The NBA trade season is getting closer with the finals about to start and this summer rumors have DeMarcus Cousins as a main target for the Boston Celtics, while names like Brandon Jennings, Ty Lawson, Nick Young, Tyson Chandler, Isaiah Thomas and DeAndre Jordan could be traded this summer.
During the season Goran Dragic and Rajon Rondo were the biggest names to move and heading into the summer Cousins is the biggest name getting mentioned in rumors. According to Marc Stein at ESPN.com, the Celtics are likely going after Cousins in a trade this offseason, as they have the draft picks to make a major move. Stein writes that the "word out there is: Bank on it" regarding Cousins getting pursued by the Celtics, although that doesn't mean a deal actually will happen.
Earlier in the offseason there was a report that Nick Young could be on the trade block by the Lakers, while Chad Ford at ESPN reports that LA could be interested in Brandon Jennings. The Pistons brought in Reggie Jackson in a trade and if they sign him back, Jennings could be expendable. Lakers Nation reported that the team may "entertain" trade offers for Young this offseason. The Nuggets have shopped Lawson over the past year and NESN.com reports he could be a target for the Celtics.
Tyson Chandler and DeAndre Jordan have been talked about in trade rumors, as Jordan is set to be a free agent and is a target for the Mavs. According to ESPN Dallas, Jordan and Chandler could be targets for a sign and trade, as the Mavs want to sign Jordan and he is interested in the team. Doing a sign and trade would allow Jordan to get more money and would bring in something in return for the Clippers.
The Celtics are also reportedly interested in trading up in the draft and that could be an option if they don't see the Cousins deal happening. The team is reportedly looking at free agents this summer like Greg Monroe, LaMarcus Aldridge and Marc Gasol, but there is a good chance they strike out on each of those players. The Celtics have a chance to sign one of the big names, but those three players are also likely to be chased by the Lakers, Knicks and their original teams.
According to Chad Ford at ESPN.com, the Celtics may consider moving up to draft Willie Cauley-Stein, as he is expected to be off the board in the first 10 picks. Ford writes that the Celtics have two first round picks and that they could use those in a deal to move up into the top 10. The Knicks could be a potential option for the Celtics at number four, while the Sacramento Kings, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets also could be targets for a deal.
Cousins is a franchise player for the Kings, but with how bad they have been they may look at making a major move to fully rebuild. The team could net some top draft picks for Cousins and Stein writes that the team likely will try "to pry away" Cousins from Sacramento. Pro Basketball Talk reports that the Celtics could consider moving Isaiah Thomas this summer and while he likely won't be a target to go back to the Kings, he could get moved if the team wants to go after Lawson.