First Star to be Traded

[pipfan]

I think a lot of big names could be on the move in season

Which player below will be dealt first?

[giberish]

AD feels like the most urgent based on recent stories, but will a team trade for him without seeing him healthy and in-form (but Dallas doesn't want to play him and have him get injured again)?

Lauri should have been dealt years ago but Utah insists on getting paid reluctant seller prices for a guy they should be motivated to move.

None of the others feel likely until Jan. and the earliest.

[pipfan]

AD feels like the most urgent based on recent stories, but will a team trade for him without seeing him healthy and in-form (but Dallas doesn't want to play him and have him get injured again)?

Lauri should have been dealt years ago but Utah insists on getting paid reluctant seller prices for a guy they should be motivated to move.

None of the others feel likely until Jan. and the earliest.

I think Sac pulls the plug and moves Sabonis before Jan-they're going NOWHERE and need assets to start over

[SlimShady83]

AD feels like the most urgent based on recent stories, but will a team trade for him without seeing him healthy and in-form (but Dallas doesn't want to play him and have him get injured again)?

Lauri should have been dealt years ago but Utah insists on getting paid reluctant seller prices for a guy they should be motivated to move.

None of the others feel likely until Jan. and the earliest.

Hopefully to the Lakers Lauri

[Mr Swagtastic]

One of AD, Kyrie or Sabonis would be my pick.

[LarsV8]

I think the Ja Morant stuff is going to deteriorate quickly.

[jbk1234]

Ja started against the Cavs last night and left the game with *calf soreness* after looking a little frustrated. In fairness to Ja, I'm not sure how good he'd be in that motion offense if he were 100% bought in, but he's clearly not bought in. He gets my vote.

[brackdan70]

I assume Ja is highest on the list of his team wanting to trade him, but I think trade partners will be hard to find. AD does need to play and prove he is healthy before a team will give up fair value for him. Sac should look at trading Sabonis.
I went outside the box and voted JJJ. Memphis can get real value for him, where they can’t likely for Ja.

[pipfan]

I assume Ja is highest on the list of his team wanting to trade him, but I think trade partners will be hard to find. AD does need to play and prove he is healthy before a team will give up fair value for him. Sac should look at trading Sabonis.
I went outside the box and voted JJJ. Memphis can get real value for him, where they can’t likely for Ja.

I don't know who would make a "fair" offer for Ja.

He's a tough fit in most places

[ChettheJet]

I went with Sabonis because I think he brings back players while most of the others bring back picks and expirings for rebuilding. But it could be almost anybody

[Wolveswin]

I really like Zion to Spurs. See if he can save his career in Spurs organization.

Make it a bigger deal with Murphy/Zion to Spurs.

Call Hawks and offer Hawks own 2027 1st back, add Spurs draft capital in the Zion deal as needed, to get NOP their 2026 1st back from Hawks.

[Godaddycurse]

I really like Zion to Spurs. See if he can save his career in Spurs organization.

Make it a bigger deal with Murphy/Zion to Spurs.

Call Hawks and offer Hawks own 2027 1st back, add Spurs draft capital in the Zion deal as needed, to get NOP their 2026 1st back from Hawks.

Hawks are not making that trade. 2026 NOP 1st is gold

[Wolveswin]

I really like Zion to Spurs. See if he can save his career in Spurs organization.

Make it a bigger deal with Murphy/Zion to Spurs.

Call Hawks and offer Hawks own 2027 1st back, add Spurs draft capital in the Zion deal as needed, to get NOP their 2026 1st back from Hawks.

Hawks are not making that trade. 2026 NOP 1st is gold

Right now it is. Pelicans aren’t tanking right now - they just happen to suck. But they won’t out tank teams trying to tank (already) and those who will tank (by trade deadline).

[HornetJail]

Ainge selling high on Lauri should happen any week now imo

[Wolveswin]

Ainge selling high on Lauri should happen any week now imo

I like Markkanen (and other Jazz vets) to Philly for Paul George and 3x 1sts Philly has to offer. Probably needs some swaps added too.

[Godaddycurse]

I really like Zion to Spurs. See if he can save his career in Spurs organization.

Make it a bigger deal with Murphy/Zion to Spurs.

Call Hawks and offer Hawks own 2027 1st back, add Spurs draft capital in the Zion deal as needed, to get NOP their 2026 1st back from Hawks.

Hawks are not making that trade. 2026 NOP 1st is gold

Right now it is. Pelicans aren’t tanking right now - they just happen to suck. But they won’t out tank teams trying to tank (already) and those who will tank (by trade deadline).

They will still be in the lottery/wont be making the play-in imo. i would keep that lottery chance in this strong draft

[Wolveswin]

Hawks are not making that trade. 2026 NOP 1st is gold

Right now it is. Pelicans aren’t tanking right now - they just happen to suck. But they won’t out tank teams trying to tank (already) and those who will tank (by trade deadline).

They will still be in the lottery/wont be making the play-in imo. i would keep that lottery chance in this strong draft

That is probably true. Hawks could get sweet value with the position NOP is in. Start with 2027 own unprotected 1st back, extinguish a Hawks swap, add from there. Maybe Hawks would value Murphy direct to them. Strike now.

If NOP doesn’t tank (which they can’t without getting own 2026 1st back) they should be late lotto. 8-14 range. After trade deadline I think we see 3-5 teams openly tanking, 2-4 teams more than passively tanking, including 2-3 teams that just suck (with NOP in last bucket).

[Astaluego]

AD feels like the most urgent based on recent stories, but will a team trade for him without seeing him healthy and in-form (but Dallas doesn't want to play him and have him get injured again)?

Lauri should have been dealt years ago but Utah insists on getting paid reluctant seller prices for a guy they should be motivated to move.

None of the others feel likely until Jan. and the earliest.

I think Sac pulls the plug and moves Sabonis before Jan-they're going NOWHERE and need assets to start over

I agree they need a reboot, but on the other hand, I see them capable of doubling down, and in fact, they're my favorites to take over AD...DDR+Monk+Carter+Selections? Ellis/Lavine/Murray/AD/Sabonis... on paper, it looks good.

[babyjax13]

I think a problem that may manifest is that there are so many "stars" available that they are going to dilute the market and teams will hesitate to move off of them. The quickest to move will be the player a team is motivated to sell for the lowest price. I think that is going to be Ja, Trae, or Sabonis. I would be mildly surprised, at this point, to see Lauri or Siakam traded - though I think both teams should make those moves.

[theBigLip]

Good list. Nothing happens until Dec 15 or whenever the end of the restrictions to trade players signed in the offseason. Easier to get things done.