5 Realistic Star Trades After 2023 NBA Draft

NBA Draft 2023 has been concluded leaving teams with raw and ambitious talent. From Damian Lillard who appears to be waiting for the Portland Trail Blazers to seek a trade to the Los Angeles Clippers, who might still be eager for a new contract after their agreement with the Boston Celtics fell through. Number of stars have been added to the teams. So let’s examine the trade rumours, dissect the shift in power, and consequences regarding the fresh talent.

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1. Pascal Siakam to the Blazers

With Simons as their primary outgoing asset, the Blazers might be able to sign Siakam. Only if they add some young players like Murray and Rupert, both 2023 draftees, and Little for some salary filler. Moreover, the Raptors have a huge hole at the point, which Simons, a 24-year-old with a career 38.5 percent hit rate from deep, could fill if Fred VanVleet leaves in free agency.

Retaining Siakam and hoping to re-sign him for less than the maximum next summer makes sense if Toronto wants to return with the same core. However, moving Siakam for some value now might be a better play if a soft reset is imminent. Scary are the options of maxing him out or losing him for nothing. Besides, from Portland's perspective, Damian Lillard now has a top-tier running mate. If only for one season—by replacing Simons in a backcourt that was suddenly overcrowded with players.

2. Damian Llilard

Lillard joins Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo as Miami's third superstar. It's not the perfect analogy since by granting Bradley Beal a no-trade provision. The Washington Wizards put themselves in a bind. However, it was the most recent superstar transfer, and the Blazers should take confidence from the fact that they received a greater return than the Wizards.

Mostly as a result of the two unprotected first-round picks they received from a Heat club. That may see some tough years as its core matures. However, Lillard's remarkable performance in the 2020 NBA Bubble playoffs, where he averaged over 37 points per game and hit a series-clinching buzzer-beater against the Oklahoma City Thunder, solidified his status as a clutch performer. He is undoubtedly a great choice as he has already established himself as a unbeatable star.

3. Ben Simmons

Promising prospects like Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Engün, Tari Eason, Amen Thompson, and Cam Whitmore are far from ready to help a team win. Under Ime Udoka, the new head coach, the upcoming season ought to be all about allowing the youth to develop naturally.

That is the reason involving a piece of its $60 million in cap space to take on a terrible agreement with picks connected is the better option for Houston. Simmons has $37 to pay. However, there is a chance that Simmons will be able to play like an All-Star again, and the Rockets should take advantage of it because the downside is probably just one bad year and a big buyout in 2025, giving them three picks for their trouble.

4. Paul George

If George thinks this is a disappointing package, he should be aware of the dangers New York is taking by obtaining him. The eight-time All-Star hasn't played more than 56 games in a season since 2018–19, and because to his contract's early termination clause, he may become a free agent in a year.

The Knicks might then have to max out a 34-year-old with durability concerns. Given everything, it seems like a sensible investment to include Barrett, Quickley, Fournier's salary, and two firsts in the deal. And we know that the Knicks and Clippers have at least spoken about a George deal thanks to Ian Begley.

5. Deandre Ayton

The Suns' offer for a previous first-round pick seems pitiful, but the roster needs to be filled with playable rotation players for this squad. Phoenix also has a surprising talent edge after this exchange, assuming you can look past the players' names. In 2021–22 and 2020–21, Ayton was superior to Zubac, but two years ago, Zubac outperformed him on a per-minute basis. Calling this comparison a wash would be kind to Zubac, but it's near enough.

The Suns are getting a lot of what they need here when you combine Batum and Covington, two dynamic, underutilised two-way role players. Moreover, with the help of trainer Monty Williams, Deandre can easily uplift his game and change the pictures un comparison to Covington and Batum.

NBA Draft top 5 Stars