Fansided

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

By Daniel Lewis

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: Jimmy Butler #23 and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: Jimmy Butler #23 and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Clippers
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 3: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the LA Clippers handles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during a pre-season game on October 3, 2018 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander played 28 minutes in the Clippers opener against the Nuggets, while Patrick Beverley started and played 20 minutes. Beverley missed all eight of his field goal attempts and was in foul trouble for most of the night trying to stop the Nuggets physical guards on their drives to the rim.

Gilgeous-Alexander looked great in his first game. He showed off his ability to slither to the rim and finish, making five of his six field goal attempts, while distributing the ball well to his teammates, finishing with four assists. His length caused problems on defense, and he looked prepared to take over the starting role sooner rather than later.

With how well their first-round pick has played, it makes sense for them to create an opening for him on the roster.

Meanwhile, in Orlando, the Magic look like they have a solid player in Mo Bamba. The former Texas Longhorn helped spur his team to a win over the Miami Heat off the bench, grabbing seven boards, blocking two shots, and scoring 13 points in 25 minutes. While they should be content to let whatever happens happen this season in regards to wins and losses, they don’t need to hide Bamba on the bench behind Nikola Vucevic.

The two teams then, seem like they have the opportunity to help each other without having to exchange draft picks. All the players in this trade are on expiring contracts, and an early-season trade could allow them to use those players in another transaction later on in the season. The reward of this trade is the minutes opportunity that is created by moving the players involved. Neither team seems poised for a playoff run, although the Magic could surprise in a weak conference, the development of their young players should be paramount above all else.

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