NBA Trade Rumors: Predicting the most likely trade candidate on all 30 teams heading into the start of the 2023-24 NBA season.
Last season all but two teams made a trade during the 2022-23 NBA season – the Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat. As is almost the case nearly every season, some players are going to be unhappy with their role or a team’s expectations just may not match their results.
With all this in mind, I will try to predict the most likely trade candidate for each team heading into the start of the season.
Atlanta Hawks: De’Andre Hunter
In 2022, the Hawks signed Hunter to a four-year, $90 million extension which would kick in this season. For most of his career, he has underperformed for what you would expect out of a 4th overall pick who has also had injury concerns throughout.
If they do not see a significant improvement from Hunter this season, they may look to cut costs and give him a fresh start. The team traded for Saddiq Bey at the 2023 trade deadline, who will most likely take Hunter’s spot in the rotation.
Boston Celtics: Payton Pritchard
Payton Pritchard recently signed a four-year, $30 million extension with the Boston Celtics right before their first preseason game. The young guard was unhappy with his role on the team last season as he garnered minimal playing time and struggled to get going when Celtics coach Joe Mazulla called his name.
Brad Stevens made big changes to the roster this season trading much of their depth pieces for Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis which should open the door for Pritchard, however, with his previous distaste with the team about his role now might be the time he finds a new home.