We’re deep into the NBA season, and teams are figuring out if they’re contenders or just hanging on. The trade market? It’s heating up fast. Everyone’s talking about who might get dealt—players like Zach LaVine, Brandon Ingram, or even Jimmy Butler could end up on new squads. The stakes are high: the right move can take a team to the Finals, but a bad one can wreck their future.
This season, it’s clear some teams are desperate. The Bulls are spiraling, and the Raptors can’t decide if they’re rebuilding or reloading. Meanwhile, squads like the Lakers and the 76ers might make aggressive plays to fix their weak spots. Let’s dig into five wild trades that could actually go down—and why they’re worth the risk.
A Veteran Swap That Could Shake Things Up For The Lakers
Lakers receive: Chris Paul, Julian Champagnie
Spurs receive: D’Angelo Russell
The Lakers are sitting at 10-4, but they’re not without their issues. D’Angelo Russell, while showing flashes, hasn’t been consistent enough, although he’s found some success lately off the bench. He’s averaging 11.8 points, 2.4 boards, and 4.9 assists, but shooting just 39.7% from the field and a rough 31.2% from deep. Defense? Let’s just say it’s not his thing. A lot of people are questioning if he’s the right fit to run alongside LeBron and Davis as his contract expires after the season.
Meanwhile, the Spurs are 7-8 and clearly focused on rebuilding around Victor Wembanyama. Chris Paul, even at 39, is still a steady presence, putting up 10.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 8.5 assists while shooting 46.7% from the floor and 39.7% from three. But let’s be real—CP3’s timeline doesn’t match the Spurs’ long-term plans. They might prefer someone younger who can grow with the team.
Enter D’Angelo Russell. He’s younger, has scoring potential, and could slide into a key role for the Spurs while clearing a big chunk of cap space with his $18 million deal off the books after the season. For the Lakers, CP3 brings leadership and playoff experience that could elevate their roster when it matters most. Plus, Julian Champagnie adds some depth, even if he’s not a game-changer yet.
There’s risk, though. Chris Paul’s age and injury history are real concerns, and D’Lo’s inconsistency makes him a gamble for any team. But hey, risky trades are what keep the NBA spicy. This one might just make sense for both sides.
Warriors Trade For Turner’s Defense
Warriors receive: Myles Turner
Pacers receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Kyle Anderson, Trayce Jackson-Davis, 2028 first-round pick
The Warriors are sitting at 11-3 and look like legit contenders again. But if there’s one thing they’re missing, it’s a strong defensive presence in the paint. That’s where Myles Turner comes in. The Pacers’ big man is a proven rim protector and can stretch the floor, averaging 17.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks this season. On top of that, he’s shooting 42.4% from deep, making him a perfect fit for the Warriors’ style of play.
Turner is on the final year of his deal, earning $19.9 million this season, which makes this move a bit risky for the Warriors. If they pull the trigger and he walks in free agency, they could lose a lot for nothing. But if Turner clicks with their core, it could push them right back to title favorites.
The Pacers, currently at 6-9 and still building around Tyrese Haliburton, might be ready to cash in on Turner’s expiring contract. By bringing in Jonathan Kuminga and Jackson-Davis, they’d get younger talent with upside. Kuminga, who didn’t get his rookie extension this offseason, is averaging 13.7 points and 4.3 rebounds off the bench. He’s athletic and has shown flashes of being a two-way force, but his inconsistency has kept him from earning a bigger role with the Warriors.
The Pacers would also receive a veteran forward in Kyle Anderson, who is doing a great job right now with the Warriors, posting 5.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in limited minutes. With three players heading their way, the Pacers could get a better rotation out of this deal.
The 2028 first-round pick is the cherry on top for the Pacers, giving them a valuable future asset as they continue their march on the East. For the Warriors, though, this move signals that they’re in win-now mode. Losing two solid pieces and a pick for a potential rental isn’t a safe bet, but it shows they’re serious about adding Turner’s defense and experience.
This trade could be a win-win—or a total flop. If Turner stays healthy and fits with Golden State’s core, they could dominate the West. If he doesn’t? Well, the Warriors might regret giving up Kuminga and that future pick. Either way, it’s the kind of swing that makes the NBA exciting.
The Thunder Bet Big With A Jimmy Butler Move
Thunder receive: Jimmy Butler
Heat receive: Aaron Wiggins, Jaylin Williams, 2026 first-round pick. 2028 first-round pick
The Thunder are rolling at 12-4, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a strong young core. But adding Jimmy Butler would give them the experience and clutch play they need for a deep playoff run. Butler’s averaging 17.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists this season while shooting 50.0% from the field. Although on a surprising slump to start the year, he’s still one of the best two-way players in the league, and his leadership would be huge for a team with championship aspirations.
For the Heat, sitting at 6-7, this season hasn’t gone as planned. Moving Butler might seem drastic, but with him on the final year of his $48.8 million contract, it’s a logical move if they’re not competing at a high level. This trade brings in Aaron Wiggins, who’s been solid for OKC, averaging 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists while shooting 44.7% from the field and 42.6% from three. At just 24 years old, he’s got upside as a reliable 3-and-D wing.
Jaylin Williams, the Thunder’s young big man, is another promising piece. He’s not flashy but does the little things—setting screens, rebounding, and defending the paint. Plus, the Heat would snag two valuable first-round picks in 2026 and 2028, giving them more assets to either draft young talent or package in future deals.
For the Thunder, this move would signal they’re going all-in. Butler’s expiring contract is a gamble, but his ability to take over games and mentor their young squad might be worth the risk. If he helps them contend this year and decides to re-sign, it’s a win.
The Heat, meanwhile, would officially pivot to a rebuild or retool. Wiggins and Williams wouldn’t replace Butler’s impact right away, but combined with their picks, they’d have a foundation to work with. Plus, clearing Butler’s big contract gives them flexibility heading into the offseason.
This trade would be a bold swing for both sides. OKC bets on the now, while Miami starts thinking about the future. It’s the kind of blockbuster deal that could reshape the playoff picture—and the league itself.
The Grizzlies Make A Play For Brandon Ingram
Grizzlies receive: Brandon Ingram
Pelicans receive: Santiago Aldama, Luke Kennard, Brandon Clarke, 2026 first-round pick
The Grizzlies are 9-7 and sitting 8th in the West, and their offense hasn’t quite clicked the way they’d hoped. Adding Brandon Ingram could be the game-changer they need. Ingram’s putting up 23.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.3 assists this season, proving he’s still one of the smoothest scorers in the game. At just 27, he’s in his prime, but here’s the catch: his contract’s expiring, and he’s set to make $36 million this year. If the Grizzlies trade for him, they’ll need to either convince him to stay or risk him walking in free agency.
The Pelicans, on the other hand, are a mess at 4-12. Injuries have hit them hard, with Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, Dejounte Murray, and Herbert Jones all missing significant time. They’re stuck at the bottom of the standings and might need to think about the bigger picture. Ingram’s been at the center of trade rumors for months because the Pelicans are hesitant to commit to a long-term max deal. If they’re not ready to build around him and Zion, moving him now makes sense to get something back while they can.
Santiago Aldama could be an exciting pickup for the Pels. The 22-year-old forward is averaging 12.9 points and 7.1 rebounds this season while shooting a respectable 36.9% from deep. His versatility and size could make him a great piece for their rebuild. Luke Kennard, meanwhile, brings elite shooting (42% from three this year) and some floor-spacing the Pelicans desperately need. And Brandon Clarke adds athleticism and defense off the bench. Throw in a 2026 first-round pick, and it’s a solid package for a player who might leave in free agency anyway.
For the Grizzlies, this trade screams “win-now.” Ingram would give them a legitimate scoring threat to pair with Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. They’d have one of the most well-rounded cores in the league, with Morant running the offense, Jackson anchoring the defense, and Ingram providing that consistent bucket-getter they’ve been missing. It’s a risk, though. If they give up three solid pieces and a pick only for Ingram to leave in the summer, it could set them back big time.
The Pelicans would lose a star in Ingram, but this trade could help them reset. Zion, when healthy, is still their centerpiece, and adding Aldama, Kennard, and Clarke would give them depth and flexibility. Plus, that 2026 first-rounder could become a key asset if the Grizzlies stumble down the road. The injuries this season might make them think long-term, and this deal could be their best shot at maximizing Ingram’s value before he potentially bolts.
This one’s a gamble for both sides, no doubt. The Grizzlies take a shot at contending now, while the Pelicans would be thinking about the future. If it goes through, it could shake up the playoff race and change the trajectory of both franchises.
A Big Swing For Khris Middleton By The Magic
Magic receive: Khris Middleton
Bucks receive: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Anthony Black, 2026 first-round pick (via Wizards), 2026 second-round pick, 2027 second-round pick (via Celtics)
The Magic have been one of the surprise teams this season with a solid 9-7 record. But not everything has been smooth. Paolo Banchero, their franchise cornerstone, is currently out with a torn right oblique. Without him, it’s all on Franz Wagner to carry the offensive load. Wagner has stepped up big time, but the Magic are clearly missing another creator, especially in tight games where they need someone who can get their own shot. Anthony Black has been solid, putting up 9.0 points, 4.5 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game, but let’s be real—he’s not ready to be that guy yet. And Cole Anthony, while explosive at times, hasn’t consistently stepped into that scoring role either.
Then there’s Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who came in during the offseason with the expectation of providing veteran leadership and spacing. So far? Kind of a letdown. He’s averaging just 6.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists, and his shooting hasn’t been what the Magic hoped for. With Paolo out, it feels like the Magic are missing a major piece. That’s where Khris Middleton comes into the picture.
Over in Milwaukee, things aren’t much better. The Bucks are sitting at a disappointing 6-9, and there’s a real sense of urgency to turn things around. Middleton hasn’t even touched the floor this season as he’s still recovering from offseason ankle surgeries. Without him, the Bucks look out of sync, and it’s starting to put pressure on the Giannis-Lillard pairing. Giannis has made it clear—he’s here to win championships. But the way things are going, it’s looking like this season could go sideways fast unless the Bucks make some bold moves.
This trade would give both teams a chance to fix their problems. For the Magic, Middleton could be the missing link. Yes, there’s a big risk. He hasn’t played all year, and his health has been a question mark for a while now. But if he’s able to return to even close to All-Star form, his scoring and leadership would be a perfect fit next to Wagner. The Magic would finally have a second go-to guy to make defenses pay. And let’s be honest, Caldwell-Pope hasn’t been great, so taking a swing for a player with Middleton’s upside might be worth it.
For the Bucks, this trade would give them some breathing room financially. Middleton’s contract is massive at $31.6 million, and moving him would get them under the second apron, giving them the flexibility to make more moves down the line. Anthony Black is a promising young piece who could fit nicely into their rotation, and Caldwell-Pope brings reliable defense and experience—even if he’s been a bit underwhelming for the Magic. Plus, those future picks give the Bucks options. Whether they use them to rebuild or flip them for another star to help Giannis and Dame, they’re valuable assets.
Sure, there are risks on both sides. The Magic would be gambling on Middleton’s health, and the Bucks would be giving up on a guy who has been crucial to their past success. But sometimes, a big swing is what both teams need to shake things up and move forward. For the Magic, it’s a chance to push for a top spot in the East. For the Bucks, it’s a chance to reset around Giannis and Dame while keeping their championship window open.
This is one of those trades that might not feel perfect for either side, but it could solve a lot of problems for both. It’s risky, but hey, fortune favors the bold.
