Predicting Summer Blockbuster Deals to Occur in the NBA Offseason

Overtime Heroics Editorial

696 days ago

Whether it is Kawhi Leonard, Ben Simmons, or Kyle Lowry hitting either the trade market or free agency this NBA offseason, massive waves will occur after these summer blockbuster deals. Looking at the upcoming summer, an in-depth preview of potential movement fans can expect this summer.

Blockbuster Trades

Ben Simmons to Cleveland, Love and Sexton back to Philly

Philadelphia Receives:

Kevin Love
Collin Sexton
#3 Pick in 2021 Draft

Cleveland Receives:

Ben Simmons

In what is an interesting deal for both sides, both the Cavs and Sixers get off players that have been in trade rumors throughout the past couple of weeks. For Cleveland, they get a cornerstone piece that can play around the young core that has been put together. Putting Simmons alongside the potential re-signee of Jarrett Allen makes a scary defensive duo that can compete for the playoffs in the East.

On the other side of the deal, the Sixers get a young guard that has displayed the ability to create his own shot while also spacing the floor effectively. Along with Sexton, Love’s contract may not be ideal, but another floor-spacing big man with playoff experience could benefit Philly.

The third pick in the 2021 draft may be required in the deal to help the Cavs get off of the aforementioned contract of Love, which is another feather in the Sixers cap in this deal. If Simmons is going to stay on the trade market, Cleveland can put together what would be a win-win deal for both sides.

LA and OKC have a Kuzma–Kemba swap

Los Angeles Receives:

Kemba Walker

Oklahoma City Receives:

Kyle Kuzma
Montrezl Harrell (Sign-and-Trade)
#22 Pick in 2021 Draft
Future 1st Round Pick

It is rumored around the league that the Lakers and Thunder are already trying to strike a deal, and this is what the deal would probably have to look like. For Oklahoma City, Kuzma has been very optimistic that he will be able to thrive in a new role and that is the gamble for the Thunder. The Lakers on the other hand are trying to optimize their window around LeBron.

Walker is coming off an injury-ridden season where he averaged 19 points a game and 5 assists, which would be an upgrade over what Dennis Schroder provided for the Lakers. The deal between OKC and L.A. is certainly something to monitor as the offseason looms.

Dallas and Portland Swap Secondary Stars

Dallas Receives:

C.J. McCollum

Portland Receives:

Kristaps Porzingis

A straight swap where both teams address a potential need. Tim Hardaway Jr.’s postseason play alongside Luka Doncic was great this past playoffs, but adding a proven commodity such as C.J. McCollum into the mix should improve the Mavericks’ chances at a Finals run next season.

For Portland, the Blazers receive a former All-Star that will be 26 at the start of next season. If the Trail Blazers wanted to tear it down, flipping McCollum for Porzingis is not a terrible start.

Blockbuster Signings

Kawhi Leonard Accepts His Player Option

It will not break barriers or shatter the earth, but it is the smart move for Kawhi. Under new head coach Ty Lue, the Clippers reached the Western Conference Finals, some of which without their superstar Leonard. Unfinished business some will say, while others may assume he wants to stay in L.A. Either way, it is safe to presume that Leonard takes his player option with the Clips.

Kyle Lowry Takes His Talents to South Beach

By declining options for Goran Dragic and Andre Iguodala, and not re-signing Victor Oladipo, the Miami Heat can create a decent amount of cap room. Knowing that the Heat were interested in trading for the Raptors star guard, it would not be surprising to see Miami make a move for him. It gives Miami another shooter and ball-handler to play with their superstar duo of Butler and Adebayo. After a disappointing first-round exit this season, the Heat will be up to something this offseason, and it very well could be culminating a new big three in South Beach.

Chicago Finds a Point Guard in one of Lonzo Ball or Mike Conley

Both Ball and Conley are well-rounded, defensive-minded point guards that would create an intriguing backcourt for the Bulls. Pairing either with Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic immediately puts Chicago in the postseason conversation. If Chicago wants back into the playoff mix and fast, Conley would be the best option. But either point guard makes the Bulls a better contender.

Spencer Dinwiddie Packs his Bags and Heads to L.A.

Either one of the Lakers or Clippers would love to sign Dinwiddie, and Dinwiddie, who grew up in L.A., has expressed his interest as well. It is hard to imagine that one of the L.A. teams does not end up with one of the better guards in the NBA.