As the first-round games of the NBA Playoffs are heating up, here are my suggestions for what the eliminated teams should do this offseason in hopes of capturing the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Atlanta Hawks
Trade Trae Young for multiple 1st round and 2nd round picks to formally start a full-on rebuild for the franchise.
Chicago Bulls
Trade Nikola Vucevic to any title-contending teams in exchange for multiple 1st round picks.
Toronto Raptors
Find a reliable veteran Point Guard/Shooting Guard during the Free Agency.
Brooklyn Nets
Draft Cooper Flagg in the NBA 2025 Draft. If that’s not possible, trade any of their current “borderline stars” for multiple 1st round and 2nd round picks.
Philadelphia 76ers
As absurd as it may sound, they HAVE TO BE PATIENT in seeing how successful the trio of Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and Joel Embiid will be when they are all healthy and playing together.
Charlotte Hornets
Trade Miles Bridges for any decent role players or cut him in the lineup and find veteran players in the free agency to properly build around LaMelo Ball and Mark Williams.
Washington Wizards
Draft Cooper Flagg in the NBA 2025 Draft. If that’s not possible, trade anyone from Khris Middleton, Malcolm Brogdon and Marcus Smart in exchange for younger players and/or for multiple 1st and 2nd round picks.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Dallas Mavericks
Fire General Manager Nico Harrison. What else were you expecting?
Sacramento Kings
Trade anyone between DeMar DeRozan or Zach LaVine for a young up-and-coming Point Guard.
Phoenix Suns
Face the inevitable and trade away Kevin Durant for any decent role players and multiple 1st round and 2nd round picks.
Portland Trail Blazers
Find any decent and reliable veterans during the Free Agency and continue building around their starting lineup of Anferee Simons, Scoot Henderson, Deni Avdija, DeAndre Ayton, and Toumani Camara.
San Antonio Spurs
Re-sign Chris Paul for another year to lead as your starting point guard, and trust that the trio of Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, and Stephon Castle will be successful.
New Orleans Pelicans
Also accept the inevitable and move on from Zion Williamson in exchange for decent veteran and role players as well as multiple 1st round and 2nd round picks.
Utah Jazz
Draft Cooper Flagg in the upcoming NBA 2025 Draft. If that’s not possible, trade away anyone between Jordan Clarkson and Walker Kessler for better role players and multiple 1st round and 2nd round picks.
