Every critic or fan wants to see certain players go to certain teams. Every critic or fan also has ideas of creating their perfect team, one destined to win a championship. Even general managers have this thought process. Especially over the past few years, we have see general managers assemble ‘big three’ and put super stars together in hopes of winning an NBA Title.
The 2013-2014 NBA season is finally about to tip off. This season is going to be a historic one. After this season, there are a lot of big name ballers who will be allowed to test free agency. I believe that with recent trades, teams rebuilding and new up coming superstars; that some teams are going to look extremely different in the next few years.
So, here is an article I have put together of trades I would like to see happen this year. Though they might be looked at as “unrealistic”, who knows what will happen. For example, Dwight Howard was traded to the Lakers, so the Magic got something for him, instead of losing him completely in free agency. It also sounded unrealistic to hear the idea of Pierce and Garnett getting traded to the Brooklyn Nets. I will admit, these trades would take some balls to pull off and cause league frenzy.
Thanks to the ESPN Trade Machine (http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine), I am allowed to test these trades out to make sure everything works out financially. Here is a look at five trades that would shake up the NBA.
TRADE #1: CARMELO TO THE WINDY CITY
This trade would be crazy. Within three months, Carmelo Anthony said he wanted to remain in New York and now he has declared that he wants to test free agency. I believe Carmelo declared this to put pressure on the New York Knicks. Since he has been in New York, management has failed to surround him with other superstar athletes. Carmelo was promised that New York was going to build a superstar team to win championships. Unfortunately, that did not happen and Carmelo has been the single superstar on New York, holding all the pressure to win a title. Carmelo wants to test free agency but New York should look to trade him to get something before he just walks. Chicago could even throw in a draft pick to sweeten the deal. Derrick Rose and Carmelo Anthony playing basketball together, on the same team, would be hard to compete with. In this trade, the Bulls wouldn’t lose much as they still retain Jimmy Butler, Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer. The Knicks could end up with a draft pick, Luol Deng and Taj Gibson. Overall, it lightens the blow New York would take in losing Carmelo.
TRADE #2: RAJON RONDO TO NEW YORK
This trade would have to be accompanied by at least two first round draft picks. The Knicks have to persuade Carmelo Anthony into staying in The Big Apple. If they do not reach the NBA Finals this year, they are going to have a hard time persuading him. Bringing in another superstar athlete will increase their percentage of keeping Melo and getting to the NBA Finals. The Celtics have to completely rebuild. Getting rid of Rondo, for an exceptional point guard and Amar’e is not the worst deal. Also they could gain two draft picks to help with rebuilding. The Knicks would obviously upgrade at point guard, get rid of Amar’e and give reason for Melo to stay put.
TRADE #3: THUNDER AND ROCKETS DEAL AGAIN
We already know Houston and Oklahoma City have a history of trading. So if the Rockets were to deal, why not to OKC? The Rockets need to get rid of Asik, per his own request. Oklahoma City needs to get rid of Perkins because he has been unsuccessful for them. The Asik-Howard pair will cause problems for Houston, trading him seems to be a good option for Houston. Though they might be able to get more than just Perkins for him, the Thunder should try to lure the Rockets into making this deal. The Thunder could use Asik’s presence. I know Houston denied his trade request but that’s cause they are playing it safe. Once Howards looks good on the court and the Rockets are winning, they will be much more open minded toward trading Asik.
TRADE #4: BULLS GET ALDRIDGE
The Chicago Bulls have a great squad but replacing Boozer for Aldridge would only improve their team. A draft pick would have to be included in this trade. Aldridge has expressed his frustration playing in Portland and this move would make him extremely happy. In this trade, the Chicago Bulls would need to ‘throw in’ a first round draft pick because the asking price is currently high for Aldridge. Even if Portland makes the playoffs this year, I have the feeling Aldridge won’t finish his career there. The Blazers should deal him while they can. Taj Gibson has a lot of youth and potential. Boozer provides much experience needed for this young team.
TRADE #5: RONDO TO THE LAKERS
It has recently been rumored that the Lakers are thinking of trading Gasol to the Celtics for Rondo. So, I thought I’d give an idea of what this trade would look like, if it were to happen. For a team that is rebuilding, having a legit big man is better than having a legit point guard. Gasol gets paid more than Rondo; so another player would have to accompany Rondo to the Lakers. Gasol’s contract, which is about to expire, gives Boston more money to help in rebuilding. Even after signing Rondo, the Lakers will still have cap room and the ability to make a big signing. If the Lakers can make some good trades this year, look out NBA, they will have the hottest free agency landing spot this summer. The Celtics can afford to give away Jeff Green instead of Brandon Bass if they want as well. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see the Lakers add a draft pick to this trade. Either way, I think this trade would help out both teams immensely.
Overall, some of these trades might be a stretch but I believe that some of these players will be traded this season or end up with a new franchise soon. There have already been the assembly of superstar teams through trades and I would not be surprised to see it continuing to happen. The 2013-2014 season is ready to tip off, let the action begin.
I think the Perkins Asik trade wouldn’t really affect either team too much. The better trade for Houston would be Ryan Anderson for Asik. Both teams benefit Houston gets a stretch 4 and the Pelicans get a better defensive and rebounding center than Greg Stiemsma.
I have to disagree with you. The Pelicans just signed Stiemsma this summer might be too soon to trade him, they probably want to see what happens this season. I will admit he might of lost his starting job this preseason. Also, I don’t think Houston would be very interested in doing that trade, maybe if it were accompanied by draft picks, multiple. With the trade market value of Asik, they can get a bigger name, like Perkins. I also don’t think the idea of obtaining Stiemsma for Asik looks good. Asik can play the four spot, if the rockets go big. To be honest, I think the Rockets would want more of a compelling trade for Asik than Stiemsma. Thats like trading a starter for a backup.