While there are still some notable restricted free agents out there, the NBA free agency period has settled down for now, and the landscape for the NBA is taking shape for next season. Even so, could there be a sneaky blockbuster trade that nobody sees coming late into the summer, much like the Karl-Anthony Towns trade to the Knicks last September?
After trading for Kristaps Porzingis and drafting Asa Newell, Atlanta reached a pair of huge free agent signings on the first day of the free agency period. The Hawks signed Wolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker to a four-year, $62 million deal in a sign and trade that sent a 2027 2nd-round pick (via CLE) to the Wolves. Then, the Hawks signed free agent guard Luke Kennard to a one-year, $11 million deal. Not only that, but they got an unprotected first-round pick from the New Orleans Pelicans in a draft-night trade. Given the massive injuries in the Eastern Conference next season, it seems that the Atlanta Hawks are going for it and making moves to put themselves in a position to contend. One area they could still use some depth is at small forward, a third center. or another ball-handler. They have one roster spot remaining after signing last year's second-round pick Nikola Durisic to a standard contract and reportedly signing Magic forward Caleb Houstan to a one-year deal.
All conversations around the Lakers seem to revolve around whether or not LeBron James is going to be moved, which still seems unlikely. The biggest need for the Lakers heading into the offseason was center, and while the Lakers signed Deandre Ayton, there is no guarantee that he will be the player the Lakers need. Should they move some of their expiring contracts in hopes of getting better around the recently extended Luka Doncic and James?
Indiana was going to be one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference next season before they lost Tyrese Haliburton to injury and did not re-sign Myles Turner. This seems like a gap year for Indiana, but they could make moves to be competitive this season while also freeing up money for when Haliburton returns.
So how about a trade where each of these teams tries to fill a need?
It should be noted that this is just a speculative and fun exercise to see what kind of moves can be made, not what I think the Hawks or any other teams should do or will do. That is all.
Hawks Receive: Maxi Kleber
Pacers Receive: Gabe Vincent and an unprotected 2028 1st round pick swap (via LAL)
Lakers Receive: Jarace Walker
Why the Hawks do this trade: The Hawks get another PF/C who can come off the bench and even be a backup center option for when Kristaps Porzingis has to be out. Kleber is a solid shooter, shooting 35.4% from three for his career and giving Atlanta more size. He is on an expiring deal and the Hawks are not moving anything to acquire him.
Why the Hawks don't do this trade: A few reasons. This would put the Hawks in the luxury tax, something they have not done. Atlanta could pay the tax, especially since this appears to be a year they are going for it in terms of competing in the Eastern Conference, but I will believe it when I see it. The other main reason is that Kleber is often injured, which might not be ideal given Porzingis and his injury history. Kleber did not play for the Lakers after coming over in the Luka Doncic trade.
Why the Lakers do this trade: They get a former lottery pick who would be able to help them in the frontcourt. Walker has struggled to stay healthy so far with the Pacers, but his talent is undeniable. Walker has played a small role during his first two years of the season, but could be ready for a breakout on the right team. He is a 40.4% career three-point shooter and brings a lot of energy. They move off of a negative contract and get someone who can help them now and into the future.
