Marvin Bagley is expected to be part of multiple NBA trade rumors in the coming days, as the Sacramento Kings center has hinted towards a summer exit from the franchise. Bagley is a versatile big who can play both the power forward and center positions, and it won't be a surprise if he is a part of numerous bids in the offseason.
2021 NBA offseason: 3 franchises that should attempt to acquire Marvin Bagley from the Sacramento Kings
Marvin Bagley chose to exercise the player option on his contract for the 2021-22 season, but after his recent social media activity, it wouldn't be a surprise if he requests a trade.
Here are three teams who are in need of a big, and should look to make a trade for the former second-overall pick.
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#1 Miami Heat
The Miami Heat will browse the market for a center this summer, considering the fact that Bam Adebayo is the only reliable option they have on the roster at that position. The Heat had to part ways with Meyers Leonard following a racism controversy, and since then Adebayo has been tasked with an immense workload.
The front office did sign Dewayne Dedmon to compensate for Leonard's loss and to split minutes with Adebayo at the 5, but it is unlikely the veteran will stay for another season.
Marvin Bagley is an option Erik Spoelstra's team can consider trading for. Bagley is set to make $11 million during the 2021-22 NBA season, which makes him an affordable option to have. Spoelstra likes his bigs to fill out both the 4 and 5 positions, and Bagley is of that exact mold.
However, Marvin Bagley's defense might present a huge concern for the Miami Heat, who pride themselves on being a defense-first outfit. Spoelstra is an expert schemer and will probably devise a plan to hide Bagley on defense, which means the Heat should not shy away from calling up the Kings' front office this summer.
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#2 Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks' 2021 NBA postseason campaign ended on an unceremonious note, as Luka Doncic and co. were knocked out by the LA Clippers in seven games. The team's need for a center was evident throughout the series, as Kristaps Porzingis and Maxi Kleber had unproductive outings.
The Mavericks have already begun a mass exodus, parting ways with long-time general manager Donnie Nelson and head coach Rick Carlisle. The team is also expected to cut ties with multiple players as owner Mark Cuban wants to build a contender around talismanic guard Luka Doncic. The Slovenian is set to sign a Supermax extension this offseason.
Marvin Bagley will be an enticing option for the Dallas Mavericks to have on their roster. The Mavericks struggled from the 3-point line in the regular season, which came back to haunt them in the playoffs as well. Marvin Bagley shot a respectable 34% from downtown, which makes him a good fit for the Mavericks squad.
#1 Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors' decision to let both Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka leave last season turned out to be an extremely poor one, as the team struggled to get production from their starting centers. Chris Boucher had a career year off the bench, but it is highly unlikely that he will be able to sustain that kind of form going into the 2021-22 NBA campaign.
The Raptors' biggest weak link is their frontcourt. OG Anunoby is a versatile defender who can guard 1-5, but is offensively limited. Aron Baynes is a role player who doesn't have the skillset to be a starting 5 in the postseason.
Hence, the Toronto Raptors should explore a trade for Marvin Bagley in the summer. Marvin Bagley averaged 14 points, 7 rebounds and one assist during the 2020-21 regular season.
Marvin Bagley will provide the Raptors with a much-needed offensive thrust, and there is a possibility of his defense improving under the tutelage of Nick Nurse.
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