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The 2021 NBA offseason has been an eventful one, with various high-profile moves getting pulled off in the last few months. Russell Westbrook joined the LA Lakers, while Kyle Lowry went to the Miami Heat to join forces with Jimmy Butler. The NBA offseason is not over yet, and we might see a couple of other high-profile trades go down before the 2021-22 NBA season starts.
In this article, we take a look at three blockbuster trades that can still happen.
3 high profile NBA trades that could still take place as we inch closer to the 2021-22 NBA season
The NBA landscape has completely changed in the modern era, as all the top franchises in the league have implemented the 'superteam' model. The Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks and LA Lakers are prime examples of that, and they will enter the new season with the contenders tag.
Other franchises are in a race to compete with the aforementioned three sides in terms of roster quality, and on that note, let's check out three potential trades.
# 3 Christian Wood to LA Clippers
The Houston Rockets are a work in progress, meaning it would be sensible for Christian Wood to switch destinations. Wood is a solid starting center who could get minutes on a contender, and he will be wasting his prime years playing on an extremely young Houston Rockets side.
The LA Clippers are a team that could use some help at the center position, and Christian Wood would be an ideal fit for Tyronn Lue's team. Ivica Zubac is the starting center as of now, but it is fair to point out that Wood is a far better option on the offensive end, and can more than hold his own on defense.
The Clippers are a decently balanced team, but Wood's addition will give them a unique element of all-round offense at the 5. Wood is an accomplished 3-point shooter and can also drive with the ball in the paint, which makes him versatile enough for Lue to consider.
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#2 Buddy Hield to Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks have been looking for another star for Luka Doncic to play with, but it is unlikely that will end up with one at this juncture of the NBA offseason. However, they can still land a decent name, and Buddy Hield is one of the options they should watch out for.
The Dallas Mavericks have been criticized for their 3-point shooting, and Buddy Hield can come in and help them in that regard. Hield is one of the best shooters in the NBA, consistently making close to 40% of his 3-point attempts. He can start in the backcourt alongside Luka Doncic, who loves to find shooters in open space while playmaking.
Hield's addition won't be of staggering value to the Dallas Mavericks, but they are quite light on alternatives as things stand. Hield is a decent starter who can knock down shots when needed and play passable defense.
#1 Ben Simmons to Portland Trail Blazers
Ben Simmons to Portland Trail Blazers is an NBA trade idea that has been floating around since the Philadelphia 76ers' NBA playoff exit at the hands of the Atlanta Hawks. There have been rumors suggesting that the Blazers and the Sixers could entertain the idea of swapping Simmons and CJ McCollum, and even Damian Lillard could be involved.
Simmons is the most likely star to be traded this offseason, as it has been reported that he is adamant about switching teams. Simmons has had a nightmare 2021 postseason and wants a fresh start on a new team, and the Portland Trail Blazers still have time to come in and swoop for the Australian international.
However, it will be a difficult transaction to pull off, considering trade talks have not progressed at all in recent weeks. The Philadelphia 76ers are looking to get Damian Lillard, and it looks like this trade saga is going to continue for a considerable time.
The Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers and the San Antonio Spurs had also registered an interest in the point forward earlier in the season, making it difficult to predict where Simmons will end up.
Guess the Lakers players!
