The NBA trade deadline is one of the most exciting times of the season. Trades happen every year that determine the contenders and the pretenders. Some teams pack it in by trading for cap room and picks. Other teams use the trade deadline to get the extra piece that puts them into the playoffs and towards an NBA Championship.
There are rarely any trades that truly shake up the entire association. In 2010, the Lakers traded for Pau Gasol in a deal that would build a small dynasty and shake up the league. In 2004, the Detroit Pistons traded for Rasheed Wallace which put them over the top. Last year, the Sacramento Kings sent DeMarcus Cousins to the New Orlean Pelicans. However, most of the blockbuster trades from recent memory occurred before the season.
That doesn't mean fans and teams can't consider blockbuster trades that would rock the entire association. This year, it is especially important to go all in for a trade that could bring a championship. Some teams have improved their records in both conferences but adding talent is always critical for a postseason push.
Nonetheless, it appears that the Golden State Warriors are headed for another NBA Finals battle which will probably result in a win for Golden State again. Both teams have more talent on their roster than even the teams closest to them in regular season record.
The Cavaliers appear to be in turmoil worse than previous seasons. That makes the Warriors an even bigger favorite to win the title. It also leaves a door open for another team to get out of the West. Here are five crazy trades that would shake up the NBA trade deadline.
5. The Pistons get a point guard for Drummond
Why The Pistons do it
Detroit is desperate for a playoff berth and relevancy. A few years ago, they made a splash before the deadline when they cashed in some assets for Tobias Harris. Still, they missed the playoffs last year and they're currently in the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference.
Adding Kemba Walker would be a welcomed addition for Detroit. His presence on pick and rolls would be amazing. He's also a blue-collar worker who would fit the Pistons and Stan Van Gundy. Pairing him with Andre Drummond would give them a good inside-outside duo.
Why the Hornets do it
The Hornets are already shopping Walker, according to rumors. People like me thought Walker and Dwight Howard would be enough to make some news in the East but it hasn't. They're the 11th seed and headed nowhere fast.
Thus, the Hornets better move some salary with Walker. That means sending Marvin Williams' contract which still has three years remaining. Williams is averaging just a bit under 10 points and five rebounds this season but he will make around $29 million over the next two seasons.
Ultimately, the Hornets make this move as an addition by subtraction. They get out of Williams' long-term money and enter full tank mode. Charlotte does not have to worry about signing Walker in a few years too. It is clear that a team built around him is not a sustainable championship team.
Charlotte gets Jackson who hasn't been the same player since he tore his ACL a few seasons ago. Anthony Tolliver is a veteran expiring contract. The Hornets will pray that a change of scenery will help Stanley Johnson too. Johnson was the 8th pick in 2015.
Why it is crazy
First, it is crazy because it was inspired by Bill Simmons. Second, it is crazy because it is unclear if either team benefits in the long-run. Charlotte sheds some salary but they still take on Reggie Jackson's bloated contract. Detroit gets Walker but is that enough to become a contender in the East?
Lastly, it is crazy because it is just realistic enough that it might happen. As far as shaking up the league, it proves that the Hornets are back to rebuilding. That means moving other big contracts like Nicolas Batum, Cody Zeller, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Dwight Howard. Any takers?
Meanwhile, the Pistons have the length and veteran presence to at least give a top team in the East a hard-fought series. Walker, Avery Bradley, Williams, Harris and Drummond earns you a playoff seed on paper.
4. Milwaukee tries to go all in again
Expectations were super high when the Milwaukee Bucks traded for Eric Bledsoe earlier this season. They're still just barely in the 8th seed over Detroit. Trading for DeMarcus Cousins at the NBA trade deadline immediately changes that.
Why the Bucks do it
The Bucks would get a center unlike any other in the East. He'd give them a mismatch at the position over virtually any team in the conference. Cousins is averaging 25 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. At 27, he is shooting 35 percent from three-point range too. That's a great talent to match any team in the East. Milwaukee would also get Cousins' bird rights before free agency. That makes it easier to keep him after this year.
Imagine a starting five with Bledsoe, Kris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Boogie? That's a lengthy and versatile starting five capable of battling any team including the Warriors. Thon Maker, Matthew Dellvedova, Rajon Rondo and Mirza Teletovic give them some solid role players off the bench too.
Why the Pelicans do itÂ
Cousins has been in trade rumors all season. He has shown a willingness to adapt his game to compliment Anthony Davis. However, the pairing is still only good enough for the seventh seed in the West at the moment.
Not to mention, the Cousins rumors revolve around his pending free agency. Will he want to stay with the NBA team closest to his home state of Alabama? Are the Pelicans willing to offer him max money?
If the answer is no, then the Pelicans could do well to add a package of John Henson, Jabari Parker and Malcolm Brogdon. All three could help the team retool around Davis for cheaper than re-signing Boogie.
Brogdon won rookie of the year last season. He is playing two guard beside Bledsoe at the moment and Brogdon could resume a similar role on the Pelicans. Parker is a variable. He's super talented when injuries are not keeping him off the court. Parker could be a value in free agency next year. The Pelicans get to see what he looks like before determining his value next year. Henson is a solid player who could play both the four and five positions beside Davis. He's 27 and averaging 8.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks.
Why it is crazy
This is crazy trade because it creates another super team in the East, yes. However, this deal is even crazier because the Pelicans just traded for Cousins last year. It is even crazier because the Bucks could only keep Boogie until the end of the season. What a one-year rental!
Besides the super team, this deal also shakes up the league because it adds another variable in the future of Cousins. He is one of the biggest free agents in the upcoming summer. This trade could make a lot of teams hoping to sign him very sad.
3. Boston adds more firepower
The Celtics hold the first seed in the Eastern Conference. However, the Cavs are still considered the favorites since the Celtics are relying on Irving's scoring and playmaking as well as an aging Al Horford. Without Gordon Hayward for the year, Boston could use another scoring option. How about Devin Booker?
Why the Suns do it
Phoenix traded Eric Bledsoe earlier this year and they appear to be building around Devin Booker. The 21-year-old is averaging 25.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists.
However, they will need to give Booker max money sooner than later. It is also unclear if the Suns are even on the cusp of building a substantial contender around him. It makes sense to tank for a higher pick in the upcoming draft since Phoenix owns their own pick as well.
The Celtics own the Lakers' upcoming 2-5 draft pick as well as well their own. Phoenix should consider those prospects heavily. They would demand at least the Lakers' pick as well as Boston's own first round. The Suns also get out paying Tyson Chandler $13 million next year. They could just easily swap Chandler for Brandon Knight's contract in the deal too. Knight has a few more years left.
Not to mention, the Suns get Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart who could contribute and improve in expanded roles. Smart is averaging 10 points and 4 assists. Brown is averaging 14 points and 5 rebounds. After this trade, the Suns could easily add two picks in the top five to a roster that is already stacked with young talent at the wings.
Why the Celtics do it
If Boston is going to compete with Cleveland or Golden State then they need to add some offensive firepower. A two-way player like Booker instantly fits with Irving in the backcourt.
Booker is a career 36 percent shooter from three-point range which would compliment Irving's driving ability. Booker can also handle playmaking duties when Kyrie needs a rest or is getting doubled-team. Booker is also a selfless player who should mesh well when Hayward returns. Add Tatum to the group and Boston has a big-four for the long-term. That group of four will play both sides of the court and egos should not get in the way.
In the short-term, they also add Chandler as an ideal backup for Horford. Chandler is age 35 but he is still nearly averaging 9.8 rebounds and .6 blocks in 25.7 minutes. Chandler can give Horford a rest and he can help Horford slide into his natural position at the four when the team goes big.
Why this is crazy
Obviously, trading a 21-year-old scorer is crazy if you are the Suns. However, Boston might make an offer that they can't refuse. It would also make Boston a contender for the long-term.
Phoenix would head for full rebuild once again, while Boston would become the Golden State of the East. The implications are limitless especially when you consider free agency over the next few seasons.
Does Phoenix really need more draft picks? They already own draft picks from Miami and Milwaukee depending on where they land this year. They already have a bunch of young talent on the roster, do the Suns need more? Can Phoenix ever keep a star? It is definitely something to think about at the NBA trade deadline.
2. The Spurs load up for a run
Somehow, some way, the San Antonio Spurs are in the third seed in the Western Conference. They've played at that pace with Kawhi Leonard missing extensive time and Rudy Gay battling injury too. What if the Spurs went all in for another title shot?
Why the Jazz do it
This is addition by subtraction for the Jazz. They're 10th in the West but they own their own draft pick so it is probably time to blow it up and start over. The Jazz can start tanking for a higher draft pick.
Hayward is gone which set this team back. Ricky Rubio isn't working out in Utah. He's averaging only and 4.8 assists in 29.1 minutes which is his career low. Rudy Gobert has only played in 20 games. He's battled injuries throughout his career and this season is included. The Jazz can get out of both of their contracts and start building around Donovan Mitchell. Playing Derrick Favors at center might also make sense if the team wants to play a faster pace with Mitchell as the key player.
Rodney Hood is included because he is on an expiring deal and he has become redundant. He's probably not in their long-term plans since he is among trade rumors. Utah could demand draft picks from both San Antonio and Memphis to make this deal work. They would probably need a first rounder from both to get this deal approved.
Otherwise, Parker is an expiring deal and buy-out candidate. He's averaging 8 points and 4 assists at age 35. Patty Mills gives the Jazz another Australian player to pair with Joe Ingles and Dante Exum. Danny Green is added shooting, defense and a movable contract next year.
Why the Grizzlies do it
Memphis needs to blow it up too. Marc Gasol is 32-years-old, he is banged up, he has three more years left on his deal and the team is the 13th seed in the West. They will probably do their best to keep their first-round draft pick but they may get this deal done with a few protected draft picks or second rounders.
Tyreke Evens is having a great season at age 28 and he is still in trade rumors. He's averaging 19.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.9 assists. Evans was signed for the bi-annual exception so Memphis does not have bird rights and they might find it hard to keep him given their cap situation.
Hood is a younger alternative at age 25 and he will be a restricted free agent. The Grizzlies can give Hood the remainder of the year before assessing his contract value in the offseason. He's averaging 16 points in 28 minutes.
Plus, Gobert is essentially a younger Gasol. He's a double-double machine, battling injuries and one of the best defensive presences in the league. However, Gobert is only 25 and he might be worth forfeiting a first round pick. He's a slower paced player which is the style Memphis prefers anyways.
Adding Gobert and Hood to a team that includes bloated contracts of Parsons and Conley is at least a re-tool for the Grizzlies. It isn't a complete rebuild and both players are young enough to warrant the sacrifice of a draft pick at the NBA trade deadline.
Why the Spurs do itÂ
It was rumored that the Grizzlies would only move Marc Gasol if he asked. Would he ask for a trade that would have him playing with his brother after the deadline?
The Gasol brothers playing together would be a treat that is usually saved for international play. Nonetheless, Marc Gasol is also a nice defensive compliment to both Pau Gasol and LaMarcus Aldridge. The three big-men would give the Spurs a passing and shooting group at the four and five positions that are unmatched in the modern NBA. San Antonio might get even slower guarding smaller teams but who can guard that trio in the half court? Pau Gasol could also come off the bench at the center and power forward spots for some more bench scoring.
Additionally, the Spurs get Tyreke Evans who can give them some added firepower on the wings while Kawhi Leonard and Rudy Gay get healthy. When they come back, Evans could become a key playmaker off the bench like Manu Ginobili. Evans is also comfortable scoring and creating off the bench which makes him a great bench player for the Spurs. Maybe, he will even take a discount to stay in San Antonio after this season.
Not to mention, Gregg Popovich is probably the last hope for Ricky Rubio. If any team can hide his scoring deficiencies, it is the Spurs. San Antonio would miss Patty Mills' speed and Danny Green's three-point shooting and defense. Both players have made huge plays in postseason. Regardless, there are other capable players ready to fill their void on the roster.
Why this is crazy
This trade is crazy because the Spurs rarely make deals at the NBA trade deadline. It is not like them to shake up their chemistry, especially when they're playing so well. They might be better off waiting for Kawhi to return as their key addition before the playoffs.
Still, this might be an offer too good to refuse. The Spurs essentially reunite the Spanish team's big-three which is good for chemistry. They also get three players who are good at passing which should make them fits for in the Spurs' system and culture.
A three-way deal like this is also crazy because it turns the Jazz and Grizzlies into competing bottom feeders. Both were playoff contenders just last year.
Memphis gets more youth and desirable players but the Jazz gets more salary flexibility for a team that already has young talent. It is a toss-up as to which team made out better. Although, Utah does get points for getting some key members of the Australian team together in this deal.
1. The Cavs trade their draft pick
It has been said that the Cavaliers are saving the Nets' draft pick they acquired from the Celtics in the Kyrie trade in case LeBron James dips in free agency again. Cleveland might not have a choice since the team is in the third seed and they have lost seven of their last ten. Any team with James is playing for a championship or best. That's why his teams are always active at the NBA trade deadline.
One rumored trade includes the Cavaliers getting DeAndre Jordan and Lou Williams. That trade hinges on the inclusion of the Nets' pick. What if the Cavaliers could find a trade that helps them now and later? What if the Clippers went all in on a rebuild?
Why the Cavs do it
The Cavaliers get the defensive presence of Jordan. His size and double-double abilities give them something that the Warriors and Celtics cannot find an answer to. Jordan is averaging 11.8 points and 14.9 rebounds this year.
Williams is having a career year by averaging 23.4 points and 5 assists. He has the abilities to play both guard spots and he is willing to play off the bench or start. Williams is a great creator and he's shooting 40 percent from three-point range. He's a bargain, expiring contract too. That is exactly what the Cavaliers need.
Plus, the Cavs get Griffin who is both a compliment to James now and a potential replacement if LeBron leaves next year. Griffin is in the first year of a max-deal so he would become the Cavs franchise if LeBron leaves. He's averaging 22.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists this season. When Griffin is healthy, he can play at an MVP level.
Griffin paired with James would give the Cavs two versatile forwards with scoring, rebounding and passing ability. James would finally have someone as his Draymond Green. Griffin and James would matchup nicely versus the Warriors' Green and Kevin Durant in the NBA Finals.
Losing Kevin Love hurts the Cavs but he's been a regular in trade rumors since the Cavaliers got him. This might finally be the deal worth trading the draft pick and Love.
Why the Clippers do it
As a Clippers fan, nothing pains me more than trading away two key players like Griffin and Jordan. The two have built their games to compliment each other and they seem to enjoy playing together. Jordan is one of the most tenured Clippers players ever. However, Griffin's health is always a question mark and Jordan reached his ceiling as a player.
Therefore, it makes sense for the Clippers to blow it up. They own their own pick so they might be able to lose enough to turn that pick into something good after this trade. Pair that with the Nets' draft pick and the Clippers could finally get some quality young players playing.
Love coming to L.A. would be a great story and bonus. He is averaging 18.6 points and 9.4 rebounds as Lebron's sidekick. Love is also only a year older than Griffin but has two fewer years on his contract. That might make the bad contracts of Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith worth it. Both are who they are but a change of scenery could help them.
A nucleus of Love, Gallinari, Smith, Shumpert and Austin Rivers might have enough scoring and hustle to surprise some teams. There are just enough injury liabilities to keep the team losing and playing for the draft, without being completely throwing in the towel.
Sprinkle in whoever the Clippers get in next year's draft and the future will be much brighter in Los Angeles, especially since D.J. might leave the Clippers in free agency after the season anyway. The Clippers do this trade with or without inclusion of Channing Frye since he is just another expiring contract to match Williams' inclusion in the trade. Williams should not be a deal breaker for the Clippers to make this deal. They could even ask for another veteran at the minimum salary like Derrick Rose.
Why it is crazy
Obviously, this trade is crazy because the Cavaliers trade their best asset and the Clippers trade their franchise players. Not to mention, this might be the deal that keeps LeBron from testing the open market. A trade like this could not only help the Cavaliers win a title but it might keep James with the Cavs for the rest of his career. Plus, Love finally coming to L.A. is huge. Cleveland moving the contracts between Smith and Shumpert is big too. The Eastern Conference gets another star in Griffin which will definitely shake up the entire association.
Honorable Mention
Ultimately, it would be great to see a second-tier franchise like the Portland Trailblazers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Washington Wizards, Denver Nuggets, Philadelphia 76ers or Toronto Raptors find that final blockbuster that makes them an elite team. However, they're already heavily invested in the players on their roster. It was hard to find the assets to move for clear upgrades.
The Lakers and Knicks came to mind as willing trade partners desperate for a star. However, they might be best at trusting the process. That means drafting well and developing the players already on the roster. Los Angeles and New York may again rely on trying to recruit free agents rather than shaking up the NBA trade deadline.
Moreover, the Magic and Mavericks were also some teams that came to mind as sellers looking to get cap relief and draft picks and the deadline. Let's be real, no one on the Magic or Mavs is going to make a significant impact on another team.
How crazy would it be if even one of these aforementioned trades happened?
At the end of the day, none of the crazy trades may happen at the trade deadline. Teams usually don't like to shake up their teams too much in the middle of the season. If they did, it would definitely be crazy.
Who knows, maybe the 2018 NBA trade deadline is the year a team shakes up the entire association.
Future draft picks per RealGM.com. Stats via Basketball Reference. Salaries via Spotrac.com.