The 2024-25 NBA season is right around the corner, and while teams are gearing up with the rosters they have, there’s always room for a blockbuster trade. What if a five-team deal could completely shift the balance of power in the league? This isn’t a rumor, but a creative idea that could change everything. The Hawks, Pelicans, Bulls, Blazers, and Hornets all come together in a trade that sees stars like Brandon Ingram, Zach LaVine, and Deandre Ayton finding new homes. Let’s break down how this trade could impact each team and shake up the season.
Mock Trade
Hawks receive: Brandon Ingram
Pelicans receive: Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, 2025 First-Round Pick (via Hawks)
Bulls receive: Deandre Ayton, Grant Williams, Josh Green, 2026 First-Round Pick (via Pelicans)
Blazers receive: De’Andre Hunter, Larry Nance Jr., 2027 First-Round Pick (via Bulls)
Hornets receive: CJ McCollum
Hawks Rebuild On The Fly By Landing Brandon Ingram
The 2024 offseason was a pivotal one for the Atlanta Hawks. They made the bold decision to end the Dejounte Murray experiment, sending him to the Pelicans in a trade that marked the start of a new era. Murray’s two seasons with the Hawks didn’t go as planned, and while his partnership with Trae Young looked promising on paper, the on-court results didn’t meet expectations. The team missed the playoffs in 2024, forcing the front office to rethink its roster construction. As a result, the Hawks traded Murray to the Pelicans for a package that included Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and two future first-round picks.
With Murray gone, the Hawks are now betting on Trae Young as their undisputed leader while adding more versatile pieces to the lineup. In this mock trade, they send De’Andre Hunter to the Blazers along with a 2025 first-round pick, receiving Brandon Ingram from the Pelicans. Ingram, who averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in 2023-24, would be a massive upgrade on the wing. His ability to create his own shot and facilitate the offense would complement Young perfectly.
After parting ways with Murray, the Hawks seem to be in a transitional phase. Their return in the Murray trade focused on building for the future, with Dyson Daniels being a key piece. Daniels brings elite defensive skills, but his offensive game still needs refinement. Adding Larry Nance Jr. provides depth in the frontcourt, though he’s likely more of a short-term addition as his contract expires in 2025 and would be shipped to the Blazers with Hunter in this move.
This shift could mean the Hawks are taking a longer-term view, potentially sacrificing immediate contention to build a team around Trae Young with complementary players who fit his style better. The big question for the Hawks remains: Can they be competitive with their retooled roster, or is a longer rebuild ahead? Ingram’s arrival could help accelerate that process, giving them another star to pair with Young and boost their playoff chances.
The Pelicans Reload with LaVine, Vucevic, And Murray
In this mock trade scenario, the New Orleans Pelicans take a bold step by trading Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum, landing Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, and the already-acquired Dejounte Murray to pair with Zion Williamson. LaVine brings his elite scoring ability, coming off a rough 2024 season where he averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, cutting his season short to 25 games due to foot surgery in January. Still, LaVine’s explosive offense alongside Murray’s defensive skills and playmaking gives the New Orleans Pelicans a dynamic backcourt to complement Zion’s inside presence.
Nikola Vucevic, who averaged 18.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 2024, adds a crucial interior presence that could solidify the Pelicans’ frontcourt. Vucevic’s ability to stretch the floor with his outside shooting, combined with his rebounding, provides flexibility on offense while maintaining strength on the boards.
With Murray now running the point, the Pelicans would gain a much-needed upgrade in perimeter defense while allowing Zion to dominate in the paint. This trade would not only give the Pelicans more balance but also more reliable players who fit better alongside Zion’s unique skill set. Given CJ McCollum’s age and declining performance, moving him makes sense as the Pelicans aim to maximize their potential.
This overhaul in the roster could finally push the Pelicans from a playoff hopeful to a serious contender in the Western Conference, assuming health stays on their side. The combination of LaVine’s shot-making, Murray’s defense, and Vucevic’s inside-out game could propel the Pelicans into contention as they look to capitalize on Zion’s prime.
The Bulls Begin A New Era By Acquiring Deandre Ayton
In this mock trade, the Chicago Bulls decide to move on from their current core by trading away Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic to the Pelicans, setting the stage for a fresh direction. With LaVine and Vucevic gone, the Bulls acquire a trio of talented players: Deandre Ayton, Grant Williams, and Josh Green, along with a 2026 first-round pick. This trade offers the Bulls a more defensive-minded and athletic roster, with younger players capable of growing alongside their developing talents.
Deandre Ayton, who averaged 16.7 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 2024, immediately steps in as the Bulls’ new centerpiece in the paint. His ability to score efficiently around the rim, combined with his rebounding and shot-blocking presence, provides a younger and more mobile option at center compared to Vucevic. Ayton’s defense will be a key addition to a Bulls squad that struggled to protect the paint last season, making him a critical piece for their future plans.
The Bulls also land Grant Williams, known for his defensive toughness and floor spacing, shooting 37.5% from beyond the arc last season. His ability to guard multiple positions and knock down open threes makes him a perfect fit in the modern NBA, and he will help anchor the Bulls’ defense while adding shooting around their young core.
Josh Green, a rising star in his own right, brings athleticism and defensive versatility to the wing. Green had a solid 2024 campaign, showing flashes of becoming a valuable two-way player. His potential to grow into a reliable perimeter defender and slasher will be crucial as the Bulls build around their new-look roster.
For the Bulls, this trade represents a significant shift. After a disappointing 2023-24 season, where they were stuck in the middle of the Eastern Conference, this deal provides the flexibility to develop their younger players while staying competitive. The addition of Ayton, Williams, and Green gives the Bulls a solid foundation to build on, with the 2026 first-round pick offering further assets for their long-term growth. This trade could mark the beginning of a more sustainable path for the Bulls as they aim to build a team capable of competing in the Eastern Conference for years to come.
The Blazers Move Ayton To Clear Path For Clingan’s Development
In this mock trade, the Blazers send Deandre Ayton to the Bulls, clearing the way for their 2024 lottery pick, Donovan Clingan, to take on a significant role. Clingan, drafted 7th overall, is known for his elite rim protection, something the Blazers need to address their defensive struggles. Ayton’s strong finish to the 2024 season makes him a valuable trade piece, but his contract and overlap with Clingan’s position might prompt the Blazers to make the move.
By acquiring De’Andre Hunter and Larry Nance Jr., the Blazers add versatile defenders who can guard multiple positions and bring stability to their forward rotation. Hunter averaged 15.6 points and 3.9 rebounds last season, while Nance’s return gives the team a veteran presence known for his basketball IQ and ability to contribute on both ends of the floor.
This trade prioritizes the future, as the Blazers focus on building around young players like Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Clingan. By moving Ayton, the Blazers not only give Clingan the minutes he needs to develop but also solidify their financial flexibility, avoiding the challenge of juggling two starting-caliber centers. The addition of Hunter and Nance strengthens the defense, giving the team the balance they need to support their young core.
The move signifies the Blazers’ commitment to their rebuild. With Clingan stepping into a larger role and more versatile defenders around him, the team is better positioned for long-term success while still maintaining competitiveness in the Western Conference.
The Hornets Form A New Big 3 With CJ McCollum
The Charlotte Hornets’ acquisition of CJ McCollum provides much-needed veteran leadership and playmaking, especially considering the struggles they faced in 2023-24 due to LaMelo Ball’s frequent injuries. McCollum, who averaged 20.0 points and 4.6 assists last season, fills the role once held by Terry Rozier, who was traded to the Miami Heat at the deadline. His ability to create shots and run the offense gives the Hornets stability when Ball is sidelined.
This trade forms a potential new “Big 3” for the Hornets, with McCollum joining Brandon Miller and Ball. Miller, the promising young forward, had flashes of brilliance in his rookie year, but the Hornets’ lack of consistent offensive firepower held them back. Adding McCollum, who has proven to be both a scorer and facilitator, helps unlock more options for the team. His ability to stretch the floor and take over playmaking duties ensures that the offense won’t stall during stretches when Ball isn’t available.
The Hornets struggled without a consistent secondary shot-creator last season, especially with Ball missing time. McCollum’s arrival fills that gap, bringing the scoring punch they need while also allowing Miller to develop without the pressure of carrying the offense. With McCollum in the backcourt, the Hornets have the veteran leadership they’ve been lacking and a legitimate shot at making the playoffs if they can stay healthy.
This move shows the Hornets are serious about competing in the Eastern Conference, hoping that McCollum’s presence can elevate the team to the next level.
