Buckle down ladies and gentlemen because the NBA trade deadline possibilities in 2022 promise to be mouth-watering. February 10th is right around the corner, and the drama that usually comes with this date has been just as advertised this year.
We may not see the likes of Damian Lillard get moved, but there are still plenty of big hoopers in the parquet sea.
So let’s take a look at the best NBA trade deadline possibilities in 2022 and see who might be packing their bags and changing their jerseys.
NBA trade deadline possibilities 2022
Before we get into potential NBA trade packages, it’s important to note that there is a myriad of players on the trade block.
With the play-in tournament giving playoff hopes to lower seeds, expect a lot of teams to be active before the deadline.
In this article, we’re going to look at NBA trade deadline predictions for some of the hottest teams that are looking to take control of their basketball destiny.
Sixers finally move Simmons
Kings receive: Ben Simmons, Furkan Korkmaz
Sixers receive: Harrison Barnes, Buddy Hield, 2 future first-round pick
Let’s start off big!
The Kings are currently sitting at 13th in the Western Conference. They’ve also missed the playoffs for the past 15 years. That’s a record no franchise wants!
Luckily in today’s NBA, teams seeded 13th still have a shot at jumping up to 10th and making it to the play-in tournament. That is why the Kings are aggressively looking to improve their roster this season.
So why not go for Ben Simmons?
Simmons would be less of a ball-handler on this Kings team and can live up to his true potential.
Meanwhile, the Sixers HAVE to trade him before the deadline. They also have to be more flexible with their ask for him.
Adding shooters like Harrison Barnes and Buddy Hield around Joel Embiid can make the Sixers a scary team come playoff time.
It’s time to pull the trigger on Simmons and move on from this nightmare for both sides.
Knicks gamble on Westbrook
Lakers receive: Kemba Walker, Evan Fournier, Nerlens Noel, Kevin Knox
Knicks receive: Russell Westbrook, Kent Bazemore
You know the basketball Gods aren’t happy when LeBron James has to make a Twitter apology to Lakers fans.
The Lakers are currently 24-27 and 9th in the Western Conference, and their problem is that they have many problems. They lack depth, their defense is horrible, their bigs aren’t good enough, and they can’t shoot the 3. But without any doubt, the scapegoat for the Lakers’ problems this season has been Russell Westbrook.
Shipping Russ to New York might work for both teams.
Kemba Walker did not turn out to be the franchise point guard the Knicks have been looking for. Westbrook, however, has the potential to be if he can return to his Wizards form.
He also has a huge chip on his shoulder and could be just the spark the Knicks (and Julius Randle) need to turn their disappointing season around.
On the flip side, Kemba and Evan Fournier can provide shooting the Lakers desperately need, and Nerlens Noel can bring much-needed energy down at center.
Kings add Collins
Kings receive: John Collins
Hawks receive: Harrison Barnes, Davion Mitchell
The NBA trade deadline possibilities in 2022 for the Kings should not end with Ben Simmons.
If they can’t pry the Sixers’ guard from Darryl Morey’s clenched fist, John Collins should be their plan B. Collins should fit in seamlessly next to De’Aaron Fox, especially in transition.
Both players are fast and explosive, and they could also do considerable damage with their pick and roll game. The Kings should really consider this trade if they plan on breaking their record playoff drought.
As for the Hawks, their season has been underwhelming to say the least, especially after making the Eastern Conference Finals last year.
Enter Harrison Barnes!
Barnes is a consistent, versatile veteran who could fit beautifully on offense while improving Atlanta’s defensive tenacity. Davion Mitchell would also add to the Hawks’ defensive prowess, although he could be lacking on offense.
But Atlanta’s a young team, and so is Mitchell. It could be an investment that pays dividends in the future.
Clippers add another All-Star
Clippers receive: Domantas Sabonis, Justin Holiday
Pacers receive: Luke Kennard, Ivica Zubac, Keon Johnson, Brandon Boston Jr, future first-round pick
Domantas Sabonis is one of the best NBA trade deadline players available. That’s why he should command a high price.
The Clippers should throw everything they have at this trade. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are not getting any younger, and they are both very injury-prone. Adding a third star around them should be a priority if the Clippers want to contend next year.
Sabonis is an elite passer and can play any role the Clippers require of him, while Justin Holiday can fortify any defense and space the floor on offense.
Indiana on the other hand can rack up great talent in Luke Kennard, Ivica Zubac, Keon Johnson, and Brandon Boston Jr. Add to that a Clippers’ future first-round pick, and they could be set up for a bright future.
Knicks shift Randle’s contract
Knicks receive: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Rui Hachimura, Aaron Holiday, future first-round pick
Wizards receive: Julius Randle
The Wizards are currently 11th in the Eastern Conference and despite another lackluster season, it doesn’t seem like they will be moving Bradley Beal.
Beal knows he’ll get paid during free agency, but the question will be if he gets paid in Washington or somewhere else.
Considering the NBA trade deadline possibilities in 2022, adding Julius Randle next to Beal could sway him to stay with the Wizards.
Randle isn’t having the all-star season of last year, but maybe a change of scenery and some Bradley Beal can change that.
At the Knicks’ end of things, moving Randle now before his stock plummets even further could prove to be vital.
Adding a 3&D player like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a potential star in Rui Hachimura and a future first-round pick would definitely be considered a win.
What to expect at the 2022 NBA trade deadline
As per every deadline, expect surprises and dark horses to emerge last second and battle for big names.
The NBA trade deadline possibilities in 2022 seem endless. So keep a lookout and enjoy the deadline’s gift of giving.
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