The summer transfer window is usually a time of excitement for football fans across the world. This year, however, it may be more chaotic than ever before as clubs are looking to take advantage of the current market.
With the NBA trade deadline coming up on Thursday, there are a few crazy blockbusters that could happen this summer. These trades would make sense for both teams involved and would be worth watching.
Damian Lillard’s decision to request a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers has set the stage for a crazy summer. We must first go through the NBA Finals, but once August 1st arrives, we can anticipate some star power to be on the move.
What will be the source of such star power? We should anticipate the unexpected, as the NBA has taught us. We have no idea how influential the players are in the decision to transfer them. As a result, here are five insane blockbuster deals that might happen this summer.
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Ben Simmons
The Bleacher Report is a news organization that focuses on sports. Kemba Walker, No. 16 overall pick in 2023, No. 18 overall pick in 2023, No. 34 overall pick in 2023
Kemba Walker was acquired by the Thunder from the Celtics in a deal earlier this summer. It’s unclear what their long-term intentions are for Walker. In this year’s draft, the Thunder had three first-round choices. Could this, along with Walker’s large salary, be enough to attract Ben Simmons?
In Philadelphia, Simmons is no longer popular. After the 76ers were eliminated from the playoffs, head coach Doc Rivers couldn’t even affirm that the club could develop around him. If Simmons isn’t considered a cornerstone player, the 76ers will need to trade for a guy who can help them reach the NBA Finals. Meanwhile, Simmons can start again in OKC with a clean slate.
The Thunder would get their first fundamental superstar in Simmons. The Thunder would have two major players in OKC if he was paired with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. With Joel Embiid at the helm, the 76ers would have a real point guard who could help them run their offense. Everyone wins in this situation.
Los Angeles Lakers’ Russell Westbrook
Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Alex Caruso, and Montrezl Harrell are part of a trade package.
This trade would need the whole roster to pull off and make it financially viable, but if the Lakers want a point guard, they should go out and acquire the greatest. Westbrook is coming off his fourth triple-double season in his career. He would be a great match for the Lakers’ championship window at 32 years old.
Westbrook is on his way to being the next Chris Paul, a Hall of Famer who has yet to win a championship ring. Westbrook may become the modern-day Charles Barkley if he doesn’t win a ring soon. If Westbrook wants to give himself the greatest opportunity, he should join a superteam and become the team’s third-best offensive threat.
It would be tough to accommodate $120 million in three players while distributing the balance of the team’s pay among the rest of the squad. However, with a big three of Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis, how many defeats can this club really expect to suffer regardless of who fills out the roster?
Boston Celtics’ Donovan Mitchell
(Image courtesy of DraftKings Nation)
Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, and a 2023 first-round pick
Despite the fact that the Jazz were the top team in the league, Mitchell’s connection with Rudy Gobert is unclear. Gobert is coming off a season in which he was the Jazz’s lone All-NBA pick. The Jazz’s defense is their strength, so adding two All-Defensive players of this level would be a big boost.
If the Jazz chose to stick with Gobert, they could sign Smart, a starting-caliber guard who would improve their defense. Brown would be a crucial component in this. The All-Star is coming off a breakout offensive season. Brown may lack Mitchell’s scoring prowess, but he is so well-rounded that he can rebound, dish, and steal as well.
Mitchell and Tatum would be a youthful Dwyane Wade and Kevin Durant in Boston. Do you believe these two players would have won an NBA title if they had ever played together? Because they met in the NBA Finals, the answer would have to be yes if they were to play together.
Golden State Warriors’ Kawhi Leonard
Andrew Wiggins, James Wiseman, Jordan Poole, No. 7 overall pick in 2023, No. 14 overall pick in 2023.
When it comes to Kawhi Leonard’s connection with the Los Angeles Clippers, it seems that there is more to the tale. Due to a partly damaged ACL, Leonard was unable to participate in the Western Conference Finals. Leonard has already left franchises owing to a strained relationship with medical personnel. Is it possible that this will happen again?
If that’s the case, there were previously whispers that Leonard was interested in joining the Warriors if he declined his player’s option. If that’s the case, the Clippers may be able to receive something in exchange. While Wiggins is a borderline swing player, Wiseman and Poole are both young building pieces, and first-round selections this year would sweeten the bargain.
The Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green windows, realistically, should only last two to three years. The Warriors would be back in the championship race even if Leonard just played one season. There would be plenty of weapons on offense, but the starting rotation would include two past Defensive Players of the Year. In the long term, that’s difficult to beat.
Brooklyn Nets’ Damian Lillard
Kyrie Irving and Landry Shamet are part of a trade package. The rumors that Lillard had asked for trade were false, according to Lillard. All clubs in the league will see Lillard as a trade target until he suits up for Portland’s opening game. The Brooklyn Nets are one club that may rise to the top of the trade market.
To begin with, the Nets may provide a superstar in exchange. The Trail Blazers would get value in exchange for Irving, who is one of the greatest point guards in the game. It would also put a stop to the Nets’ turmoil, and it would provide Irving with a new start. The Nets would be an easy championship contender if they had a big three of Lillard, James Harden, and Kevin Durant.
In Portland, Lillard’s prospects of winning a championship are low. Despite the fact that Lillard has never considered joining a superteam, this may be the moment for him to do so at the age of 31. Lillard has given all to the city of Portland. If this deal goes through, the Nets have a chance to win 74 games next season.
