The 2020 NBA offseason has churned out its fair share of surprises, from intriguing free agent signings to blockbuster trades. But the one move that had plenty of jaws drop on the floor was the Houston Rockets and Washington Wizards deal that sent Russell Westbrook to the Wizards in exchange for John Wall and a 2021 first-round pick.
While there have been rumblings of that trade even before the actual transaction, it’s astounding how both sides managed to reach an agreement this close to the start of the 2020-21 season.
Judging by how unpredictable the NBA environment has become this year, that Westbrook-Wall shocker might not be the last one we’ll see in the coming months.
There are likely more deals being concocted considering a lot of All-Stars have been rumored to be changing zip codes.
Sure, most of these speculations are considered hearsay until proven otherwise, but all bets are off when you take into account the craziness that is 2020.
Here are five blockbuster trades that fans want to see get done this upcoming season.
James Harden NBA Trade to the Brooklyn Nets or Philadelphia 76ers
With Russell Westbrook now out of the picture in H-Town, some pundits believe that The Beard trade saga is finally over. But judging by recent developments involving Harden and the Rockets, his relationship with the team appears to still be fractured.
The one-time NBA MVP has yet to report to training camp due to breaking the league’s strict COVID-19 guidelines. He was earlier spotted partying without a mask on. Making matters worse, new Rockets head coach Stephen Silas revealed that he hasn’t yet spoken to the 31-year-old superstar.
Harden’s camp reportedly prefers to be shipped to Brooklyn to reunite with former teammate Kevin Durant and share the backcourt with Kyrie Irving. However, Houston brass is firm to get another superstar in return for a Harden trade, making that Nets trio unlikely to happen.
Other reports claim that Harden would also welcome a reunion with Daryl Morey, who now calls the shots behind a desk in Philadelphia. The Sixers can actually offer a war chest of assets packaged around Ben Simmons.
Still, the likelihood of Harden wearing a different jersey by the start of the season remains relatively slim. But what happens if one day he decides to force Houston’s hand? A disgruntled superstar always spells disaster for franchises, and Harden’s exit in Clutch City may actually be inevitable.
Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat
The likelihood of this happening is even smaller than a possible James Harden deal. The two-time NBA MVP has already expressed his commitment to the Bucks (for now), while the team brass already said they will not trade Giannis regardless if he signs the extension or not.
Then again, history suggests that players and teams don't have a great shooting percentage when it comes to fulfilling promises. Giannis’ latest comments about not minding being a third option suggest that maybe his heart is no longer in Wisconsin.
If there’s any team in the league who could stage such a coup of plucking away the Greek Freak, it’s the Miami Heat. Pat Riley has done this time and time again, so much so that some fans are actually accustomed to it by now.
Sure, they can wait a year and just sign him in free agency, but Miami won’t risk losing a bidding war if they can just trade for him this season. If the Bucks somehow regress this season, this could be a possibility. Miami could pull out all the stops, especially if they can get a commitment from Giannis that he will re-sign.
DeMar DeRozan to the Los Angeles Lakers
DeRozan's rumored homecoming certainly got Lakers nation pumped up. However, those plans were derailed when the Lakers traded away Danny Green’s contract, which could have been used in a possible deal for DeRozan.
DeRozan wisely picked up his player option for this season, but it’s clear that the Spurs really don’t have him in their future plans.
Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich already proclaimed that some big changes are coming in San Antonio, with DeRozan probably the first big name to go. While Pop has already expressed his disdain for helping out Western Conference rivals (particularly the Lakers), a potential deal with the 2020 champions might be the one that makes the most sense.
DeRozan will likely walk away during free agency next season, so they might as well get some value while they can.
If for some reason LA hits a slump in the regular season, the Lakers could shake things up by creating a trade package involving Kyle Kuzma, along with a surplus of expiring contracts. The Lakers are in a win-now mode so they would likely be lenient giving away future draft picks. DeRozan will likely play the remainder of his contract in Texas, but don’t be surprised if he somehow ends up in Hollywood mid-way into the season.
Kevin Love to the Golden State Warriors
This potential deal may not be as groundbreaking as the earlier ones on the list, but this has been on the rumor mill for a while now. Love may no longer be the walking double-double that he once was, but that shooting range and excellent court vision is just tailor-fit for the Dubs.
Golden State lost its best catch-and-shoot guy in Klay Thompson. Kelly Oubre Jr. is a nice addition, but don't expect the Jayhawk to fully cover the void temporarily left by the Cougar. Trading for Love makes the most sense for the Warriors right now even at the risk of losing promising guys like Eric Paschall and future picks.
The Cavs are also embracing their youth movement, for now, making it even more mind-boggling that they held on to Love for so long. The 32-year-old forward’s stock is still significant, so Cleveland must jump the gun while it still can.
The Warriors, meanwhile, want to reclaim their spot as top dogs in the West and a guy like Love could help them get there.
Ben Simmons NBA Trade to the Milwaukee Bucks
Simmons’ name has been linked to the Rockets and the Warriors in several NBA trade rumors, but this potential move to Wisconsin is actually gaining traction as of late.
The Bucks would practically do whatever it takes to entice Giannis to stay. Adding more superstar talent is a good start, but the Bucks have somehow failed to do that this offseason. Acquiring Jrue Holiday was nice, but failing to secure Bogdan Bogdanovic definitely hurts their case.
Some observers are suggesting that Milwaukee should offer a mammoth package for Simmons, one that includes Khris Middleton, Donte DiVincenzo, and a surplus of draft picks.
The Sixers, of course, likely would not turn this one down and should pull the trigger on such an offer if it comes.
There's a case to be made that Antetokounmpo and Simmons mostly offer the same qualities. But while it can also be argued that Middleton is better suited alongside a player like Giannis than Simmons, the Australian's presence in Milwaukee could ultimately convince Antetokounmpo to stay.
Plus, the Sixers’ star playmaking prowess would be a godsend for the Bucks team, especially for Giannis who will no longer have to work hard to get his points.
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