It's time to talk NBA trades.
Well, actually, it's always time to talk NBA trades.
Still, this feels like a particularly good time since the offseason might finally enter the down period between the summer reshuffling of rosters and the fall opening of training camp. So, let's get to the hypothetical wheeling and dealing then with a trade idea for all 30 teams to mull over.
Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks receive: Kelly Oubre Jr., James Bouknight and 2023 first-round pick (lottery-protected, via DEN)
Charlotte Hornets receive: Clint Capela
The Hawks don't need to trade Capela, but it could help balance the roster. This group looks good at guard and up front, but the wing spots still run a little shallow.
This could help correct that. Oubre is a lanky, athletic swingman who can cause havoc defensively, pile up transition points and, in a good year, offer a decent blend of volume and accuracy with his outside shot.
Bouknight, last year's No. 11 pick, and the first-rounder are wild cards, but Atlanta might need more long-term assets after parting with three firsts (and a swap) in the Dejounte Murray deal.
While Capela is a good player, the hope for the Hawks is that a combination of Onyeka Okongwu and John Collins could cover the center spot without missing a beat. If Okongwu reaches his full potential, the simple act of him replacing Capela could eventually bump this club's ceiling up a story or two.
Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics receive: Kenyon Martin Jr. and 2024 second-round pick
Houston Rockets receive: Payton Pritchard
There's a universe in which the Celtics could make great use of Pritchard's sharpshooting and sound decision-making, but it doesn't seem like we're living in it. Not when he faces a barricade to get to the floor with Marcus Smart, Malcolm Brogdon and Derrick White monopolizing the minutes at point guard next season.
In our reality, Boston could make better use of Martin, who wanted a way out of Space City, even before Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason arrived on draft night.
Now, Martin wouldn't be guaranteed to get minutes with the Celtics, but his athleticism and upside could allow him to carve a niche in this frontcourt as a high-energy finisher. If they can coax consistency out of his outside shot—he's a career 36 percent shooter from deep but only 66.7 percent at the line—they could develop him into a valuable piece of their reserve rotation.