The NBA might be winding through the final stretch of the 2022 offseason and working toward the 2022-23 campaign, but it’s possible a blockbuster deal still comes together and reshapes the hoops world’s landscape.
It just apparently won’t be the blockbuster many had in mind.
All Kevin Durant megadeals are seemingly off, as Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks released a statement saying that all parties “have agreed to move forward with our partnership.”
That’s a huge bummer for all the Durant dreamers out there, but worry not, folks—the trade machines are still firing on all cylinders. In fact, we’ve dialed them up here to form five impact moves that could be felt across the Association.
Washington Wizards receive: Harrison Barnes
Sacramento Kings receive: Will Barton and Deni Avdija
Still wondering why Washington committed a quarter-billion dollars to 29-year-old Bradley Beal this summer? You are not alone.
Having said that, the super-sized spending would start to make more sense if the Wizards could brighten their outlook. No, Harrison Barnes wouldn’t transform this team into a title contender, but couple his rock-solid play with a return to form for Beal and a resurgent, healthy season from Kristaps Porzingis and maybe this club could be more than a pesky play-in tournament participant.
Granted, that isn’t the biggest prize imaginable, but Washington lacks the assets to go championship-chasing. The Wizards should instead chase maximum competitiveness, and Barnes’ experience, versatility and consistency could all help make that happen.
As for Sacramento, this trade would net them a potential long-term keeper in Deni Avdija as well as an established pro in Will Barton. That could be critical for the Kings since this roster could use more youth, but this organization operates like one in perpetual need of instant gratification, which sort of makes sense when it’s been historically starved of success.
If Avdija finds his offensive niche, he could be a long-term starter in Sacramento. Barton, meanwhile, would add more shot-creation and support-scoring to the mix.
Charlotte Hornets receive: Donovan Mitchell
Utah Jazz receive: Ben Simmons, P.J. Washington and three future first-round picks (from CHO)
Brooklyn Nets receive: Gordon Hayward and 2023 first-round pick (via DEN, from CHO)
After exceeding all realistic (and optimistic) expectations with their massive haul for Rudy Gobert earlier this offseason, the Jazz are hoping to have another grand slam in a Donovan Mitchell mega-deal.
The New York Knicks reportedly built a recent offer around Evan Fournier, Obi Toppin and five first-round picks (two unprotected), and the Jazz want a package “more significant than that,” per The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Tony Jones.
Could this suffice? It depends on Utah’s evaluation of the polarizing Ben Simmons, a 26-year-old who’s already been a three-time All-Star and two-time All-Defensive selection but also sat out all of last season with a back injury that still hasn’t fully healed. If Utah sees him as a centerpiece, though, then it would get a primary building block, a do-it-all combo big in P.J. Washington and a trio of first-round picks.
As for the Hornets, who Charania mentioned have interest in Mitchell, this could be their chance to splurge on a true co-star for LaMelo Ball. Mitchell may not be a tier-one superstar, but he is, at most, a half-rung beneath that level as just the 14th player ever to tally 8,000 points, 1,500 assists and 1,400 rebounds over his first five NBA seasons.
Both Mitchell and Ball would need to improve their defense for this partnership to work at a championship-level, but they have the tools to pull it off. Plus, their offense could be overpowered, particularly if some of Charlotte’s young frontcourt prospects pan out.
Finally, the Nets would swap out Simmons’ uncertainty for Gordon Hayward and a first-rounder. That’s a risk on its own given Hayward’s struggles staying healthy (52 games or fewer each of the past three seasons), but it could be a big jolt in the arm if he stays upright. His two-way versatility could make him an ideal third banana on a championship contender, and perhaps his arrival might convince Kevin Durant to stick around.
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