The NBA landscape is always changing, but this season has seen unforeseen changes in terms of player valuations. There are 10 NBA players whose trade values might not be as low as it is right now, due to a variety of reasons including injuries, poor performances, or bad team situations. Let’s dive into the 10 cases where once-coveted players have seen their demand diminish, and there will be some major names who appear.
1. Joel Embiid
Games Played: 19
2024-25 Season Stats: 23.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 4.5 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.9 BPG
Joel Embiid’s 2024-25 season has been another frustrating chapter in his career, with injuries once again limiting his availability as the center looks for any solution to heal his ailing knee. Playing just 19 games, the former MVP has seen his production dip, averaging 23.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game—still solid numbers, but a far cry from the dominant force he was in previous years.
The Philadelphia 76ers, who built their entire championship aspirations around him, Paul Goerge, and Tyrese Maxey, have crumbled in his absence, falling into the lottery and looking more like a team in transition than a contender. The Sixers might even be considering a medical retirement for their big man, but if they want to move him, there won’t be many landing spots for a broken-down center making $55,224,526, $59,539,018, and $64,302,139 over the next three seasons.
2. Zion Williamson
Games Played: 30
2024-25 Season Stats: 24.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.9 BPG
Zion Williamson’s immense talent is undeniable, but his persistent injury woes have once again hampered his availability. Limited to just 30 games this season, his inability to stay on the court raises concerns about his durability. It doesn’t help that rumors of him wanting to leave New Orleans and his mid-season suspension have left a bad taste in Pelicans‘ fans’ mouths.
While his averages of 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game showcase his impact when healthy, teams are increasingly wary of investing heavily in a player whose health remains a significant question mark. The Pelicans traded Brandon Ingram before the trade deadline, but they might not be able to capitalize on Zion’s true value because of the player’s decreased status right now.
3. Paul George
Games Played: 41
2024-25 Season Stats: 16.2 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Paul George’s tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers has been underwhelming, to say the least. Acquired with high expectations, George has failed to deliver, contributing to the team’s dismal performance this season. With Joel Embiid sidelined for the majority of the season, the 76ers leaned heavily on George to lead the team and now the player will be involved in trade rumors this summer.
However, his inability to rise to the occasion and even remain on the court has led to a reassessment of his value in the trade market. The combination of underperformance and the team’s financial constraints, given the hefty contracts of Embiid, George ($51,666,090 and $54,126,380 over the next two seasons), and Tyrese Maxey, has made George a less attractive asset for potential suitors.
4. Bradley Beal
Games Played: 48
2024-25 Season Stats: 17.3 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG
To be fair, Bradley Beal’s scoring prowess has been a hallmark of his career, but the 2024-25 season has seen a noticeable dip. Averaging 17.3 points per game, down from his previous seasons, Beal’s reduced offensive output has raised eyebrows, even before his albatross of a contract gets brought up.
Factors such as Kevin Durant’s future in Phoenix, nagging injuries to the players, and poor play from the team might be contributing to this decline from Beal. Regardless, no team wants to take a gamble on a 31-year-old shooting guard. Add in the fact that Beal is making $53,666,270 next season with a $57,128,610 player option (along with a no-trade clause) in the following season, the former All-Star’s trade value is almost nonexistent.
5. Julius Randle
Games Played: 59
2024-25 Season Stats: 18.7 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 4.6 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Julius Randle’s production has taken a hit in his first season with the Timberwolves, averaging 18.7 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. While these numbers are respectable, they represent a decline from his All-Star-caliber performances in previous years with the Knicks.
Inconsistencies in his play and questions about his fit within the Timberwolves’ schemes have made potential suitors cautious. Randle’s fluctuating performance has led to skepticism about his ability to be a consistent cornerstone for a franchise. Minnesota might be regretting the Karl-Anthony Towns trade before the season because they are not sure if Randle is the long-term answer for them and his value isn’t the highest right now.
6. Lauri Markkanen
Games Played: 47
2024-25 Season Stats: 19.0 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Lauri Markkanen’s early promise has been overshadowed by a season of middling performance. Averaging 19.0 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, he has struggled to assert himself as a dominant force. Inconsistencies and a perceived plateau in his development have led teams to question his ceiling.
Once viewed as a rising star, Markkanen’s current trajectory has tempered expectations and diminished his trade allure. To be fair to the Finnish former All-Star, Markkanen is playing on a Jazz team that has a 16-56 record so far, so there isn’t much he can do to influence his own numbers at the moment.
7. Deandre Ayon
Games Played: 40
2024-25 Season Stats: 14.4 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.0 BPG
Deandre Ayton’s season has been marked by solid rebounding numbers, averaging 10.2 per game, but his scoring has dipped to 14.4 points per game. Concerns about his offensive assertiveness and consistency remain, and we started having doubts about him during his days in Phoenix.
Teams evaluating Ayton are weighing his potential against these perceived shortcomings, impacting his trade value. Ayton is certainly not a max player and his contract will end after next season, but who would want to absorb $35,550,814 on their books for the 2025-26 campaign? Not many.
8. D’Angelo Russell
Games Played: 54
2024-25 Season Stats: 13.0 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Finally gone from the Lakers after another trade, D’Angelo Russell’s output has declined as expected. With averages of 13.0 points and 5.2 assists per game overall with the Lakers and Nets, Russell is exiting his prime in all likelihood.
His shooting efficiency and decision-making have come under scrutiny, leading to reduced confidence in his ability to lead an offense. As a result, teams may view Russell as a less attractive trade target, because if the Lakers gave up on him twice, he might not be worth the trouble in free agency. In other words, the Nets might struggle to agree to any sign-and-trade deals that net them any assets.
9. Jerami Grant
Games Played: 47
2024-25 Season Stats: 14.4 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.0 BPG
Jerami Grant’s scoring has decreased to 14.4 points per game, and his overall impact appears diminished. Once valued for his two-way play, the current season has seen a reduction in his defensive effectiveness and offensive contributions.
This decline has made teams hesitant to invest significant assets in acquiring him. Grant is slated to make $32,000,001 and $34,206,898 over the next two seasons with a hefty $36,413,790 player option in 2027-28. Contending teams would love to have Grant but his salary doesn’t fit into their books, meaning his trade value is extremely low right now.
10. Terry Rozier
Games Played: 59
2024-25 Season Stats: 11.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.7 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Terry Rozier’s scoring has dipped to 11.2 points per game, and his overall efficiency has suffered. Once seen as a dynamic scorer, his reduced production and impact have led teams to question his role and value. Of course, there are also unfortunate allegations of Rozier engaging in game manipulation and betting.
This downturn has made Rozier a less enticing option in trade discussions for obvious reasons. Rozier’s allegations and poor play are another cloud in a bad campaign for the Miami Heat, who were forced to trade Jimmy Butler. Rozier will make $26,643,031 next season and even if his allegations are proven false, he won’t have many suitors.
