Summary of NBA trading rumors: Zion stays behind, Antetokounmpo shakes, Cavaliers and Clippers are planning a big deal

As the NBA draft approaches, trading rumors are getting hotter and many predict that this will be an offseason full of crazy trades. The following are some of the most popular rumors:

1. Zion stays in New Orleans

If you are looking for signals that Joe Dumas, the new general manager of the New Orleans Pelicans, plans to build a team around Zion Williamson, the NBA lottery draw ceremony is the answer - Zion attended the draw on behalf of the Pelicans. Usually, the team will not allow players who are about to be traded to play this role, and the ones sent are often the core that best symbolizes the team's future. "TheAthletic" reporter Will Gillori revealed that Zion will stay with the Pelicans this summer.

"All parties are optimistic about the prospects for cooperation between the Pelicans and Williamson next season."

This may be just a strategy to win bargaining chips, but various signs show that Zion is likely to leave the team this offseason. Last season, Zion averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game, but only played 30 games due to health issues. It is difficult for a player with such potential to give up easily. If Zion can maintain such data next season and play more than 60 games, Dumas' decision to stay in the team will be wise.

2. Are the Cavaliers considering trading Garland and Allen?

The Cleveland Cavaliers won 64 games last season and advanced to the second round of the playoffs, but ended up being injured and the Pacers' strength. With Jason Tatum's injury likely to open up the East further next season, should the Cavaliers maintain their existing core roster or consider a trade between Darius Garland or Jarrett Allen? Reporter Chris Fedor pointed out that the Cavaliers' trading doors may be more open than they thought.

"The Cavaliers tend to retain the four cores (Garland, Allen, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley) and look for adaptive puzzles around them... But it should be clear that Mitchell and Mobley are absolutely non-selling items. Compared to the past, the Cavaliers are more willing to listen to quotes about Allen and Garland, and at least consider potential trades.

Of course, the premise of this is to exchange for chips that really help the team improve, rather than tie or relegation trades."

For the Cavaliers, such trades must be at the "home run" level - especially Garland, who has proved his value to the team during his absence in the playoffs. Although such a big deal may not exist, it is always wise to listen to the quotes more.

3. The Clippers are interested in Ju Holiday

The Los Angeles Clippers have long been interested in Ju Holiday and even planned to get him through a three-party trade (at that time Porzingis was sent to Boston), but the deal eventually failed (later when Holiday was traded, the Celtics bid higher than the Clippers).

With the Celtics planning to cut their wages this summer, Holiday is expected to be one of the players sent away, with his contract of $104 million left for three years. According to masslive.com reporter Brian Rob, the Clippers are one of the teams interested in Holiday. As a "Swiss Army Knife" point guard who is both offensive and defensive, Holiday may become the key puzzle to connect Harden and Leonard. It is still unknown whether the Clippers can complete this deal, but their management has always been good at creative operations, and they must seize the opportunity during the championship window of the existing core lineup.

4. Antetokounmpo is "open to the future"

like dominance on the court, this offseason, Giannis Antetokounmpo's stay and leave will dominate the fate of the Bucks. Although Damian Lillard may miss most or even all games next season due to a torn Achilles tendon, should Antetokounmpo choose to stay loyal to the Bucks and continue to compete for the championship, or apply for a trade to a team that can compete for the championship next season?

ESPN reporter Shams Charania revealed in the Pat McAfee Show that there is no clear progress yet, but Antetokounmpo is "open to various possibilities".

"He is thinking: Is Milwaukee my eternal home? Or is it time to go elsewhere to chase the championship? As far as I know, this thinking process is still in progress, and there is no decisive candid dialogue between the Bucks and Antetokounmpo."

Both sides are expected to complete this critical dialogue and make a decision before the NBA draft.

5. Josh Gidey seeks a contract of more than $120 million, Josh Gidey is one of the most watched players in the free market this summer. During his time with the Bulls last season, he averaged 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game, and his performance was higher after the All-Stars (at that time, half of the Eastern Conference teams were playing badly). However, his defensive ability is weak and he is doubtful about the actual contribution to the team's victory (this is why the Thunder are willing to trade him). When the game really needs to be decided, can he continue this performance?

Overall, how much salary are the Bulls willing to pay for this restricted free agent? Reporter Jack Fischer reported that Gidey is seeking a contract of $120 million for at least five years. There have been rumors that he asked for $150 million in five years (average annual average of 30 million), which obviously exceeded market expectations.

In the modern NBA, $120 million is the salary level of the third star. After a close look, do the Bulls think Gidey can reach this level? Although he can produce beautiful data, can he prove that he is more than that?