National Basketball Association

NBA Draft day trades that should, would, and could happen

Published Jun. 23, 2016 2:03 p.m. ET

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The 2016 NBA Draft is only hours away ... which means we're not only on the verge of inducting some 60 new faces to the most prestigious professional basketball league in the world, but, TRADES TRADES TRADES AND MORE TRADES.

Second to only the trade deadline in February, the NBA Draft is without a doubt the most popular date on the calendar for quantity of transactions between teams. And since the season is now over and there is nothing to do but speculate about the 2016-2017 campaign, it's time to fire up the ol' trade machine and see how your favorite team can (and should) assemble the next Big 3.

Let's begin!

TRADE #1

Teams involved: Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves

The deal: Chicago sends Jimmy Butler (4 years/$52.6 million) to Minnesota for Nikola Pekovic (2 years/$23.7 million), Zach LaVine (1 year/$2.2 million), Shabazz Muhammad (1 year/$3.0 million), and Minnesota's first round draft pick in this year's draft (No. 5). 

Why this could and should happen: This makes too much sense to happen — not only is it realistic, it's been rumored all over the internet for the past couple of weeks in anticipation draft night. Built around a zombie point guard and aging veterans whose contracts have expired, the Bulls are nowhere near championship contenders as currently constructed. The one thing the franchise does have going for it is Jimmy Butler, a top-10 two-way player, under contract for the next four seasons. With Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah likely gone this summer, does Chicago blow the whole thing up this season and cash in Jimmy's stock at the peak of his career? Unless the trade involves Andrew Wiggins, then my answer would be no if I'm the Bulls. There will always be demand for a player with Butler's caliber. On the contrary, for the Wolves: is the ceiling truly limitless for the former #1 pick? If so, you don't trade a once-in-a-generation player, even for someone like the Bulls' all-star. Regardless, man ... does Tom Thibodeau have his work cut out for him in the Twin Cities ...

TRADE #2

Teams involved: Los Angeles Clippers, Boston Celtics

The deal: Los Angeles sends Blake Griffin (2 years/$41.5 million) to Boston for Avery Bradley (2 years/$17 million), Jae Crowder (4 years/$29 million) and a Boston first round draft pick in this year's draft (No. 16).

Why this should happen: To think, it was just a mere three years ago when Blake Griffin was jumping over cars in the dunk contest and re-defining the term "alley-oop" with unfathomable athleticism. That time has come and gone. There is a legitimate argument to be had that Blake has actually improved his all-around game since then. But like so many players before him, injuries have plagued the all-star's dynamic athleticism, and subsequently, his value.  

I'll make this loud and clear: Blake Griffin's trade value will never be as high as it is right now. While he sat out a big chunk of the 2015-2016 campaign, the Clippers proved that they can survive without him. With DeAndre Jordan clogging the paint, Blake's jumper is not reliable enough to require opposing big men to challenge him outside the three-point line. And considering the Clippers' gaping hole at the swingman position,€“ this trade makes too much sense.

The Clippers receive two formidable players who immediately remedy this void. And in exchange, the Celtics' mediocre frontcourt receives a major upgrade from Amir Johnson/Jared Sullinger/Kelly Olynyk in the form of a fringe superstar who could re-ignite at any time. In addition, it should be noted that the Celtics have more shooting guards and draft picks than they can count. So while these are certainly two of the bigger names on the current roster, they can be replaced seamlessly.

TRADE #3

Teams involved: Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns

The deal: Sacramento sends DeMarcus Cousins (2 years/$32.4 million) to Phoenix for Devin Booker (1 year/$2.23 million), Archie Goodwin (1 year/$2.1 million), Tyson Chandler (3 years/$39 million), and Phoenix's first round draft pick in this year's draft (No. 4)

Why this should happen: I know what you're thinking: Aw, hell no you ain't trading Boogie for that garbage. Trust me, I'm with you: DeMarcus Cousins, despite his emotional volatility, is the most skilled center in the NBA. But here's my question to Sacramento: What exactly is the goal here? Do you seriously think you're going to win an NBA championship in the next three years the way the roster is currently constructed? If no, then you cash in your most valuable asset while you still can.

And do not let Phoenix's disaster of a 2015-2016 campaign cloud your judgment: The one benefit of Brandon Knight and Eric Bledsoe going down with serious injuries was that rookie sensation Devin Booker (who finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting) and third-year player Archie Goodwin got valuable game experience and impressively improved over the course of the season. Combine these two with the likes of prospects Buddy Hield, Kris Dunn, and/or Dragan Bender, and all of a sudden the youth movement in Sacramento has legitimacy.

As for the Suns, Phoenix fans want Devin Booker to remain the best-kept secret in the NBA. But if the opportunity presents itself to build a Big 3comprised of Brandon Knight, Eric Bledsoe, and DeMarcus Cousins ... I don't care if it costs you a Klay Thompson in training. You do it.

TRADE #4

Teams involved: Memphis Grizzlies, Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic

The deal: Orlando Magic receives Zach Randolph (1 year/$10.4 million) from Memphis and Taj Gibson (1 year/$8.95 million) from Chicago. Chicago Bulls get Elfrid Payton (1 year/$6 million) from Orlando. Memphis Grizzlies receive Mario Hezonja (1 year/$3.9 million) and C.J. Watson (2 years/$15 million) from Orlando

Why this should happen: This is a perfect marriage of franchises who are primed to "blow things up" and one who is "tired of waiting, let's win now." With Derrick Rose on his way to New York, it's all but certain the Bulls are going to let Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah walk in free agency, signaling a rebuilding phase in Chicago. The next veteran on the list to go: Taj Gibson, a formidable power forward who can help any team on defense and on the glass immediately. As compensation, they will receive Elfrid Payton, Orlando's crazy-haired experiment that hasn't failed ... but definitely hasn't succeeded. The point guard position is vacant for the Bulls, and this is a beautiful swap as they begin their youth movement.

The Memphis Grizzlies are also in the same boat. Yes, there is potential for Conley, Gasol, and Randolph to reunite. But even if they do, let's be honest: This core isn't winning anything without some serious supporting cast help. Time to cash in the one valuable veteran that is left on the roster: Zach Randolph. He goes to Orlando, which now has a seriously-intimidating front court of Vucevic, Gibson, Gordon, and Randolph, and in compensation they receive some point guard relief in C.J. Watson and Mario Hezonja — the insanely-talented shooting guard prospect who can't find any play time the way the Magic's roster is currently constructed. Everyone wins!

TRADE #5

Teams involved: Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers

The deal: Boston sends Avery Bradley (2 years/$17 million) and Marcus Smart (1 year/$3.58 million) to Philadelphia for Nerlens Noel (1 year/$4.38 million) and Jerami Grant (1 year/$980,000).

Why this should happen: The 76ers have way too many centers and the Celtics have way too many shooting guards. This trade will essentially deplete the Celtics of 66.7 percent of their primary ball-handlers. But considering they have the third overall pick in tonight's draft, they can immediately remedy this issue by drafting someone like Buddy Hield or Kris Dunn. In exchange, they receive the rim-protecting big man they so desperately need in Nerlens Noel.

As for the 76ers, playing T.J. McConnell and Nik Stauskas major minutes was a funny joke for one season. But now that "The Process" is over,€“ it's finally time to cash in these assets they've been holding for what feels like an eternity. Noel leaves, but two formidable NBA-ready guards join the club, can immediately start, and will be the spearhead of the 76ers' resurrection to basketball relevancy. 

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