The NBA Draft is finally here and besides the next wave of talent coming into the NBA, there could also be movement around the league as teams aim to trade for certain prospects, or proven talent to boost their rosters. Pre-draft trades started off with a bang last night, as the Detroit Pistons sent Jerami Grant to Portland for a 2025 first-round selection and other draft assets. This is likely just the beginning of trades that we'll see during, or prior to the NBA Draft.
1. Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers
It’s been reported that Indiana is exploring the trade market for both Center Myles Turner and Guard Malcolm Brogdon. The Pacers are a team that has been heavily involved in trade rumors, especially since the blockbuster trade for Tyrese Haliburton, which sent All-Star forward Domantas Sabonis to Sacramento. After the Sabonis trade, it was assumed that Turner would be safe for the time being, but with multiple teams desiring a big man who can stretch the floor while also being able to protect the rim. The Hornets are a team that has been linked to a possible trade for Turner, as they look to improve their interior defense this offseason. Turner has one year remaining on his current contract, slating him to be an unrestricted free agent in the 2023 offseason. The 2015 lottery pick averaged almost thirteen points per game, just under three blocks, and shot thirty-three percent from three in forty-two games for the Pacers last season.
2. John Collins, Atlanta Hawks
John Collins has been mentioned in trade rumors dating back to the trade deadline, as Atlanta is reportedly looking to move their starting Power Forward. It’s been reported that Atlanta is looking to move Collins, in the hope that they can receive another young star to play alongside Trae Young. The market for Collins should be robust, as the five-year veteran is only twenty-four years old and could have his best years still ahead of him. In fifty-four games during the 2021-2022 season, Collins averaged around sixteen points and just under eight rebounds per game for Atlanta. Some teams that could be in the mix for Collins include Sacramento; including a potential trade for the number four overall pick, Portland, and Dallas.
3. Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz
After long-time Head Coach, Quin Snyder stepped down, questions instantly arose about the Jazz’s plans for the future including what they could potentially do with stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell. I don’t see the Jazz moving Mitchell, but I do believe they could be shopping Gobert, who has been involved in trade discussions since the Jazz were eliminated by the Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs. Gobert, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, is set to have multiple suitors if he and the Jazz have agreed to part ways. Gobert averaged around fifteen and a half points, nearly fifteen rebounds, and two blocks per game in sixty-six games for the Jazz a season ago, and was a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year. Chicago, Atlanta, and Toronto are three teams to watch, for a potential trade for Gobert.
4. Malcolm Brogdon, Indiana Pacers
As previously stated, Indiana is looking to move both Brogdon and Myles Turner before the draft, as the Pacers look to build around Tyrese Haliburton. Brogdon signed a two-year extension with Indiana in October for forty-five million, giving a potential trade for Brogdon better long-term value. Brogdon has been a reliable two-way guard when healthy, however, he’s had trouble staying on the floor, Brogdon has appeared in less than sixty games in each of the last three seasons. In thirty-six games for the Pacers a season ago, the 2017 Rookie of the Year averaged nineteen points, five rebounds, and nearly six assists (5.9) per game. The New York Knicks and the Washington Wizards are two teams that have been linked to Brogdon.
5. Matisse Thybulle, Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia is reportedly looking to trade the number twenty-three pick along with 2019 first-round pick Matisse Thybulle to create cap space. Thybulle’s numbers won’t blow you away, however, Thybulle plays the role of a ‘three and d wing’ nearly to perfection. Thybulle is a two-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection who has his best years still ahead of him as Thybulle is only twenty-five years old. A trade for Thybulle likely wouldn’t be a blockbuster-type deal or contain a star player, but Thybulle should have a decent-sized market, as he’s a young player that can have an important role on a contending team.
*All stats received from ESPN Stats & Info. Department