3 Trades NBA Teams Should Have Made This Offseason—But Didn't

There were plenty of juicy trade rumors over the course of the NBA offseason, and two big blockbuster deals (both made by the New York Knicks, for Mikal Bridges and then Karl-Anthony Towns).

But there were many other huge potential trades that were left on the table.

Of all the rumors that circulated throughout the summer, out of a list compiled by Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report, we have a look at three deals that just should have been made—but weren't.

1. New Orleans Pelicans Trade Brandon Ingram for a Starting Center

All summer, we heard about how Ingram was unhappy with the Pelicans, that they weren't offering him the max extension he was looking for. At the same time, the Pels lost big man Jonas Valanciunas to free agency, and haven't really replaced him with a starting-caliber center. Swartz names two potential trade partners that come to mind in Atlanta with Clint Capela (who has been on the trade block himself quite frequently), and Brooklyn with Nic Claxton (though it appears the Nets want to keep him long-term as part of their rebuild).

2. Zach LaVine Traded By Bulls to LA Clippers

This one could have helped both teams immeasurably. The Bulls are desperate to get out from under LaVine's massive contract as they look to the future, while the Clippers should be frantically searching for a way to replace Paul George's 23 points a game. LaVine would have filled that void.

3. Lakers Trade For Trae Young

LeBron James and Anthony Davis need a facilitating All-Star guard to reach the serious contender level again, and Young would have been ideal. His lack of defense could be covered up by AD, while he'd be able to create easy buckets for the two superstars. Swartz suggests LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets as an alternate for the Lakers to target as a star point guard, but it's hard to imagine the Bugs breaking up their spectacular young duo for the future in Ball and Brandon Miller.