In the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, player value can shift dramatically due to a multitude of factors, including performance, injuries, and contract situations. Some players who were once considered untouchable assets now find themselves with trade values that are less than desirable. This article dives into ten NBA stars whose current trade value has plummeted, exploring the reasons behind their diminished appeal in the trade market.
Whether it’s due to inflated contracts, declining performance, or persistent injury concerns, these players represent cautionary tales for teams navigating the complex waters of NBA trades. From seasoned veterans to young talents who haven’t quite lived up to expectations, the reasons for their low trade value are varied but significant. Let’s break down why these ten players currently find themselves with some of the worst trade values in the league.
1. Bradley Beal
Contract for the 2024-25 Season: $46.7 Million
Contract Details: $46.7 Million (2024-25), $50.2 Million (2025-26), $53.7 Million (2026-27, Player Option)
Bradley Beal’s 2023-24 season was plagued by injuries, limiting him to 53 games. He averaged 18.2 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game. Despite decent shooting percentages (51.3% FG, 43.0% 3PT), his performance was underwhelming considering his hefty contract.
Beal was traded to the Phoenix Suns in a blockbuster deal intended to enhance their championship chances. Unfortunately, the trade didn’t yield the desired results. The Suns struggled with team chemistry and injuries throughout the season, ultimately finishing 6th in the Western Conference with a 49-33 record. In the playoffs, Beal’s performance was disappointing. He averaged 16.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game while shooting 44.1% from the field. The Suns were swept 0-4 by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round.
Beal’s massive contract, with escalating salaries culminating in a $53.7 million player option in 2026-27, is a significant deterrent for potential trade partners. Additionally, his no-trade clause gives him substantial control over his trade destinations, complicating potential deals further.
The combination of his high salary, injury concerns, and underperformance in the playoffs has severely diminished Beal’s trade value. Teams are understandably cautious about acquiring a player with such a hefty contract and recent history of injuries and inconsistent play.
2. Rudy Gobert
Contract for 2024-25 Season: $43.2 Million
Contract Details: $43.2 Million (2024-25), $46.6 Million (2025-26), $50.0 Million (2026-27)
Rudy Gobert had an impressive 2023-24 season defensively, earning his fourth Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. He averaged 14.0 points on 66.1% shooting, along with 12.9 rebounds, 2.13 blocks, and a team-high 54 double-doubles (NBA Official Site). Gobert was instrumental in the Timberwolves’ top-ranked defense, helping them achieve a 56-26 record and the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference (NBA Official Site).
Despite his defensive accolades, Gobert’s offensive limitations and massive contract make him a tough trade asset. He is set to earn $43.2 million next season, with escalating amounts in the following years. This financial commitment, coupled with his one-dimensional play style, makes teams hesitant to take on such a substantial salary.
In the playoffs, Gobert’s performance dipped slightly, as he averaged 12.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists over 15 games. Despite his efforts, the Timberwolves were eliminated in the Western Conference Finals by the Dallas Mavericks.
Overall, while Gobert remains an elite defensive force, his high salary and offensive limitations severely impact his trade value. Teams are cautious about committing significant cap space to a player whose primary contributions are on the defensive end.
3. Zach LaVine
Contract for 2024-25 Season: $43.0 Million
Contract Details: $43.0 Million (2024-25), $45.6 Million (2025-26), $48.0 Million (2026-27, Player Option)
Zach LaVine’s 2023-24 season was a challenging one, marred by injuries that limited him to just 25 games. During these games, he averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. Despite these solid stats, his season was cut short due to a significant foot injury that required season-ending surgery.
LaVine’s contract is one of the most substantial in the NBA, with $43.0 million owed next season and escalating amounts over the following years, peaking at $48.0 million in 2026-27. This financial commitment is substantial for any team considering acquiring him.
Additionally, the Chicago Bulls struggled during the 2023-24 season, failing to make a significant impact as they missed the playoffs. LaVine’s injury and the team’s overall performance have further diminished his trade value.
The combination of his high salary, injury concerns, and the team’s lackluster performance makes LaVine a less attractive trade asset. Teams are hesitant to take on such a significant financial burden for a player with recent health issues and a massive contract.
4. Ben Simmons
Contract for 2024-25 Season: $37.9 Million
Contract Details: $37.9 Million (2024-25), $40.3 Million (2025-26)
Ben Simmons’ 2023-24 season was another tough chapter in his career. He played only 29 games, averaging 6.1 points, 5.7 assists, and 7.9 rebounds per game. Simmons’ persistent injury issues and reluctance to shoot the ball have significantly tarnished his reputation as a top-tier player. His offensive game has stagnated, and he has not shown the development needed to justify his massive contract.
The Brooklyn Nets have struggled to find a consistent role for Simmons, and his lack of offensive production has limited his impact on the court. Simmons’ defensive abilities remain strong, but his offensive limitations and injury history make him a liability.
His contract is another major issue. Simmons is set to earn $37.9 million in the 2024-25 season, with his salary increasing to $40.3 million in 2025-26. This significant financial commitment is a major deterrent for any team considering a trade for Simmons. His high salary, combined with his limited offensive game and ongoing health concerns, makes him one of the least attractive trade assets in the NBA today.
5. Deandre Ayton
Contract for 2024-25 Season: $33.2 Million
Contract Details: $33.2 Million (2024-25), $35.3 Million (2025-26), $37.4 Million (2026-27)
Deandre Ayton’s 2023-24 season was marked by his departure from the Phoenix Suns and his new start with the Portland Trail Blazers. This move was part of the blockbuster three-team trade that sent Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks. Ayton, who had a rocky tenure with the Suns, welcomed the trade as an opportunity to redefine his career and role.
In Portland, Ayton played 55 games, averaging 16.7 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. Despite his solid stats, the Trail Blazers struggled significantly, ending the season with a 21-61 record, the worst in the Western Conference. Ayton’s presence was not enough to turn the team’s fortunes around, highlighting his limitations in leading a team.
The Trail Blazers acquired Ayton with hopes that he would provide a dominant presence in the paint, but the transition was not without challenges. Ayton’s high salary remains a significant obstacle for any potential trades. He is set to earn $33.2 million in the 2024-25 season, with increasing amounts in the following years. This financial commitment, combined with Ayton’s perceived attitude issues and inconsistency, makes teams hesitant to take on such a substantial contract.
Despite his potential and occasional flashes of brilliance, Ayton’s trade value is hampered by his high salary, questions about his dedication, and the Trail Blazers’ overall poor performance. Teams considering acquiring him must weigh these factors carefully against his on-court production and potential upside.
6. Khris Middleton
Contract for 2024-25 Season: $31.6 Million
Contract Details: $31.6 Million (2024-25), $34.0 Million (2025-26, Player Option)
Khris Middleton signed a three-year, $102 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, which includes a player option for the 2025-26 season. This deal came after he opted out of his previous contract to become a free agent, only to re-sign with the Bucks, solidifying his role as a key piece alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
In the 2023-24 season, Middleton played 55 games, averaging 15.1 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game. Middleton’s injury troubles continued to plague him, impacting his ability to perform consistently.
Despite his injury challenges, Middleton remains a valuable player when healthy. The Bucks ended the season with a 49-33 record, securing the third seed in the Eastern Conference. However, they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Indiana Pacers. During the playoffs, Middleton’s performance improved, highlighting his importance to the team when he is at full strength.
Middleton’s high salary and recent injury history present significant hurdles for any potential trade. Teams are wary of committing substantial financial resources to a player with these concerns, despite his proven track record and valuable experience. Middleton’s trade value is currently low, and any team considering acquiring him must weigh his potential upside against the risks associated with his contract and health issues.
7. Jordan Poole
Contract for 2024-25 Season: $29.7 Million
Contract Details: $29.7 Million (2024-25), $31.8 Million (2025-26), $34.0 Million (2026-27)
Jordan Poole signed a four-year, $128 million contract extension with the Golden State Warriors, which includes $123 million guaranteed. This extension reflects the high expectations placed on Poole’s potential, with an average annual salary of $32 million.
In the 2023-24 season with the Washington Wizards, Poole played in 78 games, averaging 17.4 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game. His shooting efficiency was a concern, as he shot 42.1% from the field and 33.2% from three-point range. Despite being a capable scorer, Poole’s defensive limitations and inconsistency have raised questions about his overall impact on the court.
The Wizards had a challenging season, finishing with a 15-67 record, the second-worst in the NBA. Poole’s individual performance, while solid, did not translate to team success. His substantial contract makes him a challenging trade candidate, as teams are wary of committing to a high salary for a player with noted defensive issues and inconsistent play.
Overall, while Jordan Poole has shown flashes of brilliance, his high salary, defensive issues, and inconsistency have significantly diminished his trade value. Teams considering acquiring him must carefully weigh these factors against his potential upside and current performance.
8. John Collins
Contract for 2024-25 Season: $26.6 Million
Contract Details: $26.6 Million (2024-25), $26.6 Million (2025-26, Player Option)
John Collins was traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the Utah Jazz in the offseason. This trade, which included Rudy Gay and a second-round pick, marked a significant shift for Collins. In the 2023-24 season, Collins played 76 games for the Jazz, averaging 15.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. While his stats are respectable, they reflect a decline from his peak seasons in Atlanta, affecting his perceived value around the league.
The Utah Jazz finished the season with a 31-51 record, missing the playoffs. Despite his solid performance, Collins’ contributions were not enough to significantly elevate the team’s success. His contract remains a substantial financial commitment, with $26.6 million owed next season and a player option for the same amount the following year.
Overall, while John Collins has the potential to be a valuable player, his high salary, declining production, and defensive limitations make him a less appealing trade asset. Teams considering acquiring him must weigh these factors carefully against his potential upside and contributions.
9. Andrew Wiggins
Contract for 2024-25 Season: $26.3 Million
Contract Details: $26.3 Million (2024-25), $28.0 Million (2025-26), $30.1 Million (2026-27, Player Option)
Andrew Wiggins signed a four-year, $109 million extension with the Golden State Warriors, which includes a player option for the 2026-27 season. This contract reflects the team’s belief in his potential and importance to their core alongside Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
In the 2023-24 season, Wiggins played 71 games, averaging 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. His shooting percentages were 46.5% from the field and 34.6% from three-point range. While these stats are solid, they do not meet the expectations set by his substantial contract.
The Warriors finished the season with a 46-36 record, securing the 10th seed in the Western Conference but were eliminated in the play-in tournament. Wiggins’ performance throughout the season was marked by inconsistency and some injury concerns, which affected his overall impact on the team.
Wiggins’ contract presents a significant financial commitment, with $26.3 million owed next season and escalating amounts in the following years. This high salary, coupled with his inconsistent play and recent injury history, makes him a challenging trade asset. Teams are wary of committing substantial financial resources to a player whose performance has not consistently matched expectations.
10. Kyle Kuzma
Contract for 2024-25 Season: $23.5 Million
Contract Details: $23.5 Million (2024-25), $21.5 Million (2025-26), $19.4 Million (2026-27)
Kyle Kuzma signed a four-year, $90 million contract with the Washington Wizards, designed with a descending salary structure to provide future cap flexibility for the team. This structure includes $23.5 million for the upcoming season, $21.5 million for 2025-26, and $19.4 million for the final year.
In the 2023-24 season, Kuzma played 70 games, delivering strong individual statistics with averages of 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. His shooting splits were notable, with a 46.3% field goal percentage and 33.6% from beyond the arc. These figures highlight Kuzma’s scoring versatility and his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game.
However, the Washington Wizards had a dismal season, finishing with a league-worst 15-67 record. The team’s struggles, despite Kuzma’s solid personal performance, reflect broader issues within the roster and organization. The disconnect between Kuzma’s individual stats and the team’s overall success complicates his trade value.
The challenge in trading Kuzma lies in his substantial salary combined with the Wizards’ poor performance. Teams looking to acquire Kuzma must consider the significant financial commitment and whether his contributions can translate into better team results. While Kuzma has shown flashes of brilliance and the ability to be a key scorer, his inconsistency and the Wizards’ lack of success weigh heavily on his trade prospects.
