We’re deep into the 2024-25 NBA season, and you know what that means—trade chatter is picking up steam. Whether it’s teams chasing a playoff run or blowing it all up to rebuild, someone’s always on the block. From big-name stars to solid role players, there’s no shortage of guys who could be switching jerseys soon. Let’s break down which players might be packing their bags for every team in the league.
- Atlanta Hawks
- Boston Celtics
- Brooklyn Nets
- Charlotte Hornets
- Chicago Bulls
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Dallas Mavericks
- Denver Nuggets
- Detroit Pistons
- Golden State Warriors
- Houston Rockets
- Indiana Pacers
- Los Angeles Clippers
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Memphis Grizzlies
- Miami Heat
- Milwaukee Bucks
- Minnesota Timberwolves
- New Orleans Pelicans
- New York Knicks
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- Orlando Magic
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Phoenix Suns
- Portland Trail Blazers
- Sacramento Kings
- San Antonio Spurs
- Toronto Raptors
- Utah Jazz
- Washington Wizards
Atlanta Hawks
- Trae Young
- Clint Capela
- Bogdan Bogdanović
- De’Andre Hunter
The Hawks have been all over the place this season, sitting at 6-8 and struggling to find consistency. The big storyline? Dejounte Murray got shipped to the Pelicans this offseason in a deal that brought back young guard Dyson Daniels. Daniels has been a bright spot, averaging 14.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game while showing off elite defensive instincts with 3.4 steals and 1.1 blocks. He’s been a solid pickup, but the Hawks still look like a team caught between rebuilding and trying to compete.
Trae Young’s name has floated in trade rumors since last season, but it’s hard to imagine the Hawks pulling the trigger unless they’re blowing it all up. He’s still their guy, averaging 24.8 points and 10.2 assists, but his efficiency (40.5% from the field) and the Hawks’ mediocre record keep the whispers alive. A move seems unlikely this season unless things completely unravel.
Clint Capela, on the other hand, feels like the odd man out. With Onyeka Okongwu ready to take over, Capela could be moved to clear the way. He’s putting up 11.1 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, numbers that would appeal to any team needing interior help. Bogdan Bogdanović and De’Andre Hunter also fit the mold of players who could be moved for the right offer. Bogdanović’s scoring and Hunter’s defensive versatility make them prime targets for contenders looking to add depth. The Hawks are a team to watch as the deadline approaches—they could retool on the fly or tear it all down, depending on how the next couple of months go.
Boston Celtics
- Jordan Walsh
- JD Davison
- Jaden Springer
The Celtics are cruising this season, boasting a 12-3 record and sitting comfortably atop the East behind the Cavs. After clinching their 18th championship last season, they’ve kept the momentum going, with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the charge. Tatum’s been on fire, averaging 28.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, while Brown’s chipping in with 25.3 points and 6.1 rebounds.
Given their strong start, the Celtics aren’t looking to shake things up. However, young talents like Jordan Walsh, JD Davison, and Jaden Springer could be on the move if the right opportunity arises. Walsh has shown flashes of potential but is still finding his footing. Davison, a dynamic guard, has been lighting it up in the G League, averaging 20.1 points and 7.8 assists. Springer, acquired last season, brings defensive tenacity but hasn’t cracked the regular rotation.
While these players have promise, they might be used as trade chips to bolster the roster for another deep playoff run. The Celtics have the luxury of depth, and moving one or two of these young guns could net them a veteran presence or fill a specific need as the season progresses. For now, though, Boston’s content riding the wave of success they’ve built.
Brooklyn Nets
- Dennis Schröder
- Cam Johnson
- Dorian Finney-Smith
- Bojan Bogdanovic
- Ben Simmons
The Nets are sitting at 5-8, clearly in rebuild mode, and loaded with trade possibilities. Dennis Schröder has been a standout, averaging 18.1 points and 6.1 assists, and his strong play makes him an obvious trade chip for contenders needing a dynamic guard. Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith also bring plenty of value. Johnson’s sharpshooting and Finney-Smith’s 3-and-D versatility could fetch solid returns, especially for teams making playoff pushes.
Bojan Bogdanovic, back in Brooklyn this season, has been a steady scorer for a while and could be a prime veteran option for contenders once he gets healthy. His shooting and experience are attractive for teams aiming for a deep postseason run. Meanwhile, Ben Simmons remains the elephant in the room. His struggles with health and consistency have tanked his value, but if the Nets can find anyone willing to take a chance on him, they’d likely jump at the opportunity to move his expiring contract.
This mix of productive veterans and big contracts means the Nets will be active in trade talks as they focus on their rebuild. Players like Schröder, Johnson, and Finney-Smith could bring back the assets needed to reshape their future. For now, the Nets are balancing short-term contributions with long-term goals, making them a team to watch as the deadline approaches.
Charlotte Hornets
- Grant Williams
- Josh Green
- Seth Curry
The Hornets are 5-8 to start the season and, honestly, not looking like they’ve figured things out yet. LaMelo Ball is still putting up big numbers, but the rest of the team feels like a work in progress. Grant Williams has been solid, averaging 10.0 points and shooting 36.9% from deep, but his name’s already popping up in trade rumors. If the Hornets decide to make changes, he could be on the move.
Josh Green is another player worth watching. He’s shown flashes with his athleticism and defense, but the Hornets don’t seem fully committed to him long-term. Teams looking for a young wing with potential might come calling. Then there’s Seth Curry, who can shoot the lights out and would be a great addition to a playoff team needing scoring off the bench.
With the Hornets stuck in no man’s land right now, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them shop one or more of these guys to shake things up. Whether it’s part of a bigger move or just to pick up some future assets, they’ve got some pieces that could bring back value.
Chicago Bulls
- Zach LaVine
- Lonzo Ball
- Nikola Vucevic
The Bulls are 6-9 and stuck in that frustrating spot of not being bad enough to tank but not good enough to contend. Zach LaVine is putting up solid numbers—21.3 points per game—but his name’s been in trade talks since the offseason. The front office seems open to moving him if the right offer comes along, which makes sense if they’re looking to reset.
Lonzo Ball’s situation is a tough one. He hasn’t played in forever thanks to injuries, and while his passing and defense would help any team, his health makes him a wild card in any trade. It’s hard to see much value there right now unless a team’s willing to gamble on his long-term recovery.
Then there’s Nikola Vucevic, who’s doing his usual double-double thing with 20.1 points and 9.7 boards. He’s still productive, but it’s clear the Bulls are thinking about moving him to rework their roster. With the team struggling to find direction, it wouldn’t be surprising if one or more of these guys were wearing a different jersey by the deadline.
Cleveland Cavaliers
- Caris LeVert
The Cavaliers are on fire this season, boasting a top 15-1 record and leading the Eastern Conference. With Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland lighting up the scoreboard, and Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen dominating the paint, everything’s clicking in Cleveland.
Caris LeVert has been solid off the bench, averaging 11.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. Still, with the team’s success, there’s talk of packaging LeVert in a trade to acquire a near All-Star caliber wing to bolster their championship aspirations. LeVert’s versatility and scoring ability make him an attractive asset for teams looking to add depth.
While the Cavs are riding high, they’re not resting on their laurels. Exploring trade options involving LeVert could be the move that pushes them over the top in their quest for another title.
Dallas Mavericks
- Maxi Kleber
- Dwight Powell
The Mavericks are sitting at 7-7, which feels right in the middle of “meh.” Luka Doncic is doing everything he can, and the offense runs through him as usual. But the team’s inconsistency, especially on defense (mainly Luka’s biggest flaw), is holding them back. Right now, they’re hovering around mediocrity, which probably isn’t where they want to be with a trio of Doncic, Irving, and Klay.
Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell are the two obvious trade pieces if the Mavs want to shake things up. Kleber’s a solid stretch big, and Powell’s a hard worker in the paint, but neither of them moves the needle much. If Dallas is serious about making a push, they might need to move one or both to bring in someone who can actually make a difference. For now, though, it’s all about finding some consistency and keeping Doncic happy.
Denver Nuggets
- Peyton Watson
- Dario Saric
The Nuggets are 7-5 and sitting sixth in the West. Jokic is still doing Jokic things, keeping the team afloat with his MVP-level play, but the rest of the squad hasn’t been consistent. Russell Westbrook’s fit with the Nuggets has been awkward at best. His numbers are fine, but his shooting struggles and lack of chemistry with Jokic make it hard to see him sticking around long-term.
Peyton Watson has potential, but he’s more of a future piece than someone who’s helping right now. His athleticism and defensive upside are intriguing, though, and he could be included in a trade if the Nuggets are looking to win now. As for Dario Saric, he’s been solid, but he’s not a game-changer. If the Nuggets want to tweak the roster, Saric feels like an obvious trade chip to package for someone who can make a bigger impact.
The Nuggets are still in a decent spot in the standings, but they’ll need to make some moves if they want to climb higher and contend with the West’s elite teams. Watson and Saric might find themselves in trade talks soon.
Detroit Pistons
- Tobias Harris
- Tim Hardaway Jr.
The Pistons are 7-9 this season, sitting seventh in the East. They’re finally looking competitive after years of struggles, but the rebuild isn’t over yet. Tobias Harris has not been the player they expected, putting up 13.3 points on 29% from deep, and his name is already showing up in trade rumors. Harris is a vet who could help a contender, and if the Pistons can flip him for picks or young talent, they’ll probably jump on it.
Tim Hardaway Jr. has been a nice addition, giving them some scoring pop off the bench. He’s averaging 12.5 points a night and brings shooting that playoff teams are always looking for. With the Pistons still building for the future, Hardaway could be on the move if the right deal comes along.
The Pistons are in a good spot right now—better than they’ve been in years—but they’re not quite where they want to be. Trading Harris or Hardaway could help them stockpile more assets and keep moving toward a brighter future.
Golden State Warriors
- Andrew Wiggins
- Jonathan Kuminga
- Moses Moody
The Warriors are 10-2 and looking scary good. Steph’s still doing Steph things, but there’s a lot of noise around a few of the other guys on the roster. Andrew Wiggins has been solid, putting up 14.5 points and 4.3 boards, but his name keeps popping up in trade rumors. With the Warriors always dancing around the luxury tax, Wiggins might be moved if they find the right deal.
Jonathan Kuminga’s been decent too, averaging 14.2 points and 4.3 rebounds off the bench. The big story with him is that he didn’t get an extension before the deadline, so he’ll hit restricted free agency next offseason. The team’s probably waiting to see if he takes a big leap before locking him down long-term.
Then there’s Moses Moody, who’s averaging 9.6 points but hasn’t carved out a consistent role yet. He’s been solid in flashes, but if the Warriors need to sweeten a deal to land some immediate help, Moody could be the piece they move. The Warriors are in win-now mode, but keeping an eye on the future too. How they handle these three will be huge for both.
Houston Rockets
- Dillon Brooks
- Fred VanVleet
- Steven Adams
The Rockets are off to a hot start this season, sitting at 10-4 and third in the Western Conference. They’ve been active in the trade rumor mill, with reports linking them to big names like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant. In the offseason, there was buzz about the Rockets making a play for Booker and Durant, but nothing materialized. Now, with Giannis’s future in Milwaukee uncertain, Houston is reportedly keeping a close eye on the situation.
Dillon Brooks has been a key addition, bringing defensive intensity and averaging 12.6 points per game. Still, his name has come up in trade discussions, especially if the Rockets decide to pursue a superstar. Fred VanVleet is guiding the team with 14.8 points and 6.2 assists per game. His leadership and playmaking are valuable, but with the Rockets eyeing bigger fish, VanVleet could be part of a trade package.
Steven Adams has been solid in the paint as a backup. His toughness and rebounding are assets, but if Houston goes all-in for a star, Adams’ expiring deal might be on the move.
Indiana Pacers
- Obi Toppin
- Myles Turner
The Pacers are sitting at 6-7 right now, just inside the playoff picture in the East. Obi Toppin’s been solid off the bench, averaging 10.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game in 13 games. He’s been a nice contributor to the frontcourt, but there’s still room for him to become more consistent.
Myles Turner, on the other hand, has been balling, averaging 17.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game in 12 games this season. But here’s the kicker—he’s on an expiring contract. His future with the Pacers is up in the air, and with his shot-blocking and scoring, he’s always a name that comes up in trade rumors. If the Pacers decide to go in a different direction, Turner could bring back some serious value for them.
With the Pacers still trying to find a groove, both Toppin and Turner could be involved in trade talks if they decide to make moves, but for now, they’re key contributors in what’s been a tricky start to the season.
Los Angeles Clippers
- James Harden
- Kawhi Leonard
- Norman Powell
The Clippers are sitting at 8-7, 9th in the Western Conference. It’s been a rough stretch, and the big story is Kawhi Leonard’s absence. He’s dealing with a knee issue (again), and the Clippers have clearly struggled without him. Losing Paul George in the offseason didn’t help either, leaving the team without two of their main stars and a lot of questions about how they’re supposed to contend.
Norman Powell has been the savior so far, stepping up in a huge way. He’s leading the team with 23.3 points per game while shooting an efficient 49% from the field and 39% from deep. That kind of production not only makes him a key contributor but also a potential trade chip if the Clippers decide they need to retool midseason. Ivica Zubac has also been a solid presence, averaging 12.4 points and 12.1 rebounds per game, holding it down in the paint. If the Clippers make a move, his consistent play could make him another attractive piece for teams looking for a reliable big man.
James Harden is still figuring things out in LA but has kept them afloat alongside Powell. He’s putting up 20.1 points and dishing out 9.0 assists per game, though his shooting splits (31% from three) leave something to be desired. With Harden potentially opting out this summer, his future with the Clippers is up in the air, adding even more uncertainty to their season. For now, this team is surviving off Powell’s breakout, Zubac’s consistency, and Harden’s playmaking, but they’ll need Leonard back soon if they want to make real noise in the West.
Los Angeles Lakers
- D’Angelo Russell
- Jarred Vanderbilt
- Jalen Hood-Schifino
The Lakers are 9-4, 2nd in the Pacific Division and 3rd in the West. Things are looking solid so far, but a few guys on the roster could be trade candidates if the front office wants to keep this momentum going.
D’Angelo Russell has been underwhelming, averaging 12.1 points and 4.8 assists while shooting 40.6% from the field. With his player option already exercised, he’s on an expiring deal, making him a prime piece to move if the Lakers want to upgrade at guard.
Jarred Vanderbilt hasn’t played yet this season due to injuries, but his contract is team-friendly and could attract interest from squads looking for a defensive boost. His versatility and hustle are well-known, and he could be packaged if the Lakers go after a bigger name.
Jalen Hood-Schifino hasn’t carved out a consistent role this year. As a sophomore, he hasn’t done enough to lock in his spot on this contending roster. If the Lakers decide to shake things up, pairing him with Russell or Vanderbilt might bring back the kind of player they need to stay competitive in the West.
Memphis Grizzlies
- Marcus Smart
- Brandon Clarke
At 8-6, the Grizzlies are sitting 7th in the West. Jaren Jackson Jr. has been their go-to guy, averaging 23.1 points per game and anchoring the defense. With Ja Morant sidelined due to injury after playing just eight games, the team is trying to stay afloat without its primary playmaker.
Marcus Smart hasn’t lived up to the expectations offensively, averaging only 7.4 points and 4.2 assists while shooting an ugly 21.4% from deep. His defense and leadership are valuable, but if changes are needed, Smart’s reputation and contract make him a potential trade chip.
Brandon Clarke, recovering from last season’s Achilles tear, hasn’t been much of a factor. He’s averaging just 5.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in limited minutes. While his production is underwhelming, his contract is manageable and could appeal to teams needing frontcourt depth if they look to shake things up during Morant’s absence.
With key players out and some underperforming, this roster might need tweaks to remain competitive in a stacked Western Conference.
Miami Heat
- Jimmy Butler
- Tyler Herro
The Heat are 6-7, stuck in that awkward spot to really contend. Jimmy Butler missed four games with a right ankle sprain but came back strong, dropping 30 points against the 76ers. Here’s the catch, though: Butler is on an expiring deal, which means his future in Miami is far from certain. If the Heat don’t turn things around, they might start shopping him to contenders looking for a proven playoff killer.
Tyler Herro has been carrying the offense, averaging 24.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. His scoring’s been a lifesaver, especially while Butler was out, but his name has been floating around trade talks since the offseason (thanks, Dame drama). Herro’s young, locked into a long-term deal, and could fetch a massive return if the Heat decide to mix things up.
With Butler’s contract situation and Herro’s trade value, the Heat have some decisions to make. If they keep hovering around .500, one or both of these guys could be on the move to shake things up and give the roster a new direction.
Milwaukee Bucks
- Khris Middleton
- Brook Lopez
- Bobby Portis
- MarJon Beauchamp
The Bucks are sitting at 5-9, a shocking 12th in the East, and this season has been nothing short of a mess. Giannis Antetokounmpo hasn’t exactly hidden his frustration either, dropping some not-so-subtle comments about the team’s future direction. If things don’t improve soon, you can bet this roster is going to see some changes.
Middleton just can’t stay healthy. Every time he gets going, injuries derail him, and it’s starting to feel like the team can’t rely on him anymore. Lopez, at 36, still has flashes of brilliance, but he’s not the same dominant defensive anchor he once was.
Portis, for all his energy and hustle, has been a defensive liability. Sure, he brings scoring and rebounding off the bench, but the Bucks need more two-way players to support Giannis and Damian Lillard. As for Beauchamp, he’s barely getting any minutes, and the team already declined his option, so he’s as good as gone after this season.
If the Bucks want to make this work with Giannis and Lillard, they’ve got to shake things up fast. Right now, it’s clear this mix isn’t cutting it.
Minnesota Timberwolves
- Julius Randle
The Timberwolves are 8-6, hanging on to 6th in the West, and they’re starting to look solid. Julius Randle has been a key piece since joining in the offseason, putting up 21.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.7 assists. He’s been steady offensively, but the fit isn’t exactly seamless with the rest of the roster. With Naz Reid playing well and looking like he’s ready for a bigger role, Randle’s spot as the go-to frontcourt guy might not be set in stone.
The Wolves have options if they want to make a move. Randle’s been playing well enough to boost his trade value, and Reid’s energy and versatility might make him a cheaper, younger option to roll with. If the team decides to shake things up, Randle could be the piece they flip to balance the roster and give themselves a shot to climb further up the standings.
New Orleans Pelicans
- Brandon Ingram
- CJ McCollum
The Pelicans are 4-10, sitting 14th in the Western Conference and struggling to put it all together. Brandon Ingram has been their leading scorer, averaging 23.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game while shooting 47% from the field and 36.5% from deep. With him on an expiring $36M deal and reportedly seeking a $200M extension, the team might consider moving him. They already have Trey Murphy and Herb Jones behind him, two younger players who could step into bigger roles if Ingram is dealt.
CJ McCollum, limited to just four games this season due to injuries, is averaging 18.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting 44.6% from the field and 38.2% from three. After bringing in Dejounte Murray in the offseason, the Pelicans might not need another ball-dominant guard. Instead, they could look to trade McCollum for a reliable center to fill a glaring need in the lineup. With the team off to such a poor start, some big moves might be necessary to shake things up and build around Zion Williamson, who’s averaging 22.7 points and 8.0 rebounds in limited games.
New York Knicks
- Mitchell Robinson
The Knicks are rolling at 8-6, sitting 4th in the East and looking like a solid playoff contender early on. But Mitchell Robinson’s situation is a little murky. He’s still out after ankle surgery back in May, and with Karl-Anthony Towns now in the mix, it’s not exactly clear where Robinson fits once he’s healthy.
There’s been buzz about the Knicks shopping Robinson for another big—names like Jonas Valanciunas and Walker Kessler have popped up. It makes sense. With KAT taking up most of the minutes at center and the Knicks needing more depth elsewhere, moving Robinson could be a way to balance things out. For now, it’s all speculation, but it feels like the writing’s on the wall for Mitch if the Knicks stay hot.
Oklahoma City Thunder
- Lu Dort
The Thunder are rolling at 11-3, sitting 2nd in the West and looking like one of the best young teams in the league. Lu Dort’s been his usual defensive beast self, averaging 11.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, but with Cason Wallace stepping up and Alex Caruso now in the mix, his role isn’t as crucial as it used to be.
Dort’s a fan favorite, but OKC’s stacked with guards who can defend and hit shots. If the Thunder decide they need more help in the frontcourt or a win-now piece to really push for the playoffs, Dort could be the guy they move. His reputation as a lockdown defender and his reasonable contract make him a valuable trade chip. For now, though, he’s still a big part of what’s keeping OKC in the mix near the top of the West.
Orlando Magic
- Cole Anthony
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
- Goga Bitadze
The Magic are 9-6, sitting 3rd in the East and first in the Southeast Division. Paolo Banchero has been dominant when healthy, averaging a monster 29.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in just five games. However, his injury has left a gap, and Franz Wagner has stepped up, averaging 22.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists to keep the team afloat offensively.
Cole Anthony, on the other hand, has struggled. He’s averaging just 4.3 points and 2.3 assists on a rough 26% from deep in 12 games. His inefficiency and lack of a clear role make him a prime trade candidate. KCP has also underperformed offensively, averaging 7.1 points on 33.7% shooting from the field and 23.4% from three. While his defense is still solid, those shooting numbers won’t cut it for a team trying to stay competitive in the East.
Lastly, Goga Bitadze has been serviceable, averaging 6.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks while shooting 68.1% from the field. But with so many bigs on the roster, including Wendell Carter Jr. and Moritz Wagner, Bitadze could be moved to clear up the logjam in the frontcourt.
Philadelphia 76ers
- Caleb Martin
- Kelly Oubre Jr.
- Reggie Jackson
The Sixers are 2-11, stuck at the bottom of the East and drowning in drama. Tyrese Maxey reportedly called out Joel Embiid for being late to team activities, and with the team falling apart, changes feel inevitable.
Caleb Martin has been solid, averaging 11.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 13 games. His versatility makes him a decent role player, but Philly could flip him for assets to start building something new.
Kelly Oubre Jr. is averaging 13.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists while shooting 40.7% from the field and 26.7% from three. His offense has been okay, but his inefficiency and shaky defense make him an easy trade piece if Philly decides to shake things up.
Reggie Jackson hasn’t been a factor at all. In five games, he’s putting up just 3.8 points and 2.0 assists on 41.7% shooting. He’s clearly not part of the long-term picture, and the Sixers will likely look to move him if they can find a taker.
With this record and the locker room tensions boiling over, these three players are prime candidates to be traded as the Sixers desperately look for answers.
Phoenix Suns
- Jusuf Nurkić
The Suns are 9-6 and sitting 5th in the West, a big improvement from last season’s mess. A lot of that credit goes to Tyus Jones, who’s been a steady hand at point guard, and rookie Ryan Dunn, who’s turned into a legit 3-and-D weapon. Things are looking better overall, but there’s still one big problem: Jusuf Nurkic.
Nurkic has been a disaster so far. He’s averaging just 8.5 points and 9.8 rebounds while shooting a brutal 38.5% from the field. On top of that, he’s not giving them the rim protection they desperately need. The Suns brought him in to stabilize the center spot, but instead, he’s been a liability on both ends.
With the Suns looking to make noise in the West, it’s hard to see them sticking with Nurkic for long if he keeps playing like this. A trade to bring in a defensive-minded big might be what they need to take the next step.
Portland Trail Blazers
- Deandre Ayton
- Robert Williams III
- Anfernee Simons
- Jerami Grant
The Blazers are 6-8 and clearly leaning into a rebuild. Deandre Ayton hasn’t been great, putting up 13.3 points and 10.5 rebounds but shooting a rough 38.5%. With rookie Donovan Clingan showing potential, there’s already talk about Ayton being moved to give the young big more time. Robert Williams III is another name floating around in trade rumors, mostly because he can’t stay healthy and the Blazers might want to cut their losses.
Anfernee Simons is solid with 16.3 points per game, but the backcourt’s crowded with Scoot Henderson running the show. He’s been linked to trades as the team looks to shift things around. Jerami Grant’s 18.0 points and veteran presence are valuable, but at 30 years old, he doesn’t fit the team’s timeline.
The Blazers seem ready to part ways with some of their vets to fully commit to their young core. Ayton, Williams, Simons, and Grant all feel like they’re on borrowed time in Portland.
Sacramento Kings
- Kevin Huerter
The Kings are off to a struggling start this season, and Kevin Huerter hasn’t exactly been lighting it up. He’s averaging 11.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, but his defense is a major weak spot, and the Kings have been struggling on that end of the floor. With the team trying to take the next step and make a deeper playoff push, Huerter’s name has popped up in trade rumors.
Huerter’s shooting has been fine, but the team needs more balance. If they want to shore up their defense, flipping Huerter for a more versatile wing or a defensive stopper might be the move. He’s a decent offensive player, but the Kings seem like they’re ready to prioritize the other side of the ball.
San Antonio Spurs
- Chris Paul
Chris Paul in a Spurs jersey wasn’t on anyone’s bingo card for 2024, but here we are—and honestly, he’s been good. Averaging 10.5 points, 8.4 assists, and 3.8 rebounds, CP3 has been the steady veteran presence this young squad needed. He’s out there setting up Victor Wembanyama and showing the kids how to run an offense, but let’s be real: Paul in San Antonio feels like a short-term situation.
With playoff contenders always sniffing around for a savvy vet, Paul’s name is bound to pop up in trade talks. His basketball IQ and ability to orchestrate an offense could be the final piece for a team looking to make a deep postseason run. The Spurs? They’re still rebuilding, and flipping Paul for assets would make a lot of sense.
Toronto Raptors
- Bruce Brown
The Raptors are 3-12, clearly in rebuild mode, and Bruce Brown has been one of their key vets since joining the team. But here’s the thing—he’s been out this season due to injury, which makes his role even murkier. Their young guys like Ochai Agbaji and Gradey Dick are getting more opportunities, and Brown feels like a trade candidate if he gets healthy later in the year.
Brown’s versatility and defense made him a great fit on a contending team last season, but right now, his contract and reputation are his biggest assets. The Raptors might look to move him for picks or younger players to keep the rebuild moving. With the team struggling this much, flipping Brown seems like a logical next step.
Utah Jazz
- Jordan Clarkson
- Collin Sexton
- Walker Kessler
The Jazz are 3-10 and sitting dead last in the West. It’s been a rough season, and with no real shot at making noise, all eyes are on their tradeable pieces. Jordan Clarkson is still a scoring machine, averaging 15.7 points, but his inefficient shooting (40.0% from the field) doesn’t help a team trying to rebuild. He’s the perfect candidate for a contender in need of bench scoring.
Collin Sexton is putting up 15.5 points with 44.0% shooting, but he hasn’t quite found his rhythm in Utah’s crowded backcourt. With Keyonte George emerging, Sexton could be moved to clear the logjam and focus on the future.
Walker Kessler, who’s averaging 9.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks, still has potential, but his offense hasn’t taken a leap, and his name has popped up in trade buzz as Utah evaluates their long-term core. The Jazz need to decide if they’re building around him or looking for a fresh start in the middle.
Washington Wizards
- Kyle Kuzma
- Jordan Poole
- Jonas Valanciunas
The Wizards are 2-10 and things are rough, but they’ve got some players who could attract trade interest. Kyle Kuzma is putting up 17.0 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in just eight games. While the scoring’s solid, his efficiency has dipped, shooting 41.8% from the field. Jordan Poole is leading the way offensively with 21.1 points and 4.6 assists, but his defense and inconsistency still make him a question mark.
Jonas Valanciunas has been steady, averaging 12.6 points and 7.8 rebounds, but his fit on a rebuilding team like this is questionable. He’s the kind of big that could make an impact on a playoff contender, and with the Wizards clearly not going anywhere, he feels like the most obvious trade piece.
It’s clear the Wizards need to fully embrace the rebuild. Moving Kuzma, Poole, and Valanciunas could bring in younger pieces or picks to finally start building a real foundation.