The Nets weren’t supposed to be in this position. With a 9-10 record, they’ve shown way more fight than anyone expected, thriving under Jordi Fernández’s leadership. This team’s sharpshooting and uptempo playstyle have kept them in games they had no business winning, and their young core has stepped up in a big way. Sure, tanking might make sense long-term, but let’s be real—some of their future picks belong to other teams anyway.
Why not double down on being good? If the Nets want to make a real playoff run, adding some star power could give them a shot at staying competitive while maximizing the assets they still have. Whether it’s bolstering the frontcourt, finding another scorer, or improving their defense, this team might be one or two moves away from really turning heads.
1. Trae Young
Potential Trade Offer To The Hawks: Ben Simmons, Dariq Whitehead, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2027 First-Round Pick, 2028 First-Round Pick, 2029 First-Round Pick
Trae Young would be the ultimate splash move for the Nets, giving them the kind of superstar that could elevate their offense to a whole new level. This season, Young is averaging 21.8 points, a league-best 12.5 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game, showcasing his ability to both score and create for others at an elite level. His partnership with Cam Thomas could create a dynamic backcourt, blending Young’s playmaking and Thomas’ scoring ability into a potent combination. With Young setting the table, Thomas would have more freedom to operate as a pure scorer, while Young would thrive with the floor-spacing weapons the Nets already have.
For the Hawks, parting ways with Trae Young might feel like a tough pill to swallow, but it could make sense as they pivot toward a youth-driven rebuild. Atlanta’s young core, led by Zaccharie Risacher, Dyson Daniels, and Jalen Johnson, offers a promising foundation for the future. Risacher, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft, has shown flashes of being a franchise cornerstone, while Daniels and Johnson provide versatility and athleticism to build around. By adding four unprotected first-round picks from the Nets, the Hawks could secure a massive asset pool to further enhance their rebuild.
No other team is likely to offer this kind of haul for Young. The sheer number of picks in this trade package, combined with the potential long-term value of those selections if the Nets falter in the future, gives Atlanta a clear path forward. Additionally, Ben Simmons, while no longer a star, could provide short-term playmaking and defensive versatility, while Dariq Whitehead serves as a lottery ticket with potential upside.
For the Nets, the decision to go all-in makes sense when you consider their lack of control over future draft picks. They need to maximize their current roster, and Trae Young would be the perfect piece to make that happen. His ability to create offense at a high level, combined with his star power, would give the Nets a legitimate shot at a deep playoff run. It’s a bold move, but one that could pay off in a big way if Young meshes with their existing core.
2. Jimmy Butler
Potential Trade Offer To The Heat: Bojan Bogdanovic, Dorian Finney-Smith, 2027 First-Round Pick, 2029 First-Round Pick
Jimmy Butler’s time with the Heat might be nearing its end. This season, Butler has struggled by his own standards, averaging 18.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. The Heat, sitting 6th in the Eastern Conference with an 8-8 record, are in an awkward spot—good enough to compete but far from title contention. With Butler expected to become a free agent this summer, the Heat risk losing their star for nothing if they don’t make a move.
There’s been ongoing speculation about tensions between Butler and the Heat organization, which adds to the likelihood of a split. Whether it’s dissatisfaction with the roster or differences in long-term vision, both sides seem to be drifting apart. Trading Butler for two future first-round picks and solid contributors like Bojan Bogdanovic and Dorian Finney-Smith would be a great haul for Miami, especially considering Butler’s expiring contract.
For the Nets, Butler would provide the kind of toughness and leadership they need for a playoff run. His two-way ability and playoff pedigree make him an ideal addition to a team that’s looking to push their chips in. On a roster with emerging talents and versatile scorers, Butler’s defensive focus and clutch play would fit perfectly.
This move would benefit both teams. The Heat gain long-term assets and two quality role players for their rotation, while the Nets add a star who can elevate them from a scrappy playoff team to a legitimate contender. It’s a gamble for the Nets, but one worth taking if they want to make noise this season.
3. Zach LaVine
Potential Trade Offer To The Bulls: Ben Simmons, Dariq Whitehead, 2027 First-Round Pick, 2029 First-Round Pick
Zach LaVine has been at the center of trade rumors for what feels like forever, and this offseason was no different. Despite the Bulls publicly stating their commitment to him, the fit of LaVine and Nikola Vucevic on a roster stuck in no-man’s-land has led to constant speculation. LaVine’s massive contract—$215 million over five years—has been seen as almost impossible to move, but the timing for a deal might finally be right. The Bulls, sitting 8-12 and 10th in the East, have a young core in Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, and Coby White, but keeping LaVine and Vucevic makes them just good enough to avoid tanking while not quite good enough to contend.
Trading LaVine to the Nets in a deal centered around Ben Simmons, who’s on an expiring $40 million contract, would give the Bulls a chance to clear significant cap space. Simmons might not be part of their long-term plans, but his deal coming off the books would provide flexibility to reshape the roster. Add in a promising prospect like Dariq Whitehead and two unprotected first-round picks (2027 and 2029), and this is the kind of package that could kick-start a proper rebuild in Chicago.
For the Nets, the appeal of LaVine is obvious. With Cam Thomas out for at least three weeks due to a left hamstring strain, the Nets are missing a dynamic scorer in their lineup. LaVine, at 21.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists could seamlessly step in and fill that void, giving the Nets an elite three-level scorer who thrives in transition and can hit from deep. Once Thomas returns, the pairing of these two high-octane offensive players could make the Nets one of the most dangerous teams in the league, with LaVine’s ability to create his own shot complementing Thomas’ scoring instincts perfectly.
LaVine’s fit in the Nets’ system would be nearly ideal. His ability to play both on and off the ball would maximize the team’s spacing and ball movement, especially with shooters like Cam Johnson and Bojan Bogdanovic already in place. Defensively, while LaVine isn’t known for his lockdown skills, the Nets have enough depth and versatility to cover for any shortcomings. Offensively, LaVine’s knack for hitting tough shots and taking over late in games would give the Nets the kind of go-to option they’ve been missing.
For the Bulls, this move also eliminates the pressure of juggling LaVine’s massive deal while committing to a rebuild. Clearing LaVine’s contract off the books and gaining Simmons’ expiring deal would give them a clean slate, along with two valuable picks to build for the future. It’s a logical step for a franchise that has been stuck in neutral for far too long.
4. CJ McCollum
Potential Trade Offer To The Pelicans: Dennis Schroder, Dorian Finney-Smith, Noah Clowney, 2027 First-Round Pick
The Pelicans’ season has been a disaster. At 4-15 and dead last in the West, they’re drowning in injuries and bad luck. CJ McCollum just got back on the court after dealing with an ankle sprain, but he’s been solid since returning, averaging 19.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in six games. He even dropped 23 and 19 points in his last two outings, so it’s clear he’s still got plenty left in the tank. But with the team spiraling, they might be better off focusing on the future.
Dejounte Murray is coming back soon from a hand fracture, which could create some awkward fit issues—just like he had with Trae Young in Atlanta. With McCollum being 32 and likely not part of the Pelicans’ long-term plans, moving him now makes a lot of sense. A deal with the Nets would give them a solid package of players and picks while also clearing CJ’s salary off the books.
For the Nets, CJ would be a perfect fit. They’ve been missing a steady point guard, especially with Dennis Schroder’s deal expiring and Cam Thomas being out due to a hamstring injury. McCollum’s scoring and veteran presence would give the Nets a much-needed boost, and once Thomas is back, they could form a deadly backcourt duo. Imagine a lineup with McCollum, Thomas, Cam Johnson, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Nic Claxton—there’s scoring, shooting, and defense all over the place.
This trade also works out for the Pelicans. Dennis Schroder gives them a solid temporary guard option, Dorian Finney-Smith brings defense and toughness, and Noah Clowney is a young center piece with upside. Plus, a 2027 first-round pick is nothing to scoff at. If New Orleans is ready to pack it in and focus on rebuilding, this is the kind of move that sets them up for the future while keeping things competitive in the short term.
5. Norman Powell
Potential Trade Offer To The Clippers: Cam Johnson, 2027 First-Round Pick, 2029 First-Round Pick
The Clippers are having a solid season at 12-8, sitting 6th in the West, but it hasn’t been easy. With Kawhi Leonard out due to knee issues and Paul George leaving for the 76ers in the offseason, they’ve been leaning heavily on Norman Powell—and he’s delivered. Powell is putting up an impressive 23.3 points per game, shooting 49% from the field and a scorching 48.7% from three. He’s been a big reason why the Clippers are staying competitive despite all the setbacks.
That said, Powell’s value has never been higher, and the Clippers might want to cash in. OKC owns all of their picks until 2030, so grabbing two first-rounders in this deal would be huge. Adding Cam Johnson, who’s averaging 17.9 points on 41% from deep, gives them a younger, sharpshooting forward who can slide right into their rotation. Once Kawhi comes back, the loss of Powell becomes much easier to manage, and the Clippers get a bit more flexibility for the future.
For the Nets, Powell would be a great pickup. They’re missing Cam Thomas right now, who’s recovering from a hamstring injury, and Powell’s scoring would give them a big boost. His ability to hit shots from deep and create his own offense makes him a perfect fit alongside their roster. Once Thomas is back, the idea of Powell and Thomas sharing the court becomes a nightmare for opposing defenses.
This move works for both sides. The Clippers can pivot toward securing future assets while staying competitive, and the Nets get a proven scorer who can help them make a deep playoff push. Powell’s the kind of player who fits perfectly into what the Nets are trying to do right now.
