The NBA trade deadline is less than a few weeks away, which means that we might see several players move to different teams soon.
The Lakers made the first official trade this season earlier this week when they sent Kendrick Nunn and a couple of second round picks to the Wizards for Rui Hachimura in hopes of improving their NBA 2023 results and their NBA 2023 odds of making it back to the postseason.
Elsewhere, the Suns, Raptors, Clippers, and Jazz are also expected to be active in trade talks in the next few weeks. So, without further ado, continue to read below as SBOTOP examines these five franchises.
Suns
Chris Paul isn’t getting any younger, and this season he’s been injured more often than not, so the Suns are exploring potential trade options at the point guard position.
According to veteran NBA writer Marc Stein, Phoenix are looking at the likes of Fred VanVleet, Terry Rozier, and Immanuel Quickley as potential trade targets.
Paul has already missed 21 games this season with heel and hip injuries, although he was solid in his last two games, averaging 18 points and 11 assists to lead them to wins over the Grizzlies and the Hornets.
But overall, the 37-year-old floor general saw his numbers dip this term, as he’s only averaging 13.4 points, 8.4 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game on 43-per cent from the field.
With a 25-24 record, the Suns are a far cry from their title-contending status this past two seasons. Their main priority is to get another shot creator, especially since Devin Booker is still out with a strained groin.
The Suns would also have to find a new home for the disgruntled Jae Crowder to free up their logjam at power forward. Crowder was, in fact, offered to the Wizards for Rui Hachimura, but the Japanese swingman ultimately went to LA instead.
Raptors
The Raptors have a big decision to make this trade deadline. They can stand pat and wallow in mediocrity, or they can blow it all up for a full-scale rebuild.
This season, the Raptors own a 21-27 record, which is good for 12th in the East, so now may be the time to sell some of their veterans that would fetch significant value.
Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes is presumably off the table, but the likes of OG Anunoby, Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr., and even Pascal Siakam are likely to be made available.
VanVleet has yet to come to terms with a possible new extension, while Anunoby is reportedly unsatisfied about his role in Toronto’s offense. Trent Jr. might explore the free agent market after this season, while Siakam’s current contract expires after the 2023-24 campaign.
Clippers
This season, the Clippers have a 26-24 record, which doesn’t exactly scream “title contender,” and injuries are primarily to blame for that.
Much has been said about their winning record whenever Kawhi Leonard and Paul George play together, but the fact is that they haven’t played together in enough games.
In terms of what they need to improve their squad, the Clippers are aiming to strengthen their point guard depth since Reggie Jackson and John Wall are underperforming.
According to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, they have reportedly identified Fred VanVleet, Kyle Lowry, and Mike Conley as potential trade targets.
Jazz
Despite being the eight seed in the Western Conference, the Jazz are not in a position to compete for anything, so it makes perfect sense for them to use their veterans as trade bait to haul in future assets.
They are still very much in rebuild mode, but they reportedly won’t accept offers for first-time All-Star candidate Lauri Markkanen and rookie center Walker Kessler.
Jordan Clarkson, Malik Beasley, Collin Sexton, Kelly Olynyk, and Mike Conley are among those who are available. All of them could provide a scoring boost for various playoff contenders out there.
Lakers
After trading for Rui Hachimura, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka indicated that the team is looking to make more moves, which should put a smile on LeBron James’ face since he’s been wanting the Lakers to surround him with complementary players all along.
They still need a prolific outside shooter, and they have two options.
The Lakers can offer Russell Westbrook and draft picks for Buddy Hield and Myles Turner, which is now slightly more realistic since Tyrese Haliburton is currently sidelined.
Or they could talk to the Pistons about possibly acquiring Bojan Bogdanovic, but they would have to give up an unprotected first round pick in exchange.
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