We’re officially past the December 15th mark of the NBA season, with the date being significant due to a number of players being signed in the offseason now being available for trades. Both conferences have been extremely competitive this year, and it is likely that a number of teams will be making upgrades ahead of the trade deadline.
In this article, we have compiled a list of 5 trade scenarios that we believe could potentially help the teams involved. These are trades that are realistic and should absolutely happen before the trade deadline ends this season.
5. Brooklyn Nets Shore Up Their Rotation
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Josh Richardson, Zach Collins
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Joe Harris, Cam Thomas
This trade seems pretty straightforward in terms of improving the Brooklyn Nets’ rotation. The team would move 3PT shooting forward Joe Harris and shot-creating guard Cam Thomas to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for two proven veterans in Josh Richardson and Zach Collins. Those veterans would help them plug some of the holes on the current roster.
Josh Richardson is a solid 3 and D wing, and it would be interesting to see how he fits with the Brooklyn Nets. In theory, one can never have too much shooting and defense, and he has definitely been better than Joe Harris this season. Zach Collins is a solid stretch center, and though he’s not shooting well from the 3PT range right now, it is quite possible that his 3PT shooting will stabilize later on in the season in the 34-37% range.
For the Spurs, they would simply be taking on a poor contract while getting a promising young player in return. Cam Thomas could definitely become a great player in their system, and he’d give them some shot creation and shooting at the PG position.
The key here for the Brooklyn Nets is simply about building the best possible roster around their stars and adding solid role players such as Josh Richardson and Zach Collins definitely helps.
4. New Orleans Pelicans Add Rim Protection And 3PT Shooting
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Myles Turner
Indiana Pacers Receive: Jonas Valanciunas, Jaxson Hayes, 2024 First-Round Pick (NOP)
The New Orleans Pelicans are clearly a good team, but they have some holes on their roster that need to be addressed before the playoffs start. Their lack of 3PT shooting and rim protection has been evident throughout the season. They are a bottom 2 team in 3PT shot attempts this season, and their rim protection is almost non-existent with Jonas Valanciunas as the starting center. If the Pelicans can address those two issues, then they will clearly be the favorite to come out of the Western Conference.
Our trade scenario features the team trading for Indiana Pacers big man Myles Turner, who is well-known for being an elite shot blocker and 3PT shooter. The Pelicans would send out Jonas Valanciunas, Jaxson Hayes, and a first-round pick in this scenario. Valanciunas could be traded later on by the Pacers and gives them a solid post scorer in the meantime. Jaxson Hayes would likely get developmental minutes on the team, and the first-round pick could be used to draft a prospect helpful to the Pacers’ rebuild.
On the New Orleans Pelicans, Myles Turner would be able to play off of the gravity of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. He would likely get a lot of open shots both at the 3PT line and at the rim. Though his rebounding may be an issue, playing next to other positive rebounders should mitigate that.
3. Golden State Warriors Get Two Productive Role Players
Golden State Warriors Receive: Kyle Kuzma, Daniel Gafford
Washington Wizards Receive: James Wiseman, Kevon Looney, Patrick Baldwin Jr., 2026 First-Round Pick (GSW)
As of right now, the Golden State Warriors have a solid starting 5 and some good players on the bench, but depth has definitely been the problem for the team. The majority of their young players simply aren’t ready to contribute to a championship-level team. Perhaps they could make a win-now trade at the deadline and send out some of their young players for more talent.
Our trade scenario has the Golden State Warriors moving center James Wiseman, along with Kevon Looney, Patick Baldwin Jr., and a future first-round pick to the Washington Wizards for some of their proven veterans. Since the Washington Wizards are a team that likely will be rebuilding midseason, this is a realistic offer for Kyle Kuzma and Daniel Gafford.
Kyle Kuzma would give them a two-way forward who can rebound well, shoot, and defend. He would be able to help them offensively while Stephen Curry is out and would give them a solid two-way player to come off the bench. Daniel Gafford would give them a rim-running center who could immediately contribute as Kevon Looney’s backup and potentially a future starter. Kyle Kuzma and Daniel Gafford would also give the team some much-needed athleticism in the frontcourt, and there is no doubt the duo could help the Warriors win another title.
2. Los Angeles Clippers Get A Difference-Maker In DeMar DeRozan
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: DeMar DeRozan
Chicago Bulls Receive: Marcus Morris Sr., John Wall, Brandon Boston Jr., 2028 First-Round Pick (LAC)
During the Paul George-Kawhi Leonard era, the Los Angeles Clippers have not been able to get past the Western Conference Finals. Perhaps adding DeMar DeRozan could change that. He is an elite playmaker that has shown that he can thrive as a point forward in the past, and DeRozan also has a quality midrange game. He would be a good addition as a No. 3 option for the Los Angeles Clippers, and a big three of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and DeMar DeRozan would be scary for the rest of the Western Conference.
The trade package that the Los Angeles Clippers would send the Chicago Bulls involves multiple players and draft compensation. Marcus Morris and John Wall would be in there for salary purposes, but Morris will be on an expiring contract next season, while John Wall is currently on a two-year deal with a team option. Brandon Boston Jr. and the first-round pick would obviously be acquisitions for the future. With this deal, the Chicago Bulls would get some salary relief (declining Wall’s option), a tradeable contract for next year, and some okay assets to part with their star.
The Los Angeles Clippers have notably expressed interest in DeMar DeRozan in the past, and perhaps they could revisit those talks. He would definitely be a good addition to the team, but there could be better offers for him from other franchises.
1. Los Angeles Lakers Create A Big 3 With Zach LaVine
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
This trade scenario features the Los Angeles Lakers creating a dynamic big three by trading for Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine. The Lakers have already been reported as having an interest in the dynamic shooting guard. He is a three-level scorer and an electric athlete. LaVine’s off-ball game suggests that he would be a fantastic fit next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis as well. He is one of the best targets that the Los Angeles Lakers could acquire, even if there are some durability concerns there.
Obviously, this trade would feature the Los Angeles Lakers sending out the best possible offer for Zach LaVine: Russell Westbrook and their two tradeable first-round picks. They could potentially throw Austin Reaves into the deal as well, but the guard has been a solid presence for the team and is a good complementary player. This deal would get the Chicago Bulls future draft compensation and the ability to clear Zach LaVine’s contract off the books. Obviously, LaVine is a good player, but he does have a lot of injury risks and has declined this year.
It remains to be seen if the Los Angeles Lakers do end up trading for Zach LaVine. They haven’t given up their tradeable first-round picks up in a trade yet, but if Zach LaVine were to be available on the trade market, the Lakers could potentially take that risk since he is the caliber of player you go all-in on.
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