In NBA, being stuck in the middle, between competing for the championship and all-out bottling is perhaps the worst place to be. While one batch of teams are regularly going for the championship, the other is getting the best picks at the draft, but the middle ones are just stuck with nothing.
[fvplayer id=”2316″]
Teams like Washington Wizards, Miami Heat, Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets, and the Minnesota Timberwolves have a tough job getting out of mediocrity. Here are a few trades that can help them:
#1. Hornets to build around Kemba Walker
Assuming that the Hornets manage to keep Walker, they can surround him with talented players and climb up the rung. The best option seems to be Cleveland’s Kevin Love, who averages 17.0 points, 2.2 assists, and 10.9 rebounds in just 22 games.
Given his injury concerns, a trade for Love with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Marvin Williams, along with youngster Malik Monk and a protected first round pick should be enough for a deal.
#2. Timberwolves to load up on assets in rebuild
The Timberwolves are already off to a flyer having drafted Jarrett Culver and getting rid of Andrew Wiggins. The next step in their rebuild is to get a lot of first-round picks.
For the first round picks, the Wolves need to look no further than the Phoenix Suns, who have two first-round picks in the 2020 draft. With Johnson’s deal expiring in the summer, collecting a first round pick would be crucial for the Wolves.
#3. Pistons to build on their Playoff appearance with Heat starting their own rebuild
The Pistons can build on their playoff appearance with trade with fellow middling team Heat. Heat’s Dragic, 33, is a better three-point shooter and playmaker than Piston’s Jackson. A trade here would be beneficial, as Miami already use Justice Winslow over Dragic.
Along with Dragic, the Pistons could also take a chance on Waiters, hoping that he stays healthy and provides a solid option off the bench. It would be beneficial for Miami to get rid of the Waiter’s hefty $12.1 million contracts.
