NBA Rumors: Five Trades We'd Like to See Contenders Make

NBA Rumors: Five Trades We'd Like to See Contenders Make

1. Chicago Bulls: Jerami Grant

If the Chicago Bulls think they have a shot at a finals run this year, they make this trade. Jerami Grant could see the playoffs again and the Bulls would round out their starting five. Their starting lineup if they traded for Grant would have no real holes in it.

Potential trade: Bulls receive Jerami Grant, Pistons receive Patrick Williams, Derrick Jones Jr., and draft compensation

2. Los Angeles Lakers: Ship Russell Westbrook to New York

It’s clear that the Lakers experiment might not be title-worthy as they sit in the lower seeds of the Western Conference, and their roster isn’t constructed too well. They need to do something to shake up their roster, and they need it badly. The Knicks – who made the playoffs last year – are also struggling to get back to the position they were in last season. Both teams could benefit from this trade. Russ brings a spark to MSG and Kemba smooths out the scoring and spacing for the Lakers.

Potential trade: Lakers receive Kemba Walker, Alec Burks, Evan Fournier, and Ryan Arcidiacono, Knicks receive Russell Westbrook, DeAndre Jordan, and Wayne Ellington

3. Philadelphia 76ers: Get Joel Embiid Spacing

The Ben Simmons holdout could be a good thing for the 76ers, as they now have a reason to trade him and beef up the spacing for Joel Embiid, who is having an outstanding year. The Kings have a few players to get rid of, too and this is a perfect opportunity for both sides if Daryl Morey can lower his asking price. Any team inquiring about Ben Simmons has the leverage right now. Buddy Hield would be a great player to pair with the 76ers lineup and would give him room to succeed and get more opportunities.

Potential trade: 76ers receive Buddy Hield, Harrison Barnes and a future first-rounder, Kings receive Ben Simmons, Furkan Korkmaz

Get $200 if the 76ers score a 3-pointer

4. Phoenix Suns: Improve spacing with Eric Gordon

The Suns could easily say no to this trade and ride the rest of this season with their current roster, but if they really wanted to make a package for Eric Gordon, they could make it work.

The Suns' current roster with Eric Gordon would still be a contender, but his scoring and ability to heat up quickly from the three-point line would absolutely benefit the Suns.

Potential trade: Suns receive Eric Gordon, Rockets receive JaVale McGee, Jalen Smith, Dario Saric and a future first-round pick

5. Boston Celtics: Improve Scoring with Terrence Ross

The Boston Celtics season has not gone the way they have expected, but they still have Jayson Tatum and JaylenBrown, so they will be fine. Even recently they have been playing much, much better. But, to fix problems this season, they could trade for Terrence Ross to bring in more explosive scoring and a spark plug. With Terrence Ross and a move for a true point guard, the Celtics could put themselves in position to make a good playoff run.

Potential trade: Celtics receive Terrence Ross, Magic Receive Aaron Neesmith, Juan Hernangomez and a second-round pick.