The NBA off-season came to a screeching halt when Kevin Durant announced to the Nets a couple of weeks ago a trade request. Now it seems like nothing major has happened in weeks, even though in years past all the massive deals would’ve been done already. As an NBA fan, it’s a shame because I would’ve loved to see some more trade action on that front, but hey, beggars can’t be choosers.
Even though those massive deals haven’t happened yet, and still aren’t looking like they’re going to be happening for a while, it doesn’t mean a man can’t dream. So, in saying that, we’re going to take a look at three trades I’d still love to see happen. Without further ado, let’s jump right in.
#3 – Buddy Hield to the Lakers for Westbrook
Everybody and their grandma is talking about “Kyrie to the Lakers”, but nobody is talking about the possibility of them trading for one of the great young players of the league, Buddy Hield. In my opinion, Buddy Hield is one of the most underrated players in the NBA at the moment, and the Lakers would be wise to try and trade for him.
I know Kyrie Irving is the popular choice, seeing as he has a history with LeBron, winning a ring with him back in 2016, but let’s be honest with ourselves, Kyrie hasn’t proved jack-squat since that season. Ever since that Championship win, it’s just been controversy after controversy, missed game after missed game. When he’s on the court, he’s a top-3 player no doubt; the only problem is getting him on the court.
If I was GM Rob Pelinka, I’m doing my best to try and trade for Buddy Hield; he’s young, exciting, and could honestly grow into a top-15 player if guided by LeBron and Co. As for Westbrook; sure I would’ve loved to see him flourish in L.A, but like a toxic relationship between a boyfriend and girlfriend, this thing just isn’t working out. Oh well!
#2 – Spida to the New York Knicks
It seems the New York Knicks haven’t been good ever since they made the NBA Finals in 1999 (that’s not entirely true, they’ve had some decent teams over the years but nothing spectacular). Now, however, they have been in heavy talks to acquire Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz, and the only question remaining is “When?”. This trade is almost a sure bet, so why is it taking so long?
The trade makes sense on all sides. The Knicks get a young star who can change the franchise’s playoff outcomes for years to come, and the Jazz acquires young prospects and draft capital to jumpstart their rebuild. I think what’s holding up the trade is the Jazz asking a king’s ransom for Mitchell, but honestly, all the Knicks have to do is wait it out and they can probably scoop him up before the season starts for below the asking price.
#1 – KD to Anybody
I just want the anticipation to end! This is the biggest trade tease of the entire offseason and I’m tired of waking up every morning and seeing absolutely no movement on the Kevin Durant trade front. I’m not even sure why I care so much but it’s just fun to see where he goes next. I personally want him to head to Portland and team up with Dame to capture a championship, but I have a better chance of getting signed by the Sacramento Kings on a 10-day. If Durant does end up in Portland, I’ll get my ears pierced.
KD will most probably end up staying on the Nets until mid-season when the Nets feel as if they have gotten the package they’ve wanted for Durant. Maybe he goes to the Suns? Maybe he goes to the Mavericks? Who knows, I just hope something happens within the next couple of weeks.