The NBA trade talk is heating up, and certain All-Star players are slowly becoming the talk of the town. While the usual names are getting thrown out there, there might be a surprise or two in terms of which player will likely get moved. After all, we are almost halfway through the season and teams are looking to improve their squads both now and in the long-term by making some trades.
By far the most mentioned players in trade talks are Kevin Love and Chris Paul. Both guys have been the talking points for their respective teams, who are not expected to do much this season. While OKC actually looks to be a playoff team at the moment, they will likely get a first-round sweep if they do get in which defeats the purpose of their rebuild. The Cavs, on the other end, are faltering at the bottom of the conference. Both Love and Paul need to be moved for the sake of their careers.
Perhaps more surprisingly, the Pistons are looking to rebuild and both Derrick Rose and franchise player Andre Drummond are rumored to be on the trade block.
While Drummond has made it known he wants to stay, it might be best for him to go. Spurs scoring star DeMar DeRozan is also rumored to be on the trade block, and it might be best for his career if he is moved.
Here are the best destinations for the top five All-Star players.
Kevin Love – Portland Trail Blazers
It is no secret that Portland wants Kevin Love on their squad, and Love will certainly love to play alongside Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum after a stint without any star power in Cleveland. Love was signed to a max extension not long ago since Cleveland anticipated that they would not get any more stars, but it might be time to move on from Love.
Kevin Love is currently averaging for the Cavs who sit. Love would provide Portland with a starting lineup of 4 capable scorers including the recently signed Carmelo Anthony. Melo is dominating the scoring charts and has even come through in the clutch like old times. Melo and Love will cover the forward spots, while Lillard and McCollum will take over the scoring from the perimeter. While this lineup might not have much defensive resistance, since Love isn’t known to hold down the paint, adding Love might boost their chance of becomings better offenses and competing for the bottom two seeds in the West for playoff contention. Once in the playoffs, anything can happen.
Chris Paul – Philadelphia 76ers
CP3 is still a very good point guard and can be dey useful for any championship team needing some playmaking and outside shooting. Even though Paul is aging, he can provide veteran leadership at the bare minimum and is still a capable starting point guard who can get 25 points every now and then.
When it comes to the best destinations for this HOF point guard, Philadelphia is the best destination. The reason? He can be useful in helping Ben Simmons become an even better playmaker and also relieve some playmaking pressure off of him. Not to mention, Paul’s shooting will come in handy for a team that could always use some spacing next to Simmons and Embiid.
Paul wants to win a title, and his best bet to do that will be in Philly alongside Joel Embiid and the Sixers cast.
DeMar DeRozan – Orlando Magic
DeRozan has picked up his game recently and is looking like an All-Star again as the Spurs are beginning to pick up key wins. DeRozan’s excellent mid-range scoring and free throw shooting can come in handy for a team needing some perimeter scoring. The first team, that comes to mind? The Orlando Magic.
The Magic have been needing some perimeter scoring for a while now, and only have Nikola Vucevic to rely on for 20 points per game. Adding DeRozan would greatly help their cause as they fight to make the playoffs.
This would be perfect for DeRozan, who certainly wants to prove he can be the main guy on a playoff team once again. He clearly felt unappreciated when he was shipped off for Kawhi Leonard last season, especially after Raptors won the NBA title due to that swap. DeRozan can shine alongside Vucevic, and raise his status as one of the best shooting guards in the game.
Derrick Rose – Los Angeles Lakers
Rose has upped his game this year, and at times has looked like the MVP Rose we all used to love. His scoring and playmaking are at his all-time high since his injuries, and his value is at his highest too. Unfortunately for him and the Pistons, it hasn’t contributed to many wins in the Eastern Conference and the Pistons look like they might miss the playoffs.
For the sake of Rose and his resurgence, getting to LA would be excellent. The Lakers have been rumored to be in the market for Darren Collision, who is set to come back from retirement, but Rose would be a better addition. Rose is a strong scorer who can start or come off the bench, and can add some All-Star level talent for a Lakers team that could be in the Finals this year. This is the best scenario for Derrick Rose and his desire to play in the Finals.
Andre Drummond – Boston Celtics
Drummond looks set to be traded soon since he has previously mentioned his desire to test Free Agency. Rather than risk losing him for nothing, the Pistons might move the league’s best rebounder.
Even if Drummond wants to stay in Detroit, it might be best for him to move on. He is still a dominant defensive player who is a beast on the boards, so a contending team might look to him to provide steel on the defensive side of the floor. Drummond would fit best in Boston, alongside talents such as Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker. The Celtics desperately need size as soon as the playoffs come around, even though they have managed very well until now since losing Al Horford to Free Agency.
Drummond would be a defensive leader for the Celtics, and his presence would give them an All-Star talent as they look to attain a top-two seed in the East. Playing alongside their star power for a great coach will surely do him well at this point in his career.
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