What Next?

I realise the playoffs are still in progress but I believe it has been easy to see who has a long and hard summer ahead. Teams that have enjoyed success but now face a crossroads; continue with what they have but have no realistic chance of a ring or make some trades and restructure the team.

Lakers - Seem to be the obvious team to start with. They still have a dynamic 3 and 1/2 in Kobe, Bynum, Gasol and Artest but good enough to win a ring? It appears not. If the Lakers Organization want to maximize Kobe's years as Spurs are Duncan's a new cast is needed. Pau seems the obvious trade bait however I'm unsure of what he could get in return. Good players no doubt, along the ilk of Gerald Wallace/Camby and a pick perhaps but enough to win a ring? I'm not so sure. A trade I would like could be a combination of Lowry/Scola and if possible Patrick Patterson from the Rockets (who have expressed interest in Gasol).

"Me, grow up?What you mean I'm already 7 foot?

Bynum, for all his skill, youth and potential dominance has some serious mental issues. That may sound strong but this is a guy that has been caught smiling after losses in the playoffs, after Pau got posterized and trying to steal the ball off his own teammate at halfcourt (I kid you not). He could, in a league suffering from a dearth of legitimate big men, bring back some serious pieces for the Lakers. The obvious is Howard but I have doubts on this being pulled so here are some other potential moves; get McGee, Chandler and Miller (w/pick) from Nuggets or try to prize Deng and Noah from the Bulls. Now these are big moves but the satisfy the need for speed and athleticism in either scenario. Also both proposed teams probably realise they are good but need something else to take that extra step.

Yes Iggy, the door is that way.

76ers - This team done well, had a good run and looks like it has good pieces. But it got lucky with Rose going down allowing Jrue Holiday to beast (as he should) and then push the Celtics to 7. But they have too many similar players and need a genuine star. Or at least someone not name Lou Williams who can create his own shot (Jrue is getting there, not yet). In Jrue and Turner you have a long, athletic backcourt set. If possible I would amnesty Brand, free up cap space and trade away Iggy. Iggy is talented and the ultimate team player but doesn't fit a team that needs him to be more of an offensive threat. I believe they could trade Iggy (perhaps with Brands expiring contract or another piece) for one of the Wolves talented youngsters. So a combination of Beasley and Pekovic (would have to include picks to balance this, otherwise Wolves are getting robbed blind) or straight up for Derrick Williams. He has looked every bit as advertised playing as a large SF but if he could slide to his natural PF alongside Jrue,Turner,Young and Hawes they would have a legit scorer who can stretch defenses. While Wolves get a ace defensive swingman to plug one of the many holes they had on that end of the floor last year who is still in his prime. It could be a hard sale, but if the 76ers can get Wolves to bite (wouldn't be a first for David Khan) they could really change the look of this team.

Coming to a town near you?

Celtics - So KG and Allen could be gone this summer. I believe they will try to bring both back on relatively small contracts, KG especially, but I'm not sure they will offer Allen enough to make him seriously consider returning. So they could potentially have a core of Rondo, Pierce and an aging (still efficient) KG. They would have room to make a move or two to really help themselves build depth. Perhaps chase Deron Williams and then trade Rondo for a combination of Josh Smith and Hinrich. Thus delivering depth on the bench and an awesome front court of KG and JSmoove (who would score on them?!). This leaves you with a starting 9 of:

Deron
Bradley
Pierce
Jsmoove
KG

Bass
Hinrich
Pietrus
Jeff Green