Who do you think is the “mystery” player that gets moved at the trade deadline? Do you think this will a role player, star, all star etc?
We’ve heard a lot about players on the Bulls, possibly the Raptors, the Lakers (by way of Bull’s rumors) thus far
I think both Saddiq Bet and Precious Achiuwa could be moved. Both the Hawks and Raptors are outside of really contending (Hawks could have an insane Cinderella run but super unlikely).
Atlanta has a huge payroll for next season and unless they move someone else they’re not going to be able to afford Bey, who is a RFA and will be taking the biggest deal possible. A lot of teams will see value in Bey. Just looking at Atlanta’s books I don’t see anyone they’d move to keep Bey, unless they think they can move Hunter or Bogs in the offseason for no salary back just to re-sign Bey. I don’t imagine that’s what they want. Bey is a 6’7’’ shooter, plenty of contenders would pay for the rental.
The Raptors are in a slightly different situation financially. They have the money to retain Achiuwa, but they’re not anywhere near competing to win it all. Achiuwa is a good player but he hasn’t gotten better the last few seasons. Also a RFA, he’s going to be looking for the biggest deal possible. Toronto isn’t in a place to be locking up long term money to a guy who is probably best suited as a 3rd big off the bench. Toronto could trade Siakam, but even then, the financial flexibility of not retaining Achiuwa is probably more useful than bringing him back at a premium price. Toronto may be more interested in getting an asset back than lose him for nothing in the offseason.