TheNBA season is coming to an end, meaning that just two teams are in contention right now:Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns. Nonetheless, the rest of the league is already working around the clock to improve their rosters.
Year after year, we’ve seen shocking moves go down. Everyone’s perplexed when they announce that a superstar is switching teams, and sometimes, not even they know that they were supposed to be moved.
This season won’t be the exception to that rule. With multiple players already at the center of trade rumors, we’re going to let you know about the top 5 All-Stars that could be traded this offseason.
NBA Rumors: The 5 Stars Most Potential To Be Traded This Offseason
5. Pascal Siakam
Potential Destinations: Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors, Charlotte Hornets
Pascal Siakam was the second-best player during the Toronto Raptors’ title run in 2019. Then, when he was asked to step up in Kawhi Leonard’s absence, he was quite underwhelming and kind of regressed.
But, put in the right situation, Siakam could still make a huge impact given his play on both ends of the floor, versatility, and ability to knock down shots from all three levels. The Raptors are expected to rebuild with Kyle Lowry heading out the door, so they would be smart to fetch offers for him.
4. Kristaps Porzingis
Potential Destinations: Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Sacramento Kings
Kristaps Porzingis‘ lack of motivation was evident in the playoffs this season. His feel for the game looked off, and he just admitted that he’s struggled to adapt to a lesser role playing next to Luka Doncic. If that’s not begging for a trade, then I don’t know what is.
Then again, we have some tough news for him. He’s not going to be ‘The Man’ on any team that could be interested in his services. He’s extremely talented and has proven to be an impactful player when locked in, but the only teams where he could be the go-to guy are likey lottery teams at this point.
3. Karl-Anthony Towns
Potential Destinations: New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks
Karl-Anthony Towns is perhaps the best scoring big man in the league and that goes without saying. Also, the Minnesota Timberwolves have been near unstoppable when he, D’Angelo Russell, and Anthony Edwards were all on the court. Then again, that didn’t happen too often.
The truth about Towns is that he’s injury-prone and there have been multiple rumors about his frustration after all the losses. The Timberwolves could still land multiple first-round picks and even players that could fit their roster right now (i.e. Porzingis) while Towns could flourish in a contender.
2. Ben Simmons
Potential Destinations:Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers, Minnesota Timberwolves
Ben Simmons is way too good to be singled out as the only reason why the Philadelphia 76ers collapsed in the playoffs again. But Philly fans are as hard as they get and they’re not likely to forgive him any time soon. That’s why multiple contenders would be wise to try and lure him while they can.
His trade value is at an all-time low right now but the Sixers still want an All-Star caliber in return for him. Given his playmaking and ability to guard one through five, it’s not going to be that hard finding a trade suitor for his services.
1. Damian Lillard
Potential Destinations: Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers
And last but not least, we find Damian Lillard. Lillard has clearly outgrown the Portland Trail Blazers and hasn’t hesitated to express his frustration and concern with the current status of the team. While he denied that he has requested a trade, he did say that he hasn’t made a decision on his future.
The clock is ticking on Lillard and everybody knows that. He’s still under contract for the next three years so trading for him will be expensive and difficult but also worth it. He’s one of the best scorers in the world and a great leader, and the Blazers just aren’t built to win a ring right now.