- Stars are available for blockbuster deals right now
- Three players must be moved to prevent stagnation
- The Clippers have a chance to form a superteam to win a championship
The NBA landscape is constantly evolving, and every season brings with it the promise of exciting changes and unexpected moves. As we step into the new season of 2023-24, fans and analysts alike are eagerly speculating about potential blockbuster trades that could reshape the league’s competitive balance and create seismic shifts in team dynamics.
Over the years, we’ve witnessed legendary trades that have altered the course of NBA history, such as the acquisition of Kevin Garnett by the Boston Celtics in 2007 or the trade that brought Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors in 2018, leading to their eventual championship triumph. These trades not only bring fresh talent to new teams but also redefine the league’s power structure.
Now, as the 2024 NBA season looms, several teams find themselves at crossroads, desperately seeking ways to revamp their rosters and climb higher in the standings. In this article, we will explore three blockbuster trades that could materialize this year and leave basketball enthusiasts in awe.
Here are the three star players that must be moved this summer to completely reshape both the Western and Eastern Conferences going forward.
Dallas Mavericks Finally Get Their Man In The Middle
The Dallas Mavericks have been searching for a new big man to lead their offense and he might reside in Atlanta right now. Luckily, he could be available for a trade in the right circumstance.
Trade Details
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Clint Capela
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Tim Hardaway Jr., Josh Green, 2025 First-Round Pick
The Dallas Mavericks should seriously consider trading for Clint Capela to pair him with their dynamic duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving due to the numerous benefits it could bring to their defense. Capela, a dominant center known for his shot-blocking, rebounding, and pick-and-roll prowess, would perfectly complement Doncic’s playmaking abilities and Irving’s scoring prowess. With Capela anchoring the paint, the Mavericks’ defense would receive a much-needed boost, offering better rim protection and deterring opponents from driving into the paint with ease.
Christian Wood had a solid year on the stat sheet, averaging 16.6 PPG and 7.3 RPG, but he only earned 25.9 MPG in Jason Kidd’s lineup because he isn’t the quickest defensive player and his attitude has come into question. No doubt, those negatives don’t apply to the defensive-minded Clint Capela, who is fresh off a season posting 12.0 PPG and 11.0 RPG. Moreover, Capela’s ability to finish strong around the rim would make him an ideal recipient for Doncic’s pinpoint passes and Irving’s penetration, creating a formidable offensive trio.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks can start clearing their roster of players and focus on building around Trae Young and DeJounte Murray. The guards are retained and a new change could come. Hardaway Jr is not a life-changer by any means, but Josh Green is only 22 years old and has the potential to be an impactful two-way player going forward. Of course, the first-round pick is useful in providing the Hawks with some versatility because they have time with 24-year-old Young leading the franchise.
New York Knicks Create A Twin-Towers Pairing
The New York Knicks had a strong season last year, finishing with a 47-35 record and making it to the second round of the playoffs. They can continue to add to the roster by adding a bonafide All-Star of the Toronto Raptors.
Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: Pascal Siakam
Toronto Raptors Receive: R.J. Barrett, Quentin Grimes
Pascal Siakam has always been a unique talent because he is extremely athletic at 6’9” and 230 lbs because he moves so well and has quick hops. He has also vastly improved as a passer and is an excellent finisher around the rim. The former Most Improved Player is posting All-Star numbers across the board although he has not helped the Toronto Raptors grab a playoff spot until today.
Siakam and Randle would form one of the best frontcourt duos in the NBA, with Jalen Brunson pulling the strings from the backcourt. Siakam and Randle can both push the floor, rebound, and defend while competing on offense as inside finishers and also decent outside shooters. Getting Siakam out of Toronto won’t be easy, because it would require a mix of players including 23-year-old RJ Barrett and 23-year-old Quentin Grimes.
On the flip side, the Toronto Raptors continue their build around 21-year-old former Rookie of the Year winner Scottie Barnes. The Raptors did not re-sign Fred VanVleet which means the days of going all-in are essentially over. Rather, the Raptors would be clever to move on from their most valuable asset (excluding the untouchable Barnes) and bring back two players under the age of 24 for a new core group. While the Raptors won’t be in the playoffs most likely, the building blocks will be there.
Los Angeles Clippers Become The Favorites In The West With James Harden
The biggest deal that can be made this summer is the blockbuster package that sends James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers. Harden led the NBA in assists and even if he isn’t a superstar player anymore, he is still an All-Star and one of the best offensive players in the NBA.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: James Harden
Philadelphia 76ers: Norman Powell, Terance Mann, Robert Covington
James Harden, a former MVP and one of the league’s premier scoring talents would instantly elevate the Clippers’ championship aspirations. Harden is an offensive force, known for his elite scoring ability, playmaking skills, and basketball IQ. His scoring prowess and ability to create for himself and his teammates would provide a significant boost to the Clippers’ offensive firepower, complementing the talents of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
While the Clippers possess talented players in Leonard and George, adding Harden would provide an additional playmaking dimension to their roster. Harden’s exceptional court vision and passing ability would alleviate some of the playmaking burdens from Leonard and George, allowing them to focus more on their scoring and defensive responsibilities. Harden’s scoring prowess, combined with his ability to draw fouls and get to the free-throw line, would provide the Clippers with another reliable scoring option and enhance their offensive versatility.
Trading away players like Covington and Mann could potentially impact the Clippers’ defensive depth. Both Covington and Mann are known for their defensive capabilities, with Covington being a versatile wing defender and Mann displaying promising defensive potential. Harden, on the other hand, has had mixed reviews regarding his defense. While he has shown improvement in certain areas, defense is not considered his strongest suit. The Clippers would need to account for potential defensive adjustments and ensure they maintain a balanced defensive approach with Harden’s arrival. Luckily, the likes of Ivica Zubac will still be able to handle the paint and protect the rim.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers don’t have to pay Harden for the long-term and give Joel Embiid some solid two-way players who will play around him and budding star Tyrese Maxey. Powell is legitimate All-Star-caliber when playing at his best, while Powell and Mann bring a ton of energy and two-way play for a team that needs more of that. Maxey jumps up to become the second offensive option, Tobias Harris becomes the team’s most valuable trade asset, and Embiid has reliable role players to trust. The new starting lineup becomes Tyrese Maxey, Norman Powell, Robert Covington, Tobias Harris, and Joel Embiid.
