The NBA offseason is always a time for speculation, and this summer promises to be no different. With numerous teams looking to either bolster their rosters or hit the reset button, the trade rumors are already swirling. In this article, we’ll explore five blockbuster trades that could go down, reshaping the NBA landscape. Whether it’s a superstar seeking a new challenge or a team looking to move on from a failed experiment, these potential deals could make a huge impact.
1. James Harden Changes Sides in LA
Lakers receive: James Harden, Amir Coffey
Clippers receive: D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves
James Harden didn’t meet expectations after being traded from the 76ers to the Clippers at the start of the 2023-24 season. While he arrived as a third option and performed decently in the regular season, his averages of 16.6 points, 8.5 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game were a significant drop from his prime numbers. Harden, now 34 years old, is set to be a free agent after accepting his $35.6 million player option with the 76ers to facilitate the trade.
Given Harden’s age and declining performance, he’s unlikely to secure another max contract. The Clippers could bring him back for around $20 million per year, totaling $60 million over three years. However, they might benefit from moving him to refresh their roster.
The Clippers had a disappointing season despite their superteam of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Harden, and Russell Westbrook. They finished 4th in the West with a 51-31 record but lost 4-2 to the Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs. With Paul George likely re-signing, moving Harden via a sign-and-trade could rejuvenate their team.
The Lakers, who ended the season with a 47-35 record and exited the playoffs in the first round against the Nuggets, are in desperate need of a seasoned star to support LeBron James and Anthony Davis. D’Angelo Russell, who averaged 18.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game, had a solid season but didn’t quite fit with the team, leading to some friction. Austin Reaves, who put up 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, showed promise but might be better utilized in a different system. The Lakers need an experienced playmaker to take some load off LeBron.Â
Harden, despite his recent struggles, can still distribute the ball effectively and score, complementing LeBron and AD perfectly. Russell’s inconsistent fit and upcoming free agency make him a trade candidate, and moving him in a sign-and-trade deal for Harden could solidify their lineup. The Clippers need more stability and youth.Â
Acquiring Russell and Reaves brings in younger players who can contribute immediately and fit well alongside Kawhi and PG. This trade would also free up cap space, providing financial flexibility for additional moves in the offseason.Â
This trade addresses the immediate needs of both teams. The Lakers get a veteran playmaker in Harden, enhancing their chances for a deep playoff run, while the Clippers gain solid contributors in Russell and Reaves, maintaining their competitiveness and financial flexibility for future moves. Both teams aim to reset and push harder for the championship next season, making this trade a strategic move for all involved.
2. A Damian Lillard Shocking Move To Atlanta
Hawks receive: Damian Lillard
Bucks receive: Trae Young, 2025 first-round pick (via Kings)
Picture Damian Lillard joining the Atlanta Hawks. This move would definitely shake things up in the NBA. Lillard, who put up 24.3 points, 7.0 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game last season, would instantly make the Hawks a top contender in the East. His scoring ability and leadership would perfectly complement Atlanta’s roster. The Hawks had a rough season, ending with a 36-46 record and missing the playoffs. Bringing in Lillard would give them the veteran experience and star power they need to make a serious playoff push.
On the flip side, the Bucks would snag Trae Young and a valuable 2025 first-round pick from the Kings. Young, who averaged 25.7 points, 10.8 assists, and 2.8 rebounds, is a rising star with plenty of upside. At 25, he’s primed to be the future face of the Bucks. The additional draft pick sweetens the deal, giving the Bucks options for rebuilding or making further moves. The Bucks, who finished with a 49-33 record, were unexpectedly knocked out in the first round of the playoffs by the Pacers.
For the Hawks, this trade is all about making a deep playoff run. Lillard’s experience and clutch play could be the missing piece they need. For the Bucks, getting Young means they secure a young, dynamic point guard to lead their team for years to come. The 2025 first-round pick also adds future value, giving them flexibility for more moves down the line. This trade could also help the Bucks manage their salary cap better, as Young’s contract is less of a financial burden than a new deal for Lillard.
This trade would seriously shake up both teams. The Hawks would get a seasoned superstar ready to lead them deep into the playoffs, while the Bucks would land a young star and a future asset to help them retool and stay competitive. It’s a win-win, with both teams addressing their needs and setting themselves up for success in the near future.
3. Zion Williamson Would Be Huge In Toronto
Raptors receive: Zion Williamson
Pelicans receive: Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, 2024 No. 19 pick, 2026 first-round pick
Imagine Zion Williamson in a Raptors jersey, teaming up with Scottie Barnes. That would be a game-changer for Toronto. Zion, with his explosive athleticism and inside scoring, would bring a whole new dynamic to the Raptors. Despite an injury-riddled career, Zion still averaged 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game last season with the Pelicans.
The Toronto Raptors had a rough 2023-24 season, finishing with a 25-57 record and missing the playoffs. They need a spark, and Zion could be that guy. Pairing him with Scottie Barnes, who averaged 19.9 points, would create a young, formidable frontcourt duo.
On the flip side, the Pelicans would get a solid return. Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett are both young and talented players who could help New Orleans build for the future. Quickley averaged 17.0 points, 4.9 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game, while Barrett put up 20.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. Adding the 2024 No. 19 pick and a 2026 first-rounder gives the Pelicans more assets to continue their rebuild.
The Raptors need a major boost after a disappointing season. Zion Williamson could be the superstar they need to turn things around. His potential, combined with Barnes’ versatility, could help Toronto become a playoff contender again.
For the Pelicans, this trade offers a chance to move on from the uncertainty surrounding Zion’s health. Getting Quickley, Barrett, and two first-round picks provides a strong foundation for their future. They can develop these young talents and have flexibility with the draft picks to make additional moves.
This trade could revitalize the Raptors, giving them a young star duo in Zion and Barnes, while the Pelicans would benefit from a fresh start with promising young players and valuable draft picks. It’s a win-win scenario that addresses the needs of both teams and sets them up for future success.
4. Donovan Mitchell Pairs Up With Joel Embiid
76ers receive: Donovan Mitchell
Cavaliers receive: Tyrese Maxey, Buddy Hield, 2024 No. 16 pick
The idea of Donovan Mitchell joining Joel Embiid in Philadelphia is electrifying for the 76ers. The Sixers had a solid season, finishing 47-35 but were knocked out in the first round of the playoffs by the New York Knicks in a 4-2 series. With a strong roster but not quite enough to push deep into the playoffs, adding a dynamic scorer like Mitchell could be the missing piece.
Tyrese Maxey and Buddy Hield both had impressive seasons and are heading into critical contract years. Maxey, who averaged 25.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game, is seen as a rising star. However, with his free agency looming, the 76ers need to decide whether to invest heavily in his future. Maxey is expected to command a max contract in the range of $35-42 million per year. Hield, a sharpshooter who averaged 12.1 points per game with a 38% three-point shooting percentage, is also set to hit free agency and could demand a contract around $20 million per year.
Philadelphia’s cap space is another crucial factor. Trading for Mitchell, who averaged 26.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game last season, aligns with their goal of forming a formidable Big Three with Embiid and potentially another star free agent. The 76ers are rumored to be targeting top-tier free agents like Paul George or OG Anunoby, aiming to build a championship-caliber team around Embiid. If they miss out on these top targets, they might turn to trade markets for stars like Jimmy Butler or Brandon Ingram.
For the Cavaliers, who finished with a 48-34 record and were eliminated in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, this trade offers a solid return for Mitchell. There have been persistent rumors about Mitchell’s future in Cleveland, and moving him for valuable assets makes sense. Acquiring Maxey and Hield, along with the 2024 No. 16 pick, provides a solid foundation for the future. Maxey’s youth and potential make him an exciting prospect, and Hield’s shooting would complement their current roster well.
This trade would rejuvenate both teams. The 76ers get a proven scorer to pair with Embiid, making them a more potent playoff threat, while the Cavaliers receive promising young talent and future draft assets. Both teams address their immediate and future needs, setting themselves up for success in the upcoming seasons.
5. The Thunder Would Be Amazing With Towns
Thunder receive: Karl-Anthony Towns
Timberwolves receive: Jalen Williams, Lu Dort, Kenrich Williams, 2024 No. 12 pick, 2025 first-round pick (via Rockets), 2025 first-round pick (via Jazz)
Imagine Karl-Anthony Towns joining the Oklahoma City Thunder. Towns had a solid 2023-24 season, averaging 21.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game in 62 games. This addition would provide the Thunder with a versatile inside-outside game.
OKC Thunder had an impressive 2023-24 season, finishing with a 57-25 record and making it to the Western Conference Semifinals, where they were eliminated by the Dallas Mavericks in a 4-2 series. Recently, they acquired Alex Caruso from the Bulls, sending Josh Giddey to Chicago. This demonstrates their commitment to building a competitive roster around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had an outstanding season, averaging 30.1 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.5 rebounds in 75 games.
The Thunder are looking to capitalize on their current success and make a deeper playoff run. Towns’ scoring ability and versatility would complement their current roster perfectly, providing an inside-outside threat and additional leadership. OKC’s recent trade for Alex Caruso indicates their aggressive approach to building a championship contender around their star, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
For the Timberwolves, the return is substantial. Minnesota finished the season with a 56-26 record, securing the 3rd seed in the Western Conference but losing in the Western Conference Finals to the Dallas Mavericks in a 4-1 series. There have been persistent rumors about potential changes in their roster to better align with their goals for the future, including potential moves involving Towns to retool the team around their young star, Anthony Edwards.
Trading Towns offers a chance to build around young, promising players. Acquiring Jalen Williams, Lu Dort, and Kenrich Williams, along with three future first-round picks, gives them a solid foundation for the future. This trade also provides financial flexibility to pursue other opportunities and build a well-rounded team.
Jalen Williams, who averaged 19.1 points, 4.5 assists, and 4.0 rebounds in 71 games, is a promising young talent. Lu Dort, known for his defensive prowess, averaged 10.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 79 games. Kenrich Williams added valuable depth with 4.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 69 games. Additionally, the 2024 No. 12 pick and two future first-round picks provide Minnesota with significant assets for their rebuilding process.
This trade could significantly enhance both teams. The Thunder would gain a seasoned star ready to help them contend for a championship, while the Timberwolves would secure promising talent and valuable draft picks to aid in their rebuilding efforts. Both teams address their immediate and long-term needs, setting themselves up for future success.
