The NBA trade market is heating up and several big names could be on the move as teams position themselves for title runs or look to retool with young talent and draft assets.
With players like Jimmy Butler, Trae Young, and Brandon Ingram rumored to be on the block, contenders and rebuilders alike are keeping a close watch on stars who could transform their rosters. As championship windows open and close, these top trade targets hold the potential to shift the league’s balance of power — the only question is who will make the first move to land them.
1. Jimmy Butler
2024-25 Stats: 18.3 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Age: 35 Years
Jimmy Butler remains the epitome of a playoff-caliber star with an elite two-way game, a relentless competitive drive, and the kind of leadership that has shaped the Miami Heat’s identity. However, his career has reached a critical juncture. Pat Riley’s comments about Butler needing to meet his “challenges” hint at rising expectations, and with Butler already 35, Miami may not see him as a long-term cornerstone if he can’t deliver this season.
His player option for over $52 million next year is hefty, which may push Miami to consider a trade to avoid potential financial strain, even if Riley has come out recently and denied that he wants the player to move on. The Heat’s slow start could provide further incentive if the team doesn’t click, making Butler a highly attractive target for contenders needing veteran leadership and intensity.
For the right team, Butler could still be the missing piece in a championship pursuit, given his ability to raise his game in high-stakes situations. Any deal involving Butler would require a significant return, as Miami won’t let him go without acquiring young assets or high-value draft capital. Butler’s suitors are likely to be teams on the brink of contention that need a final push to go deep into the playoffs, and that includes the new-look Denver Nuggets who have started the season 0-2. He’s a win-now addition who could elevate any team aiming for immediate success, despite the cost.
2. Trae Young
Career Stats: 25.5 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 9.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Age: 26 Years
Trae Young has put up stellar numbers as the focal point of Atlanta’s offense, with his career averages of 25.5 points and 9.5 assists a testament to his elite scoring and playmaking. Yet, the Hawks’recent draft of Zaccharie Risacher and re-signing of Jalen Johnson underscore a potential shift towards a young, developing core, suggesting that Young could be on the block. As the Hawks gradually rebuild, they may view a return for Young as a way to add more depth and flexibility across their roster.
Young’s star power would attract multiple suitors if Atlanta decides to move in a new direction, particularly with teams looking for a dynamic, high-usage guard to anchor their offense. At just 26, he’s firmly in his prime, and any team including the Scottie Barnes-led Toronto Raptors acquiring him would be getting a potential franchise leader who can run an offense and draw fans. However, Young’s value on the trade market may come with some questions; his defense has been a liability, and teams may worry about how to mask it in postseason matchups. Still, for teams with the right defensive infrastructure, Young’s impact would be immediate and powerful, making him a top-tier trade target as Atlanta weighs its options.
3. Brandon Ingram
Career Stats: 19.4 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.3 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Age: 27 Years
Brandon Ingram has emerged as a versatile scorer and playmaker, yet the Pelicans’ roster composition, featuring Zion Williamson and recent acquisition Dejounte Murray, raises questions about their long-term plans. Ingram, now 27 and entering his prime, could command a significant return if the Pelicans decide to shift their focus around Zion. His length and skillset allow him to impact games at multiple levels, but his injury history and the Pelicans’ roster balance may prompt New Orleans to re-evaluate his role on the team. If they lean toward a rebuild around Zion, Ingram may be a prime trade candidate.
He could bring a sizable return in young talent and picks, especially to teams looking for a skilled wing in his prime who could transform an offense. Teams in need of a scoring punch with secondary playmaking such as the Atlanta Hawks would find Ingram an ideal fit, or a title contender such as the Warriors could seriously decide to bring him in for a last-ditch attempt to win an NBA championship.
4. Darius Garland
Career Stats: 18.4 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 6.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Age: 24 Years
Darius Garland has quickly proven himself as a talented playmaker and scorer, but his fit with Donovan Mitchell in Cleveland may not be ideal. With Mitchell signed through 2027-28 and the Cavaliers’ focus on building around him and Evan Mobley, Garland could be seen as expendable if his numbers fail to match up to expectations. Cleveland may decide that adding another type of talent to support Mitchell and Mobley is a higher priority, especially if Garland has another lukewarm season.
Garland’s youth and skillset as a high-level distributor make him an appealing trade target, especially for teams seeking a dynamic point guard who can stretch the floor and create opportunities. His potential to be a team’s primary player would increase his value substantially, even as he continues developing defensively. Expect the Brooklyn Nets to show interest in the former All-Star guard because he fits into their rebuild.
5. Zach LaVine
Career Stats: 20.5 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 3.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Age: 29 Years
Zach LaVine’s scoring ability keeps him relevant, even as the Bulls look to reset their roster. Following DeMar DeRozan’s departure in free agency, LaVine stands as the Bulls’ best player, though his inconsistent play last season and injury history remain concerns. LaVine’s athleticism and three-level scoring, however, are undeniable, and any team looking for instant offense could see him as an enticing option. If the Bulls decide to commit to a full rebuild, moving LaVine would be a logical next step to bring in future assets.
LaVine’s profile as a capable, high-scoring wing makes him highly attractive in today’s game, where perimeter shooting and athleticism are at a premium. At 29, he’s still young enough to have a few prime seasons left, though his contract and defensive limitations may make some teams cautious. Chicago could negotiate a favorable return if they opt to move LaVine to the Lakers for example, and his appeal would be particularly high for playoff hopefuls needing a scoring boost.
6. Jerami Grant
Career Stats: 13.1 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.0 BPG
Age: 30 Years
Jerami Grant, a savvy veteran and versatile forward, is likely on borrowed time in Portland as the Trail Blazers shift into a rebuilding phase. His two-way ability and experience make him an ideal fit for contenders seeking reliable defense and scoring on the wing. As Portland focuses on developing their young talent, trading Grant would align with their long-term plans and provide valuable returns to speed up the rebuild.
Teams covet players like Grant who bring defensive acumen, offensive versatility, and the ability to contribute without dominating the ball. His ability to guard multiple positions and score efficiently from mid-range makes him a great target for contending teams. At 30, he has several good years left, and his relatively modest contract compared to top-tier stars makes him a more attainable asset. A great destination for Grant would be Los Angeles with the Lakers since the team needs to maximize its championship window as LeBron James approaches 40 years old.
7. Jonathan Kuminga
Career Stats: 11.8 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Age: 22 Years
Jonathan Kuminga remains an intriguing asset for the Warriors, but his trade potential could be high as Golden State contemplates shoring up their rotation to maximize the remainder of Stephen Curry’s prime. Kuminga’s athleticism and potential are clear, though he hasn’t yet fully earned a prominent role on this veteran team. Given the Warriors’ depth after Klay Thompson’s departure, Kuminga’s trade value may be best realized by flipping him for a player who can provide immediate All-Star-caliber impact.
Kuminga’s athleticism, youth, and versatility make him a target for teams looking to add high-upside talent with the potential to blossom in a new environment. At 22, he’s still incredibly young, and any team acquiring him would be banking on his potential and physical tools. For rebuilding teams or those with room to develop a young player, Kuminga is an appealing prospect. He’s raw but talented, and with the right guidance, he could evolve into a significant two-way player, making him a valuable chip in a Warriors’ trade.
8. Kyle Kuzma
Career Stats: 17.3 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.7 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Age: 29 Years
Kyle Kuzma’s status as a reliable scorer and rebounder places him firmly on the trade radar, especially given the Wizards’ 0-2 start and uncertain direction. His presence on a rebuilding Washington team doesn’t necessarily align with their timeline, and a trade could net the Wizards valuable assets. Kuzma has continued to refine his game, showcasing a solid shooting touch and rebounding tenacity that would appeal to playoff teams needing a strong, versatile forward.
Kuzma’s production as a scorer and his ability to stretch the floor make him an attractive option for teams in need of frontcourt depth. At 29, he’s in his prime, and his scoring prowess would be a welcome addition to teams lacking consistent perimeter options. Kuzma could be the kind of player to take pressure off established stars so a team like the Golden State Warriors could consider his talents if it doesn’t require a heavy investment to get him.
9. Anfernee Simons
Career Stats: 14.1 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 2.9 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Age: 25 Years
Anfernee Simons is becoming a standout scorer, and at just 25, he represents a valuable asset for any team looking to add young, high-potential talent. Simons has steadily increased his scoring output, showing flashes of elite shooting and playmaking that could make him a major piece on a playoff-caliber team. The Blazers’ focus on rebuilding means they could use Simons as a primary chip to acquire picks or players better suited to fit around their 2023 No. 2 overall pick, Scoot Henderson.
His current contract aligns well with most team budgets ($27,678,571 in 2025-26) considering his age, increasing his appeal as a trade target for teams looking to strengthen their offense without taking on a bloated salary. Portland could explore deals with teams in the Eastern Conference or even potential playoff contenders in the West who need a scoring boost, making Simons a pivotal player on the trade market this season.
10. Nikola Vucevic
Career Stats: 17.1 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.9 BPG
Age: 34 Years
Nikola Vucevic remains one of the league’s most reliable centers, offering a rare combination of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking from the post. At 34, Vucevic’s value lies in his experience and consistency and Chicago’s current rebuild makes Vucevic’s trade availability increasingly likely, as they could look to turn his All-Star caliber skills into draft picks or younger players that align with a longer-term timeline. Teams lacking interior scoring and defensive rebounding such as the Clippers could see Vucevic as an ideal short-term solution to shore up their frontcourt.
Vucevic’s contract is sizable ($21,481,481 next season), but his production can justify the investment, particularly for playoff teams in need of an efficient post scorer and a steadying presence on the boards. His experience would be invaluable for younger playoff teams or contenders looking to solidify their rotation for a deep postseason run. Chicago would likely seek a mix of picks and young players, making Vucevic an intriguing trade piece with the potential to impact both rebuilding teams seeking cap relief and contenders aiming to bolster their playoff hopes.
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