After a weird and complicated NBA season which resulted in a Heat-Lakers finals, discussions on what moves teams will make in the off-season have gained traction. Every off-season, stars have been traded or signed with another team. However with a weak Free Agency class, more trades than usual will occur. Here are the stars most likely getting traded this off-season:
Chris Paul, PG, Oklahoma City Thunder
Chris Paul’s name has been mentioned many times when discussing possible trades this off-season. And with former coach Billy Donovan now being in Chicago, it’s time for this OKC team to build around their young players in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, and their plethora of first round picks. Chris Paul’s contract will have a massive effect on OKC’s future cap space as he will be making 39 million dollars as a 36 year old. Teams with young rosters looking to make the playoffs have the perfect opportunity to do so with the acquisition of CP3. Possible landing spots: Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks.
Jrue Holiday, SG, New Orleans Pelicans
Holiday has consistently been one of the best two-way guards in the league as he’s shown to be a top-3 defensive guard. But, the Pelicans can acquire great packages filled with young players who fit their time frame. Teams would lineup for a chance at a player like Holiday’s caliber. The Denver Nuggets can land their third star through a deal which involves Michael Porter Jr, Gary Harris, and other pieces. Other teams that can trade for Holiday are the Brooklyn Nets and the Philadelphia 76ers.
DeMar DeRozan, SF, San Antonio Spurs
The DeMar DeRozan experiment did not work very well for the Spurs as they barely made the playoffs in 2019 and missed out for the first time in 22 years. With that being said, it might be time for the Spurs to blow it up and that starts with trading their best player DeMar DeRozan. DeMar has a player option for about 27 million dollars which he won’t pass up. Teams that should make a run for DeRozan are the Dallas Mavericks and Brooklyn Nets.
Victor Oladipo, SG, Indiana Pacers
The one time All-Star has not looked himself since he suffered a devastating quad injury. But, Oladipo has shown flashes of his old self. There is not doubt teams would offer interesting packages for the two-way guard. Possible suitors for Oladipo include the Dallas Mavericks and Atlanta Hawks.
One of the Philadelphia 76ers four stars
There is no doubt Philly has an interesting off-season ahead of them. After being widely regarded as the most disappointing team this season and wasting so much cap space on Tobias Harris and Al Horford, a trade is most likely going to happen in Philly. Trading Harris and Horford’s contracts should be a main priority for the Sixers but do they get bold enough to trade Ben Simmons or Joel Embiid? One of these two players getting moved would certainly be the biggest move of the off-season. The Portland Trailblazers, Miami Heat (which is unlikely now), and Cleveland Cavaliers have been consistent names brought up. If these two young stars are not traded, the Sacramento Kings and Houston Rockets can be possible teams for Horford and Harris. Whatever Philly does depends on who the next Head Coach is.
Honorable Mentions: Buddy Hield, Derrick Rose, Myles Turner, and Julius Randle.
Photo: CBS Sports
