NBA
Ranking the Top 5 NBA Trade Candidates in 2023
Create your own rankings of the top 5 NBA trade candidates in 2023 from Zach LaVine to Fred VanVleet to Bojan Bogdanovic
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Pro Sports Outlook’s sixth episode of “The Countdown” features a ranking of the top 5 NBA trade candidates in 2023. ‘The Countdown’ aims to be the #1 sports rankings show in the world where debates get settled and fans are given the power to voice their own opinions.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a league filled with talent, and every year, there are several players who become trade candidates. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as a lack of playing time, a desire for a change of scenery, or a need for a different role on a new team. In 2023, several players are expected to be on the trade market, as teams look to improve their rosters and make a push for the championship.
Some of these players may be veteran stars, looking for a chance to compete for a title before they retire. Others may be younger players with potential, who are looking for a fresh start and a new opportunity to showcase their skills. There are several factors that can make a player a top trade candidate. For example, a player’s contract, skill set, and position on the depth chart all play a role in determining their trade value. Additionally, a player’s age, injury history, and off-court behavior can also impact their trade stock.
As the NBA continues to evolve, so do the types of players that teams are looking to trade for. In the past, big men and traditional centers were highly valued, but today, the league is shifting towards a more perimeter-oriented game, which means that wings like Shooting Guards and Small Forwards are becoming more valuable. Overall, the 2023 trade market promises to be an exciting one, with many talented players potentially on the move.
Whether teams are looking to make a big splash and acquire a star player, or simply add depth and balance to their roster, there will be plenty of options available. As the season progresses and the trade deadline approaches, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on the top NBA trade candidates, to see where they end up and how they impact their new teams.
Players are only eligible to make this list if they are likely on the market and then the rankings are based on which of those players would have the most impact on their future team. Honorable mention includes: PF John Collins (Hawks), G Terry Rozier (Hornets), SG Gary Trent Jr. (Raptors), G Eric Gordon (Rockets), PG Mike Conley (Jazz).
Here are the top 5 NBA trade candidates. Do you agree? Create your own rankings below!
– Bulls are currently out of a play-in spot (11th seed)
– Zach LaVine just signed a 5y/$215.2M max contract
– Bulls PG Lonzo Ball hasn’t played a game in over a year
Chicago was hoping to emerge as a title contender after acquiring Nikola Vucevic, DeMar DeRozan, and Lonzo Ball to support Zach LaVine but they now find themselves outside the playoff picture looking in, which could lead to massive changes in the Windy City with the team’s best two players potentially becoming available which would instantly alter the Championship odds for whoever they join.
– Fred VanVleet’s $22.8M player option will likely be declined
– Masai Ujiri has a long history of trading key Raptors players
– Raptors currently have a bottom-6 record in the NBA
No GM is more willing to make key players expendable than Masai Ujiri who built a Championship-winning team in the 6ix by doing exactly that. With Fred VanVleet potentially looking to join a new team in free agency, Ujiri could instead acquire assets that could help Toronto going forward, like a much-needed Center to pair with Scottie Barnes in the Raptors’ future frontcourt. OG Anunoby, Gary Trent Jr., and even Pascal Siakam could also be traded if Toronto decides to sell at the deadline as they look like they could miss the postseason for the second time in three years.
– Bogdanovic is averaging a career-high 21.4 PPG in 2022-23
– Detroit has the worst record in the Eastern Conference
– Star PG Cade Cunningham suffered a season-ending injury
As soon as Bojan Bogdanovic signed with the Detroit Pistons over the offseason, it seemed like he could quickly be exchanged for draft capital or younger players that fit more in line with Detroit’s rebuilding timeline, similar to Jerami Grant who was eventually shipped to Portland. Bogdanovic is a valuable veteran who will instantly bring a scoring punch to a contender.
– Pacers drafted a 1st round Center in 2 of the last 4 drafts
– Myles Turner will be a free agent after the season
– Posting career highs in almost every category in 2022-23
Myles Turner is a true shot blocker who can also shoot the 3-ball effectively as a rare D-and-3 Center. He’s putting up career highs across the board but as a pending free agent, his trade rumors could finally yield an actual transaction as the Pacers look to build around Tyrese Haliburton who is four years younger than Turner. Indiana may have already drafted Turner’s replacement in Isaiah Jackson.
UPDATE: Indiana agreed to a 2y/$60M extension with Myles Turner which will keep him off the trade market (for now).
– The Timberwolves are D-Lo’s 4th team in 8 career seasons
– Minnesota T-Wolves are hovering right around .500
– Star teammate Karl-Anthony Towns only has 21 GP in ’22-’23
D’Angelo Russell is a well-traveled player already for his age (26) and could be looking for a new home after the trade deadline. He’s a free agent at the end of the year and could be looking to leave Minneapolis after a tumultuous 2022 postseason and a disappointing season for the T-Wolves so far in 2023. D-Lo still has a lot of offensive skills that could be the missing piece for a contender needing a PG (like the Clippers or Mavs).
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