The 2023 NBA offseason brought about significant changes and player movements, but as always, there were some trades that seemed like missed opportunities. Let’s take a closer look at five NBA trades that should have happened this summer.
Five NBA Trades That Should’ve Happened This Offseason
1. Golden State Warriors Receive: Dorian Finney-Smith / Brooklyn Nets Receive: Jonathan Kuminga and Gary Payton II
The Golden State Warriors have embraced a win-now mentality with Stephen Curry at the helm. While Jonathan Kuminga has a bright future, the Warriors could have maximized their championship chances by acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith. His defensive versatility and floor spacing would have been invaluable in their quest for another title. The Brooklyn Nets, with a more relaxed championship timeline, could have allowed Kuminga to develop further.
2. Boston Celtics Receive: Tyus Jones and Ryan Rollins / Washington Wizards Receive: Malcolm Brogdon and 2024 First-Round Pick (Top-Four Protected, via GSW)
The Celtics and Wizards made a major trade this offseason involving Marcus Smart and Kristaps Porziņģis. However, Malcolm Brogdon’s discontent was apparent, and the Celtics could have benefited from Tyus Jones’ playmaking skills. Washington, in return, could have extracted more assets from this deal while focusing on their long-term plans.
3. Indiana Pacers Receive: Pascal Siakam / Toronto Raptors Receive: Buddy Hield, Daniel Theis, Obi Toppin, 2025 First-Round Pick (Top-Five Protected), and 2027 First-Round Pick
The Pacers invested in their power forward rotation but could have elevated their present by adding Pascal Siakam. His skills would have complemented Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner, making the Pacers a formidable team. The Raptors, on the other hand, could have focused on their long-term prospects, building around Scottie Barnes.
4. New York Knicks Receive: DeMar DeRozan / Chicago Bulls Receive: RJ Barrett, Quentin Grimes, and 2024 First-Round Pick (Top-10 Protected)
The Knicks, aiming for more than mediocrity, needed an external lift to reach the top tier of the Eastern Conference. DeMar DeRozan, a proven late-game performer, could have addressed their clutch-time issues. Meanwhile, the Bulls, entering a rebuilding phase, could have gained valuable assets to shape their future.
5. Brooklyn Nets Receive: Damian Lillard and Jusuf Nurkić / Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Ben Simmons, Spencer Dinwiddie, Noah Clowney, Dariq Whitehead, Day’Ron Sharpe, 2025 First-Round Pick (via PHO), 2027 First-Round Pick (via PHO), and 2029 First-Round Pick (via DAL)
Damian Lillard’s trade request remained unfulfilled, but a trade involving the Brooklyn Nets could have clarified their win-now intentions. Lillard’s presence alongside Mikal Bridges would have elevated the Nets in the Eastern Conference. The Blazers, in return, could have kickstarted their post-Lillard era with a treasure trove of assets.
In the dynamic world of the NBA, missed opportunities in the offseason can shape a team’s future. While these trades didn’t materialize, they serve as intriguing what-ifs in the ever-evolving landscape of professional basketball.
