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Not all NBA starters can be sure of their position in the ultra-competitive environment that the league has. Nor can they be sure they won't be traded considering the volatility of the market and desires of a franchise's executives. On the other hand, some stars in recent years, such as James Harden, have been able to force their way out of an organization in search of pastures anew.
When the 2021 NBA Finals are complete, attention will immediately turn to the free agency market and also what trades teams are contemplating. The rumor mill has already begun to spin out the usual outlandish suggestions, though there are some stars whose names keep cropping up and are more likely to be on the move.
There are few things more exciting for NBA fans in the offseason than reading about the newest star added to the roster and what he can do for the franchise. In this article, we will run down five of the league's regular starters who could be traded prior to the 2021-22 campaign.
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5 NBA starters who could be on the move this summer
#1 Ben Simmons
As reported by Shams Charania on Tuesday, the Philadelphia 76ers are listening to trade offers for the two-time All-Defensive first-team member Ben Simmons. The Aussie guard had a disappointing playoff campaign with the Sixers and the franchise's window of opportunity to win a championship with him and Embiid on the court seems to be closing.
To sign the former Rookie of the Year, though, teams will have to offer an All-Star in return for the 76ers to even listen. The Indiana Pacers have already had an offer rejected by Philly for not meeting their demands after they tried a trade that included Malcolm Brogdon and a first-round pick.
Although Simmons frustrated the Philadelphia 76ers fanbase in the postseason, there is no denying his offensive creativity and his defensive flexibility. The former No.1 overall pick led the NBA in steals in the 2019-20 campaign, finished seventh for steals this year with 1.6 per game and is capable of guarding one through five due to his athleticism and size.
#2 Damian Lillard
Since Damian Lillard's future is not as tenuous as Simmons', he comes onto our list second but could arguably be involved in the biggest blockbuster trade of the summer. In fact, the Portland Trail Blazers and 76ers could formulate a deal involving the two players swapping homes, though the Sixers would have to cough up a lot more than just the young guard.
Lillard openly voiced his frustrations with the Trail Blazers' hunt for a new head coach and reportedly has concerns about the franchise's ability to build a contender around him. If it does become clearer that the free-scoring, six-time All-Star is inclined to move to a new NBA team, several teams beyond Philly will be in a position to make up an offer for him. The most intriguing choice could be the Golden State Warriors.
We have seen a backcourt pairing of Steph Curry and Lillard before in the NBA All-Star game, and with the Warriors' abundance of draft capital and Andrew Wiggins, they could make the Trail Blazers a sizeable offer.
#3 Kristaps Porzingis
Another player who has struggled in the postseason, and with the writing on the wall regarding his future, is Kristaps Porzingis. The 7'3" big man has shown patches of his excellence while with the Dallas Mavericks, but the franchise needs more from a second star to put alongside Luka Doncic and his inability to stay healthy remains unnerving.
The biggest issue facing the Mavs in trying to move the Latvian is his contract. Porzingis is still owed north of $30m for the next three years before he becomes an unrestricted free agent and in his final year (2023-24) will earn $36m.
Nevertheless, as when Dallas brought him on, another team could choose to take a chance if they are struggling for productivity in the paint. Porzingis is an elite-level scorer who has averaged over 20 points a night for the past two seasons and can shoot from beyond the arc with effectiveness as well as inside.
#4 John Collins
In the same report by Shams Charania mentioned earlier, he also noted the current interest in the market for restricted free agent John Collins. The Atlanta Hawks power forward is due for a contract extension and while he will likely receive a big offer from his current organization, it may not be the one he feels he deserves.
Collins' performances in the Hawks' run to the Conference Finals added yet more onto his value in the offseason, averaging 13.9 points off 54% shooting and 8.7 rebounds. He has undoubted potential with athleticism and size to defend bigger wings and craftier guards as well as shot-making ability from across the floor.
Several teams, including the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks (if they trade Porzingis) will certainly be looking to make the 23-year-old an offer he can't refuse this summer.
#5 Collin Sexton
Also due for an upgrade on his contract this summer is Cavs guard Collin Sexton. After being drafted by the franchise in 2018, Sexton has consistently improved his offensive performances, leading the team in points this year with 24 per game. He is an excellent scorer, connecting with 47% of efforts but Cleveland will be wondering what the ceiling is regarding his poor defensive game.
Sexton has had a negative defensive box +/- in each of his three campaigns, but could be worth the gamble for a team with a strong unit around him who need a knockdown shooter. Leading the charge for a dynamic, young guard are the New York Knicks, who could pair Sexton with soon-to-be sophomore Immanuel Quickeley and Derrick Rose coming off the bench.
