The NBA is currently in the middle of an extended hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. While the league is planning on starting a postseason tournament this month, it only makes sense to start looking towards the future. Virtually anything can happen after such a long break, so teams are better off preparing to bolster their roster for next season.
This is especially true for teams that think they are within striking distance of a title in 2021. These are three trades that the NBA title contenders should consider this offseason.
Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James has had his best success in the NBA when he plays on the floor with excellent shooters. This allows James to look for an open shooter at the three-point line every time he drives the ball. Danny Green was supposed to fill this role in 2020, but he has not seen much success in Los Angeles. The Lakers are also likely to lose Avery Bradley and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in the offseason. Perhaps the best option for Los Angeles in the trade market right now is Nemanja Bjelica, as the tall power forward is currently the eighth best three-point shooter in the league.
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets roster is severely lacking in depth at the center position right now. They are likely going to start PJ Tucker at center during the playoffs. Tucker is only 6’5″, and he spent the majority of his career playing small forward. Luckily, the Indiana Pacers look poised to trade Myles Turner in the offseason. Houston will likely need to put Robert Covington in that trade to make the money work, but that is a small price to pay to fill a much bigger hole.
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors struggled all season with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson on the sideline injuries. With these two superstars fully healthy next season, Golden State could instantly become a title contender once again. The biggest hole on their roster, however, is at the center position. Unfortunately, they do not have much freedom to make a big trade due to salary cap issues. This leaves Ed Davis of the Utah Jazz as one of the only viable trade options. His solid defense and excellent rebounding is just what the Warriors need to compliment Curry, Thompson, and Andrew Wiggins.