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Even with a very eventful offseason, the door is still open for many teams to make moves for superstars and bolster their rosters before the season starts. Unfortunately for the league, the Warriors got better this offseason, strengthening their bench and keeping their entire team intact.
To cope with the changes, contenders such as the Spurs and Cavaliers might want to make moves and adjust their rosters a bit. Neither team actually got who they wanted this offseason. The Spurs were said to be interested in Chris Paul but ultimately fell short to the Rockets. The Cavaliers were after Jimmy Butler, and Paul George but they also failed to trade for those players.
Amidst all the player movement, the Cavs made a move that gave them one of the most powerful trade pieces: next year's draft lottery pick. Here is a look at all the possible trades that could go down for any team in the league:
Cavaliers get: DeMarcus Cousins
Pelicans get: 2018 Nets 1st round pick, Iman Shumpert
This move excites almost every NBA fan. While the Cavaliers get the best center in the league right now, the Pelicans get the coveted first round pick and a highly athletic, defensive wing to cover for the injured Solomon Hill.
Both teams get what they want and rumors are they are holding talks. Though the chances of this trade might not be very high, it is still a possibility and after watching what the Pacers and Bulls got for George and Butler respectively, it wouldn't be surprising if the Cavaliers pull this off.
Celtics get: Anthony Davis
Pelicans get: Several 1st round picks, Al Horford
It has been long known that Danny Ainge has wanted Anthony Davis on his team. A true superstar yet to prove himself on a winning team, Ainge is hoping the dire situation in New Orleans can persuade Davis to leave the team and convince the Pelicans organization to let him go for a chest of first-rounders.
Will it happen before the season? Highly unlikely. But it may happen before the trade deadline if the partnership of Cousins and Davis does not work well. The Celtics will definitely send a tempting package with Al Horford, a veteran who can shoot from anywhere and play a bit of defence.
Knicks get: Kevin Love
Cavaliers get: Carmelo Anthony
Throughout the regular season, people expected Carmelo to leave the Knicks in search of a better team for a better result in the postseason. Linked with his banana boat friend LeBron, Carmelo was rumored to be OK with teaming up with LeBron in Cleveland where he was more or less guaranteed to make the Finals. Unfortunately for the Cavaliers, in order to get Carmelo, they would likely have to let go of Love who could've formed a dangerous foursome with Thomas, James and Anthony.
For Cleveland, they will get a dynamic scorer capable of causing havoc on the offensive end. The Knicks, on the other hand, will get a solid all-star and pair him up with Porzingis and form a dynamic front-court. This trade seems likely although Cleveland would likely enquire about a trade without Love first.
Rockets get: Carmelo Anthony
Knicks get: Ryan Anderson, future picks
Throughout the summer, Carmelo expressed interest in teaming up with the new look Rockets along side CP3 and Harden. Many thought the deal would go through although the Knicks were hesitant to pay Ryan Anderson his hefty paycheck. Nevertheless, Anthony would be willing to waive his no trade clause for a strong contender like Houston who seem to be lacking in the SF department.
Carmelo would be a definite upgrade over Trevor Ariza and definitely help them offensively. The Knicks would try a three-team deal and if all else fails, demand more picks to compensate for Anderson.
Cavaliers get: Kristaps Porzingis
Knicks get: 2018 Nets 1st round pick, Kevin Love
This trade is one that I personally feel is underrated. While Porzingis might be a potential all-star, Love has already proven to be a valuable commodity. His shooting and rebounding are much to be desired and the pick is also highly coveted. If the Cavs can pull this one off, then they can have a young star in Porzingis alongside LeBron.
Raptors get: Tristan Thompson
Cavaliers get: Jonas Valanciunas
This player for player swap may seem unlikely but both teams will greatly benefit. Valanciunas' contract is far smaller than Thompson's saving Cleveland a lot of money in luxury tax. Moreover, Thompson was a virtual no-show in the finals and both players have similar skill sets. Valanciunas is slightly taller and may not rebound as well but is also a better scorer. Both defend the paint pretty well. Both teams' GMs would likely consider this swap seriously.
It was an eventful summer, one that will probably go down in history. So many amazing players switched teams and formed dangerous trios or duos. With all the moves, the above-mentioned trades seem likely and can benefit all parties involved. Will they get done?
Guess the Lakers players!
