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The 2019-20 NBA season is approaching its end as the LA Lakers and the Miami Heat set to battle it out as the last two teams remaining in the Orlando bubble. It means that for the 28 other teams in the NBA, off-season planning has already begun as they look ahead to the draft, Free Agency and potential trades.
The likes of New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns and Charlotte Hornets will be looking to quicken the pace of their rebuild while others like Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks and Toronto Raptors may be looking to retool for a run at the NBA title. But either way, plenty of NBA stars are likely to be on the move very soon.
Five NBA superstars who are likely to change teams in the upcoming off-season
While the draft and Free Agency will no doubt be crazy as the off-season may see plenty of big names on the move, whenever the 2020-21 NBA season rolls around, the landscape of the competition may look very different from what it is now.
On that note, let us have a look at five NBA superstars who are likely to change teams in the upcoming off-season.
#5 Karl-Anthony Towns
Heading into this NBA off-season, many people expected Minnesota Timberwolves to build around D'Angelo Russell, Karl-Anthony Towns (KAT) and their #1 overall pick (likely to be traded or Anthony Edwards).
However, reports have now surfaced that KAT is 'as good as gone' in Minnesota. It's unclear about the reason of the rift between the player and the team that drafted him, but considering the talent that he is, there will be suitors aplenty for KAT as he can be the piece that could transform an NBA franchise.
Golden State, Milwaukee, New York, Brooklyn and many other teams in the NBA could be great destinations for KAT as he is still young enough to improve and become one of, if not the best, centers in the game.
This one may be a little harder to get done because of KAT's massive contract and the fact that Minnesota will have to decide where they want to rebuild going forward. But there is no doubt that there are many teams who would look to trade for one of the NBA's best young players.
#4 Aaron Gordon
Few young players in the NBA have shown as much potential over the past few years than Aaron Gordon. While the player has definitely not reached his potential yet, a change of scenery could certainly help him achieve the same.
Whether it be Minnesota, Milwaukee, Golden State, Philadelphia or a surprise team, it is looking more and more likely that this deal could be done soon. That is because if it happens, it would allow Orlando Magic to get some draft picks and Gordon could also get a nice young playmaker to bring out his strengths.
Gordon needs to work on getting a consistent shot, but the 24-year-old has plenty of time to improve his game. With his athleticism, he will be a key player for any contending team looking to win the NBA title in the upcoming season.
His trade value and market could depend on other players being moved during the off-season. Nevertheless, whoever manages to get him would get a fabulous player ready to compete for an NBA Championship.
#3 Ben Simmons
Just a few years ago, Ben Simmons was seen as the future of the Philadelphia 76ers and one of the best young players in the NBA.
However, the chemistry just isn't working in Philly, and it is likely going to lead to one of their young pieces being moved on. Unfortunately for the young Australian star, it seems that the 76ers management are bigger fans of Joel Embiid. So despite his big contract extension, it is likely that the superstar point guard could be moved on.
The Knicks are a great target for Simmons, given the draft capital they can give away, but other teams to look out for are Milwaukee, Golden State or perhaps even a team like the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Sixers won't be looking to rebuild as they can build a playoff contender around Embiid. So this will be more about getting stars in return than draft picks. While there's no clear favorite team to trade for Simmons, it's likely he will be moved soon, but if not, this may be his last season in Philly.
#2 Chris Paul
Chris Paul has been on the move several times in the past few seasons, and with the limited cap space in OKC combined with Paul's massive contract, another move for the player is all but a certainty.
The Knicks, Bucks, 76ers and plenty of other teams are reportedly in the running for Paul. Given that NBA teams won't have to give up much (but will need to take his cap hit) to get Paul, it makes sense to make a move for the player considering how fabulous he played this season.
We saw what he did for the young players in OKC - rallying them around him for a fantastic season. That probably makes the New York Knicks the favorites to make a move for CP3. If it happens, it would bring star power back to Madison Square Garden and would allow the Knicks to have a veteran around young players like Barrett, Knox and Robinson.
Even if the player doesn't go to New York, CP3 is likely to be on the move this off-season.
#1 Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo is the reigning back-to-back MVP of the NBA.
It might sound insane to suggest that any team would want to trade him away. But given that he is off contract after next season and Milwaukee have struggled to surround him with talent, the team may need to get something back before the player walks away.
The NBA trade rumors in this regard have been about Giannis Antetokounmpo moving to Golden State. While the Warriors may not trade for him, he's likely to leave the Bucks. It means that trading him now could help the Warriors stay competitive for years to come.
No doubt, Antetokounmpo's exit will hurt the Bucks. But given his star power and potential, you can imagine that a talented player or two and plenty of first-round picks could be coming the way of the Bucks.
Teams like the Knicks, 76ers and Rockets are all expected to be active in Free Agency this year. So they are all potentially in the running for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but it may not shock anyone if the Bucks decide to hang on to him for another year.
Guess the Lakers players!
