With the 2017 Finals coming to an end, everyone in and around the NBA has concluded that super teams are a reality and it has unevened the status quo. If anything, the Playoffs have taught us that a team has to not only bank in on All-star players but also create the perfect combination of players to tailor a tight offensive and defensive team. With the Warriors Dynasty kicking off, rival teams and fans will have to wait for some time before the Cavs-Warriors rivalry ends. However, to stay competitive against the two intimidating teams we can expect teams trading players and draft picks. Here are the five biggest trade rumours going around the NBA right now.
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1) Paul George, PF@IndianaPacers
Paul George has reportedly told the Pacers’ administration that he won’t be re-signing with them in 2018 when his contract ends. PG has his eyes set on going to the Lakers to join forces with Brandon Ingram and also the second draft pick for the 2018-19 season. However, since his announcement the Pacers are possibly looking to trade him this year before his contract expires.
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One team interested and are in trade-talks are the Cavaliers. With the Warriors ready to go at it for the fourth time along with Durant, Cavs can make a trade to bring another superstar into the mix. PG has a lot of versatility and has good defensive lockdown. Bringing him to Cleveland would mean a good chance at the championship but at the Cav’s expense of another all-star which leads to….
2) Kevin Love, PF/C@ClevelandCavaliers
Yes, Kevin Love, the “most expendable” of Cleveland’s Big Three might be traded so that the Cavs can get a salary cap for a better defensive player. Although Love is playing at his peak, he isn’t the answer to the Warrior’s cutthroat offense so he would have to be traded in order for a playable change to happen.
As Ben Golliver puts it “This isn’t a ‘Trade Love because he sucks!’ decision, but rather a ‘Trade Love because matching up with Durant’s Warriors demands it’ decision.”
3) Blake Griffin, PF@LosAngelesClippers
With the Clipper’s 2016-17 Playoff coming to an end in the first round, players like Blake Griffin, Chris Paul and Deandre Jordan may look for trades as it is their 4th consecutive playoff without even entering the semi-finals.
Boston Celtics have a strong team filled with young players who went to the conference finals in this playoffs before falling to the Cavs. The Celtics require experience and are interested in Blake Griffin considering him a primary free-agent target. Griffin’s athleticism can bring a competitive edge to the Celtics along with Celtic’s new third draft pick which takes us to…..
4) Boston Celtics Draft Pick Exchange with Philadelphia 76ers
The Celtics and 76ers have decided to exchange draft picks 1 and 3 with 76ers now expected to draft Markelle Fultz as 1st pick. The trade will be finalized on Monday but there are many questions leading as to why Celtics gave up the first pick.
The Celtics will be given the first draft pick for the 2018 instead and sources say this is because the top pick, Fultz, is a guard who they do not require. However in exchange the Celtics can go for the third pick in 2017 drafting forward Josh Jackson.
5) LeBron James, SF@ClevelandCavaliers
Yes, folks, there are concerning rumors going around the internet about the King planning to take his talents to Los Angeles’s Lakers or Clippers. James may want to bring the competition to the West with Clippers being a major contender in the west.
However without any clear chance of overpowering the Warriors, James will probably wait out his free agency until the Clippers and Lakers have finalized their trades and drafts.
