The NBA offseason might be slowing down, but the trade market is far from closed. While most teams have made their major moves, several big-name players are still caught in limbo, with training camp just weeks away. Whether it’s unresolved contract disputes, awkward roster fits, or teams pivoting toward new timelines, the trade chatter hasn’t stopped. And for a few stars, that could mean a change of scenery before the first practice even begins.
From Jonathan Kuminga’s standoff with the Warriors to DeMar DeRozan’s uncertain future, here are five NBA stars who could be moved before training camp tips off in late September.
Lauri Markkanen
The Utah Jazz are set to spend another season at the bottom of the standings, and that’s by design. Since the departures of Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert years ago, the Jazz have been in a deep rebuild that’s still going today. With career averages of 18.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game on 45.5% shooting, Markkanen is now their leading star, but at 28 years old, his timeline doesn’t quite fit the ongoing youth movement in Utah.
As a versatile 7’0″ big man with a team-first mentality, Markkanen is highly coveted across the league, and the Jazz could net a sweet return if they were to strike a deal. As a former All-Star, Lauri has the potential to change the entire trajectory of his next NBA franchise, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he suddenly found himself in a new situation on a contending team in need of frontcourt depth.
Jonathan Kuminga
With averages of 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game last season, Jonathan Kuminga was expecting a serious pay raise from the Warriors this summer, but they’ve been reluctant to meet his demands. His skills and youth make him an ideal fit for any team, but he’s overstayed his welcome in San Francisco after a season of inconsistency in the rotation.
Drafted 7th overall in 2021, Kuminga isn’t close to his peak yet, but that development likely won’t happen in a Warriors system prioritizing veteran success now. Of course, as a restricted free agent, the Warriors have the right to match any deal for Kuminga, but they’d seemingly rather do a sign-and-trade deal than offer the $25+ million that he seeks. Interestingly, the Phoenix Suns may be able to pull off a deal if they are willing to pay the price.
DeMar DeRozan
The Sacramento Kings are in a weird state right now, being neither a contender nor a lottery-level team. With zero expectations, no moves are off the table for the Kings, especially one that could flip 35-year-old DeMar DeRozan into a younger asset to help build up their future. Even at this stage of his career, DeRozan could net a decent return in a trade, and the Kings would get some relief having his two-year, $50 million contract off the books.
While DeRozan is in an undeniable decline, he’s still capable of putting up big numbers, coming off a season where he put up 22.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game on 47.7% shooting. If that’s not enough, there’s going to be at least one NBA playoff team that considers DeRozan for his experience and leadership in the locker room, like maybe the Heat or another veteran team.
Darius Garland
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been eerily quiet this summer, and that’s not the typical strategy for a team coming off a failed playoff run. While the Cavs might be keen to run it back after winning 64 games last season, experts agree they are probably better off shaking things up to prevent another early playoff exit.
The Cavaliers could net a massive return for Darius Garland, given his age, skillset, and long-term upside. As a 2x All-Star and 25-year-old point guard, he’s got the potential to be a future Hall of Famer, and he’s already on the way with averages of 20.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 6.7 assists in the 2024-25 campaign. As a versatile two-way athlete, trading Garland would not come easily for the Cavs, but it might just be what helps tip them over the edge.
LeBron James
In Los Angeles, LeBron James is still coming to terms with his new reality. With Luka Doncic as the center of attention, James has been left feeling like the odd man out, leading to countless rumors about his departure. At 40 years old, retirement is also on the horizon for LeBron, but it may not come before he wears another jersey.
Even after 22 seasons, King James is still a top-level player with averages of 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game on 51.3% shooting. Besides his play on the court, James is a proven leader and experienced winner who can bring out the best in any locker room. Since he has a no-trade clause, James will only be dealt if he wants to, but it may not be a bad road to take at this point. Of course, any team hoping to land the King would also need to navigate the Bronny James dynamic, but there are still plenty of GMs willing to take the risk.
Who Will Get Traded?
No matter how quiet things may seem in late July, the NBA is never short on movement. As training camp approaches, these five names remain among the most likely to shake up the league before the new season even begins. Whether it’s youth vs. experience, contract tensions, or front-office shifts in direction, the right offer could tip the scales and bring a blockbuster deal to life.
With uncertainty surrounding stars like LeBron James, Lauri Markkanen, and Jonathan Kuminga, front offices across the NBA are watching closely. One trade could completely reshape the playoff race—or signal a rebuild that fans didn’t see coming. The offseason may be winding down, but for these five players, the real drama might be just getting started.
