The NBA offseason is always full of surprises, but 2024 might take the cake with some truly unexpected moves. As teams reassess their rosters and strategize for the future, a few blockbuster trades could shake up the league in ways no one anticipated. Imagine Joel Embiid swapping coasts, Damian Lillard donning the purple and gold of the Lakers, or Paul George taking his talents to Sacramento. These are the kinds of trades that could redefine the balance of power in the NBA. Let’s dive into three trade scenarios that could leave fans and analysts alike in shock.
1. The 76ers Go For An All-Out Rebuild Trading Joel Embiid
Warriors receive: Joel Embiid
76ers receive: Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Trayce Jackson-Davis, 2025 first-round pick, 2027 first-round pick
Alright, let’s dive into this wild trade scenario that no one would ever see coming. The Philadelphia 76ers decide to shake things up in the most dramatic way possible by trading their franchise centerpiece, Joel Embiid, to the Golden State Warriors. Yes, you read that right—Embiid in the Bay Area.
Philadelphia is at a crossroads. After another disappointing playoff exit, the pressure is mounting. Embiid, despite his MVP-level talent, hasn’t been able to push the 76ers past the conference semifinals consistently. In the 2024 playoffs, Embiid averaged 33.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, showcasing his dominance, but it wasn’t enough to get Philly over the hump. The team, having finished seventh in the Eastern Conference with a 47-35 record, faced yet another early exit, losing in the first round to the New York Knicks.
Rumors have been swirling for some years that the 76ers’ front office might consider a full-scale rebuild if they can’t find the right supporting cast for Embiid. The idea is to maximize their return while Embiid is still at the peak of his powers. Trading him now could yield a treasure trove of assets to set the team up for the future. The Sixers are also reportedly looking at potential shake-ups, emphasizing a fresh start.
This is where the Warriors come in. Golden State is always looking for ways to stay on top. After a disappointing season where they finished sixth in the Western Conference and got eliminated in the first round by the Memphis Grizzlies, the Warriors are eager to revitalize their roster. Adding a player like Embiid could extend their championship window significantly. Pairing him with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green (assuming they keep their core intact) would create an almost unstoppable lineup. The Warriors would be betting on Embiid’s ability to stay healthy and dominate in the playoffs. His presence in the paint would give them an element they’ve lacked, providing elite rim protection and a go-to scorer in the post.
The trade package would include Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and first-round picks in 2025 and 2027. Wiggins, a former No. 1 overall pick, has struggled lately with the Warriors. In the 2024 season, he averaged 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. His two-way ability and experience as a champion make him a valuable piece for any team still.
Kuminga, a high-flying forward with immense potential, averaged 9.6 points and 3.3 rebounds in 2024. He’s shown flashes of brilliance and could thrive with more responsibility in Philly. Podziemski, a promising rookie, had a solid debut season, contributing with his versatile skill set and shooting ability. Moody has been a solid rotation player for the Warriors, averaging 8.1 points and 3.0 rebounds, with high potential to grow into a reliable 3-and-D player. Jackson-Davis, another young talent, could develop into a reliable frontcourt player given the right opportunity. The 2025 and 2027 first-round picks could be crucial for the 76ers’ long-term rebuild. The Warriors’ draft selections might not be lottery picks, but they still hold significant value, especially if the Warriors’ current core ages out of contention.
For the 76ers, this trade would signify a new era. They’d have a mix of young talent and future draft picks to build around, potentially speeding up their rebuild. It’s a high-risk, high-reward move that could set them up for long-term success. The Warriors, on the other hand, would be all-in on winning now. Adding Embiid to their roster could make them the favorites for the championship, but it also comes with the risk of chemistry issues and Embiid’s health. In the end, this trade would shock the NBA world and set the stage for a thrilling 2024-25 season.
2. The Lakers Pull Off An Incredible Damian Lillard Trade
Lakers receive: Damian Lillard
Bucks receive: D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2029 first-round pick
Let’s talk about another jaw-dropping trade that could shake up the NBA landscape: the Los Angeles Lakers acquiring Damian Lillard from the Milwaukee Bucks. This move would send shockwaves through the league, and here’s why it makes sense for both teams.
The Lakers are always on the hunt for star power, and landing Damian Lillard would be a dream come true. In the 2023-24 season, Lillard averaged a less impressive stat line of 24.3 points, 7.0 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game, a dip in performance compared to his last year with the Blazers. Despite this, the Bucks fell short in the playoffs even as the 3rd seed in the East, losing in the first round to the Indiana Pacers in six games while facing injuries from Dame, Giannis, and Khris Middleton. With Lillard’s $48.7 million contract for next season, the Bucks might consider flipping him after one year.
The Lakers, on the other hand, had a stronger season than expected, finishing seventh in the Western Conference with a 47-35 record. However, they too faced an early playoff exit, falling in the first round to the Denver Nuggets. The frustration of not advancing further has the Lakers looking for that missing piece to push them over the top. LeBron James isn’t getting any younger, and the Lakers are in win-now mode.
This trade would send D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, and a 2029 first-round pick to the Bucks. Russell, who averaged 18.0 points and 6.1 assists per game, would give the Bucks a reliable playmaker. Austin Reaves has emerged as a solid contributor, averaging 15.9 points and 4.3 rebounds while showing significant potential. Jarred Vanderbilt provides defensive versatility and rebounding, which is essential for any contender.
For the Bucks, this move would represent a significant shift. They’d be getting a mix of young talent and future assets, setting them up for a potential retool around Giannis Antetokounmpo. With Giannis and a supporting cast of Russell, Reaves, and Vanderbilt, Milwaukee could maintain competitiveness while planning for the future. The 2029 first-round pick adds further value, giving them a long-term asset to develop.
For the Lakers, acquiring Lillard means pairing him with LeBron and Anthony Davis, forming a formidable big three. Lillard’s scoring ability, combined with LeBron’s playmaking and AD’s dominance in the paint, would create a balanced and potent offensive attack. The Lakers had previously shown interest in Lillard, and this trade would finally bring “Dame Time” to Los Angeles.
This blockbuster deal would not only reshape both franchises but also set the stage for an exciting 2024-25 season. The Lakers would instantly become title favorites, while the Bucks would position themselves well for both present competitiveness and future growth.
3. The Sacramento Kings Win The Paul George Stakes
Kings receive: Paul George
Clippers receive: Harrison Barnes, Keegan Murray, Chris Duarte, Trey Lyles, 2027 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick
Let’s dive into this stunning trade scenario where the Sacramento Kings land Paul George from the Los Angeles Clippers. This move would not only turn heads but also reshape the dynamics of both teams involved.
Paul George is coming off a solid 2023-24 season where he averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and shot a career-high 41.3% from three-point range. Despite his efforts, the Clippers had a disappointing playoff run, getting knocked out in the first round by the Dallas Mavericks. George has a $48.8 million player option for the 2024-25 season, but with the Clippers facing a challenging offseason and a potential roster overhaul, he could be on the move if they can’t agree on an extension.
The Clippers are in a precarious position. They are dealing with a hefty payroll exceeding $200 million, which makes it tough to retain all their key players while also addressing other roster needs. With both Paul George and James Harden’s futures uncertain, the Clippers have tough decisions to make. George would need to decline his player option and sign a new contract to facilitate a trade. A plausible scenario would be a three-year extension worth approximately $45 million annually, totaling around $135 million over three years.
Enter the Sacramento Kings. The Kings are eager to build on their potential, despite finishing the 2023-24 season with a 46-36 record and missing the playoffs. Adding a superstar like Paul George could be the catalyst they need to make a serious playoff push.
The proposed trade would send Harrison Barnes, Keegan Murray, Chris Duarte, Trey Lyles, and two future first-round picks (2027 and 2028) to the Clippers. Harrison Barnes, a seasoned veteran, averaged 12.2 points and 3.0 rebounds per game, providing reliable scoring and leadership. Keegan Murray, a promising young talent, averaged 15.2 points and 5.6 rebounds, showcasing his potential as a future star. Chris Duarte, known for his defensive prowess and shooting, along with Trey Lyles, who contributed significantly off the bench, would give the Clippers depth and flexibility.
For the Kings, acquiring Paul George means adding a versatile scorer and elite defender who can elevate their performance on both ends of the floor. His ability to create his own shot and play off the ball would complement De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, forming a formidable trio.
For the Clippers, this trade provides a blend of experienced players and promising young talent, along with valuable draft picks to facilitate a rebuild or retooling of their roster. It’s a strategic move that allows them to remain competitive while planning for the future.
This blockbuster deal would not only be a headline-grabber but also set the stage for an exciting 2024-25 NBA season. The Kings would be pushing for a deep playoff run, while the Clippers would be positioning themselves to build a more balanced and flexible team.
