PLAYER TRADES THAT COULD HAPPEN

UPSYDE SPORTS PRESENTS:

PLAYERS TO WATCH BEFORE THE DRAFT:

We got a little spoiled with an "in principal" trade in the middle of the playoffs. The Kemba trade sort of kicked things off and now we saw another semi-blockbuster trade in Adams for Valanciunas. With hype leading up to the draft starting to heat up, these are the players I would keep the closest eye on.

1. BEN SIMMONS - He is probably the most likely to be traded. There is mutual interest on both Simmons and the 76ers to move on. He is still only 25, he is still an elite defender, and he still has All-NBA upside if he can put everything together. His shot doesn't exist and he continues to disappoint in big moments. His value is as low as a bag of peanuts and as high as several top prospects or multiple draft picks. Depending on who you ask, you will get one of several different answers. I'm still somewhat bullish on his development - there were several power forwards and centers in this league that didn't shoot until well after their rookie extension. That being said, I think it would behoove him to get a fresh start, be "the man", and adopt a more point-forward position instead of mostly defending guards. My prediction for where he lands is probably either OKC or Houston. For OKC, they have already made it known that Shai Gilegous-Alexander could be had for the right price and for Houston, they need help at every position, so it's a low risk. However you feel about Simmons, you have a guy that can start and is loaded with potential - at the very least, he's worth the gamble if you're not a win-now team.

2. DAMIAN LILLARD - While Lillard is the more desirable asset, he might be the more complicated of the trade deals. He has a monster contract and in a vacuum, the potential suitors - New York and Lakers - would need to do a lot of cap Jiu Jitsu to make things work. New York is probably the easier path, is still the large market he demands, and technically, the roster is deeper. The Knicks have two first round picks in this draft, own Dallas' pick in 2023, a flurry of 2nd round picks, and guys like Obi Toppin, Kevin Knox, and several solid role players that could be available via Sign-and-Trade. I would think New York might be very apprehensive to give up RJ Barrett, but he could still be a solid fit in Portland if that is their requirement. The Lakers is a very complicated trade and honestly, I don't think they have the assets. Miami is a possibility, 76ers could be in play, and Golden State is a dark horse. He's owed a lot of money and is over 30, so we'll see how much he actually requires over the next few days.

3. JARRETT ALLEN - Cleveland overall is going to be an interesting team to watch. They have the #3 overall pick, which is right in the spot of Evan Mobley. While Mobley would be excited for the fit, the spacing could be a huge issue. Allen is a restricted free agent, so he could theoretically be a rental if he does not accept any of the offers for whatever team he potentially gets traded. He has some value, but it's really hard to gauge. Another name in Cleveland that might be moved is Collin Sexton, who has elite scoring upside, but has defensive issues and might be undersized at his position. Allen is the easier piece to move, so I think with Mobley there at #3, he could be the player that ends up getting traded. Teams that might be willing to overpay to get him include Charlotte, Dallas, Golden State, and Toronto. Just about every team in the league has had themselves attached to him, so the rumors are incredibly difficult to verify.

4. MYLES TURNER - Another big man that is likely to move is Turner. Many of the same teams attached to Jarrett Allen also happen to be attached to Myles Turner. Turner is on a somewhat friendly contract, has elite defensive upside, but his rebounding and offense have been pretty inconsistent. He relies on his energy and motor and might be able to ascend to the next level in a different situation. His comp at this point is a more athletic Brook Lopez, but his value increases in a situation that runs a lot more offense through their bigs. With new coaching, I think they wait and see, but the Pacers might want a fresh start or receive a deal too good to be true.

5. CJ MCCOLLUM - Wait, what about Dame? Yes, there is a chance that McCollum is the on on the block. Dame is God in Oregon, and while he doesn't necessarily want to leave, he needs to feel like the Blazers have exhausted every option possible. Whether that means making a trade to get a more defensive guard, a wing, or including Nurkic to get an elite center, they have several places they need to improve. Anfernee Simons could step up into a secondary role if they are trying to improve in other areas.

6. BRADLEY BEAL - He will have no shortage of suitors, but I still have Golden State as my most likely to attain him. I think of the top tier players "available", he might be the best fit. Klay can play the 3 and might be brought along slow, the Warriors have the assets, they have the draft capital, and this also gives them an opening to move off of Wiggins' contract. While Wiggins was decent on the defense end last season, his value pails in comparison to a player like Bradley Beal. The Warriors are a premier destination, so it won't be hard for them to fill the holes with veterans once they secure a 3rd star.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

THADDEUS YOUNG - Could be either a small deal or a bigger deal, there are teams that are in much more desperate need for a veteran with his skill set. Win now teams will give up future picks for him.

TIM HARDAWAY JR - Not a sexy pick, but he's the more moveable asset than Kristaps or Richardson. He's a streaky shooter, but was on the short list for 6th man of the year and might be included in a larger trade.

ERIC GORDON - He doesn't make sense on Houston's roster, and he might not make sense on anyone else's to be honest. He'll probably be had for a super late 1st or a couple of seconds depending on the team.

DENNIS SCHRODER - He picked a bad season to want to get paid. Nobody has cap space but lots of people have bad contracts. I could see him included in a larger trade for Chris Paul.

JARRETT CULVER - The Wovles are loaded at the wing and he's drastically underperformed his draft position. It appears these Tech players are flashes in the pan, but at 22, someone will take a chance.

SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER - I'm not buying it, but apparently they're looking to move up in the draft. I think SGA is one of the best young players in this league and they'd be foolish to move on without pairing him with talent first.

DE'AARON FOX - The Kings have been treading water for years. This could be their chance to have a hard reset. He had a career best year but the Kings were at the bottom in terms of defense.

- Adam Safianow - NBA Analyst - Upsyde Sports [Copyright 2021]

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