The 2019/20 NBA regular season is only eight days old, but a handful of potential contenders may be starting to think about how to fill the obvious holes on their rosters, says ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
For instance, Windhorst believes that the Celtics will be keeping an eye on the trade market this season in search of a possible upgrade at the center spot. Boston was always expected to be thin up front after losing centers Al Horford and Aron Baynes, but missed games from Enes Kanter and Daniel Theis in the early going have exacerbated the issue.
Windhorst identifies Steven Adams and Clint Capela as two centers the Celtics might have on their radar, though he cautions that the Thunder have told teams they view Adams as part of their future. As for the Rockets, they expect to be a contender and may not want to move their starting center, but executives are still watching Capela — Windhorst notes that the Rockets explored moving the big man early in the 2019 offseason, so it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if they do so again.
Here’s more from Windhorst:
- Windhorst believes the Sixers would like to add a shooter — not a star, but someone who can reliably knock down three-pointers and space the floor. While Philadelphia may ultimately turn to the buyout market, the club has several extra second-round picks available if a trade target emerges.
- The Trail Blazers could use a scoring forward, according to Windhorst, who thinks the Thunder‘s Danilo Gallinari is a more realistic target than Kevin Love. Gallinari’s expiring contract would make more sense, given Portland’s long-term cap outlook.
- Rival executives view Kyle Kuzma and Danny Green as the Lakers‘ best trade assets, but both players will be important contributors in Los Angeles. With few other viable trade candidates, the Lakers may ultimately have to rely on the buyout market if they want to acquire a ball-handler and/or a wing defender, writes Windhorst.
- Windhorst wonders if the Nuggets might try to find a small forward capable of slowing down stars like Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James in the postseason. Torrey Craig is Denver’s best option for now, but if the team seeks an upgrade, Andre Iguodala could be a target. Using Mason Plumlee‘s $14MM expiring salary, the Nuggets might be able to put together an offer that appeals to the Grizzlies, says Windhorst.
Blazers have enough scoring, what they need is defense and rebounding
Definitely need a bigger lockdown wing defender. Hezonja needs more minutes and hopefully Nassir Little can develop quickly because Anthony Tolliver is not the answer. Harkless would be so good on this team lol.
Harkless’s skills definitely didn’t show in the stat lines but he was a very important piece of the team.
Yeah Portland need a 3/4 that can score around 15 points, can space the floor and can defender at a good level. I also think because the West just keeps getting stronger and teams keep bringing in more and more talent that giving up a first to get someone good in a long contract would be alright.
I’m still thinking Harrison Barnes would be a good fit. He can play 3/4, last year he shot 41% from 3, he averages about 15 points and 5 rebounds and is a nice defender.
Plus the Kings said they regret giving Barnes that big deal maybe there is an opportunity there. Hassan Whiteside, Gary Trent Jr plus a protected first for Barnes and Yogi Farrell.
Kings already have Bogdan and Ariza who can play SF, plus getting Barnes deal off the books for Whitesides expiring deal may be what they want plus a protected first. Portland get their man and a capable back up PG.
Lillard McCollum Barnes and Nurkic all on long term deals.
Boston would have to give the Rockets a huge offer for them even to consider trading Capela. Unless the Celtics offer something like both Tatum and Brown they won’t even entertain their calls.
What in the world are you smoking bruh, Tatum and Brown..?? You’re clearly lacking some brain cells.
Jaylen Brown and Daniel Theis for Sabonis And Tj McConnell and a second rounder.
Boston’s gets a real big in Sabonis, plus Smart can start at SG making the team better defensively. McConnell Edwards and Langford make up the reserve guards.
Indy get another good two way player in Brown who would pair well with Oladipo. They also get Theis as 4/5 cover and give more minutes to Aaron Holiday with McConnell gone.
Celtics aren’t trading Brown or Tatum. Just not happening for Capela or anyone else for that matter. DA might trade #1 pick and some 2’s with a package of young talent such as G Williams, Langford or maybe R Williams and Theis. Some combo of 2 young players with a #1 and 2 etc.