NBA Rumors: The 4 second-tier players who could change teams this summer
Jalen Suggs, Davion Mitchell, Jabari Smith, and Dejounte Murray are not superstars, but they are important names in the best basketball league in the world.
Jaylen Brown, Ja Morant, and Kawhi Leonard are attracting a lot of attention in a summer that promises to be particularly intense in terms of trades within the NBA. Rumors surrounding possible movements of big stars are dominating the league's discussions.
However, behind those names, there are other players whose future could also change teams, yet they are currently flying under the radar.
With the analysis provided by Greg Swartz, here are four candidates on the market who could end up being involved in significant transactions.
Jalen Suggs and Orlando's financial adjustment
Jalen Suggs is one of the names appearing on the radar.
The Orlando Magic has been linked as a potential unexpected participant in conversations about some of the big stars this summer. To complete a deal of that magnitude, the franchise would need to part ways with key players on the roster.
Furthermore, Orlando is facing a delicate financial situation, as there is a risk of entering the second tier of the luxury tax, a limit that significantly hampers future operations and roster moves.
Swartz explains that maintaining the core of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Desmond Bane could make Suggs expendable.
The analyst suggests that replacing his $32.4 million salary with a point guard of lower cost could be a potential solution to ease the team's financial burden.
Davion Mitchell could be part of a major deal
Davion Mitchell is not usually among the names associated with potential trades and, initially, seems to fit perfectly into Erik Spoelstra's scheme at the Miami Heat.
However, the situation could change if the franchise decides to pursue a major star.
According to Swartz, if Miami enters the race for players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, or any other significant figure and needs to balance salaries, Mitchell could become a valuable piece in a transaction.
His profile as an intense defender and specialist in perimeter play could pique the interest of other teams, especially as part of a third team involved in a trade.
Jabari Smith seeking a more prominent role
Another highlighted name is Jabari Smith.
The power forward continues to deliver solid performances for the Houston Rockets, but his role has taken a back seat to players like Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and now Kevin Durant.
Swartz believes it's time for another organization to bet on the 23-year-old player and offer him an environment where he can assume a more prominent role.
Dejounte Murray and a comeback that could revitalize the market
Although not exactly a newcomer in the NBA, Swartz also includes Dejounte Murray in this group for a specific reason.
Last season, he was almost out of the spotlight after more than a year recovering from an Achilles tendon rupture.
However, he returned to the court and played 14 games towards the end of the season, displaying promising form.
The New Orleans Pelicans are heading towards a rebuilding phase and also have Jeremiah Fears, a standout pick from last year's draft, as a potential choice to take over the playmaking duties definitively.
Now, the question lies in how other franchises will assess Murray's physical state.
According to Swartz, if teams believe his return is sufficient to confirm that he has regained his speed and explosiveness, he could become a very intriguing starting point guard option for several franchises.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Rumores NBA: Los 4 jugadores de segunda categoría que podrían cambiar de aires este verano
