
<p>The <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-most-likely-destinations-for-giannis-antetokounmpo-in-case-of-bucks-exit-20230510-SPD-3629.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boston Celtics</a></strong> are struggling recently. They were predicted to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals, but have struggled to keep up with the Miami Heat’s ferocity.</p>



<p>If they win the Game 6, there is still hope that they can salvage the series. There has never been a comeback from a 3-0 series disadvantage in NBA postseason history, and the Heat currently have a 3-2 advantage.</p>



<p>With the Celtics’ season potentially ending this week, we’ll discuss the speculation surrounding <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-most-likely-candidates-for-suns-coach-coach-position-20230525-SPD-3653.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jaylen Brown</a></strong>‘s future with the team and the three teams that make the most sense for him to join.</p>



<h2>3. Houston Rockets</h2>



<p>The Houston Rockets just hired Ime Udoka, who has a tight relationship with Brown. They have a lot of promising young players in the backcourt, but none of them can contribute at Brown’s level just yet.</p>



<p>They are apparently trying to reconnect with James Harden, suggesting that they are now competing. The Celtics may be able to recover part of their investment in the Rockets by acquiring their draft selections and young players.</p>



<h2>2. Atlanta Hawks</h2>



<p>Jaylen Brown is a native of Georgia who is said to have deep ties to his hometown. He may try to return to Atlanta, where the Hawks may be a good fit for his strong moral character.</p>



<p>It’s been said that they want to get rid of Trae Young. Even if he isn’t exactly what the Celtics need, he would be a fine backup to their rising star.</p>



<h2>1. Boston Celtics</h2>



<p>A supermax contract extension was available to Brown when he was named to an All-NBA team, and not many individuals would turn down an extra $50 million.</p>



<p>His contract with the Boston Celtics still has a year remaining on it, and he apparently wants out. However, he has the best opportunity to win a championship with that squad, as well as the greatest financial reward.</p>


NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for Jaylen Brown in case of Celtics exit

NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for Jaylen Brown in case of Celtics exit - thesportsdrops NEWS

miniaturas


<p>Despite their best efforts, the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-contenders-for-2022-23-nba-coach-of-the-year-20230409-SPD-3565.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atlanta Hawks</a></strong> were unable to put the Boston Celtics in a bind. They’ve often struggled when facing the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-finest-current-players-who-have-never-won-defensive-player-of-the-year-20230424-SPD-3597.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a></strong>‘s best teams, and this season was no different.</p>



<p>Their problems throughout the regular season probably weren’t without reason. Their campaign had full of ups and downs, and as a result, they were never able to secure a top seed.</p>



<p>Some experts have placed the blame on Trae Young for the team’s recent struggles, so with reports indicating the organization is willing to part ways with their rising star, it’s time to examine the three teams that could be interested in acquiring him.</p>



<h2>3. Chicago Bulls</h2>



<p>Despite Arturas Karnisovas’ best efforts, the Chicago Bulls are now out of the playoff picture. It seems that the present roster is defective, and Lonzo Ball may never play basketball again.</p>



<p>They could probably trade Zach LaVine for another furious star as he seems dissatisfied with Billy Donovan. The Hawks would let Dejounte Murray play point guard all the time if the Bulls included some more pieces in the trade.</p>



<h2>2. Dallas Mavericks</h2>



<p>An everlasting bond exists between Luka Doncic and Trae Young. It is only natural that the players involved in one of the finest deals in recent NBA history would join forces as members of the Dallas Mavericks and attempt to dominate the NBA for years to come.</p>



<p>While this wouldn’t be a huge defensive upgrade from Kyrie Irving, it would give them two foundational pieces to work with for the next decade. To make this possible, they’d have to negotiate a sign-and-trade with Kyrie and acquire a forward with a focus on defense.</p>



<h2>1. Miami Heat</h2>



<p>The Miami Heat’s search for a new superstar has gone on for far too long, especially considering the team’s recent first-round victory against the Milwaukee Bucks.</p>



<p>For a long time, this group’s point guards have been its weakest link. They could acquire him for Kyle Lowry, and Duncan Robinson, a first-round selection in 2027, and a first-round selection in 2029.</p>


NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for Trae Young in case of Hawks exit

NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for Trae Young in case of Hawks exit - thesportsdrops NEWS


<p>Every NBA team spends the whole season building a championship-caliber roster. It’s not uncommon for a club to open the season as heavy favorites to win their division and go far into the playoffs after assembling a squad full of talented individuals.</p>



<p>Less than three months remain in the regular <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-small-forwards-in-2022-23-nba-season-20221202-SPD-3219.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2022-23 NBA season</a></strong>, and thus far it has been wonderful. Some teams have underperformed both surprisingly and predictably, and it’s up to them to figure out whether they can make a comeback.</p>



<p>Nowadays, even modest slipups aren’t really so insignificant. While there is still much time this season and any team may make a turnaround, these three teams will be taking a long, hard look at themselves to see if they can fix their flaws this year.</p>



<h2>3. Golden State Warriors</h2>



<p>It’s understandable that the reigning champions, who have an aging core, would take it easy during the regular season. However, the team’s 6-18 road record, 17th-ranked offense, and negative point differential beggar belief. Sure, the Warriors weren’t doing so hot before Curry’s recent absence or Andrew Wiggins’.</p>



<p>The Warriors’ starting lineup has been dominating all season long, and the team’s recent showings against the Celtics, provide cause for confidence that they can still compete with top-tier contenders. No one knows whether the bench can carry any significant load, and the defense is no longer a reliable safety net. The Warriors have very little room to make mistakes now, yet they continue to do it nevertheless.</p>



<h2>2. Atlanta Hawks</h2>



<p>While the Hawks’ current five-game winning streak is encouraging, this season has still fallen well short of the lofty expectations that accompanied the deal for Dejounte Murray. The defense has become better, but the offense is in danger of being ranked among the worst in the league because of its reliance on a small number of players.</p>



<p>Nobody is moving, neither the ball nor the player. Trae Young and Murray engage in a futile charade of who will take the lead, with Young’s 3-point percentage being over 35 percent due solely to a recent hot run. For a club that just traded Kevin Huerter and desperately needs shooting, it just won’t cut it. Atlanta is fourth in the NBA in 3-point percentage, behind only Denver, Chicago, and Los Angeles.</p>



<h2>1. Minnesota Timberwolves</h2>



<p>The <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-teams-in-2022-23-nba-season-so-far-20221210-SPD-3243.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Timberwolves</a></strong> had been predicted to win 50 games and finish in the playoff’s top four. They risked a lot to acquire Rudy Gobert, but they must have thought they could contend for a conference championship in the West Conference to make such a move. There was no intention of this lasting very long.</p>



<p>After coming so close to winning a playoff series last year, this group will have a difficult time making the playoffs this year. Although it was the defense that was expected to improve significantly, they have actually regressed since last year.</p>


Top 3 worst performing NBA teams in 2022-23

Top 3 worst performing NBA teams in 2022-23 - thesportsdrops NEWS


<p><strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/james-harden-goran-dragic-and-all-nba-players-available-for-trade-after-december-15-20221211-SPD-3247.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyle Kuzma</a></strong> told <em>The Atheltic </em>this week that he does not intend to sign an extension with the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-teams-in-2022-23-nba-season-so-far-20221210-SPD-3243.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington Wizards</a></strong> and would instead reject his player option for the 2023-24 season in order to become a free agent this summer.</p>



<p>While the Wizards have shown flashes of becoming a playoff contender this season, they haven’t done so in the previous two weeks, leading to speculation regarding Kyle Kuzma’s future with the organization. The 27-year-old Kuzma has become an integral part of the Wizards’ roster, so his intentions shouldn’t come as a shock.</p>



<p> Washington, which has $208 million committed to Beal over the next four seasons and who also has Kristaps Porzingis under contract for next season through a player option, may move Kuzma at the February 9 trade deadline for valued assets rather than letting him depart in free agency with no return. Now that he may be available in a trade, let’s examine the top three landing spots for him.</p>



<h2>3. Atlanta Hawks</h2>



<p>John Collins is still available for a trade, and it’s becoming obvious that this squad needs some new blood. In terms of overall improvement, swapping Collins for Kuzma would not be a huge step forward, but he would be a better fit for the team.</p>



<p>Kuzma is superior at perimeter defense and can also contribute offensively by making three-point shots. Furthermore, the Atlanta Hawks have a wealth of promising young players they may employ to sweeten the deal.</p>



<h2>2. Brooklyn Nets</h2>



<p>The Washington Wizards have apparently been contacted by the Brooklyn Nets about making Kuzma available. As he satisfies both their idealized personality and their on-court requirements, this is not a shock.</p>



<p>T.J. Warren hasn’t done much to impress, so they could use another big man to aid them on the boards, come up with their own scoring opportunities, and relieve Kevin Durant of some of the load. It’s not like he’s a lockdown stopper, but he’d be an improvement on defense anyway.</p>



<h2>1. Los Angeles Lakers</h2>



<p>Without a doubt, the Los Angeles Lakers are still smarting from the Russell Westbrook deal. He has never tried to hide the fact that he is deeply in love with Los Angeles.</p>



<p>The influence of stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Kuzma said, stunted his growth. But he also understands that his chances of winning a championship are better while wearing purple and gold.</p>


Return to Hawks and two other possible landing spots for Kyle Kuzma

Return to Hawks and two other possible landing spots for Kyle Kuzma - thesportsdrops NEWS


<p>To change things up in a significant manner, the <strong><a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/magic-johnson-explains-what-the-lakers-should-expect-from-their-new-head-coach-1011-20220523-SPD-1011.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atlanta Hawks</a></strong> may be willing to move one of their most important players over the summer. According to Marc Stein, the Hawks are set to trade power forward<strong> <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-deandre-ayton-requested-maximum-deal-from-suns-1080-20220526-SPD-1080.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John Collins</a></strong> this summer. </p>



<p>A player option for the 2025-26 season might help make Collins more enticing to potential suitors since he still has four years left on his current deal. Since last season saw the Hawks make it to the Eastern Conference finals before being knocked out in the first round this year, the team’s top management has obviously decided that they need to make some changes to the squad.</p>



<p>Aside from the Portland Trail Blazers, it’s likely there are many more teams interested in Collins. In addition to the Hawks, the Sacramento Kings have also shown interest in the 24-year-old, according to Shams Charania.</p>



<h2>Where could Collins be traded?</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p><em>“The likelihood of a John Collins trade, league sources indicate, is as high as it’s ever been. Collins just completed the first season of a five-year, $125 million contract, but the newness of his deal didn’t do anything to downgrade external interest in the 6-foot-9 forward that has bubbled leaguewide since talks broke down between Collins and Hawks on a $90 million extension at the start of the 2020-21 season.</em></p><p>“<em>He was one of the league’s most-talked-about trade targets this season until Atlanta ultimately decided to shut down all Collins discussions before the Feb. 10 trade buzzer when the team started to pull out of its 17-25 start. The trade chatter has since only intensified since Atlanta’s meek first-round exit to Miami in five games… I’ve been advised that relocation for Collins this offseason is pretty much expected now.”</em></p><cite>Marc Stein on Collins</cite></blockquote>


Atlanta Hawks

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Return to Hawks and two other possible landing spots for Kyle Kuzma

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