Ranking The Best NBA Players Who Are Still On Trade Block

The blockbuster trades of this summer have reshaped the landscape. Kevin Durant’s exit and Bradley Beal’s swirling rumors have set off seismic movement across the league. Yet even after those big names moved, there’s still an elite collection of NBA players left on the trade block waiting to define new chapters in fresh jerseys. 

These players haven’t quite found new homes yet, but they’ve either been on full display in trade speculation, hit the rumor mill, or simply carry the talent that teams crave. You’ve seen Durant already land, Beal’s situation with Phoenix has grown more awkward, and now it’s time to turn our attention to those still available, players who could truly make a difference with a new team.

In this article, we dive deep into the NBA players still on the trade block in 2025, unpacking roster fit, contract leverage, and which general managers would be foolish to overlook them if they want to strike now.

Jonathan Kuminga 

Potential Sign-And-Trade Destinations: Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns

Jonathan Kuminga currently finds himself at a crossroads in Golden State. The Warriors have reportedly shut down all sign-and-trade talks, signaling they’re preparing to keep him on the roster despite his reluctance, potentially under a one-year qualifying offer or a modest two-year deal around $40M. 

Kuminga has rejected a $45M extension and made clear he doesn’t believe he’ll become an All-Star in Golden State’s crowded rotation alongside Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler. Despite this stalemate, insiders continue to spotlight a growing rift between Kuminga and the Warriors’ coaching staff, hinting at strained relations and diminishing trust. 

Golden State reportedly has clear demands for any trade or sign-and-trade, indicating they’re in no rush to deal but are open if the price is right. We predict two primary suitors in line for a Kuminga sign-and-trade, with Sacramento and Phoenix leading the conversation. 

The Sacramento Kings have emerged in a four-team trade scenario that would land Kuminga in Sacramento, where he is expected to take on a featured offensive role, even if DeMar DeRozan wouldn’t be a part of the deal.

Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns are reportedly mounting the most lucrative push to sign Kuminga, having put forward a nearly $90M offer across four years, indicating serious interest if the Warriors entertain a sign-and-trade option. 

Zion Williamson

Potential Trade Destinations: Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Charlotte Hornets

Zion Williamson remains one of the most scrutinized stars in the league. The Pelicans’ front office reportedly wants to move on if they can find a return that matches his potential, despite declining performance and injury issues this past season. Ownership’s frustration is apparently mounting, and that could make him available sooner than many expect.

Even though Zion has never been officially put on the block, multiple mock trades and league whispers place him squarely in contention to be moved, especially if New Orleans decides to reset around younger, healthier talent. We have examined three top destinations for Zion, and the Heat, Knicks, and Hornets could strike a deal if the price is low enough, considering the big man’s troubled injury history. 

Lauri Markkanen 

Potential Trade Destinations: Brooklyn Nets, Portland Trail Blazers, Detroit Pistons

Lauri Markkanen, with the Utah Jazz, carries a hefty five-year, $238M contract, which has drawn scrutiny given Utah’s shifting direction. While he remains a consistent floor-stretch scoring threat, his contract and defensive limitations make him an odd fit for a Jazz team leaning toward a younger rebuild.

Trade speculation places Markkanen squarely on the Jazz’s market, with multiple teams evaluating how his shooting can fill their offensive needs, especially in systems yearning for spacing around young playmakers. Unless Utah gets a trade done to help their roster, moving from Markkanen makes the most sense. 

Rebuilding teams like the Brooklyn Nets and Portland Trail Blazers have been mentioned as potential landing spots; otherwise, expect the Detroit Pistons to try to go all-in if it means getting Cade Cunningham some help. 

DeMar DeRozan 

Potential Trade Destinations: Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat

DeMar DeRozan, now with the Sacramento Kings, remains an elite mid-range scorer, but his age (35) and $24.7M salary are increasingly seen as constraints on Sacramento’s flexibility. Despite scoring effectively, the Kings appear willing to consider moving him to a better pair with their evolving roster structure.

Recent rumors suggest DeRozan may be available via sign-and-trade or direct trade, because while he still produces, the Kings want to turn him into draft capital or younger talent before it’s too late. That is why we believe the Grizzlies should try to acquire him to replace the departed Desmond Bane.

Otherwise, title-contenders looking for some added scoring, like the Lakers and Heat, should engage in reasonable trade ideas for the veteran. If it happens, DeRozan could finally be a part of a winning situation for the first time since he was in Toronto. 

Cam Thomas

Potential Sign-And-Trade Destinations: Chicago Bulls, Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons

Cam Thomas has erupted for 24.0 PPG off the bench for Brooklyn, but his contract situation has become a sticking point. He’s reportedly seeking significantly more than the qualifying offer (~$6M) the Nets can offer, so a sign-and-trade looks increasingly likely.

The Nets’ front office appears content to move him if they can get fair value, especially given his perceived ball-hog tendencies and Brooklyn’s larger rebuild strategy. We outline the Chicago Bulls as the top sign-and-trade suitor willing to pay a premium for Thomas’s scoring burst, and a package trade that could benefit Brooklyn in return. Otherwise, expect the Boston Celtics or Detroit Pistons to possibly look to bolster their depth charts with the addition of a high-scoring guard. 

CJ McCollum 

Potential Trade Destinations: Portland Trail Blazers, Detroit Pistons

CJ McCollum is obviously not a part of Washington’s long-term plans. McCollum’s elite shooting (he posted 37.3% from three last season) makes him highly sought after, but his efficiency comes with age and contract concerns. Despite veteran status, McCollum’s versatility in scoring and experience still commands attention from contender-level franchises. 

We believe that some teams view him as an ideal offensive complement or as an upgrade to the second unit. His scoring presence could ease pressure off lead guards elsewhere and help shift game flow in critical moments. 

Perhaps a return to the Portland Trail Blazers wouldn’t be the worst idea, considering he would reunite with former star teammate Damian Lillard. Otherwise, expect the Detroit Pistons to try to get in on some action. 

Nikola Vucevic 

Potential Trade Destinations: Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers

For Chicago, Nikola Vucevic remains one of the most reliable big men, averaging a double-double (18.5 PPG, 10.1 RPG) and shooting over 40% from deep. Despite production, the Bulls are reportedly open to exploring trade offers as they lean into a longer rebuild and recoup assets. Both Chicago’s internal inconsistencies and the big man’s advanced age make him an attractive but transitional piece.

One high-profile mock proposed sending Vucevic to Golden State, underscoring his value as a cost-effective offensive rebounder and post-scorer. League buzz suggests Chicago won’t stand in the way of a deal if it accelerates their timeline or adds trade currency, which means even the Lakers could have a chance to get him. 

Andrew Wiggins 

Potential Trade Destinations: Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks

Andrew Wiggins has become an expendable piece for Miami amid cap reformulation and the rise of younger talent. Despite flashes of production, Wiggins no longer holds upside potential; he’s viewed more as a veteran expiring contract that teams could acquire for trade flexibility. 

He is on the trade block for sure, particularly for teams willing to accept his deal in exchange for draft capital or veteran reinforcement. The Lakers should try to acquire him if it means keeping their star core intact, or the Milwaukee Bucks could offer a minimum amount of assets in order to trade for him and try to keep Giannis happy. Regardless, Wiggins can only help playoff contenders at this point.

Khris Middleton 

Potential Trade Destinations: Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Detroit Pistons

Khris Middleton’s long tenure in Milwaukee came to an abrupt halt when the Bucks traded him to Washington, marking the end of a championship-era partnership with Giannis. The move lowered Milwaukee’s salary cap exposure and cleared flexibility, though fans decried the trade as trading away the heart of the franchise for minimal return in Kyle Kuzma. 

Middleton is now on the Wizards, but discussions hint at more moves, specifically if Washington deems him mismatched with their rebuild rhythm. The Warriors (in a potential move involving Kuminga) or Lakers (Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber) could be hot destinations for the veterans, or the Pistons could swoop in since they need veterans.