'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The NBA has seen players switch from one team to another for different reasons through the years. Two of the biggest reasons why players need a change in scenery is to revitalize a career and to challenge for the championship. LeBron James leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat is probably the most popular example of this.
After spurning the Cavs to join the Heat, the NBA saw James win the first two championships of his career. Kevin Garnett also left the struggling Minnesota Timberwolves to help restore the Boston Celtics' postseason glory days. Garnett won his only championship and Defensive Player of the Year award after moving from one franchise to another.
More NBA players could be on the move in search of career renaissance and championship aspirations.
NBA players who need a change of scenery to revive career or contend for the championship
#5 Kevin Love
When LeBron James left the Cavs in the summer of 2018 to play for the Purple and Gold outfit in Los Angeles, the Cavs were in disarray. Instead of rebuilding, they chose to retain some players, including Kevin Love, whose contract was supposed to end in the 2019-2020 season. The team re-signed him for $120 million that will run through the 2022-23 season.
When it was very clear that Love could not move the needle for this team when it came to playoff contention, the move was head-scratching at best.
This year, Love’s salary and fit are putting the Cavs in a ridiculously tight spot. They drafted Evan Mobley as third overall pick and re-signed former Brooklyn Nets center, Jarrett Allen, to a 5-year $100 million extension. Adding Lauri Markkanen to the mix only complicates the situation even more.
The rumored Kevin Love buyout did not go through, so things are still up in the air. It would have allowed him to sign with a team of his preference. More importantly, he could have chosen to play with a bevy of suitors who are legitimate championship hopefuls.
With the way the Cavs’ roster is constructed and the aim of developing young players the main goal, Love and the Cavs would have to part ways. Love’s value as a contributor is not lost on other teams, with US Men’s National Basketball Team head coach Gregg Popovich asking him to represent the country at the Olympics. A change of scenery could do wonders for his career.
#4 Marvin Bagley III
When Marvin Bagley III entered the 2018 NBA Draft, the Duke alum was considered by many scouts to be a franchise-altering player because of a skill set that is very rare in big men. He could shoot well from deep, averaging 39.7% and 61.4% FG. He was a natural bringing the ball when running the break despite a lanky 6-11 frame. He was a tantalizing talent that the Kings drafted him 2nd overall.
The next two picks, Luka Doncic and Trae Young, are respectively changing their team’s success the way Bagley was supposed to do. Sacramento fans will torment the organization with every Mavs and Hawks playoff success in the coming years. The Kings, meanwhile, continue to deal with uncertainties with the roster and Bagley in particular.
The Sacramento Kings are not known for developing young talent and it usually takes big men more time to come into their own. Changing teams could help restore Bagley’s confidence and fulfill the tantalizing potential he displayed in college.
While the trade market is cold, the Kings could lean on his promise and production when healthy to get a decent return.
#3 Myles Turner
The Indiana Pacers had an emerging fit issue when Domantas Sabonis became an NBA All-Star big man. Myles Turner is taking the brunt of that effect. When Sabonis operates on top of the key, the Pacers usually clear as much room as possible.
The Lithuanian is an excellent passer, making the catch-and-shoot jumper the most likely option for those around the perimeter. Turner is not an efficient scorer of this type.
The fit concerns have become evident that Turner has been in several trade scenarios with different NBA teams. New coach Rick Carlisle has expressed his excitement at solving this riddle. If the pairing still does not work, trading Turner could be the best option because of what the Pacers could get out of him in a trade.
Myles Turner has led the NBA in blocks in two of the last three years, including a mind-boggling 3.4 average last season. In the right team, Turner’s superior rim protection and decent interior presence could be the difference between winning or losing a playoff series.
Moving out of Sabonis’ shadow might be the best way to move forward for Turner.
#2 Bradley Beal
Bradley Beal has compiled a record 301-304 Win-Loss slate in 605 NBA games played for the Washington Wizards since he was drafted third overall in 2012. He is averaging 22 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4 assists in those 600 + games. In the last four years, when the All-Star guard came into his own, these averages rose to 27 points,5.1 assists and 4.6 rebounds in 281 games.
These are elite numbers from a success-starved player who claimed that he just wants to “win now.” After having no sustained success playing with John Wall and Russell Westbrook, Beal could be stuck on an NBA team that is not going anywhere based on its roster construction.
The Washington Wizards have already offered a contract extension worth $181 million for four years. His win-now mantra is emphasized which is why he is taking his time before signing the contract. He will wait and see what the Wizards will do this year. In a loaded East, the potential result is not very promising.
The best option for both parties would be to trade Bradley Beal. Washington could get a James Harden-like return or an Anthony Davis kind of package. They could also reset their NBA salary cap. If they want to do good for Beal because of his loyalty, they could trade him to a title contender where Beal can challenge for the crown at the peak of his career.
#1 Ben Simmons
Despite Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey telling the media that the trade standoff between the team and Ben Simmons could still change, both parties are seemingly on the point of no return. After what Ben Simmons has said in the past few weeks, and a no-show at the 76ers training camp, the damage done could be irrevocable.
The 76ers don’t have a shortage of options when it comes to trade partners. The problem lies in the team’s stance when it comes to the package that they will be getting in return for Simmons. At this point, Simmons' value is really low because of his well-documented playoff debacles.
If the 76ers brass finds the team floundering before the trade deadline comes, they just might have to pull the trigger to maximize Joel Embiid’s peak years.
Finding another team to call home is the best choice for Ben Simmons now. There is no way for his career to improve if he remains in the City of Brotherly Love. Shooting and confidence woes aside, he is an All-NBA talent that can run the point with ease. Defensively, few other NBA players can guard 1-4 with equal success. He is an All-Star that could still grow to be even better if he finds his most comfortable fit.
Poll : Where will Ben Simmons land?
Minnesota Timberwolves
Elsewhere
75 votes
