2020 NBA Trade Deadline Theories

2020 NBA Trade Deadline Theories

Can you wait any longer? Trades are finally beginning, and they are definitely not stopping. Capela to the Hawks, Covington to the Rockets?! So surprising, but it’s one of the many reasons why we all love sports. There isn’t a time more exciting than the trade deadline and today, I will be going over some potential deals for buyers looking to improve come playoff time, and sellers ready to clean house.

Buyers: Raptors

Yes, the loss of Kawhi hurts, but the Raptors are still a contender in the Eastern Conference without the Klaw. It has been rumoured that the Raptors will be sellers at the deadline to prepare for the future since Ibaka and Gasol are in the last year of their deals, but I believe that it’s unlikely. Masai Ujiri is aggressive during the deadline and the Raptors are only 1 piece away from making the finals again (if that). Here are a few potential options for the Raptors:

#1. Raptors trade with the Phoenix Suns

Raptors trade away: Patrick Mccaw, Malcolm Miller

Suns trade away: Frank Kaminsky

I understand that this is a very minor trade, but the Raptors don’t necessarily need to make a massive deal at the deadline. Personally, I believe that the Raptors only have 1 true hole in their roster and that’s their depth at PF/C. Kaminsky is the 3rd Center on the Suns depth chart and I can’t see him being apart of their future with Ayton being a center piece, and Baynes playing so well. The former Naismith Award winner will add size, rebounding and outside scoring off the bench for the Raptors at a minimal cost considering how well Norman Powell and Terence Davis are playing.

The Suns receive a proven winner in Mccaw (literally has never lost) and a project in Malcolm Miller. Mccaw gives the Suns backcourt some much needed defense in a division loaded with scoring guards. In my eyes, Mccaw provides way more value to the Suns than a 3rd string Center who is a liability on the defensive end.

I think this trade makes sense for both sides.

#2. Raptors trade with the Pistons

Raptors trade away: Pat Mccaw, 2021 2nd round pick

Pistons trade away: Markieff Morris

You thought the Raptors were going after Drummond didn’t you? Well, I’m not sure that’s in the cards, but something minor like this makes sense for both teams. The Raptors add front court depth, shooting and toughness in Markieff Morris and only have to give away a rotational guard who isn’t really essential to their backcourt. The Pistons trade away someone who is not in their future plans, get younger, and add draft capital.

#3. Raptors trade with Orlando

Raptors trade away: Patrick Mccaw

Magic trade away: Khem Birch

Orlando’s front court is absolutely loaded with bigs: (Vucevic, Gordon, Bamba, Aminu, Isaac), they really have no use for Khem Birch. The athletic Canadian big-man runs the floor extremely well, is a monster on the offensive glass and will provide toughness and depth to the Toronto front court. In return, Orlando receives a defensive minded guard in Mccaw to add depth to their weak backcourt. This trade works very well for both sides, and is the most likely trade of them all in my opinion.

#4. Raptors trade with Spurs…again

Raptors trade away: Terence Davis, Patrick Mccaw

Spurs trade away: Derrick White, Jakob Poeltl, 2020 2nd round pick

This one is so tough. I really like Terence Davis and it's tough to trade him considering his success as a rookie. But if the Raptors are truly considering paying Fred Vanvleet next year, Terence Davis will remain a rotational guard for the next 2 years. In order to get a rotational Center and consistent scoring off the bench in Derrick White, Davis may be the piece that needs to be traded. Just like the Kawhi deal, you’re going to have to give something to get something. A return of Poeltl and White for TD may be worth it at this point in the season.

Why would the Spurs do it? Poeltl hasn’t really emerged as anything more than a Center off of the bench and Derrick White is competing for minutes against Lonnie Walker, Demar Derozan, Bryn Forbes, Dejounte Murray, Patty Mills and the list goes on and on. The Spurs get a very polished rookie in Terence Davis in this deal which will benefit them in future years. This is deal is possible, but I’m undecided if I like it or not.

#5. Raptors trade with Timberwolves

Raptors trade away: Marc Gasol, Terence Davis, OG Anunoby, 2022 1st Round pick, 2020 1st round pick

Timberwolves trade away: Karl Anthony-Towns, Josh Okogie

Wow, I bet none of you saw this coming! This one is far fetched and will probably not happen, but it works!

The only way this trade goes through is if Minnesota believes that the Towns & Wiggins formula isn’t working and they need to try something new. The Raptors offer a massive haul which includes an expiring contract, two promising young pieces and 2 first round picks. The T-Wolves clear cap by dealing KAT and can focus on building for the future.

The Raps adding KAT gives them an unbelievable 2nd option in the interior and a big 3 that is most definitely good enough to win the Eastern Conference. Lowry, Powell, Okogie, Siakam, Towns with Vanvleet, Mccaw, Hollis-Jefferson, Ibaka, Boucher off the bench. That is a team that is more than ready to win the East.

#6. Raptors sign Kenneth Faried for the rest of the season

Oh yeah! I bet a lot of you forgot about him. Faried runs the floor, blocks shots and defends well…why isn’t he in the NBA? To be honest I really don’t know. He was so effective with Houston last season; I am truly surprised no team wanted to take a chance on him. Faried gives the Raptors some energy off the bench and this minor signing could be a major help in the postseason.

Buyers: LA Lakers

Lakers fans, are you ready to make a splash at the deadline? I can definitely see the Lakers moving some key pieces to prepare for the playoffs. After all, LeGM is in town and wants to win now.   

#1. Lakers trade with the Magic

Lakers trade away: Danny Green, Kyle Kuzma

Magic trade away: Evan Fournier

Evan Fournier has to be one of the most underrated scorers in the NBA. He is in the midst of a career year averaging just under 19 PPG on 46% shooting and 40% from 3. Fournier would stretch the floor for the Lakers and give them some stability at the SG position which has been a revolving door at this point in the season. Fournier had some of his best seasons under Frank Vogel and would have a smooth transition adapting to the Lakers system.

In return the Magic get a promising prospect in Kuzma. I know Kuzma is struggling this year, but there have been flashes of brilliance from him. Pair him with Jonathan Isaac, Markelle Fultz, Aaron Gordon, and Mo Bamba, and you have a very solid young core moving forward.

#2. Lakers trade with Bulls

Lakers trade away: Danny Green, Kyle Kuzma, 2020 1st-round pick, 2022, 1st round pick, 2020 2nd round pick

Bulls trade away: Zach Lavine

This may seem like a lot to give up, but let’s not undervalue how well Zach Lavine has been playing. He is averaging close to 25 PPG this year and is shooting the ball very consistently from 3. He would be a perfect 3rd scoring option alongside Lebron & AD and could really propel them to the next level come playoff time. Lavine is a beast in transition, shoots it well from the outside and gives them size at guard. He is a perfect fit.  

The Bulls are pretty deep at guard with Coby White, Tomas Satoranksy, and Kris Dunn. I think they would benefit far more with a forward like Kuzma to join the front court of Markannen and Carter Jr while adding a significant amount of draft capital. The Bulls aren’t going to win anytime soon, so it makes sense to continue to get younger and acquire more talented pieces.

#3. Lakers trade with Grizzlies

Lakers trade away: Kyle Kuzma, 2020 2nd round pick, 2022 2nd round pick

Grizzlies trade away: Dillon Brooks

This one is pretty fair straight up, but since recency bias has effect and Brooks has been the better of the two this year, I can see the Lakers needing to trade a little extra something to go along with Kuzma. Brooks and Kuzma are the same age with very similar skillsets. Sometimes a change of scenery is all that is needed to prompt success. Brooks shows consistency, but Kuzma shows more potential. The Lakers need to win now; Grizzlies are built for the future. This trade really does make sense for both sides.

Sellers: San Antonio Spurs

Even if they do make a small playoff push, the Spurs aren’t poised to make any real noise in the Western Conference. The Lamarcus Aldridge and Demar Derozan 1-2 punch simply does not work in this perimeter-centric league. Blowing it up at the deadline could be a real option for San Antonio.

#1. Spurs trade with Portland

Spurs trade away: Lamarcus Aldridge

Blazers trade away: Hassan Whiteside, Anfernee Simons, 2020 2nd round pick

This trade really does make sense for both sides. The Spurs blow it up and trade LA back to the team that drafted him. Portland doesn’t need Whiteside since they have Nurkic returning after the All-Star break, and could use some front court scoring since Zach Collins is always sidelined. Aldridge would be a nice addition to the Portland roster . He serves as an excellent 2nd or 3rd scoring option while providing much needed playoff experience to a young Portland front court.

The Spurs get an expiring deal in Whiteside which would clear a ton of cap room for next year while also acquiring a talented young piece in Anfernee Simons. This trade is intriguing on both ends.

#2. Spurs trade with Indiana

Spurs trade away: Trey Lyles, Derrick White

Pacers trade away: Goga Bitadze

It may be difficult for some to believe that the Pacers would part ways with Goga after half of a season, but with Myles Turner and Sabonis locked in for at least another 3 years, Goga is nothing more than a bench piece. The Pacers add some bench scoring with Lyles and Derrick White and become a sneaky deep team in the East.

The Spurs like Derrick White & Lyles but do you know what they like even more? European big-men. Goga shows great potential, and I can see San Antonio making a push for him to be their project for future seasons.

#3. Spurs trade with Philadelphia

Spurs trade away: Bryn Forbes, Trey Lyles, Lonnie Walker

76ers trade away: Matisse Thybulle

Thybulle just seems like he fits on the Spurs, doesn’t he? He reminds me so much of Bruce Bowen on those championship Spurs team, and I think they see the same thing. I believe the Spurs will do whatever they can to go after Thybulle, even if that does mean trading some nice young pieces like Lonnie Walker. Trey Lyles gives the 76ers some front court depth and Bryn Forbes provides scoring off the bench. The Sixers biggest issue with their current roster is depth, and adding three rotational pieces by trading 1 can solve that issue immediately. This deal prepares the 76ers for the playoffs and gives the Spurs a piece for the future.

Sellers: Detroit Pistons

I think they are about 3 years too late on this, but the Pistons are stuck in no mans land. They are too good to tank, yet not good enough to win a playoff game. Unfortunately, they are also handicapped by Blake Griffin’s massive contract which will prevent them from really progressing for another 2 years at least.  I think it’s time the Pistons clean house as best they can and acquire draft capital & young talent.

#1. Pistons trade with Warriors

Pistons trade away: Andre Drummond, Luke Kennard

Warriors trade away: D’angelo Russell, Glenn Robinson

This is a big one, but honestly it’s not that far fetched.

The Pistons seem to be shipping around Kennard and are looking for a young piece in return. Sure, losing Drummond hurts, but gaining a future star PG in D’angelo Russell is definitely a good piece to have during a rebuild. Russell is locked in for another 3 years to Drummond’s 1 year, so the Pistons also have a more secure future with DLo.

The Warriors realistically didn’t need another scoring guard. Once Klay and Steph return, DLo is a mere afterthought in that offense. Adding Drummond gives them rebounding and stability at the Center position, while Kennard can give them even more shooting and scoring off the bench, as if they need it.

I can honestly see this trade happening.

#2. Pistons trade with Lakers

Pistons trade away: Derrick Rose

Lakers trade away: Quinn Cook, Kyle Kuzma, 2020 2nd round pick

If you watch sport debate shows, you know this is what everyone has been talking about. Derrick Rose to the Lakers. Well, here it is. The Lakers get the 3rd scoring option they’ve been yearning for in Derrick Rose. Rose fits in perfectly with the Lakers by filling their gap at SG and should make an immediate impact. The Pistons receive a nice young piece in Kyle Kuzma who has the potential to be a very solid player in the NBA. With no plans to keep Derrick Rose, the Pistons make a move to acquire young talent.

#3. Pistons trade with Mavericks

Pistons trade away: Andre Drummond, Markieff Morris

Mavericks trade away: Tim Hardaway Jr, Courtney Lee, Boban Marjanovic, 2021 1st round pick

Here, the Pistons are just looking to unload some pieces to clear cap for next year. Courtney Lee has an expiring deal, and Hardaway Jr and Marjanovic have 1 year left each, plus they receive a 1st. I can see them waiving Hardaway as soon as this deal happens, and just hope for the best next year with Drummond’s 27 million off the books.

The Mavs give up a future first, but secure one of the best Centers in the NBA for this year and next. Drummond compliments Porzingis very well. Drummond stays in the interior, rebounds and finishes second chance opportunities, while Porzingis hangs around the perimeter and knocks down shots. The 1-2 punch of Kristaps and Drummond would be lethal, not to mention that Luka guy…he’s pretty good.

There are so many more trade options to explore, but that will be all for this article. The deadline is always filled with suspense and ‘what ifs’, let’s hope this year’s deadline is filled with action instead. The official NBA trade deadline is Thursday February 6th at 3 PM. Stay tuned for exciting NBA news.

I hope you enjoyed reading.

Dave Monaco