus Cousins is one of the premier young big men in the NBA right now but his time in Sacramento has been a complete soap opera and the Kings should definitely consider moving him if the opportunity presents itself. The rumors of a trade that would send Cousins to the Los Angeles Lakers have been persistent over the years and the purple and gold might finally have a strong enough package to convince Sacramento to make the move. The Lakers could trade D’Angelo Russell, Lou Williams and a protected first round pick to the Kings for Cousins and Caron Butler in a deal that would clearly make sense for both sides. Sacramento would get younger with an additional first round pick while LA will finally get the star that can be their franchise player for the next few years and help the Lakers rebuild their image as a contender in the Western Conference.
