The 2024 offseason saw its fair share of big trades, with names like Dejounte Murray heading to the Pelicans and other stars switching teams. But beyond the major deals, several players flew under the radar as potential trade candidates, while other bigger stars like Lauri Markkanen or Zach LaVine shared the spotlight without a move done. These players might not have dominated the news cycle, but they could still be valuable pieces in trades as teams finalize rosters before the new season kicks off. Let’s look at 10 players who could still be dealt soon.
1. Kevin Huerter
Kevin Huerter had an underwhelming 2023-24 season, with a noticeable decline in his production compared to his first year with the Sacramento Kings. He averaged 10.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game over 64 games, shooting 36.1% from three—a drop from the previous season’s efficiency. Huerter’s performance, along with his shoulder injury late in the season, has raised questions about his fit within the team as they aim to improve defensively.
The Kings, who already extended Malik Monk and added veteran DeMar DeRozan, are now overflowing with offensive talent, but they lack depth on defense. Huerter’s role has become redundant, especially considering his struggles on the defensive end. The Kings have been looking for ways to improve their defensive presence, particularly at the forward position, and moving Huerter might be a solution.
Huerter’s contract, which runs through the 2025-26 season, pays him $16.8 million per year, making him an expensive backup given his current role and diminishing impact. His shooting remains valuable, but with so many offensive options already on the Kings’ roster, they might look to use him as a trade chip to bring in a more defensively inclined player.
As Huerter recovers from his shoulder surgery and prepares to return, his future in Sacramento remains uncertain. While he’s still seen as the team’s projected starting shooting guard, there’s no doubt that the Kings could explore trade options to fill gaps on the defensive end. Teams in need of shooting, like the Lakers or 76ers, could find Huerter an appealing option once he’s fully healthy.
With the Kings focused on building a more well-rounded roster for the upcoming season, Huerter’s name could continue to come up in trade discussions as they look to make a deeper playoff run. His performance in the early part of the season will likely determine whether he stays or becomes part of a deal aimed at strengthening their defense.
2. Derrick Rose
Derrick Rose was brought in by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2023 to add some veteran leadership, especially with Ja Morant’s suspension and shoulder injury later on. But now that Morant is set to return and Marcus Smart has solidified himself as the go-to backup, Rose’s role looks a bit redundant on this young Grizzlies squad. Rose played just 24 games last season, averaging 8.0 points and 3.3 assists, and with Smart providing a much stronger defensive presence, keeping Rose around doesn’t make much sense.
The Grizzlies are clearly building around their young core, and while Rose’s experience is valuable, they might be better off using his $3.4 million contract to bring in someone who fits the team’s needs more closely. At this point in his career, Rose is more of an offensive spark plug off the bench, but the Grizzlies already have plenty of firepower with Smart, Morant, and Desmond Bane handling the majority of the backcourt minutes.
The Grizzlies made it clear they’re aiming to improve defensively, and Rose isn’t exactly known for his work on that end of the floor. While his leadership and presence in the locker room are undeniable, the team may look to move his contract for a piece that helps bolster their defense or fills another need.
There’s also the question of how much Rose can physically contribute moving forward. He’s had several injury-riddled seasons, and at 35, his durability is a concern. With Smart locked in as the defensive anchor off the bench and Morant back as the franchise player, it might be time for the Grizzlies to part ways with Rose.
All in all, Rose’s time with the Grizzlies seems like it could be nearing its end. The Grizzlies are a team on the rise, focused on youth and defense, and Rose might not fit into those plans moving forward. If they find the right trade, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Rose wearing a different jersey come the start of the 2024-25 season.
3. Robert Williams III
Robert Williams III is a key trade candidate as the Portland Trail Blazers are considering moves to balance their roster. After playing just six games during the 2023-24 season due to a knee injury, Williams may no longer have an established role with Deandre Ayton and the drafting of Donovan Clingan. The Trail Blazers have a surplus of centers, and Williams, who turns 27 in October, might not fit into their long-term plans.
Even with his injury history, Williams remains an impactful defender when healthy. Known for his elite rim protection and ability to defend on the perimeter, he has the potential to be a game-changer on both ends of the floor. During his time with the Celtics, he was a key part of their defense, earning All-Defensive Team honors in the 2021-22 season.
The Blazers could look to move Williams while his value is still relatively high. His current contract, which pays him $12.5 million for the 2024-25 season, is manageable for teams needing a defensive upgrade in the frontcourt. For the Blazers, the opportunity to trade him for future assets or players who fit better into their timeline could be tempting.
Regardless, the biggest concern for any team interested in Williams will be his health. He has struggled to stay on the court throughout his career, and that will be a key factor in whether the Blazers can get significant value in return. Despite the risks, a team looking to make a defensive leap might still see him as a worthwhile gamble.
Williams’ fate will likely be determined as teams approach the February trade deadline. If he can stay healthy and show flashes of his former self, the Blazers might find several suitors willing to take a chance on his defensive potential and reasonable contract.
4. Duncan Robinson
Duncan Robinson had a notable bounce-back season in 2023-24, increasing his scoring to 12.9 points per game and shooting 39.5% from three-point range. Once considered a tough contract to move, Robinson now has just two years left on his deal, which makes him a more appealing trade piece for the Miami Heat. With the Heat not making any major offseason moves, despite rumors around Jimmy Butler’s expiring contract and Tyler Herro’s future, Robinson has flown under the radar but could be a key trade asset.
The Heat could use Robinson’s contract, which pays him $19.4 million per season, to bring in a player that fits their needs on defense or provides a stronger inside presence. While his shooting remains valuable, the Heat is already loaded with other scorers like Herro and Josh Richardson, making Robinson’s role less critical. His contract, once seen as a burden, now offers flexibility for the Heat to adjust their roster and aim for a deep playoff run.
There’s been much more buzz surrounding potential trades involving Butler and Herro, but Robinson’s improved play makes him a trade candidate that could be overlooked. His playoff experience and ability to space the floor could be attractive to teams needing shooting depth, and the Heat might want to capitalize on his value while also creating more cap flexibility.
Robinson’s contract runs until the 2025-26 season, but the Heat may not wait that long to explore trade options. Whether they use him to bring in a defensive anchor or to free up cap space, Robinson’s resurgence gives the Heat more options to tweak their roster.
If the Heat decide to make a significant move during the season, Duncan Robinson’s name could start popping up in more trade rumors. With the Heat focusing on another playoff run, using Robinson as part of a package could help the team bolster its chances without sacrificing too much of its core talent.
5. Caris LeVert
Caris LeVert enters the 2024-25 season with the Cleveland Cavaliers on the final year of his contract, making him an intriguing trade piece. He’s set to earn $16.6 million this season, and with the Cavaliers already nearing luxury tax concerns due to big contracts for players like Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, moving LeVert might make sense financially. LeVert had a solid 2023-24 campaign, averaging 14.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in 68 games, but the Cavs’ roster depth could push the front office to consider a deal.
LeVert’s versatility has been a key asset for the Cavaliers, as he can play both on and off the ball and contribute defensively. His ability to switch between multiple positions and provide playmaking off the bench has helped stabilize the second unit. Yet, with the team adding players like Max Strus last offseason, LeVert’s role diminished, making him more expendable after a rough playoff performance.
One of the biggest reasons LeVert is on the trade radar is the Cavaliers’ financial situation. With major contracts kicking in for their young core, the team is already projected to be close to the second apron of the luxury tax, limiting their flexibility to retain players like LeVert beyond this season. Trading him now could allow the Cavaliers to bring in a more affordable 3-and-D wing, which is a position they could use more depth in, since Isaac Okoro is still pending to be re-signed.
Teams around the league that need a secondary ball-handler or scoring punch off the bench could find LeVert appealing, especially with his expiring deal. The Cavaliers might also explore attaching LeVert’s contract to draft picks to acquire a player who fits better with their long-term plans.
In short, while LeVert has been a valuable contributor for the Cavaliers, the team’s financial constraints and depth at the wing position might make him a prime trade candidate as the 2024-25 season unfolds. If the Cavs want to improve its roster for a deeper playoff run, LeVert’s expiring contract could be a key piece in making that happen.
6. Jusuf Nurkic
Jusuf Nurkic’s arrival with the Phoenix Suns in the 2023 offseason as part of the Deandre Ayton trade was seen as a move focused on fit rather than talent. While Nurkic isn’t as skilled as Ayton offensively, the Suns wanted a big man who’s more willing to do the dirty work—rebounding, setting screens, and playing tough defense. Last season, Nurkic averaged 10.9 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks, showing he can still contribute in the right system.
However, rumors of Nurkic being moved have been minimal, largely because the Suns are trying to make their big three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal work. With financial constraints due to the large contracts of these stars, moving Nurkic might be the most feasible way for the Suns to make adjustments if the team struggles early on. His contract, while more manageable than Ayton’s, still carries value that could be leveraged in a trade.
The Suns’ disappointing 2023-24 campaign, where they were swept in the first round of the playoffs, has put pressure on the team to perform this season. If they stumble out of the gate, Nurkic could be the odd man out, as his role on the team is vital but not irreplaceable. His history of injuries and defensive limitations, particularly his struggles in guarding quicker players on the perimeter, could make him a trade candidate if the Suns feel they need a midseason shakeup.
Financially, the Suns are strapped. With their stars locked into big deals, Nurkic’s $54 million contract over three years is one of the few movable pieces they have. If things don’t go as planned, he could be the most likely trade option for the Suns to free up cap space and bring in a player who might better fit their needs.
In short, while Nurkic fits the Suns’ current plans, his future in Phoenix is far from certain. Should the team struggle early in the 2024-25 season, he could become the most realistic trade piece to move, especially considering the financial limitations tied to the team’s star trio.
7. Kevon Looney
Kevon Looney has been a rock for the Golden State Warriors over the years, especially when it comes to defense and rebounding. But after a disappointing 2023-24 season, where the Warriors failed to make a deep playoff run, Looney’s name has started to pop up in trade rumors. His $8 million contract for the 2024-25 season was guaranteed this offseason, which shows how much the team values him, but it also makes him a solid trade chip if the Warriors decide to shake things up.
There were a lot of talks around a potential deal for Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz, and Looney could have been part of those discussions. The focus of those trade rumors was mostly on the younger guys like Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and Brandin Podziemski, but Looney’s contract makes him an attractive piece to move if the Warriors need to balance out salaries.
Looney’s known for doing the dirty work—setting screens, grabbing boards, and holding down the paint—but the Warriors could be looking for more offensive firepower, and that’s where Looney might be expendable. With Stephen Curry still leading the charge and the team needing to maximize its chances for another title run, adding a guy similar to Markkanen could give the offense a big boost, even if it means parting ways with Looney.
Money-wise, the Warriors are tight with big contracts all over the place. So, Looney’s deal is one of the few mid-level contracts they could use to bring in a higher-impact player. If the Warriors don’t get off to a hot start this season, Looney’s name could come up again in trade talks as they try to stay in title contention.
Looney has hinted at adding a bit more to his game, like shooting mid-range jumpers or even stretching out to three-point range. That could help his value, but it’s unclear if that’ll be enough to keep him around if the Warriors see a chance to bring in a big name who fits their immediate goals better.
8. Jarred Vanderbilt
Jarred Vanderbilt has been a key defensive piece for the Los Angeles Lakers, but his name has been floating around in trade rumors during the 2024 offseason. The Lakers even signed him to a four-year, $48 million extension, which could make him a more attractive trade asset. Despite Vanderbilt’s strong defensive capabilities and energy, there’s been a lot of buzz about whether he still fits into the Lakers’ long-term plans, especially after an injury-riddled 2023-24 season where he only played 29 games.
One major factor in these trade rumors is the Lakers’ desire to continue improving their roster. While they haven’t pulled the trigger yet, there’s been talk about adding another big man or veteran guard, and Vanderbilt’s contract could be used in such a deal. His defensive versatility makes him a valuable piece, but the Lakers might look to swap him for someone who brings more offensive consistency.
Head coach JJ Redick has expressed his belief in Vanderbilt’s value to the team, especially on defense. Redick highlighted how Vanderbilt’s energy can shift games even without scoring, but also acknowledged that the Lakers need to assess his place in the rotation if they’re looking to upgrade other areas.
Despite the Lakers’ appreciation for Vanderbilt, there’s speculation that he could be included in a package for players like Jonas Valanciunas or Malcolm Brogdon if the Lakers feel the need for a more offensive-minded player or another frontcourt presence. With the Lakers’ tight salary situation, Vanderbilt’s deal makes him a flexible trade option.
As the Lakers head into the 2024-25 season, Vanderbilt’s future remains uncertain. If he stays healthy and contributes on defense, he could remain a key piece. However, if the Lakers struggle out of the gate or find an opportunity for a roster upgrade, Vanderbilt could find himself on the move.
9. Jordan Clarkson
Jordan Clarkson’s name has been floating around in trade rumors for a while now, but as of this day, he’s still with the Utah Jazz. Despite the Jazz’s efforts to move him this offseason, the market just hasn’t materialized the way many expected. Clarkson had a solid 2023-24 season, averaging 17.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists, but his shooting percentages, particularly from three (just 29.4%), have raised concerns for teams potentially interested in trading for him.
The Jazz are in the midst of a rebuild, and Clarkson, at 32 years old, might not fit their long-term plans. Utah has made it clear that they want to prioritize their younger players, and Clarkson’s contract—while reasonable at $14.3 million—doesn’t seem to align with the team’s future outlook. However, despite the Jazz’s desire to trade him, teams around the league seem hesitant due to concerns over the new salary cap restrictions, making it harder for teams to take on contracts without risking penalties.
Clarkson is the kind of player who can be a spark off the bench for any contender, which is why his name frequently pops up in trade talks. His ability to create his own shot and score in bunches makes him an appealing option for teams looking to add some firepower for a playoff push. However, the Jazz may end up keeping him if no viable trade option comes along before the February trade deadline.
So while Clarkson could still be traded midseason if a contender needs an extra scoring punch, for now, he’s set to start the season with the Jazz.
10. Keldon Johnson
Keldon Johnson has been a key piece for the San Antonio Spurs for a few years now, but with Victor Wembanyama taking over as the franchise cornerstone, Johnson’s future is a bit up in the air. His numbers dipped last season to 15.7 points per game, down from 22.0, which has sparked trade rumors around him. The Spurs are reportedly open to listening to offers for Johnson, as they’re focusing on their younger talent and looking to maximize Wembanyama’s development.
Johnson signed a four-year, $74 million extension last year, which makes him a valuable trade asset. He still has three years left on his contract, and his combination of scoring and defensive abilities makes him an attractive option for teams looking to add a versatile forward. Teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder have been rumored as potential suitors, with Johnson’s ability to fit into different lineups being a key factor.
While Johnson has embraced his role with the Spurs, he admitted that moving to the bench last season was tough. With the Spurs prioritizing their young core, it’s no surprise that Johnson has become part of trade discussions. If the right deal comes along, the Spurs could move him to bring in more assets or players that better fit their rebuilding timeline.
Financially, Johnson’s contract is reasonable for a player of his caliber, and with the Spurs not under pressure to win immediately, they can afford to be patient. However, if a contender comes knocking with a strong offer, San Antonio might decide to make a move.
For now, Johnson remains with the Spurs, but his name will likely continue to surface in trade rumors as teams look to make adjustments during the 2024-25 season.
