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NBA: Teams That Can Realistically Trade for Superstars

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (L) and forward Nerlens Noel (R) work out prior to a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (L) and forward Nerlens Noel (R) work out prior to a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 5, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Greg Monroe (15) warms up prior to the game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Greg Monroe (15) warms up prior to the game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks have a starting lineup flush with players who can be packaged in a trade for a superstar. It’s rare that a small-market team pulls such a deal off, but if any organization can break the mold, it’s Milwaukee.

Between the talent in the rotation and the unprotected 2016 first-round draft pick, John Hammond will be a man to monitor come come February 18.

Milwaukee’s starting lineup includes five rising stars: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Michael Carter-Williams, Khris Middleton, Greg Monroe, and Jabari Parker. Some will be off-limits, and others have stalled on the road to stardom, but each have legitimate All-Star upside.

If packaged with what would currently be the No. 7 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, some combination of those players could net Milwaukee a new face of the franchise.

The key to this trade would be finding a player who’s either under contract or committed to re-signing in Milwaukee. Monroe may have shocked the masses by choosing the Bucks over the likes of the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks, but not all players are built to prefer the small-market option.

Based on what Milwaukee has to offer, there aren’t many players whom the Bucks can’t realistically acquire if they’re willing to take the plunge.

Next: Piling Up Assets