Predicting Next NBA Trades to Happen Following Dorian Finney-Smith Deal to Lakers

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The NBA world saw a blockbuster move take place on Sunday morning as the Los Angeles Lakers acquired veteran wing defender Dorian Finney-Smith and guard Shake Milton from the Brooklyn Nets. Finney-Smith was one of the hottest names on the trade market ahead of the deadline next spring and with him off the board, opposing teams will need to pivot.

Read more: Lakers Land Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton in Blockbuster Deal With Nets

Not many expected a deal of this magnitude to happen at this time but the Lakers wanted to improve their chances the rest of the way. This signals that they are real players and still have the potential to make more moves.

But what else can we expect before the Feb. 6 trade deadline? Here is a prediction of the next few trades to happen in the NBA.

Nets continue rebuild, trade forward Cameron Johnson

After moving on from Finney-Smith, the Nets will now turn their sights to moving Johnson. There was talk about Brooklyn trading away guard Cam Thomas but he reportedly is loved by the ownership. It's likely that the Nets will hold onto him and he can help get the rebuild started.

More news: Nets Bring Back D'Angelo Russell in Blockbuster Trade With Lakers

Brooklyn has stock-pilled draft picks in recent years and could get even more from a Johnson deal. Teams such as the Memphis Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee Bucks, and others could all get involved in the potential to land the forward.

Kings add to their roster, don't trade away De'Aaron Fox

The Sacramento Kings have been in the news recently for firing head coach Mike Brown. There have also been rumors surrounding star guard De'Aaron Fox with all the drama going on.

Read more: Lakers, Rockets Headline Potential Landing Spots For Star Guard Amid Trade Rumors

However, the Kings love Fox and he loves being with Sacramento. The Kings will likely look to add more to their current team, rather than tearing things down. Someone like Kyle Kuzma from the Washington Wizards could make sense here.

Nuggets make splash, land All-Star for playoff push

The Nuggets have been looking around the league for more firepower to add to their current team. This includes them poking around trade talks for some All-Star-level players.

More news: Blockbuster Trade Proposal Has Nuggets Land $215M All-Star

Denver wants to get back to being a true title contender and adding more talent is the way to go. The Nuggets will add another star, possibly such as Zach LaVine or Jimmy Butler, to give them a better chance come playoff time.

Bulls finally move Nikola Vucevic to contender

Nikola Vucevic
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 31: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Chicago Bulls argues with Zach LaVine #8 against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at United Center on December 31, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois.... Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

The Chicago Bulls have been trying to enter into a rebuild for a few years now. However, after they moved guard Alex Caruso this past offseason, the path became clearer.

One of the biggest trade pieces they have is center Nikola Vucevic and he could easily help a contender. Teams such as the Memphis Grizzlies, Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, or Indiana Pacers could make sense here.

Trail Blazers move multiple veterans in separate deals

The Trail Blazers are one of the more interesting teams ahead of the trade deadline. They have a few veteran pieces that could be moved such as Jerami Grant, Robert Williams III, Anfernee Simons, and even Deandre Ayton.

The time is now for Portland to move one of, if not all these players. Teams like the Lakers, Mavericks, Rockets, Magic, and others could all be involved here.

More news: Trade Proposal Has Magic Land $29M Star to Bolster Playoff Chances

For more on the NBA at large, go check out Newsweek Sports.

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