The NBA offseason is always built on speculation, with fans and analysts imagining blockbuster trades that could reshape the league’s landscape. However, not all proposed deals involving superstars are feasible.
- Kevin Durant Returns To The Golden State Warriors: Window Is Closed
- Jaylen Brown Trade To The Dallas Mavericks: Simply Too Wild
- Trae Young Becoming New Point Guard Of The Denver Nuggets: Too Risky
- LaMelo Ball To The Los Angeles Clippers: A Massive Stretch
- Austin Reaves To The Brooklyn Nets: Very Unlikely
- Jarrett Allen To The Los Angeles Lakers: A Complex Proposition
Factors such as salary cap limitations, team philosophies, and player contracts often render these trades impractical. For instance, while the Golden State Warriors were reportedly close to acquiring Kevin Durant before the 2025 trade deadline, salary cap complications and player desire ultimately derailed the potential deal.
Similarly, the Warriors were also linked to various trade rumors, including acquiring veterans like Derrick White and Nikola Vucevic. However, financial constraints involving the second apron and the potential cost to their roster depth make such trades unlikely.
As the offseason progresses, it’s essential to separate realistic possibilities from wishful thinking. This article delves into several high-profile trades that, despite the buzz, are unlikely to happen.
Kevin Durant Returns To The Golden State Warriors: Window Is Closed
The idea of Kevin Durant rejoining the Golden State Warriors has been a topic of speculation. While there were discussions about a potential reunion, Durant reportedly declined a midseason trade back to the Warriors, citing concerns about the impact on both teams during a crucial time in the season.
Instead, the Warriors acquired Jimmy Butler, a move that significantly improved their performance and pushed the team to the second round of the playoffs. Looking ahead, Durant’s future remains uncertain and the Warriors might be looking to go for another superstar instead: Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Reports suggest there’s a high likelihood Durant will be traded this offseason, with teams like the Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, and San Antonio Spurs mentioned as potential destinations. However, a return to Golden State seems improbable, especially considering Durant’s previous decision to veto a trade back to the Warriors.
Jaylen Brown Trade To The Dallas Mavericks: Simply Too Wild
The notion of Jaylen Brown joining the Dallas Mavericks has surfaced in trade ideas. However, this scenario appears highly unlikely. The Mavericks are reportedly focused on building around potential No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg in the upcoming drafts.
Trading for Brown would require a significant package, potentially including multiple first-round picks and key players, which could derail the Mavericks’ long-term plans, even if the star fits well alongside Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis. The Mavs might also want to look at other players they can get for the No. 1 overall pick, if they want to trade it at all.
From the Boston Celtics’ perspective, moving Brown, who has four years and $236 million left on his contract, would be a monumental decision. Unless Boston is looking to make a drastic shift in their roster construction, parting with a cornerstone player like Brown doesn’t align with their current trajectory.
Therefore, while the idea is very interesting and certainly feasible, it’s more fantasy than reality right now. The Celtics might want to see how they do next season with Brown leading the way as Jayson Tatum nurses an Achilles injury.
Trae Young Becoming New Point Guard Of The Denver Nuggets: Too Risky
Speculation about Trae Young joining the Denver Nuggets has emerged, but such a move seems improbable. The Nuggets have a well-established core centered around Nikola Jokic, and Jamal Murray has proven himself in the playoffs too many times to ignore and include him in a swap deal.
Introducing Young into this mix would require significant adjustments, both in terms of playstyle and salary cap considerations. Quite frankly, we don’t know if Trae is that big of an upgrade over Jamal when it comes to being a winning player, and the Nuggets might be better off moving Michael Porter Jr. instead.
Additionally, the Atlanta Hawks appear committed to building around Young, despite trade rumors involving the player. Unless a better offer presents itself for the All-Star point guard, moving him to the Nuggets doesn’t seem like the girth move for them either.
LaMelo Ball To The Los Angeles Clippers: A Massive Stretch
The idea of LaMelo Ball joining the Los Angeles Clippers has been floated, primarily due to the team’s need for youthful energy. However, the Clippers’ roster is already laden with veteran contracts, and acquiring Ball would necessitate a significant trade package that still might not be enough.
Given the Charlotte Hornets’ investment in Ball as a franchise player, they’re unlikely to part with him without a substantial return. The Clippers simply don’t have enough to offer the Hornets, even if Norman Powell is the best player in a trade package and the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 Draft was used as well.
Moreover, the Clippers’ limited draft assets and salary cap constraints pose additional hurdles. While the fit might be appealing on paper, the practicalities of executing such a trade make it a long shot.
Austin Reaves To The Brooklyn Nets: Very Unlikely
Rumors have linked Austin Reaves to the Brooklyn Nets, but this move seems improbable. The Los Angeles Lakers value Reaves as a key contributor, and trading him would require a compelling return.
The Nets, while interested in bolstering their roster by finding a franchise star, might not have the assets the Lakers desire in exchange for Reaves. They would also be looking at bigger names like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Zion Williamson to fill their superstar void.
Furthermore, the Lakers are reportedly exploring other avenues to strengthen their frontcourt, such as targeting centers like Nic Clayton on a cheaper deal or bigger names such as Myles Turner or Domantas Sabonis. These pursuits suggest that Reaves remains a part of the Lakers’ plans moving forward unless the right player becomes available, and even if the undrafted player wants a hefty contract.
Jarrett Allen To The Los Angeles Lakers: A Complex Proposition
The Los Angeles Lakers’ interest in acquiring Jarrett Allen has been noted, especially after trading Anthony Davis before the trade deadline and lacking centers outside of the likely departing Jaxon Hayes. However, facilitating such a trade would be complex and too expensive because Allen is under contract until 2028-29 ($30,000,000 in the final year).
The Cleveland Cavaliers would likely demand a significant package in return, potentially including multiple players and draft picks. Even if the Cavs lost in the second round of the playoffs, they won’t give up on their Big Four too easily.
Additionally, the Lakers are exploring other options to address their needs at the center position, such as pursuing Nic Claxton or Myles Turner. Given these considerations, while acquiring Allen would bolster the Lakers’ frontcourt, the financial challenges involved make it a less feasible option.
