Best Trade Assets for Each Team
Posted: Thu Nov 30, 2017 12:48 pm
Chandler Parsons
With only two players on the roster, this was a 50/50 choice. Although Rudy Gay is overall a better player, his contract make him damn near untradeable. At the age of 31, Gay is expected to drop off over the next few years. Chandler Parsons is getting paid $14 million next year, which is manageable for another GM to match salary wise
Possible return: Multiple bench players and mid 1st round pick.
Kemba Walker
After eliminating the numerous untouchable rookie scale players, I was left between Walker and Robert Covington. Covington is a on a very team friendly contract, but Kemba is a top level player. This would be a superstar move if it were to happen. The reason why this could come to fruition is the development of Chet Dooley. Dooley, a big bodied point guard of the future, has made significant strides and is just about starter ready. Kemba could bring back a huge return for Philly. The glaring hole in the lineup is down low.
Possible return: High caliber starting center, backup utility big, late 1st round pick.
Nets 1st round picks
With solid players at every position in the starting lineup, I don’t see this team moving any players. Really what this team is looking for is development in F. Cole Medina. If he is able to develop enough skills to be more than a serviceable point guard, this team really would need depth. By moving future 1st round picks, the Nets can put together a team that can challenge for the championship immediately.
Possible return: High caliber bench player that could be a starter that is able to play multiple positions.
Kenneth Faried
The core of this team is extremely young and raw, which made this decision easy. The outlier is Kenneth Faried. He is 28 years old and in his prime. He can play multiple positions and easily can put a team from playoff bound to contender with a simple trade. All of this is dependent upon him opting into his player option. If he does, it is a team friendly contract. Look for teams that already have scoring down but need a grit and grind type of player to be a final piece to pursue Faried.
Possible return: Rookie scale contract player and future 1st round pick (see 2020).
Steven Hunter
The picks are untouchable. The young players ae unlikely. Goran is undesirable. Which leaves us with the ageless wonder of Steven Hunter. At the ripe old age of 36, Hunter is still able to contribute. Next year, he may be more of a high quality bench player than anything else. Look for playoff teams to make a push to get this player for a final push.
Possible return: Rookie scale contract player with non-superstar potential
Jerrod Stepp
Most assets on this team won’t be even considered in a trade. With the championship caliber team mostly coming back, I looked for a bench player with potential to move. Rookie Jerrod Stepp has potential to be a quality rotational player in the future. Detroit can use this asset to sure up the lineup with ready to perform players.
Possible return: Ready to contribute veteran on the decline from the prime.
Hollis Thompson
Thomspson showed in 2016 how he can contribute when given proper minutes. Plus teams are always looking for more 3 point shooting. Although he won’t get a big return, I just don’t see many of the other pieces getting moved. This team is the development of Damian McNary away from being a true championship contender.
Possible return: Middle of the pack backup big man
Hassan Whiteside
Depending on which free agents decide to go to Cleveland in the offseason, I would consider putting future firsts as the primary asset. But working off of what is definitely returning next year, Hassan is the odd man out. In addition, he is a top caliber player that could create a monster return especially with how weak the big men are in this year’s draft. Look for a team that strikes out on a big man in free agency to make a huge offer for Whiteside.
Possible return: High potential 1st round pick and younger undeveloped player or already established star at a different position and mid to late 1st round pick.
Reggie Jackson
As a score first point guard, Jackson has a lot of potential to make teams better. If this team decides to work towards the future, all quality players in the prime should be on the trade market. Jackson can add offensive fire power to a team that needs additional scoring in a push to the playoffs.
Possible return: Future 1st round pick
Cap Space
Outwardly on a rebuild, the Chicago Bulls have players that are a part of the future for this team. Not trading draft picks is even an option for a rebuild team until the young players develop. I see this team not filling out the roster with high salary players, which will leave cap room. At the trade deadline, I see this team as being a primary player for anyone looking to get a lower tax bill.
Possible return: Future 1st round pick
Somebody not yet signed
Let’s be honest. We all know someone will sign to a super cheap deal out of no where to the Atlanta Hawks. It’s pretty much a given fact. No current assets that are on this team will be moved because they are the future. Look for Wig to sign multiple quality players on super team friendly deals and move one of those players to make yet another run at a championship.
Possible return: Immediately impactful bench player
Future 1st Round Picks
Only Thomas Robinson is on the books for next year on an extremely team friendly contract. This team will make a huge splash in both RFA and UFA. If I were the Magic, I would go all in and use future 1sts to get another high impact player to put me over the top and chase that championship immediately next year.
Possible return: High level starter to Superstar caliber player
2021 1st round pick
After resigning John Wall, this team is returning a starting caliber player for all five starting positions. I could see this team sending out a first in order to upgrade at any position, which will allow the current player to move to the bench as a role player. Many of these current players have the ability to play multiple positions.
Possible return: Starting caliber player at almost any position.
Kevin Seraphin
On a super team friendly deal, Kevin Seraphin is the type of player that can excel coming off the bench without losing much defensively. His quickness and strength allows him to even possibly have an advantage offensively against most second team post players. Expect a playoff bound team to go after Seraphin to sure up the bench before the post season.
Possible return: Matching salary and points
Brandon Knight
Still a young player, Knight is just outside of his prime. As a super quick point guard, he even has the ability to hit three point shots with the best of them in this league. When given the full time role as starter in 2016, Knight put up almost 17 points per game with 4.5 assists. Look for a team that strikes out on a point guard in free agency to come knocking on the Wizards door.
Possible return: Future 1st round pick