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David Zalubowski/Associated Press
The NBA offseason has already begun for nearly half the league, with other franchises soon to join them as the playoffs march on.
With a free-agent class lacking in star power, the most exciting part of the offseason may end up being the trade market.
While it s important to aim high with your trade target list, teams have to be realistic as well. For this exercise, we re looking at high-impact deals teams can make, while still being grounded in reality.
These are the swaps every NBA team should be calling about this offseason.
Atlanta Hawks
Boston Celtics Receive: 2023 second-round pick (via Boston Celtics)
The Hornets need help at center. Veterans Cody Zeller and Bismack Biyombo can leave via free agency this offseason, and rookie Vernon Carey Jr. played just 115 minutes this season.
Thompson, 30, is still good enough to be a starter and would be an upgrade over everyone the Hornets have at the position. He s a good screen setter and rebounder and would bring 78 games (and counting) of playoff experience, including a championship ring with the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers.
Boston has leaned toward Robert Williams III, 23, as the future at the position. The Celtics are already at the luxury tax line for next season, and that s before any free-agent signings or a new contract for Evan Fournier.
NBA Analysis Network
The Boston Celtics are without question a team to keep a close eye on ahead of the upcoming NBA trade deadline. Rumors have been swirling about potential trade targets for them and now a new name has been added to that list. That name would be San Antonio Spurs veteran forward Lamarcus Aldridge.
Recently, it was reported that Aldridge and the Spurs have agreed to part ways. That has led to the Spurs looking to trade the veteran star.
One team that has been needing an upgrade in the front-court is the Celtics. They currently have Daniel Theis and Tristan Thompson, but they want an upgrade for the stretch run of the season. Aldridge would certainly be an upgrade for them.