The NBA is built around superstars and player movement. Each offseason, teams facilitate trades, players leave in free agency, and disgruntled stars demand trades. Player movement is so ubiquitous in the modern NBA that stars staying put are now outliers.
Though NBA fans and media salivate over the next blockbuster trade, there are a plethora of players league wide who could benefit from a change in scenery. These players aren’t bad, they just need a new situation to grow.
Pascal Siakam – Atlanta Hawks
Pascal Siakam has built himself into one of the premiere power forwards in the league, winning a championship and leading the post Kawhi Leonard era for the Toronto Raptors. Unfortunately, a rebuild looms over the north, as other holdouts from the 2019 title team like Fred Van Vleet left over the last few years. With Siakam firmly in his prime, it’s best for both parties to move on.
The Atlanta Hawks are looking to contend with stars Trae Young and Dejounte Murray in the backcourt. After coming within two games of the NBA Finals in 2021, the Hawks are looking to contend, and Siakam’s experience and skills would mesh well in the teams front court. His playmaking, scoring, and defense is what Atlanta needs to move up the standings in the Eastern Conference.
Jalen Suggs – Boston Celtics
Jalen Suggs came into the league with a lot of hype following a remarkable March Madness run. A big-bodied point guard who can score from outside, he was seen as one of the most NBA ready players in the 2021 Draft. He disappointed in Orlando, but it should’ve been expected with the sheer number of point guards keeping him from getting consistent reps.
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Though Boston is looking for a more experienced point guard, Suggs would fit the team both defensively and as a playmaker. As a table setter, he would be allowed to work to his strengths as both a shooter and a passer as Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum command more attention on the offensive end.
Myles Turner – Dallas Mavericks
Myles Turner is perpetually on the Indiana Pacers’ trading block. The near seven footer is a rare blend of rim protecting and sharp shooting that could elevate any team. The Indiana mainstay is bound to move sooner than later, and there are numerous teams that could use him.
Dallas makes the most sense as Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are in win-now mode and the team is inexperienced at the center position. Turner’s ability to stretch the floor works well with Luka and Kyrie’s paint attack, and his rim protection is much needed in Dallas.
Deni Avdija – Indiana Pacers
Like Suggs, Deni Avdija suffers from playing on a team with multiple players at his position. The 6’9” do it all forward has struggled in the doldrums of the Washington Wizards as his shooting numbers and number of shots haven’t improved since he was drafted. Washington has had zero roster stability over the last three years, and with a rebuild in full effect, Avdija could be on the move.
The Pacers make the most sense for Avdija, as they are a young team that needs height on the wing. With more touches from a playmaker like Haliburton and playing next to a bruising forward like Jarace Walker, Avdija could grow with the team and be allowed to make mistakes and expand his game.
Bojan Bagdanovic – Sacramento Kings
Bojan Bagdanovic is one of the best shooters in the NBA and his presence on a young Detroit Pistons team is much valued, unfortunately, age is not on his side. The 20 ppg scorer is at the stage where he needs to contend in the post-season, and thought the Pistons are on the rise, his timeline doesn’t match players like Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren.
The Sacramento Kings made a statement in the 2023 playoffs as they took the defending champion Golden State Warriors to seven games, and are likely a piece or two away from making deep runs in the Western Conference. With Bagdonovich either in the starting lineup or the bench, opening the floor for De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis with his perimeter scoring could raise the ceiling for Sacramento an place him firmly in contention.
Paul George – Philadelphia 76ers
Paul George is one of the best two-way wing players in the league, and his partnership with Kawhi Leonard with the Los Angeles Clippers was supposed to work, but it didn’t. As each player gets older, their window for contention shrinks. George can still impact winning, but it’s less and less likely to happen as a Clipper.
Sending George to the 76ers would keep him in contention and allows him to play naturally at the wing. Along with Tyrese Maxey and MVP Joel Embiid, George would play more off-ball and work with the scoring ability of both as well as on back door cuts and screens. This trade would also elevate Philadelphia from a perennial second round exit.
Killian Hayes – San Antonio Spurs
NBA fans are incredibly tough on Killian Hayes. The 21-year-old’s abysmal shooting numbers are a major concern, but his ability to make plays and defend are highly underrated. Unfortunately for Hayes, he fell behind in the pecking order with Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, and other taking his place.
San Antonio would be a welcome change for a number of reasons. Working with a coach like Greg Popovic would give him a coach who knows how to play to his strengths, and the Spurs are well known for developing European talent. Plus, a pairing with fellow French star Victor Wembanyama is an opportunity that he likely wouldn’t pass up.
Ben Simmons – Portland Trailblazers
Ben Simmons has quickly become one of the most hated players in the league, but when engaged, his talent is unmistakable. A power forward sized point guard is one of the best passers and defenders in the league. With his time in Philadelphia and Brooklyn leaving more questions than answers, maybe its time for him to move to a new situation.
As Portland rebuilds following the inevitable Damian Lillard trade, finding a trade to Portland wouldn’t be a bad idea but with changes. As Scoot Henderson looks to take control of the team, move Ben Simmons to a power forward or center spot and take advantage of his size and strength in the post. Move Simmons into more of a Draymond Green type could save his career.
Giannis Antetokounmpo – New York Knicks
Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the best players in the league. He also led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first title in 50 years. Unfortunately, the Bucks may have already reached their ceiling and don’t have a strategy to attract more talent to the team. Giannis wants titles, and that may not happen in Milwaukee, especially with the new CBA looming.
If Giannis saved one franchise, why not save another? The New York Knicks haven’t won a title in 50 years and haven’t had a significant contender since the 1990s. Adding Giannis to Jalen Brunson and company would not only raise the Knicks’ title hopes exponentially, but attract new stars to a starved supermarket in New York. Giannis’ best chance to contend year in year out is with a new team. He fulfilled his end of the bargain, now it’s time to further cement his legacy.
