3 trade ideas to spice up the NBA’s opening week

The trade deadline is a long way away but that doesn’t mean we can’t warm ourselves on the fiery heat of a few trade ideas. Here are three that could spice up opening week.

It’s opening week, and hope runs high for many teams in the NBA. Nearly every player is in the best shape of their life, they’ve added 15 pounds of muscle, and they’re free of the aches and pains that tack on during an 82-game season.

While the odds of a trade occurring in the first week of the season are incredibly low, there is potential for a move for some teams. Minnesota Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor has reportedly discussed the option for a trade with their star wing, Jimmy Butler, according to The Athletic.

"Three days before the start of the regular season, Taylor met with his disgruntled All-Star before practice, searching for some sort of understanding to calm the noise that has drowned out any sense of excitement for the upcoming season. In the meeting, Taylor and Butler came to an agreement, sources said: Taylor will continue to work diligently to find a trade as soon as possible. Until that happens, Butler will be a good teammate and play as hard as he always does."

A team could see one of their star players suffer a season-ending injury in the first week, or a brawl could result in lengthy suspensions that could be the difference between a postseason berth and a lottery pick. With a player of Butler’s caliber on the market, front offices need to be prepared to move if the situation requires action.

Will Butler be the first big trade of the 2018-19 regular season? Here are some other potential transactions that could take place during Opening Week.