NBA Teams That Consider Making Major Roster Changes
The NBA is a league of change, and that is partially why fans love it so much. There are constant major changes throughout every offseason as teams make major roster moves to signal new shifts in direction. Oddsmakers can barely keep up with all the transactions as teams odds rise and fall dramatically throughout free agency and the draft. Sportsbooks like BetVictor Canada rush to try to stay ahead of gamblers wagering on their favorite teams to win during the offseason.
There are several teams that have not done enough this offseason. While they've made minor tweaks and changes, more dramatic moves are needed. Let's look at some franchises that should consider major changes.
Toronto Raptors
Rumors have been flying around the Toronto Raptors for a while now, and so far, the only thing they’ve done is let Fred VanVleet walk in free agency. Both Pascal Siakam and O.G. Anunoby would fetch massive returns on the market, but the Raptors have yet to determine whether to move them. This team needs to commit to a direction instead of straddling the middle. They have a franchise centerpiece in Scottie Barnes and an intriguing young talent in Gradey Dick, so fans want them to commit to the future, trade their top players, and begin a rebuild.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls are another team that has hugged the middle. This roster, with aging talents Demar Derozan, Nikola Vucevic, and Zach LaVine, is not a real contender. They have a clear cap at a first or second-round exit. So, what's the point? There are young players here like Patrick Williams and Coby White that could grow with more opportunity. But the Bulls seem content to be a play-in team and continue to avoid another full-fledged reset.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers might be a controversial inclusion. They are a team built to contend immediately, with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, as well as veteran role players and very little young talent. However, this team doesn't seem poised to go anywhere, thanks to the fragility of its star players. Leonard and George are elite, but if they can't be healthy at the same time, then there's no hope for this team. However, a new stadium is coming to L.A. for the Clippers, and they won't want to be rebuilding when it arrives, so expect them to stay the course.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves took a massive roll of the dice when they traded for Rudy Gobert last offseason. After one season, it is safe to say that was a bad decision. They pushed their chips into the middle in a move that didn't make sense, clogging up the paint and reducing spacing for rising star Anthony Edwards. They are now in serious trouble because no one will want Gobert at his current contract. They might have to consider trading Karl-Anthony Towns to replenish their asset cupboard and get rid of some clunky lineup issues. Building around Edwards is critical.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks are in a unique position because they have a centerpiece that is elite right now that they shouldn't trade. However, their team-building around Trae Young has been spotty. Bringing in Dejounte Murray was an intriguing idea, but it didn't work out how they hoped. They need size and scoring. A player like Pascal Siakam would be an ideal fit alongside Young. They also should consider trading away Clint Capela to open a bigger role for Onyeka Okongwu, who is a great defender and rising talent that needs more minutes. A focus on the future could pay off.
|