The NBA is a superstar league. It is very rare for a team to win the championship without 2 or 3 All-Stars. So even the best teams are constantly working to improve their rosters. This offseason was relatively quiet for the league, but there were still a few major star trades. And when stars move to new teams, hobbyists are often paying close attention. Below are key cards for some of the key players moved this offseason.
Bradley Beal 2012 Panini Prizm
For over a decade, Bradley Beal remained committed to the Washington Wizards despite their poor results. Now in his 30s, the guard wanted a chance at winning a title. And in an effort to placate him, Washington traded Beal to the Phoenix Suns in a deal that also involved Chris Paul and Landry Shamet.
The guard is sure to improve Phoenix's chances as he is a 3-time All-Star who has averaged more than 22 points a game over the course of his career. One of Beal's top rookie issues is his 2012 Panini Prizm Silver card which goes for a bit more than $100 in PSA 10 condition.
Chris Paul 2005 SP Authentic Autograph
The Suns were eager to get better by adding Bradley Beal. In order to do so, however, they needed to trade legendary point guard Chris Paul. The 12-time All-Star was initially traded to the Washington Wizards, but in a secondary move, was dealt to the Golden State Warriors.
Despite all his accolades, Paul has never won a title. He will hope to do so now that he will be playing alongside Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. Paul has a signed rookie in the 2005 SP Authentic set that could sell for as much as $800 in gem-mint condition.
Fred Van Vleet 2016 Contenders Rookie Ticket Auto
Despite starring for Wichita State, Fred Van Vleet went undrafted in 2016. He eventually signed with the Toronto Raptors and worked himself into the rotation. The point guard would later become a star for the Canadian team, winning a championship in 2019 and making the All-Star team in 2022.
This offseason, Van Vleet had the opportunity to become a free agent and inked a 3-year $130 million contract. This is the largest contract ever signed by a player who originally went undrafted. Van Vleet's 2016 Rookie Ticket auto could sell for up to $500 in gem-mint condition.
Kristaps Porzingis 2015 Panini Prizm Variants
It has been a long and winding road for Kristaps Porzingis. He looked like a future superstar for the Knicks but hurt his knee and was subsequently traded to the Dallas Mavericks and then to the Washington Wizards. Still only 28 years old, the Latvian big man provides tremendous shooting and excellent defense.
The Boston Celtics decided that the one-time All-Star could be the final piece to their championship hopes, trading away Marcus Smart in order to acquire Porzingis in a sign and trade. There are multiple Panini Prizm variants from Porzingis' rookie year that can be had for around $100 and they make for a good investment if he could help Boston capture a title.
Jrue Holiday 2009 Panini Classics Auto
In an effort to improve both their title chances and their chances at holding onto Giannis Antetokuonmpo, the Bucks traded for superstar Damian Lillard. But to do so, Milwaukee had to trade the heart and soul of their team; Jrue Holiday. Holiday, a strong offensive player and a dominant defensive player, is a coaches dream.
Holiday will now suit up alongside Porzingis on the Boston Celtics who made a deal with the Trailblazers to acquire him. Ironically, the Celtics and the Bucks will now be the Eastern Conference favorites. Holiday's 2009 Panini Classics Auto sells for a few hundred dollars.
*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.