The 2025 NBA trade deadline brought a frenzy of seismic moves that transformed the league landscape, from Luka Doncic joining forces with LeBron James in Los Angeles to Anthony Davis starting a new era alongside Kyrie Irving in Dallas.
But the upcoming summer could present yet another opportunity for some more major moves. Players stuck on underperforming teams or looking for new challenges will dominate the offseason rumor mill. With the dust barely settling from the deadline chaos, let’s explore the NBA stars most likely to be on the move in the summer of 2025.
Kevin Durant
2024-25 Statistics: 26.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 4.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.3 BPG
At 36 years old, Kevin Durant is still one of the most lethal scorers in the league, as evidenced by his 26.9 PPG on elite efficiency. But the Suns’ experiment with Durant, Booker, and Beal hasn’t panned out over the past two seasons.
The Suns flirted with moving Durant before the deadline but reportedly ran into a roadblock when KD refused to join the Warriors for a second stint. With Booker deemed untouchable and Beal locked into a no-trade clause, Durant emerges as the Suns’ most viable trade piece.
Durant could still command a sizable haul in the trade market, as teams desperate for championship equity would salivate over adding a player of his caliber. Look for Durant to land on a team like the Houston Rockets or Miami Heat, where his scoring touch could swing title odds.
Trae Young
2024-25 Statistics: 23.4 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 11.4 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG
The Hawks‘ decision to trade key pieces like De’Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic signaled an official pivot to tank mode, and Trae Young’s future now hangs in the balance. Young, with his 23.4 PPG and league-leading 11.4 APG, has cemented himself as one of the best playmakers in the NBA.
Still, the clock is ticking for the Hawks to decide whether to retool around Young or hit the full-reset button by shipping him off for a haul of picks and young talent. If traded, Young would be an intriguing addition to a team like the Miami Heat, where his ability to orchestrate offense could unlock new levels for those rosters.
However, his high usage and defensive limitations make him a tricky fit for contenders. Regardless, a player with Young’s passing wizardry and scoring instincts will have no shortage of suitors, and the Hawks will want first-round picks in return.
Zion Williamson
2024-25 Statistics: 23.9 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.0 BPG
When Zion Williamson has been on the court, his 23.9 PPG, 7.3 RPG, and 4.9 APG showcase the dominant force he can be. However, his injury history, coupled with recent off-court issues and a reported desire to leave New Orleans, has the Pelicans at a crossroads.
With Brandon Ingram already moved to Toronto, Zion appears to be next in line as New Orleans dismantles its core and prepares for yet another rebuild. The Pelicans simply cannot afford to keep building around a star who has played fewer games than he’s missed.
A fresh start might be best for both parties. Zion’s unique skill set—a combination of explosive athleticism, power, and playmaking—could revitalize a struggling franchise or push a borderline contender over the edge. The question is: which team wants to take the gamble?
Jerami Grant
2024-25 Statistics: 14.7 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.0 BPG
Jerami Grant’s numbers (14.7 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.2 APG) don’t jump off the page, but his value as a versatile defender and secondary scorer makes him a sought-after piece for contenders. At almost 31, Grant doesn’t fit the Trail Blazers’ rebuilding timeline.
With Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe developing as the team’s future, Grant’s skills are wasted on a team going nowhere fast. Portland held onto him at the deadline, but it’s hard to see him sticking past the summer.
Grant’s ideal role is as a third option on a championship-caliber team, where he can focus on defending elite wings and hitting timely shots. Teams like the Memphis Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets, or Miami Heat would jump at the chance to acquire him.
Jordan Poole
2024-25 Statistics: 20.7 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Jordan Poole’s 20.7 PPG and 4.9 APG highlight his offensive prowess, but his struggles with efficiency and decision-making make it clear he’s not a franchise cornerstone. The Wizards’ decision to trade Kyle Kuzma signals their commitment to tanking, and Poole is likely the next domino to fall.
At this point, Washington would be better served flipping Poole for picks and fully embracing a rebuild around younger talent like Bilal Coulibaly. Poole’s high-volume scoring and ability to create his own shot make him an intriguing target for teams in need of offensive punch off the bench.
His fit on a team like the Phoenix Suns (if they blow it up) or Denver Nuggets could be seamless, as both lack consistent scoring depth. While Poole has flaws, his ability to get hot in a hurry will ensure he remains a valuable trade piece.
Nikola Vucevic
2024-25 Statistics: 19.3 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 3.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Nikola Vucevic has quietly put together another productive season with 19.3 PPG and 10.3 RPG, but at 34, his window as a high-impact player is closing fast. The Bulls’ decision to move Zach LaVine shows that they’re ready to embrace a rebuild, and Vucevic is a natural candidate to follow.
The Warriors reportedly passed on acquiring him at the deadline due to draft-pick hesitance, but they or another contender may reconsider in the summer. Vucevic’s ability to space the floor and dominate the glass makes him a strong fit for teams in win-now mode.
His defensive limitations will always be a concern, but his offensive skill set remains elite for his position. The Warriors could revisit a Vucevic trade now that they have Jimmy Butler, but only if the Bulls lower their asking price.
Cam Thomas
2024-25 Statistics: 24.7 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 3.4 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Cam Thomas’ scoring explosion (24.7 PPG) has been one of the few bright spots for the Brooklyn Nets, but his breakout season also makes him a prime trade candidate. The Nets are clearly in rebuild mode, having bought out Ben Simmons and shifted their focus to acquiring picks and young talent.
Trading Thomas, their most valuable piece, would be the next logical step in their teardown. Thomas’ scoring ability makes him a perfect sixth-man candidate for playoff teams. His defensive shortcomings limit his upside as a starter, but he’d thrive as an offensive spark plug on teams like the Clippers or Nuggets.
Cameron Johnson
2024-25 Statistics: 19.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.9 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Cameron Johnson is enjoying a career year, averaging 19.2 PPG while shooting at an elite clip, but his future in Brooklyn seems murky. With the Nets clearly embracing a tanking strategy, moving Johnson would net them a first-round pick or two and expedite their rebuild.
His ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions makes him a coveted asset for contenders. Teams like the Grizzlies or Nuggets could use Johnson’s 3-and-D skill set to round out their rotations. After all, his sharpshooting would fit seamlessly on a roster needing additional spacing.
CJ McCollum
2024-25 Statistics: 22.2 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 3.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.6 BPG
CJ McCollum continues to produce at a high level (22.2 PPG, 3.8 APG) but is clearly a poor fit for a rebuilding Pelicans squad. With Zion likely on the move, McCollum is a logical next step in the team’s teardown. At 33 years old, his championship window is rapidly closing, so a trade to a contender would benefit both sides.
Teams like the Bucks or Mavericks could use McCollum’s veteran leadership and scoring ability to boost their playoff hopes. For the Pelicans, trading him would clear the way for younger players to step up while bringing back future assets.
Anfernee Simons
2024-25 Statistics: 18.5 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 5.0 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Anfernee Simons has quietly been a reliable scorer for the Trail Blazers (18.5 PPG, 5.0 APG), but his time in Portland may be coming to an end. With Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe now the faces of the franchise, Simons could be flipped for picks or other young assets.
Simons would thrive in a system where he can play off a dominant star, such as alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. His scoring punch and ability to create off the dribble make him an ideal third option, while Portland can continue building its future core.
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