The 2024 offseason was wild, as some blockbuster trades have taken things to another level. The New York Knicks finally landed their long-desired big man in Towns after completing a massive three-team deal with the Timberwolves and Hornets. Towns’ move to New York sent Julius Randle packing to Minnesota, shaking up both teams’ cores. Also, DeMar DeRozan’s surprise trade to the Sacramento Kings came as a shock to many, adding an unexpected twist to their roster. With the latest moves, the NBA rumor mill is buzzing before the season starts, and it’s clear that no trade is too big or too unlikely this season.
Given these developments, it’s safe to say we could be in for some more surprises. 2024-25 could bring trades that nobody saw coming—moves that completely change the landscape of the NBA. With teams looking to either push for a title or rebuild for the future, anything can happen. Here are three wild trades that could take place and shake up the league soon.
1. Brandon Ingram Changing Conferences To The East
Trade Details:
Pelicans receive: Bruce Brown, Ochai Agbaji, Jakob Poeltl, 2026 First-Round Pick
Raptors receive: Brandon Ingram
Brandon Ingram’s situation with the New Orleans Pelicans is tricky as he heads into the final year of his contract. While he’s been a core piece for the team, there’s growing uncertainty around his future. The addition of Dejounte Murray this offseason complicates things further. Murray’s arrival gives the Pelicans another ball-dominant player to pair with Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum, potentially pushing Ingram into an awkward fit as the “odd man out” in the lineup. There have already been rumors about Ingram being on the trade block, as the Pelicans seem hesitant to offer him the four-year, $208 million max extension he’s seeking when his contract expires.
Ingram’s production is still solid—averaging 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists last season—but he’s expressed frustration with his role, especially after being benched late in a crucial play-in game against the Lakers. Given the Pelicans’ logjam of high-salaried players, including Zion and McCollum, it makes sense for the front office to explore trade options, particularly since they’ll need to extend rising star Trey Murphy soon.
For the Raptors, trading for Ingram would make a lot of sense. They have been looking for a dynamic scorer to pair with their young core, as Ingram’s ability to create his own shot and score from anywhere on the floor would fit perfectly next to Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley. Ingram’s versatility as a forward who can play both on and off the ball would complement Barnes’ playmaking and defensive skills, making the Raptors a more well-rounded team.
From the Pelicans’ perspective, landing a package of Jakob Poeltl, Bruce Brown, and Ochai Agbaji would fill some key needs. Poeltl would give them the starting center they desperately need after parting ways with Jonas Valanciunas, while Brown and Agbaji bring depth and defense to their wing rotation. The 2026 first-round pick would be valuable as they continue to build a competitive roster around Zion.
2. Darius Garland As The New Nets’ Leader
Trade Details:
Cavaliers receive: Dennis Schroder, Cam Johnson, 2026 First-Round Pick, 2028 First-Round Pick
Nets receive: Darius Garland
During the 2024 offseason, rumors swirled around Darius Garland and his future with the Cavaliers, particularly after Donovan Mitchell signed a long-term extension. Some believed that Garland might be traded, with reports suggesting that Mitchell’s presence could limit Garland’s opportunities to shine. Garland, though, quickly shut down those rumors, affirming his commitment to the Cavaliers during Media Day. He emphasized the strong relationship he has with Mitchell and the confidence he has in the team’s core.
The Cavaliers, while possessing a talented roster, still have some glaring needs—most notably a consistent shooter on the wing. Garland had a strong season, averaging 18.0 points, 6.5 assists, and 2.7 rebounds over 57 games, but the Cavaliers are lacking the depth and scoring punch from the forward positions to truly complement their star backcourt.
A trade sending Garland to the Brooklyn Nets could provide both teams with what they need. The Cavaliers would receive Dennis Schroder, who could help lead the offense, and Cam Johnson, a versatile forward with a reliable three-point shot. Adding Johnson to the mix would give the Cavaliers a much-needed scoring threat from the perimeter, balancing out their roster. Additionally, the first-round picks they would receive could be used to build for the future or as assets in future deals.
For the Nets, this move would mark the beginning of a new era. With Mikal Bridges no longer in Brooklyn, the team is in search of a young star to become the face of their franchise, and Garland, at 24 years old and already an All-Star, fits the bill perfectly. Pairing him with Cam Thomas, a rising scorer, would create a dynamic backcourt duo. The Nets, with their wealth of first-round picks, would be in a position to continue building a competitive team around these young stars, giving them a clear path toward future success.
3. The Hornets Would Boost Their Playoff Hopes
Trade Details:
Bulls receive: Grant Williams, Josh Green, Cody Martin, Nick Smith Jr.
Hornets receive: Zach LaVine
Zach LaVine had quite the offseason, with his name popping up in trade rumors everywhere. After dealing with a foot injury that required season-ending surgery in early 2024, he managed to play only 25 games last season. He averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, but the injury clearly limited his production. The real kicker is his contract—LaVine is locked in for $138 million over the next three years, which made teams hesitant to pull the trigger on a trade.
LaVine recently confirmed that he’s healthy now and ready to leave all the drama behind. The Bulls, though, have already started moving in a different direction. They shipped DeMar DeRozan to the Kings and sent Alex Caruso to Oklahoma City for Josh Giddey, signaling the start of a rebuild. LaVine still wears a Bulls jersey for now, but the team could be looking to part ways with him if the right deal comes along.
That’s where the Hornets should jump in. The buzz around LaVine has cooled off, so the Hornets could snag him by offering secondary pieces like Grant Williams, Josh Green, Cody Martin, and Nick Smith Jr. This trade would give the Bulls a solid young group while clearing the path for their rebuild around Giddey. Meanwhile, the Hornets could roll out a lineup with LaMelo Ball, LaVine, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Mark Williams, finally giving them a shot at being more than just another team stuck at the bottom of the East.
