As the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline unfolded, some of the most anticipated moves never materialized, leaving fans and analysts intrigued by the could-have-beens. In this exploration, we dive into the near-deals and missed opportunities that could have reshaped teams and players’ trajectories. From stars in the limelight to rising talents on the brink of change, these are the stories that stayed confined to the realm of speculation.
- 1. Trae Young As A Target For The Lakers
- 2. Zion Williamson Close To The Knicks
- 3. Dejounte Murray To The Lakers
- 4. Zach LaVine And The Sixers Never Came Close
- 5. DeMar DeRozan Was A Great Fit For The Heat
- 6. Lauri Markkanen To The Warriors Never Happened
- 7. Jerami Grant As A Maverick This Season
- 8. Kyle Kuzma Targeted By The Kings
- 9. Dallas Was Interested In Andrew Wiggins
- 10. Miles Bridges Rejected The Suns
1. Trae Young As A Target For The Lakers
In the lead-up to the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline, the Atlanta Hawks found themselves on the fringes of contention, prompting speculation about potential trades involving their star players. Among them was the electrifying point guard, Trae Young, who had captured the league’s attention with his dazzling performances.
The Los Angeles Lakers, perennial contenders in the trade market, were rumored to be eyeing Young as a possible game-changing addition to their roster. However, the intricate dance of NBA trades proved challenging, as the Lakers faced the dilemma of parting ways with their limited pool of young talent for an established All-Star.
Young, with staggering averages of 27.1 points, 10.9 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game, presented a tantalizing prospect for the Lakers. The potential pairing of Young with LeBron James and Anthony Davis fueled discussions envisioning a dynamic trio that could reshape the Western Conference landscape. Yet, Atlanta deeming Young as untouchable meant that this blockbuster deal remained confined to the realm of speculation.
2. Zion Williamson Close To The Knicks
As the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline approached, the New York Knicks found themselves in the midst of trade talks once again, having already made waves by acquiring OG Anunoby earlier in the season. The buzz around Madison Square Garden hinted at the potential for another blockbuster deal, this time involving none other than Zion Williamson.
Despite a season that saw Williamson fall short of All-Star status and post lower numbers than his previous campaigns, the Knicks were intrigued by the prospect of bringing the high-flying forward to the Big Apple, especially considering their interest dating back to the 2019 draft. However, as the deadline loomed, the much-anticipated deal failed to materialize, leaving both Knicks fans and NBA enthusiasts wondering about the what-ifs.
Williamson’s statistical output for the season stood at 22.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, representing a slight dip from his earlier performances. The Knicks, known for their fervent pursuit of transformative talent, seemed poised to make a significant move. The allure of pairing Williamson with the emerging core of the team sparked excitement, but negotiations didn’t progress to a point of fruition, and the young phenom remained with the New Orleans Pelicans.
3. Dejounte Murray To The Lakers
In the swirling rumors leading up to the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers emerged as front-runners in the race to acquire the dynamic guard, Dejounte Murray. The Hawks’ star player seemed like the perfect fit with the Lakers, long in need of a potent playmaker to complement their star-studded roster.
Yet, the potential trade involved sending away D’Angelo Russell, a player who had recently hit a stride with impressive performances. As Russell’s stats showcased a significant contribution to the team’s success, the Lakers faced a tough decision: stick with the emerging talent they had or take the plunge for Murray. Ultimately, the Lakers chose continuity over immediate change, opting to retain Russell and preceding what could have been a transformative move for Murray in purple and gold.
The hypothetical trade would have seen Murray, with stellar averages of 21.4 points, 5.2 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game, don the iconic Lakers jersey. Meanwhile, Russell, boasting stats of 17.3 points, 6.2 assists, and 2.7 rebounds, remains a key figure in the Lakers’ plans. This “what-if” scenario left fans pondering the alternate reality where Murray orchestrated plays alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, bringing a different dynamic to the Lakers’ pursuit of championship glory.
4. Zach LaVine And The Sixers Never Came Close
As the Chicago Bulls embarked on a rebuilding phase, Zach LaVine found himself at the center of trade rumors, poised to depart from a team in transition. The Philadelphia 76ers emerged as frontrunners in the race for LaVine, rumored to be interested in adding the dynamic scorer to their roster.
Fate took an unexpected turn when a season-ending injury dashed LaVine’s hopes of showcasing his talents on a new stage. Months of anticipation and trade market speculation came to an abrupt halt as the injury not only halted his season but also extinguished any possibility of a trade.
LaVine, averaging 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, had all the makings of a sought-after acquisition for a contending team like the Sixers. His scoring prowess and versatility on the court made him an attractive prospect, and discussions were underway as the trade deadline loomed. Yet, the talks between the Bulls and the Sixers failed to progress beyond the initial stages, leaving LaVine to finish the season in Chicago.
5. DeMar DeRozan Was A Great Fit For The Heat
In an unexpected turn of events, DeMar DeRozan, armed with an expiring contract, remained with the Chicago Bulls until the conclusion of the season, eschewing the anticipated mid-season blockbuster move. As a surprise to many, DeRozan opted to test free agency rather than becoming part of a deadline trade.
Despite experiencing a down year, the seasoned veteran still boasted impressive numbers, making him a valuable asset for teams in need of scoring resources. The Miami Heat, having recently secured Terry Rozier, appeared poised for another significant move, and DeRozan’s availability sparked rumors of a potential blockbuster trade.
DeRozan’s stat line for the season showcased his continued scoring prowess, averaging 22.3 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game. The seasoned veteran’s ability to contribute on multiple fronts made him an attractive prospect, particularly for a team like the Heat seeking additional offensive firepower. However, as the trade deadline approached, the talks between the Bulls and the Heat failed to materialize into a transformative move.
6. Lauri Markkanen To The Warriors Never Happened
Amidst a season of fluctuating fortunes, the Golden State Warriors, perched at the 11th spot in the competitive Western Conference, faced a crucial juncture. With recent signs of improvement, the Warriors had a chance to catalyze a radical shift in their roster, injecting new chemistry and hierarchy.
Lauri Markkanen, showcasing stellar performances with the Utah Jazz, emerged as a tantalizing prospect for Golden State. Despite the evident fit and potential for a transformative impact, the Warriors surprisingly refrained from pursuing Markkanen, leaving a notable absence in their mid-season shake-up.
Markkanen’s impressive season with averages of 23.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game positioned him as a dynamic forward capable of addressing the Warriors’ needs. The Warriors, known for their strategic moves in the trade market, opted for continuity over a bold roster overhaul. Markkanen’s fit with the Jazz emphasized the potential for a seamless transition into the Warriors’ system, providing a spark that could have propelled them back into playoff contention.
7. Jerami Grant As A Maverick This Season
In the quest to fortify their interior presence, the Dallas Mavericks set their sights on addressing a critical need during the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline. The acquisition of Daniel Gafford from the Washington Wizards, in exchange for Grant Williams, marked a notable move to bolster their frontcourt.
However, the tantalizing prospect of Jerami Grant joining the Mavericks seemed to be within reach, offering a versatile upgrade capable of making an impact on both ends of the court. Despite Grant’s potential fit and ability to contribute, trade discussions with the Portland Trail Blazers, who held his rights, failed to gain significant traction. Grant’s season averages of 21.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game underscored his capacity to provide scoring punch and defensive prowess.
The Mavericks, seeking to make a playoff push, had identified Grant as a potential game-changer, capable of addressing their interior needs. Yet, the intricate dance of trade negotiations presented hurdles, with Portland showing limited openness to parting ways with the dynamic forward. As the deadline passed, the Mavericks secured Gafford but missed out on the opportunity to integrate Grant into their roster.
8. Kyle Kuzma Targeted By The Kings
The Sacramento Kings found themselves in the midst of ambitious trade pursuits, initially setting their sights on the formidable Pascal Siakam. Despite becoming close to a deal, Siakam’s reluctance to commit to a future in Sacramento thwarted the potential offer, leaving the Kings to explore alternative options.
Enter Kyle Kuzma, the versatile forward from the Washington Wizards, who garnered interest from the Kings as they sought to fortify their roster. Despite Kuzma’s impressive season with averages of 21.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, the anticipated move to Sacramento never materialized, as talks between the two teams failed to progress beyond initial discussions.
The Kings’ pursuit of Kuzma showcased their determination to bolster their roster and make a playoff push. Kuzma’s well-rounded skill set appeared to align with the Kings’ needs, offering scoring, rebounding, and playmaking abilities. However, as the deadline approached, the intricacies of NBA negotiations played out, and the Kings were left without the sought-after addition.
9. Dallas Was Interested In Andrew Wiggins
In the midst of a challenging season for both Andrew Wiggins and the Golden State Warriors, the possibility of a transformative move loomed large. Wiggins, facing individual struggles, emerged as a key asset for the Warriors to potentially move in exchange for improvements. Among the interested suitors, the Dallas Mavericks were reported to be in the mix, recognizing Wiggins’ untapped potential despite his lackluster performance in Golden State.
As the trade deadline approached, the Mavericks either hesitated to accelerate negotiations or ultimately remained unconvinced that Wiggins was the missing piece they needed. Wiggins’ season statistics of 12.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game reflected a dip in his usual production.
The Warriors, eager for change, were open to parting ways with Wiggins, and the Mavericks appeared as a potential landing spot for the former number-one overall pick. The intrigue surrounding Wiggins’ ability to thrive in a different environment added an element of speculation to the trade discussions, but the Mavericks, for reasons undisclosed, did not pursue the deal with the required urgency or conviction.
10. Miles Bridges Rejected The Suns
In the lead-up to the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline, Miles Bridges emerged as a prominent figure in the trade rumors, with his expiring contract in Charlotte making him a sought-after target. The Phoenix Suns, positioned as frontrunners in the pursuit of Bridges, were rumored to be in advanced negotiations with the Hornets, who seemed open to parting ways with the talented forward. Despite weeks of speculation and numerous attempts to finalize the deal, Bridges ultimately exercised his right to veto any trade, choosing to remain with the Hornets until the end of the season.
Bridges’ impressive season averages of 21.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game showcased his value as a dynamic and well-rounded player. The Suns, in need of additional firepower, saw Bridges as a potential missing piece for a deep playoff run. However, the player’s decision to block the trade added a layer of complexity to the trade deadline drama, leaving the Suns and their fans disappointed.
The hypothetical pairing of Bridges with the Suns’ roster could have significantly altered the Western Conference landscape. Instead, Phoenix had to rely on trading for Royce O’Neale from the Nets for second-rounders, adding David Roddy from the Grizzlies in the process.
