There are a number of NBA teams that shouldn't be satisfied with their rosters heading into the 2024-25 season. The Phoenix Suns are loaded with talent, yet the addition of Tyus Jones as the likely starter at point guard means moving Bradley Beal to the bench or starting Devin Booker at small forward. Neither are desirable options and could hurt Phoenix's defense, one that already ranked 13th overall last season.
The Chicago Bulls still have 29-year-old Zach LaVine on the books, yet have committed to a rebuild after trading Alex Caruso for Josh Giddey and watching DeMar DeRozan leave in a sign-and-trade. Swapping the two for each other doesn't make sense, as both play the same position and bring similar skill sets to the table. To move both Beal and LaVine, we'll need the help of some extra teams, ones that are desperate to add a third star (even if they are overpaid), collect draft picks, or both.
The Los Angeles Clippers and San Antonio Spurs stand out as two likely trade partners, albeit for different reasons. Los Angeles is probably going to fall out of the playoffs in a loaded West with Paul George gone. San Antonio has some financial flexibility for the next three years until Victor Wembanyama signs his max rookie extension.
Both should be willing to take on talented players like Beal or LaVine, especially if the price is low and there's some draft incentive thrown in. Here's what a framework for the three-team trade would look like: Los Angeles Clippers Receive: SG Bra.