5 NBA players who could be on the trade block after the start of the 2021-22 NBA season

Sacramento Kings v Houston Rockets
Sacramento Kings v Houston Rockets

#3 Myles Turner

Indiana Pacers v Denver Nuggets
Indiana Pacers v Denver Nuggets

We've heard for years now that Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis do not idealize one another. Both bigs are more than deserving of starting spots in the NBA, but Sabonis is certainly on another level of player with an All-Star appearance under his belt last season.

They have made it work for a few seasons now, but the idea that Sabonis would be more maximized at center with more wings alongside side him could be a path to improvement for the Indiana Pacers.

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Turner likely holds significant value around the NBA as an elite three-and-D role player at 6'11". For the last two seasons, Myles Turner has attempted upwards of four threes per showing and knocked down 34.0 percent of them. He is also deservedly regarded as one of the best rim protectors in the league, and Indiana's defensive scheme is fitted to that.

The aforementioned combination of size and skillset is both rare and highly sought after in the modern game. If the Pacers can use Turner to acquire additional perimeter talent, it could even out their roster and optimize the play of Domantas Sabonis.


#2 Eric Gordon

Washington Wizards v Houston Rockets
Washington Wizards v Houston Rockets

John Wall could have made this list, but the Rockets' search for a trade partner for Wall has been well documented. Less mentioned is the idea of Eric Gordon spending his last season suting up in Houston after six years. The shooting guard has been inconsistent at times, but his ability to score in bunches should be valued throughout the NBA.

Injuries also play a factor with Gordon, who recorded just 27 games last season, and 36 in total the year prior. But the Houston Rockets are fully embracing the youth movement centered around the recent number two selection, Jalen Green. Along with Green, Houston should be enabling the growth of Kevin Porter Jr., Alperen Sengun, Christian Wood, Usman Garuba, Jae'Sean Tate, and Josh Christopher.

Playoff rosters who are seeking scoring threats could look towards Gordon's skillset. The complication lies around his lucrative three-years and $58-million remaining on his contract, with the final season being non-guaranteed.

If another NBA team is able to find expiring matching salary, I would imagine that little more would need to be included to convince Houston to move on from Eric Gordon this season.


#1 Coby White

Chicago Bulls v Charlotte Hornets
Chicago Bulls v Charlotte Hornets

Coby White has already shown the ability to score the ball in the NBA at just 21 years old. Yet the former seventh overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft found his name in trade rumors last offseason, likely due to his unideal fit alongside Zach LaVine and the rest of the Chicago Bulls roster.

Factor in the offseason signing of Lonzo Ball and consider the guard depth supplied by Alex Caruso and new draftee Ayo Dosunmu. Coby White's days may be numbered in Chicago.

Throughout his sophomore campaign in the NBA, the 6'1'" guard averaged 15.1 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.1 rebounds on 41.6 percent from the field and 35.9 percent from three on 6.6 attempts per night. While his playmaking capabilities make him better suited as someone who plays alongside other high-level creators, his scoring acumen can be complimentary in the right scenario.

Zach LaVine is phenomenal, but a point guard who can make life easier for him (Lonzo Ball) could take his game to another level. Coby White should garner a decent return, and the Chicago Bulls could use a defensive boost to their roster, primarily in the frontcourt.

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Edited by Arnav Kholkar
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