There could be a bevy of trades as early as Draft day and an ESPN Insider covering the run-up to the season-opening event shares a daunting possibility.
While the focus is on free agent signing because of the salary cap spike which made almost all the teams buyers in the market, we should not sleep on the trade rumor mill because there are big names that can be moved.
ESPN Insider Chad Ford, often known for his draft coverage, also has loads of Insider information due to his constant communication with various team executives. He had some very intriguing trade scenarios that he would like to see.
A blockbuster three-way deal is something rarely seen in the NBA recently but Ford thinks this scenario could solve numerous team needs.
The New York Knicks will send Carmelo Anthony and Robin Lopez to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Cavs will send Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love, Mo Williams and Sasha Kaun to the Phoenix Suns.
Phoenix Suns will send: Eric Bledsoe to the Cavs; Brandon Knight, Alex Len, PJ Tucker, Archie Goodwin and the Nos. 4 and 13 picks to the Knicks.
Essentially, the Knicks will rebuild, as Carmelo Anthony is out and replaced by Brandon Knight (filling the point guard need) Alex Len (replacing Robin Lopez) PJ Tucker and Archie Goodwin filling the wing left by Melo and two lotto picks.
No.4 could be Kris Dunn or Jamal Murray-the best fits for a Hornacek offense. But Buddy Hield, Jaylen Brown or Marquese Chriss (small forwards who can develop into similar players to Melo). No.13 could address reserve needs with Wade Baldwin or Dejonunte Murray.
It would be hard to sell the Cavs on trading Kyrie Irving after his Game 5 outburst, but Kevin Love is likely a goner-they may have to package them together as the new foundation players for Phoenix-a move applauded by Arizona Sports when they published a reaction to the trade suggestion. The Suns lost a lot, but Kyrie just proved he is a potential franchise player on his own. Arizona Sports believe he is better (and younger) than Bledsoe.
Losing Alex Len is acceptable because they still have Tyson Chandler, and while there are possible gems in the draft, Irving and Love are already polished and with Devin Booker, they could be the Suns' franchise trio.
Finally, for the Cavs, it's all about LeBron James. Carmelo is a friendly rival to LeBron since high school and Eric Bledsoe is handled by Klutch Sports, same agency that represents LeBron. Also, Lopez is better than any true center they have had in recent years.