(Original article was published on May 27, the author is Greg Swartz in the open-air stands, the content of the article does not represent the translator's views)
Previous article>>B/R talks about the top 3 trading goals of the Western Conference team this summer: the first choice of Antetokounmpo for the three teams. Lakers' Cavaliers Allen
Cleveland Cavaliers
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks forward
Dorian Finney Smith, Lakers forward
Isaiah Stewart, Pistons forward
Cavaliers If they want to form the three giants of Antetokounmpo, Mitchell and Garland, they hold one of the best trading chips - Mobri Jr. Leaving the 23-year-old DPOY winner may be a more likely choice, but it is wise to at least test the two-time MVP Antetokounmpo's transaction asking price. If you choose to maintain the core lineup, the Cavaliers still have a more economical reinforcement plan: after trading Jarrett Allen, Finney Smith can perfectly be the 3D starting power forward when Mobley Jr. plays center; Stewart, as one of the toughest players in the league, can both start with Mobley Jr. and serve as the third largest in the rotation lineup.
Boston Celtics cut wages
Walker Kessler, Jazz center
Mark Williams, Hornets center
Given that Tatum is expected to miss most of next season due to a torn Achilles tendon and the team is about to change hands, the Celtics may be forced to enter seller mode this summer. Currently, the Celtics are expected to exceed the second rich line of $22.7 million, and it is likely to be necessary to trade one of Jaylen Brown, Ju Holiday or Porzingis to cut salaries by trading with teams with plenty of salary space. If Porzingis is traded, the Celtics should seek another cheap young center, especially if Horford is about to turn 39 and his contract expires. Kessler and Marvel are still in their rookie contract and can provide basket protection and rebounding.
New York Knicks
Keon Ellis, Kings's point guard
Julian Champany, Spurs forward
Keont George, Jazz point guard
Knicks are likely to retain the core lineup, so there is no All-Star level goal involved, and they should seek cost-effective rotation to strengthen their depth. Keon Ellis has a team option of $2.3 million next season, with a three-point shooting percentage of 43.3% this season; Champany only earns 6 million in the next two years, which can provide reliable substitutes for Anunobi or Bridges; Keont George, who is still on a rookie contract, can serve as a pass-first substitute point guard behind Brunson.
Indiana Pacers Mark Williams, Hornets center Jonas Valanciunas, Kings center Nick Richards, Suns center
Pacers need to be careful to protect the depth and chemistry of the lineup. These two elements have helped them reach the finals this year. At this stage, chasing the All-Star player is both risky and unnecessary. With Turner and Thomas Bryant becoming full free agents, the Pacers need to supplement the center rotation. Mark Williams averaged a double-double with the Hornets this season; Valanciunas is already one of the best substitute centers in the league; if the Suns trade Durant or Booker this summer, Richards may also enter the trading market.
Milwaukee Bucks
Evan Mobley, Cavaliers forward/center
Spurs' second pick
Alperen Shenjing, Rockets center
If the Bucks reluctantly put Antetokounmpo on the shelves, they should clearly specify the most desirable return target. Assuming that the No. 1 pick (Cooper Flagage) cannot be obtained from the Mavericks, 23-year-old DPOY winner Mobley Jr. (averages 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.6 blocks, and 37% of three-point shooting percentage) is the best alternative. The Spurs' second pick can be used as a starting point for a high-quality trade, and any deal with the Rockets should be requested for Shin Kyung. The 22-year-old center averaged 20.9 points, 11.9 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game in the first round of his career.
Detroit Pistons
Devon Booker, Suns point guard
Ju Holiday, Celtics guard
Cameron Johnson, Nets forward
Pistols should now take radical operations to improve the team's immediate combat effectiveness, especially most of their players are still in the rookie contract period. Grand Rapids, Michigan-born Booker (averages 25.6 points and 7.1 assists this season, and at the age of 28) will activate the Pistons, whose offensive efficiency is only 14th in the league this season, forming a dynamic backcourt with Cningham. Zhu Holiday is a veteran defender with championship experience, while Cameron Johnson can improve the Pistons' outside firepower that is ranked downstream of the league in three-point shooting and shooting percentage this season.
Orlando Magic
Trey Young, Hawks point guard
Lamelo Ball, Hornets point guard
Darius Garland, Cavaliers point guard
If the Magic fails to introduce experienced point guards this summer, they will fail in the offseason. The offensive efficiency of the league's 27th urgently needs the backcourt commander to activate the talented lineup. Trae Young's scoring and organizational ability (average of 24.2 points per game and 11.6 assists in the league this season) is a perfect match for the Magic's top defense. Lamelo Ballo, who is 2.01 meters tall, is 3 years younger than Trae Young, but his injury history needs to be considered; Garland, as the All-Star this year, may be the safest choice, and if the Cavaliers reorganize the core lineup, it is worth paying close attention.
Atlanta Hawks
Jaylen Brown, Celtics forward
Jayden McDaniels, Timberwolves forward
Marcus Smart, Wizards defender
Trae Young's Hawks' defensive weakness is already an open secret. This season, the Hawks' defensive efficiency is 114.8, the league's 18th.. If Trae Young is chosen to stay, the Hawks must completely solve the problem on the defensive end. If salary pressure forces the Celtics to consider trading Jaylen Brown this summer, the Hawks should take decisive action. The 2024 Finals MVP, a Big Three, will be very interesting, with Trae Young and Jaylen Johnson, and Jaylen Brown growing up in Marietta, a suburb of Atlanta. Jaden McDaniels is a top defensive forward who can open up space, and Smart, the best defensive player in the 2021-22 season, can both serve as Trae Young's substitute point guard and improve the intensity of the backcourt defense.
Chicago Bulls
Jarett Allen, Cavaliers center
Mark Williams, Hornets center
Daniel Gafford, Mavericks center
Bulls have established core players in the backcourt (Giddy, Kobe White) and at least one forward position (Bozzellis), but 34-year-old Vucevic is about to enter his contract year. The Bulls should start looking for a new generation of cornerstone centers to improve the defensive system that is only ranked 19th in the league (114.8 in defensive efficiency). Jarrett Allen is the most likely high-quality defensive pillar among the Cavaliers' Big Four; Marvel, 23, is averaging 15.3 points and 10.2 rebounds in his third season of his career; after the Mavericks traded Davis, Gafford is expected to enter the trading market.
Miami Heat
Kevin Durant, Suns forward
Trae Young, Hawks point guard
Trae Murphy III, and Pelicans forward
defeated the Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs, the Heat urgently need to strengthen their offensive firepower. Adebayo and Hero are still the core of the team, but the Heat need a new offensive leader. Durant, 36, can still contribute 26.6 points, 6 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game this season, and his three-point shooting percentage hits a career-high 43%, which is fully qualified for this role. The Heat's complete defensive system can make up for Trae Young's shortcomings, while Murphy is a more economical choice. The forward has the ability to average 20+ points per game.
Toronto Raptors
Oneka Okonwu, Hawks center
Mark Williams, Hornets center
Dalton Kneckett, Lakers forward/guard
Raptors' new core framework has basically taken shape, especially after the transaction deadline was exchanged and renewed Ingram's contract. But current starting center Pertel will be 30 years old in the new season and may no longer fit the team's reconstruction timeline. Both Okonwu, 24, and Mark Williams, 23, can provide younger interior options, while Knector can improve the dismal outside firepower of 11.8 three-pointers per game (29th in the league).
Brooklyn Nets
Jonathan Cumingga, Warriors forward
Jabary Smith Jr., Rockets power forward
Rob Dillingham, Timberwolves guards' rebuilding needs to supplement their young talents in all aspects. They have $62 million in cap space this summer (even if Cameron Thomas reserved space) enough to take over the contract of a financially stressed team. Kumingga will become a restricted free agent, and it is a reasonable plan to bring him to the Nets by signing first and then switching, while sending Cameron Johnson to the Warriors. Jabbarry Smith Jr. has lost his starting position in the Rockets and deserves to seek a new owner who can get a bigger role. Dillingham has never been able to get a stable role in the Timberwolves in his rookie season. The Timberwolves, who have entered the Western Conference Finals for two consecutive years, may be more eager to replenish the veteran's upcoming combat power. The rumor that the Philadelphia 76ers Jaylen Brown, Celtics forwards Cameron Johnson, Nets forwards Dalton Kneckett, Lakers forwards/guards 76ers traded this year's Tetra Lottery and Paul George for Durant or Markcanen is ridiculous. But if Jaylen Brown can be exchanged for, the 76ers should make a quick decision. The deal may require third-party teams to take over Paul George so that the Celtics can achieve salary cuts. If you choose to retain the Tanhua lottery (a more wise move), the 76ers need to strengthen their three-point firepower (the three-point shooting percentage this season is 34.1%, the league is 27th). Cameron Johnson is the perfect number four candidate between Embiid and George, while Knector has the potential to have high-quality 3D wings.
Charlotte Hornets
Trey Murphy III, Pelicans forward
Anfini Simmons, Trail Blazers defender
Walker Kessler, Jazz center
If the Hornets leave La Melo Ball this summer, they should add more young talents to the team's existing core lineup (La Melo Ball, Brandon Miller and this year's No. 4 pick). The Hornets' three-point shooting percentage (33.9%) this season ranked 28th in the league. Murphy, a forward who averaged 21.2 points per game and had a career three-point shooting percentage of 38.3% will be a perfect reinforcement. Anfini Simmons is competent in the role of a double-sports guard and takes over the offensive organization when Lamelo Ball takes a rest or gets injured. Kessler can become the cornerstone center of the team building, and the Hornets' attempt to trade Maximum this year has sent out signals.
Washington Wizards
Jaden McDaniels, Timberwolves forward
Keont George, Jazz point guard
Tari Ethan, Rockets forward
Wizards are at the bottom of the offensive efficiency league this season and have the 28th defensive efficiency league. We must find young talents who can attack and defend well. Jaden McDaniels is competent for the third and fourth positions, and can even switch to defenders on the defensive end; Keont George may enter the trading market after losing the Jazz's starting position this season; Ethan averaged 15.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game during 16 starts in the season, with a shooting percentage of 52.4%. As the draft pick unexpectedly dropped to the sixth pick, the Wizards' ideal trading goal will depend on the final candidate for the lottery.
Original text: Greg Swartz
Compiled by: Li Taibai