The NBA Finals are around the corner and while the focus remains on what should be a thrilling championship series the reality is that the majority of teams in the association have already shifted their focus to their offseason plans. The NBA Draft is right around the corner and there has already been a lot of talk about what will happen in free agency with a couple of big names in particular set to hit the open market. Then there is the trade route with a couple of names in particular getting a lot of attention over the past few days. Here is a look at the latest trade rumors from around the NBA.
Indiana Pacers Shopping George
The Paul George trade rumors have been persistent since an early playoff exit for the Indiana Pacers with a lot of talk about how the young star is upset with how the organization has treated him. A big part of the problem is the fact that Larry Bird wants George to play the power forward position while he would like to stay at his natural small forward spot. Indiana will have plenty of options if they want to move George and one team that has been talked about a lot recently is Phoenix. The Suns could potentially build a trade package around Devin Booker and the fourth-overall pick and that would have to be enticing for the Pacers. Indiana won’t move George unless it received a convincing enough package that it makes sense to trade him but the latest trade rumors make it seem very conceivable they could reach a deal at some point before the NBA Draft.
Chicago Bulls Willing To Move Butler
Jimmy Butler’s unhappiness with the Chicago Bulls has led to persistent trade rumors that the team will try to move him before the NBA Draft. They will certainly have a long list of suitors if that is the case as a number of teams would line up for the opportunity to add the 26-year-old guard. The Los Angeles Lakers could end up being the frontrunner in the sweepstakes with plenty of young pieces they could include in a package for Butler along with the No. 2 overall pick. The Bulls won’t force the issue unless they find the right fit but the rumors have been persistent that they are willing to move him so it wouldn’t be a surprise if something got done before the NBA Draft.
76ers Considering Moving Okafor
It’s no secret that the Philadelphia 76ers have a plethora of young, talented big men but a severe lack of talented guards. That situation should be resolved in the near future. The 76ers will enter this offseason with Nerlens Noel, Joel Embiid and Jahlil Okafor on their roster and the expectation is that only two of those three will remain in Philadelphia. Contrary to public opinion, Philadelphia is actually very high on Embiid and Noel and that means Okafor would be their most likely trade chip. The 76ers are likely to move Okafor in exchange for a veteran guard that can help them take another step forward to becoming a contending team once again and it will be very interesting to see what they ultimately determine to be the best fit in Philadelphia.
Lakers Linked To DeMarcus Cousins
The link between Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins and the Lakers has been talked about for some time and it appears as though the pieces are in place to finally make a deal happen. Cousins reportedly would like out of Sacramento and the Lakers are in desperate need of a franchise player to build around moving forward. The latest trade rumors have the Kings shipping Cousins to Los Angeles in exchange for the second-overall pick and that would actually make a lot of sense for both sides. The Lakers have some talented young pieces but their need for a star player has never been greater and it won’t shock anybody if they move the No. 2 pick in order to get their man.
