As the 2025 NBA trade deadline inches closer, the market is heating up with speculation about which teams will make bold moves to improve their rosters. In a league driven by superstar talent and thin margins, overpaying in trades is often the price of doing business for teams desperate enough. Some teams will inevitably make all-in moves that raise eyebrows across the league.
The stakes couldn’t be higher this season, with championship windows closing for big-name teams such as the Lakers while rebuilding franchises such as the Nets are looking to capitalize on high-value assets. Let’s dive into five potential overpay trades that could shake up the NBA landscape before February 6, 2025.
Kings Pay A Lot For An Unproven Big
Trade Details
Sacramento Kings Receive: Deandre Ayton
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Kevin Huerter, Malik Monk, 2027 First-Round Pick, 2029 First-Round Pick
The Kings would be banking heavily on Deandre Ayton’s potential in this deal, but it’s a steep price to pay. Sending Kevin Huerter, Malik Monk, and two first-round picks (2027 and 2029) for Ayton is a significant risk for a player who has yet to demonstrate that he can consistently be a winner.
Ayton is averaging 13.5 points and 10.0 rebounds per game this season with the Portland Trail Blazers, but his defensive lapses and inconsistency in high-pressure situations remain a concern which is why he has been on the trading block. The reputation is that the center’s motor doesn’t run high every game and that is a major problem.
For Sacramento, the hope would be that Ayton’s physical presence in the paint could complement Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox, but giving up two high-level role players and multiple picks might cripple their depth. Huerter (8.8 PPG) and Monk (17.2 PPG, 5.4 APG) are both vital to the Kings’ offense, even if the former has struggled with his offense. Their shooting and playmaking will not be replaced even if the frontcourt twin-towers might look promising.
This trade screams overpay, especially for a player like Ayton, whose fit in Sacramento’s system is not guaranteed. The Kings are in a precarious position—while Ayton might elevate their ceiling slightly, the cost is too high for a player who hasn’t yet proven he can contribute to a winning culture and he proved that with the Phoenix Suns.
Warriors Take Unnecessary Risk For Zach LaVine
Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Gary Payton II, Kevon Looney, 2025 First-Round Pick
The Golden State Warriors would be mortgaging valuable assets to acquire Zach LaVine, a player whose skill set overlaps with what they already have. Trading Andrew Wiggins, Gary Payton II, Kevon Looney, and a 2025 first-round pick for LaVine is a move that could backfire. LaVine is averaging 23.8 points per game for the Chicago Bulls this season but has a history of defensive shortcomings and struggles in big moments.
Instead of investing in LaVine, Golden State could target a player like Kevin Durant, who would be a better fit for their roster and championship aspirations around Stephen Curry. Wiggins, while not as dynamic offensively as LaVine, has been a consistent two-way contributor for the Warriors, averaging 16.8 points and playing strong defense on the wing. Looney’s 6.8 rebounds per game and Payton’s elite perimeter defense would also be difficult to replace.
This trade feels like an unnecessary gamble for the Warriors. While LaVine is a talented scorer, he doesn’t solve Golden State’s core issues, and the assets they’d give up could be better used in a deal for a more impactful player. Sure, the pressure might be on with Stephen Curry claiming he doesn’t want to be on an average team, but even the superstar point guard has to admit mortgaging the future is irresponsible. The Warriors should avoid a trade for LaVine at this point.
Hawks Get Butler For A Huge Price
Trade Details
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Jimmy Butler
Miami Heat Receive: De’Andre Hunter, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Larry Nance, 2030 First-Round Pick
Jimmy Butler could elevate the Atlanta Hawks into the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference, but the cost is staggering. De’Andre Hunter, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Larry Nance, and a 2030 first-round pick is a steep price for a 35-year-old player likely to decline soon. Butler is averaging 21.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists this season, but the issues happening in Miami and the history of locker-room tension might give the Hawks pause.
Hunter, in particular, is a tough piece to part with, as he’s developed into a reliable two-way player, posting a career-high 19.4 points and playing strong defense against opposing wings. Bogdanovic’s sharpshooting and Nance’s versatility would also be missed.
Perhaps most importantly, Butler is expected to decline his $52.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season, seeking a long-term deal that could hamstring Atlanta’s future flexibility. If the Hawks do not offer the right money, Butler would end up walking for free.
While Butler’s playoff pedigree is undeniable, the Hawks would be gutting their roster depth and betting on a short championship window. This deal might make sense if Atlanta were closer to contending, but as it stands, the risk outweighs the reward.
Nets Go All-In For Zion Williamson
Trade Details
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Zion Williamson
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Cam Johnson, Bojan Bogdanovic, 2026 First-Round Pick, 2027 First-Round Pick (PHI), 2029 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2030 Second-Round Pick (DAL), from Mavs, 2030 Second-Round Pick (LAL)
Zion Williamson’s upside is tantalizing, but the Brooklyn Nets would be betting the farm on a player with significant durability concerns. Zion has only played nine games this season and was even suspended for one game due to his conduct. If the Pelicans, who have bowed to Zion from the start, are done with him, the Nets might suffer the same fate.
Trading Cam Johnson, Bojan Bogdanovic, and six draft picks (including three first-rounders) is a monumental haul for a player who has played fewer than 40 games in four of his six seasons. While Zion is averaging an impressive 21.7 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, his ability to stay on the court is a major question mark.
The Nets are clearly trying to rebuild after years of going all-in with big trades, and Zion’s star power is not worth the risk. Giving up so many assets would leave Brooklyn vulnerable in the long term. Johnson is a strong contributor, averaging a career-high 19.6 points on 42.8% shooting from three this season, and Bogdanovic’s scoring punch off the bench could be a valuable asset once he returns from injury.
This trade would undoubtedly make the Nets a more exciting team, but the risk of Zion missing extended time is too great. The cost of acquiring him—both in terms of players and draft capital—could leave Brooklyn in a precarious position if things don’t pan out.
Lakers Send Too Much For Brandon Ingram
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Brandon Ingram
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2029 First-Round Pick
The title-contending Lakers’ interest in Brandon Ingram is understandable, but the proposed deal feels like an overpay. Sending Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and a 2029 first-round pick for a player who can become a free agent this summer is risky.
Ingram is averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game this season, but his fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis raises questions. For one, Ingram has only played 18 games this season and hasn’t exactly improved his game despite being an All-Star in the 2019-20 season.
Hachimura has been integral to the Lakers’ depth, providing scoring versatility and rebounding. Hood-Schifino, while still a youngster, has shown flashes of potential that the Lakers could regret losing if not for the right deal. The 2029 first-round pick adds significant value to the trade, especially if the team’s core ages out of contention by then, which is very likely.
While Ingram would undoubtedly add offensive firepower, the Lakers could risk losing him for nothing in free agency. Giving up so much for a short-term rental doesn’t make sense, especially when the team could target other players with less risk and a better fit. The Lakers are under pressure to make moves but going for Ingram is not the right one right now.
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