Off-season adjustments are underway in the NBA.
Teams have already selected all 58 prospects in the 2024 draft, a handful of free agents have already reached new deals with their current employers and the trade market is moving at a ridiculous speed.
It’s a fun time to be a hoops fan, but it can feel a little overwhelming trying to keep up.
That’s where we come in. We’re here to round up three of the biggest trade rumors being talked about and break down what they mean.
After a potentially active but ultimately quiet transfer deadline in Atlanta, the Hawks expected to be one of the busiest teams this summer. And it already is. They spent the top pick on French forward Zaccharie Risacher, traded 2022 first-round pick AJ Griffin and broke up their marquee backcourt by sending Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans for three players and two first-round pick, according to ESPN Adrien Wojnarowski.
But could this be just the beginning?
Trae Young’s name has been bandied about for months, and while trading Murray could have gotten Young off the market, that’s not guaranteed. Remember, NBA Insider Mark Stein Back in April, it was previously reported that there was a “growing belief in many corners of the league” that Atlanta would rather trade Young than Murray. This situation still seems to be worth watching, at the very least.
Young isn’t the only remaining trade candidate in Atlanta, either. Clint Capela and De’Andre Hunter have been rumored for some time, though The Athletic John Hollinger Reportedly, the prevailing belief is that “the Hawks can’t get any meaningful return for them.” It only takes one suitor to change that, so that’s another thing to watch.
Former second-round pick and one-time All-Star Game selection Brandon Ingram needs a new contract by next summer. The New Orleans Pelicans, his employer for five seasons, may not be very enthusiastic about paying this bonus.
The ingredients could therefore be gathered for the second great exchange of his career. (Ingram already helped anchor the package New Orleans received in the 2019 trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers..)
Yahoo Sports Jake Fischer According to The Athletic, Ingram “is expected to be available for trade to New Orleans.” Fischer added that would only happen “if Ingram’s representatives and Pelicans management fail to reach a long-term extension agreement,” but it certainly seems like that’s the direction things are headed. William Guillory it was previously reported that the Pelicans were “unlikely” to offer Ingram a max extension.
Ingram isn’t exactly a breakout star, but the most improved player in the 2019-20 campaign is on a five-year streak averaging at least 20 points, four rebounds and four assists. To put this production in context, only nine other players have reached those marks in each of the last five seasons, according to StatHead Basketball.
In other words, Ingram will have suitors, and Fischer mentioned the Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks and Sacramento Kings as either being talked about as possible landing spots or places “to watch.” in Ingram Market.
With 74 losses and just one playoff win to show over the past two seasons, the Golden State Warriors need a transformational summer to get back into championship contention.
They seem to have a clear – if ambitious – idea of how to achieve this.
The Warriors, according to an NBA insider Marc Steinhave “prioritized” pursuing Los Angeles Clippers forward (and nine-time All-Star) Paul George and other targets over negotiating with free agent and franchise stalwart Klay Thompson. George must decide by today whether to pick up his $48.8 million player option, and there have already been talk that he could adhere to his agreement and then seek a trade out of Los Angeles
Although it’s debatable whether the Warriors have more to offer than the Clippers (perpetually when healthy) on the court, but Golden State reported will giving George the kind of room he wants could make it a moot point. Plus, there are worse ways to have an NBA career than working with Steph Curry and helping the franchise win what would be its fifth title since 2015.
The Warriors, meanwhile, need a difference-making player to join the title race, and George might be the best option among the realistic targets available. A deal could significantly reduce the organization’s collection of assets, but if Golden State views him as its missing piece, it will be a sacrifice worth making.
