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The NBA trade deadline predictions 2022 are finally here. We have half of the season already in the books and judging by the current playoff picture, we could be in for a trade deadline for the ages.
NBA trade deadline predictions 2022
As per usual, multiple All-Stars are looking at changing sides before the end of the season. Expiring contracts, salary dumps, tanking teams, and franchises looking to make a late push will shape one of the most important days of the season.
That’s why today, we’ve put together our NBA trade deadline preview, featuring what we think will be the biggest stories of the season. Check out what’s bound to happen in the following weeks:
Domantas Sabonis stays put
The Indiana Pacers are reportedly asking for multiple first-round picks for Myles Turner. And, while it’s not that he’s not worthy of that, we can’t help to wonder what their asking price for Domantas Sabonis will be. In all reality, the All-Star big man may not gauge the trade value they require, even if he’s one of the best players available at the deadline.
Multiple teams are reportedly interested in both Turner and Sabonis and for very good reasons. Then again, there’s not too much incentive to overpay for a player who wants out of a team that doesn’t need him either. So, either they meet someone in the middle, or he’ll just stay put.
Cavs make a big move
According to the latest NBA trade news, the Cleveland Cavaliers are a team to watch. They’ve been one of the most surprising and entertaining teams in the league this season and not even Collin Sexton‘s injury has slowed them down. If anything, it has only led to a bigger breakout by Darius Garland.
But even despite their great season, the Cavs could still use another scorer and a perimeter defender. They have plenty of young, appealing assets. They’ve been a top-4 team in the East all year long and we expect them to strike a big deal.
Knicks land Jerami Grant
The New York Knicks could be desperate to make a big move after struggling to find any sort of offensive rhythm this season. Julius Randle has regressed and some claim he may not be a part of the team’s plans for the future going forward.
Our NBA trade deadline preview has Jerami Grant as one of the most sought-after players in the league right now. The Wizards and Lakers have expressed their interest in the versatile forward. But with the Knicks having the best trade package and some desperation to compete, we expect them to make a big offer.
Ben Simmons stays in Philadelphia
Someone could offer 15 first-round picks, stock options, and the second coming of Michael Jordan and Daryl Morey would still say it’s not enough for Ben Simmons. The Philadelphia 76ers’ asking price for Simmons has gone from steep to delusional and it’s unlikely that any team will even come close to it.
Morey’s alleged plan is to hold on to Simmons until the summer and then work a sign-and-trade for James Harden. Given their relationship, that may not be far-fetched at all. Multiple teams have already given up on Simmons and for good reason, as they’re just asking way too much for a player who wants to leave.
Lakers fail to strike a deal
The Los Angeles Lakers have been tied to nearly every single big name in the league. But in reality, there’s only so much they can do with the assets they have right now. Other than Talen Horton-Tucker, Austin Reaves, Kendrick Nunn, and a 2027 first-round pick, there’s nothing they can offer.
Frank Vogel’s team is in desperate need of help and defense but they’re not likely to be able to pull off a big deal. Trading away Russell Westbrook could fix some of their issues but no one will take him and the $44 million left in his contract. We’re sorry, Lakers fans, but the change will have to come from within.
Bulls shock the world again
The latest NBA trade news has the Chicago Bulls as aggressive suitors for a power forward. Their roster is nearly complete but they still need a versatile four who can hold his own on defense against the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant.
While that could be easier said than done, we should never sleep on Arturas Karnisovas. The Bulls have shown that they’re ready to win now and won’t hesitate to be aggressive. They could move Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and/or Patrick Williams if the return is good enough. There’s a lot of talk about Chicago in NBA trade deadline predictions 2022.
Celtics stay still
Brad Stevens has yet to make any in-season moves after shaking things up in the offseason. Some claim the Boston Celtics are in for a rebuild and that they should hit the drawing board, but that just doesn’t seem likely, at least for the time being.
Stevens will give the Jaylen Brown – Jayson Tatum duo another season to figure things out. And, while Marcus Smart could gauge some trade interest, it doesn’t seem like there’s much interest to move him, if at all. The Celtics will look pretty much the same by the end of the season.
Blazers go in panic-mode
Let’s face facts: Damian Lillard isn’t coming back this season. He said that he won’t play for a Draft pick, and the Portland Trail Blazers would be wise to just tank this year. That’s why they’re likely going to go through a fire sale come the date of 2022 trade deadline.
The Blazers can move Jusuf Nurkic, Robert Covington, CJ McCollum, and Norman Powell for picks. They can turn those picks into All-Stars in the offseason or even part ways with Lillard and go through a long-overdue rebuild. Whatever is the case, we expect them to trade most of their veterans.
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