Some NBA teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, faced a disappointing season end. Despite having superstar names such as LeBron James and Stephen Curry, neither team was able to get over the hump and exited too early in the postseason.
We have collected the five NBA teams that need to go all-in this summer, and they will target superstar players, including Donovan Mitchell, Jimmy Butler, and Brandon Ingram. In order to go all-in, these five teams will offer everything possible to get the deal over the line for a chance to win an NBA championship.
Los Angeles Lakers
Potential All-In Trade Targets: Donovan Mitchell, Dejounte Murray, Zach LaVine, Lauri Markkanen
Potential Trade Assets: D’Angelo Russell (sign-and-trade), Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2026 First-Round Pick, 2029 First-Round Pick
The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves at a critical juncture after a disappointing first-round exit against the Denver Nuggets in five games, revealing significant gaps in their roster beyond LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The defeat highlighted the urgent need for additional firepower to complement their star duo and elevate the team back into championship contention, especially since the franchise is still searching for their new head coach after the Darvin Ham firing.Â
With a win-now mentality, the Lakers must be prepared to pursue blockbuster trades, leveraging assets such as D’Angelo Russell (in a sign-and-trade scenario), promising talents like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, along with future first-round picks. At the forefront of their ambitions stands Donovan Mitchell, whose sensational postseason performances for the Cleveland Cavaliers have captured the attention of basketball aficionados worldwide.Â
Averaging 29.3 points per game in the playoffs so far, Mitchell is one of the best scorers in the NBA. While prying him away from Cleveland may prove challenging, the allure of forming a Big Three alongside James and Davis could entice Mitchell to seek greener pastures, especially if Cleveland’s playoff run ends in the second round against the Boston Celtics.
Should the pursuit of Mitchell falter, the Lakers possess viable alternatives in Dejounte Murray and Zach LaVine, both of whom offer dynamic scoring prowess and defensive tenacity. Murray’s ability to orchestrate the offense and excel in transition aligns seamlessly with the Lakers’ style of play, while LaVine’s electrifying scoring ability adds another dimension to their offensive arsenal. Additionally, Lauri Markkanen presents an intriguing option, providing versatility as a floor-spacing big man reminiscent of the Lakers’ successful formula during their 2020 championship campaign.
Miami Heat
All-In Trade Targets: Donovan Mitchell, Trae Young, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan
Potential Trade Assets: Tyler Herro, Terry Rozier, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Duncan Robinson, 2024 First-Round Pick, 2029 First-Round Pick
The Miami Heat find themselves at a crossroads following a season marked by unmet expectations and internal discord, highlighted by recent remarks from team president Pat Riley aimed at star players Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro. Riley’s comments underscore a sense of urgency within the organization to return to championship contention after falling short of winning a title in the past five years despite two NBA Finals appearances.
With Butler and Bam Adebayo deemed untouchable, the Heat must explore avenues to bolster their roster and elevate their offensive potency, which ranked a lackluster 26th in the league. Donovan Mitchell emerges as the primary target, but this could just be a dream. Should Mitchell prove unattainable, the Heat possess alternative options in Trae Young, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan, each offering unique skill sets tailored to address Miami’s offensive deficiencies.
Young’s electrifying scoring and playmaking could inject much-needed dynamism into the Heat’s stagnant offense, while LaVine’s scoring versatility and athleticism align seamlessly with Miami’s identity as a defensively stout, transition-oriented team. DeRozan, with his mid-range prowess and veteran savvy, provides a reliable scoring option capable of thriving in Miami’s system.
In pursuit of these blockbuster trades, the Heat can leverage assets such as Tyler Herro, Terry Rozier, Jaime Jaquez Jr, and Duncan Robinson, along with future first-round picks, to entice potential trade partners. While parting ways with promising young talent and draft assets entails inherent risks, the potential payoff of acquiring a third star to complement Butler and Adebayo in their quest for championship glory justifies the win-now mentality.
Golden State Warriors
All-In Trade Targets: Jimmy Butler, Brandon Ingram, Mikal Bridges, Paul George
Potential Trade Assets: Jonathan Kuminga, Andrew Wiggins, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, Kevon Looney, 2027 First-Round Pick, 2028 First-Round Pick
The Golden State Warriors, once the dominant force in the NBA, found themselves on the outside looking in after missing the playoffs following a defeat in the play-in game against the Sacramento Kings. This disappointing outcome has intensified the organization’s sense of urgency to maximize their championship window, particularly with their talismanic leader, Stephen Curry, now 36 years old.
While the emergence of young talents like Jonathan Kuminga promises a bright future, the Warriors recognize the imperative to capitalize on Curry’s remaining prime years. Kuminga, with his immense potential, may seem untouchable, but the Warriors are prepared to entertain bold moves to solidify their championship aspirations.
Jimmy Butler emerges as a prime target for the Warriors, offering a blend of defensive tenacity, leadership, and scoring ability that could seamlessly integrate into their system. Butler’s potential availability, especially in light of recent discord within the Miami Heat organization, presents a compelling opportunity for Golden State to acquire a proven star capable of elevating their title prospects.
In the event that a deal for Butler proves elusive, the Warriors have alternative options in Brandon Ingram, Mikal Bridges, and even Paul George. Ingram’s scoring versatility and Bridges’ defensive prowess would address key areas of need on the wing, providing valuable support for Curry and the potentially returning Klay Thompson. Meanwhile, the possibility of a sign-and-trade for Paul George presents a tantalizing prospect, albeit with potential complexities given his current situation with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Philadelphia 76ers
All-In Trade Targets: Paul George, Jimmy Butler, Klay Thompson, Zach LaVine
Potential Trade Assets: Paul Reed, 2024 First-Round Pick, 2030 First-Round Pick
The Philadelphia 76ers find themselves at a pivotal juncture as they look to build a superteam around the formidable duo of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. With a clear mandate to assemble the best possible team this summer, the 76ers have identified several high-profile targets to bolster their roster and enhance their title prospects.
Chief among their priorities is the pursuit of Paul George, whose multifaceted skill set and playoff experience make him an ideal fit as a complementary third option alongside Embiid and Maxey. George’s defensive prowess and ability to thrive in high-pressure situations would address key needs for the 76ers, providing invaluable support on both ends of the court.
Jimmy Butler looms as another intriguing option for Philadelphia, offering a reunion with Embiid and the defensive leadership and tenacity coveted by the team. Butler’s championship pedigree and familiarity with the organization could further galvanize the 76ers’ pursuit of postseason success.
Alternatively, the 76ers have the flexibility to explore options in free agency, with Klay Thompson and Zach LaVine emerging as enticing targets to address their need for perimeter shooting. Thompson’s elite three-point shooting and championship pedigree, coupled with LaVine’s scoring prowess and athleticism, present compelling possibilities for Philadelphia to bolster their offensive firepower.
With approximately $55 million in available cap space, the 76ers are well-positioned to pursue any of these star players, providing financial flexibility to execute their offseason plans effectively. Joel Embiid is playing at an MVP level every season and Tyrese Maxey is an All-Star guard, so the 76ers need to make sure a Big Three is created this summer.
Orlando Magic
All-In Trade Targets: Brandon Ingram, Paul George, Dejounte Murray, Klay Thompson
Potential Trade Assets: Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, Cole Anthony, Jonathan Isaac, 2024 First-Round Pick, 2028 First-Round Pick, 2029 First-Round Pick
The Orlando Magic are poised to undergo a transformative offseason as they seek to surround rising star Paolo Banchero with the talent necessary to elevate their offense. With an emphasis on acquiring an All-Star caliber teammate to complement Banchero, the Magic have identified a range of enticing trade targets to address their needs and accelerate their rebuild.
At the forefront of their aspirations stands Brandon Ingram, whose scoring prowess and versatility make him an ideal fit alongside Banchero in the frontcourt. Ingram’s ability to create his own shot and stretch the floor would provide invaluable support to Banchero, enhancing the Magic’s offensive potency both in the short term and for years to come.
Should a deal for Ingram prove elusive, the Magic possess alternative options in Paul George, Dejounte Murray, and Klay Thompson, each offering distinct skill sets tailored to address specific areas of need. George’s championship experience and leadership qualities would provide invaluable mentorship for Orlando’s young core, while Murray’s playmaking ability and defensive prowess could significantly upgrade the team’s backcourt.
Thompson, with his scoring acumen and veteran savvy, presents an intriguing option to bolster the Magic’s offense because he might receive big money from the Florida-based franchise this summer. His ability to create scoring opportunities and excel in spot-up shooting could provide a valuable scoring punch alongside Banchero, alleviating pressure on the young star while facilitating his development.
