Los Angeles Lakers – D’Angelo Russell
Every LeBron James-led team has to identify a possible scapegoat for when things start to go south, as it’s not usually the best player in the world’s fault that his team is underperforming. While LeBron has seemingly aged out of the “best in the world” debate, his level of eminence will remain for the lifetime of his NBA career.
Russell is the natural choice here, as he was once a highly regarded player who makes more money than his current production would justify. His salary and reputation, though, will make him a more valuable trade chip than nearly any non-Lebron or Anthony Davis player on the Lakers.
Phoenix Suns – Deandre Ayton
There are pretty much only four viable trade candidates on the Phoenix Suns, and they all make upwards of $30 million per year. With the Suns and new Governor Mat Ishbia likely to want to give their new core of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal at least one year to try to win the title, it’ll be Ayton who is moved if the Suns come to the conclusion that they’ll need more depth in order to secure the championship.
Still only 25 years old, if Ayton can come out of the gates and prove that he can be a cornerstone on both ends of the court, there should be plenty of franchises willing to part ways with their role players and other pieces in order to obtain him.