The 2021 NBA offseason brought a whirlwind of trade rumors, and honestly, I found it fascinating. Teams constantly juggled players and picks like a high-stakes poker game. For instance, one significant rumor involved the Philadelphia 76ers trying to trade Ben Simmons. Simmons, at only 25 years of age, has a career average of 15.9 points per game. However, his questionable shooting efficiency—only 59.7% from the free-throw line last season—meant his trade value might not be as high as some think.
Similarly, the buzz around Damian Lillard seemed endless. Reports suggested that the New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors had expressed interest in him. Lillard, known for his clutch three-point shooting and leadership skills, averaged 28.8 points per game for the Portland Trail Blazers. His $40 million annual salary, though, could be a stumbling block for any team considering him.
I was also surprised to hear about the potential for a trade involving Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards. Beal led the league as one of the top scorers, averaging 31.3 points per game. His offensive prowess made him an attractive asset for teams looking for a scoring boost. Yet, trading for Beal wouldn’t come cheap; his contract stood at $72 million over the next two years. The Miami Heat and the Dallas Mavericks were reportedly interested.
The Los Angeles Lakers, never ones to shy away from big moves, were at the heart of several rumors. They eyed players like Buddy Hield from the Sacramento Kings. Hield shoots 39.1% from beyond the arc, making him a valuable floor spacer. But I wondered if the Lakers would have the assets to make such a deal happen, especially considering they had already traded several first-round picks in recent years.
Another intriguing rumor involved the Boston Celtics and their possible interest in acquiring John Collins from the Atlanta Hawks. Collins, just 24 years old, averaged 17.6 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. Though his defensive metrics fluctuated, his offensive versatility could benefit teams looking for a youthful big man. Still, discussions stalled over Atlanta’s asking price, rumored to be high draft picks plus a player.
And then, there was the endless chatter about Russell Westbrook. Westbrook had a historic season, averaging a triple-double with 22.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 11.7 assists. Rumors swirled that he might be traded to the Lakers for a package including Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. This deal seemed complicated due to Westbrook’s $44 million salary, but the potential for an all-star trio with LeBron James and Anthony Davis made it an enticing speculation.
Even smaller market teams got into the mix. The Indiana Pacers reportedly explored trading Myles Turner, whose shot-blocking and three-point shooting as a center (1.9 made threes per game) intrigued several teams. However, it wasn’t clear what teams like the Charlotte Hornets or the San Antonio Spurs were willing to give up in exchange for Turner’s specialized skillset.
Trade rumors also touched on younger players like RJ Barrett of the New York Knicks. Barrett, at just 21, showed significant improvement by averaging 17.6 points and shooting 40.1% from three-point range. Teams seeking a promising young wing player might find him worth the inquiry, but the Knicks seemed hesitant to include him in any packages.
The Chicago Bulls and their attempts to make significant upgrades also drew attention. Talks about acquiring Lonzo Ball or DeMar DeRozan surfaced. Ball, who averaged 14.6 points and 5.7 assists, was valued for his playmaking ability and defensive skills. DeRozan, with his mid-range shooting, brought veteran experience, making him an ideal candidate for a team aiming for a playoff push. Budget constraints and contract values often complicated these discussions.
One of the most discussed but less likely trades involved Zach LaVine. LaVine had a breakout season, averaging 27.4 points per game with a robust 41.9% shooting from three. Fans wondered if the Bulls would entertain offers for him. Was there enough value in trading a player of his caliber, especially when the team aimed to compete in the playoffs?
Rumors also suggested that teams like the Phoenix Suns might look to part ways with role players like Jae Crowder to free up cap space. Crowder, known for his defensive prowess and three-point shooting, averaged 10.1 points while shooting 39.8% from beyond the arc. Freeing up cap space for larger acquisitions can sometimes mean trading away crucial role players.
Another curious piece of speculation involved the Dallas Mavericks’ interest in acquiring a secondary star to pair with Luka Doncic. Kristaps Porzingis, despite his injury woes, emerged as a trade candidate. Porzingis averaged 20.1 points but struggled with consistency and durability. The idea of swapping him for a more reliable player became an exciting what-if scenario.
Overall, the off-season was nothing short of a dramatic interplay of team dynamics and player performances. For anyone keeping a close eye on trade rumors, it’s clear that the landscape of the NBA can shift rapidly. The diverse assortment of stats and player profiles kept the discussions rich and vivid. I know I wasn’t the only one hitting refresh for the latest updates. For more insights and details on these rumors, you can check out arena plus.