A handful of NBA teams have been speculated to get involved in landscape-altering trades, and while such scenarios remain as rumors, anything can happen leading up to the trade deadline.
With the 2016-2017 regular season just around the corner, teams are hoping their respective newly-formed roster would help them yield good results. But if any of the contenders underachieve, or some teams suddenly decide to hit the reset button and rebuild, a major trade would certainly be on the table.
Here are three trade scenarios that could change the NBA landscape this season and cause a shift of power in the league rankings.
Blake Griffin to OKC Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder need another star to fill the void left by Kevin Durant and keep Russell Westbrook pleased in the next few years.
The Thunder almost hit the reset button after losing Durant to the Golden State Warriors in free agency. With Durant gone, many believed the Thunder would consider dealing Westbrook, but fortunately for OKC, their remaining star decided to remain with the team after agreeing to a three-year $85 million contract extension. OKC's next move is to find a proven star who could keep the team in contention for a title.
Blake Griffin has an early termination option in the final year of his five-year $94.5 million contract with the Clippers, which he would likely take advantage of considering the rise in cap space next summer. Griffin, an Oklahoma native, has been rumored to be the Thunder's main target in the summer of 2017, but trading for the five-time All-Star this season should also be an option for OKC, especially if the Clippers realize they could lose Griffin for nothing.
Griffin would instantly form a dynamic duo with Westbrook in OKC, and should fill the gaping hole left by Durant. However, the Thunder are probably cautious at the possibility of having Griffin as a one-year rental and losing too many assets to acquire the 27-year-old forward. Moreover, the Clippers seem inclined to keep hold of Griffin for the rest of the season.
Westbrook alone would not turn the Thunder into strong title contenders, much less push the team for a deep run in the playoffs. But if they could trade for another All-Star like Griffin to pair with Westbrook, they have a good chance of keeping afloat the wild Western Conference.
Jimmy Butler to Boston Celtics
It is no secret that the Boston Celtics are still looking for another All-Star to solidify their stance as legit title contenders in the league. After acquiring Al Horford in free agency, the Celtics improved their lineup, but may still need a proven star who could fit well in the team's system.
The Celtics have been strongly considering a trade for Jimmy Butler and were in serious talks for the two-time All-Star prior to the NBA draft in June. But according to the Boston Herald's Steve Bulpett, the Chicago Bulls asking price for Butler was too pricey, which forced Boston to reconsider their pursuit.
The Bulls, on the other hand, have been able to add veteran talents in their backcourt after bringing in Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade, but if their star-studded lineup fails to yield good results this seasons, Chicago may reassess placing Butler on the trading block.
Butler would not only add depth at the wing for the Celtics, but would instantly turn them as threats to any of the Cavs or Warriors hopes of winning an NBA title. However, as what is often the case for any major trades, the Celtics would have to give up plenty of future assets for Butler.
DeMarcus Cousins to Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers could be among the teams in play for a landscape-altering trade, with the defending champs yet to make a significant move to catch up with the league's newly-formed super teams.
As expected, the Cavs were able to secure the most important signing of the team this summer by retaining LeBron James on a three-year worth $100 million contract. But even if the Cavs have kept their core intact, it would be difficult for them to defend their title. However, adding someone like DeMarcus Cousins should give Cleveland a tremendous boost to their back-to-back title hopes.
Cousins has been consistently linked to trade rumors due to his rocky relationship with the Sacramento Kings. While many believe the Kings would keep hold of Cousins this season, an enticing package may force the Kings to ultimately consider letting go of Boogie.
After his stint with Team USA in Rio, Cousins expressed his delight of being part of a winning team, something he may not find with the Kings this coming season after Sacramento failed to drastically improve their roster. The Cavs would offer a perfect winning culture for Cousins, and playing alongside James and Kyrie Irving may help the 26-year-old center mature.
Interestingly, the Cavs have the perfect piece to make such blockbuster trade happen. Kevin Love, who struggled fitting with the Cavs ever since joining them, would make an enticing trade piece for the Kings, although the idea remains a rumor up to this point. Nevertheless, Cavs could become a nightmare for all teams if they could pry Cousins out of Sacramento.