With lots of big name NBA players looking to be on the move in summer 2021, you can definitely expect some major trades to go down. Lots of teams will be looking to re-tool and add some much needed star power while other teams will be looking to move on from some big name players to get them off their payroll and give them more salary cap flexibility.
In other organizations there's been internal issues between star players, coaches, and the front office that have led to poor team chemistry. With all this in mind, let's take a look at the five superstars who are most likely to be traded in the 2021 NBA offseason.
NBA Offseason Buzz: 5 Stars Likely To Be Traded
It's a toxic situation that's been stewing in Portland ever since the Trail Blazers got eliminated by the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2021 NBA playoffs. Damian Lillard has publicly stated his disapproval with Portland's front office. Their continual inability to put a strong supporting cast around their loyal NBA superstar has pushed him to the brink of demanding a trade.
Given all he's done for the Trail Blazers over his Hall of Fame caliber career, it's only fair that he get his due and be put in a situation that allows him to compete for multiple titles before he decides to hang up his sneakers. With no clear resolution in sight and Lillard already having multiple teams inquiring about his services, it's becoming more and more likely that Dame Time will be taking his talents to a new team this summer.
Due to nagging injuries and a hefty salary that he hasn't lived up to during his time in Dallas, the Mavs will be looking to move on from Kristaps Porzingis this summer. After publicly showing dismay with his role on the team and a growing feud with franchise star Luka Doncic, Porzingis definitely hasn't done himself any justice in Dallas.
Despite his recent shortcomings, Porzingis is just 25 years old and still has plenty of time to improve his game and develop new skills, and in the right system with a new coaching staff he most certainly could thrive. However, due to an inconsistent showing in this year's NBA playoffs and a previously shown inability to co-exist with Doncic, Porzingis will more likely than not find himself on the NBA trade block this offseason.
Ben Simmons
After an abysmal performance during the Sixers second round series against the Hawks, Bens Simmons has caught a lot of flack for his passive play on the offensive end that was heavily exposed by Atlanta's defense. At just 24 years of age, Simmons still has lots of potential and upside to his game.
He just needs the right situation and an opportunity to fully develop his game where he won't be burdened with the pressure of being the go-to guy in close games.In spite of his recent shortcomings and offensive deficiencies, there's still plenty of teams willing to take a chance on Simmons and transform him into an elite two-way player.
With the Sixers looking to make Embiid the focal point of their franchise, they'll do all they can to maximize his championship window while looking to pair him with another star. Having taken all this into account, Simmons will more than likely be on the moving on from Philly this NBA offseason with a trade out of town.
After a stellar 2019 season that saw him win the NBA's most improved player award where he also played a pivotal part in them winning the championship, Pascal Siakam's time with the Toronto Raptors may be nearing the end. After a few verbal altercations with Raptors head coach Nick Nurse this season, Siakam will likely to fall out of the Raptors rotation.
Plus with him recently having undergone surgery for a torn labrum with an unknown timetable for his return, Siakam could be on his way out of Toronto very soon. With all this happening, Siakam could see himself donning a new jersey come next season.
Still just 25 years of age, Pascal Siakam could still bring his speed, agility, and athleticism to a playoff contender with his track record as a lockdown defender and slasher in this league. If the Raptors don't want him, there's plenty of NBA teams who will come calling about his availability in a trade.
After just one season with the Washington Wizards where Russell Westbrook's triple-double madness was put on full display and set records, it wasn't enough to get them past the Sixers in the first round of this years playoffs. Add to that the Wizards moving on from Scott Brooks to Westbrook's disliking which he has made very clear to the team. This could spark rumors around the NBA that a Westbrook trade isn't unheard of.
As arguably the most athletic point guard the game's ever seen, Westbrook still has plenty left in the tank and would be a welcome addition to a team that's an all-star caliber point guard away from title contention. Having said all this, the Wizards will most likely be looking to move on from Russell Westbrook this offseason.
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