Is it Time to Move On? — Three NBA Stars Who Should Be Traded

Ben Simmons, a player whom many think will be traded this offseason

Right now the in the NBA, there has been more parity than what we have seen for the last couple of years. New superteams such as the Lakers and Clippers have emerged which in turn has boosted NBA viewership across the world. However, with the emergence of multiple championship contenders there have been some NBA players whose talents have gone under the radar due to their teams not being as good. On the contrary there are others whose skills are simply not working with the needs of their team. Whatever their reason is let’s look at three NBA stars who should be traded.

Also, there are players such as Devin Booker or Bradley Beal who people many want to see be traded. These players have been continuously talked about so I will primarily focus on some quieter names who should also be on the trade market.

3. CJ McCollum

McCollum enters is in his 7th season, yet to make an All-Star appearance

CJ McCollum has played with the Portland Trailblazers his whole career but I think it is time to trade him. He and Damian Lillard have developed themselves as one of the most elite backcourt duos this decade. However, as we know they haven’t made it to the NBA finals yet. As talented as CJ is, I think the Blazers should start to explore trades for him if they plan on competing long term. With the NBA hiatus currently going on, the Trailblazers are the 9th seed in a loaded Western Conference. We know the Blazers to be better than this and trading CJ could be a way they could get better. The Blazers do not need another star necessarily, instead they could be looking to get some nice role players to compliment Dame.

2. Blake Griffin

From L.A. to Detriot, many believe Griffin’s career is going downhill

Blake Griffin is probably the most interesting player who I think should be traded. However, many people forget that just last year Blake Griffin made the All-NBA Third Team. Though people do question his appearance on the team it shows how the media and league officials still recognized Blake Griffin’s talent. Technically, last season was a top-fifteen player in the league which shows how valuable Griffin could be. Take a team like the Thunder or the Orlando Magic who playoff contenders. The addition of Griffin could seriously improve their odds of making the championship. While it may be hard for a lot of teams to take on his salary, Blake Griffin could become an important piece to teams who have championship hopes.

1. Nikola Vucevic

Vucevic, who will turn 30, in October, has played 7/8 seasons in Orlando

Nikola Vucevic is an interesting name to throw out in trade talks. Vucevic made his first All-Star appearance last year and led the Magic to the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference. While he did not play very well, it shows how valuable Vucevic could be to a team in need of a center. Perhaps teams like the Brooklyn Nets could trade some of their younger pieces to get Vucevic. I believe that it is rebuilding time in Orlando. They have underperformed consistently ever since Dwight Howard left. Trading Vucevic could bring them young talent but also rejuvenate Vucevic’s career too.