7 NBA stars who could be traded next
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Who’s available on the NBA trade block? These stars could be the next to go this summer.
The NBA didn’t wait for the start of summer to execute blockbuster trades. This year’s Feb. trade deadline was arguably the most explosive in league history, with Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis, Jimmy Butler, De’Aaron Fox, Zach LaVine, Brandon Ingram, and many more being sent packing to new homes. More player movement is on the way with the NBA offseason around the corner, and ESPN insider Shams Charania has predicted this to be one of the ‘craziest’ summers of trades the league has ever seen.
It took the NBA a couple years to uniformly grasp the nuances of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement. At this point, just about every team is worrying about the multiple luxury tax aprons and team-building constrictions that come with putting together a hefty payroll. Championship windows feel shorter than ever, and when a team is in one, it really has to go for it. With seven new champions in the last seven years, almost every team in the league can talk themselves into making a charmed playoff run with the right acquisitions.
There’s already plenty of smoke that Kevin Durant could be traded ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft on June 25. Which stars could potentially join him on the trade block this summer? Here’s our list before the offseason gets started.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, F, Milwaukee Bucks
The media has tried to put Antetokounmpo’s name in trade rumors for years, but each time he’s returned to the Milwaukee Bucks after his team made a big trade. It really feels like this summer might be different. The Bucks were a middling team even with a healthy Damian Lillard, and now he’s out for all of next season with a torn Achilles. Milwaukee has extremely limited future draft capital and salary cap space to improve the roster. If Giannis wants to win another ring as badly as he claims, this is the time to make a move ahead of his 31st birthday. Of course, the only way the Bucks are going to trade Antetokounmpo is if he pushes his way out. To this point, he hasn’t done it, and rival executives are becoming skeptical it’s going to happen. If Giannis does hit the trade block, it could trigger one of the biggest bidding wars in league history. He’s a top-3 player in the world who can elevate a team on both ends of the floor. We named six potential Antetokounmpo suitors already, and laid out what a Spurs trade offer could look like. Giannis is the biggest name on this list until he commits to the Bucks for next season.
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Kevin Durant, F, Phoenix Suns
The Suns tried to trade Kevin Durant in Feb. but every deal fell through. It’s a lock that KD will be on the move again this summer, and there should be an endless list of potential suitors with the asking price falling a bit as the superstar turns 37 years old ahead of next season. Durant can’t be the best player on a championship team anymore, but he can be a critical piece who provides length, shooting, and scorching mid-range scoring. KD feels as malleable as ever in his old age thanks to a skill set that complements any star. The team that trades for him will likely have to sign him to a two-year, $120 million extension, but that shouldn’t diminish his market much. The latest on the Durant rumors is that the Suns will likely get a deal done before the draft with governor Mat Ishbia playing an active role in negotiations. With so many teams potentially interested who have enough assets to field a competitive offer, Durant should be moved soon and help put the NBA trade frenzy into motion.
LaMelo Ball, G, Charlotte Hornets
If teams take on the identity of their star player, the Charlotte Hornets will never be a serious team until they move off LaMelo Ball. Ball has been injury prone and highly inconsistent throughout his career, and he’s owed more than $168 million over the next four years. Ball is still very young on the brink of his 24th birthday, but he’s played fewer than 50 games for three straight years, and his terrible shot selection and poor defensive habits are almost as tricky to work around as his lack of availability. There’s no doubting Ball’s talent as a gifted 6’8 ball handler, passer, and long-range shooter, but it would be hard to question the Hornets at this point if their patience is wearing thin. This feels like the nadir of Ball’s trade value, which might be the biggest reason he could return to Charlotte. Still, if another team makes a serious offer, it wouldn’t be too surprising to see the Hornets move off their most talented player in an attempt to build a grittier and more balanced roster.
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Jaylen Brown, F, Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics were going to be in for some big changes even before Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles during this year’s playoff run. With their contention window now closed for next season, Boston has plenty of incentive to trade even more pieces for future assets to help build the next great team around Tatum when he returns. While Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis feel more likely to be traded, Brown is the most interesting name potentially on the trade block. Brown is an awesome player on the brink of his 29th birthday, but he’s also wildly expensive with four years, $236 million remaining on his deal. Do rival teams view Brown as an onerous contract or an impactful two-way wing in his prime? If Boston can return multiple picks and/or young prospects in a deal, it might make sense to get his salary off the books and load up on future assets while Tatum is recovering. Tatum and Brown have played their entire careers together outside of Brown’s rookie season, so this really would be a nuclear option for the Celtics after their 2023 championship run.
Ja Morant, G, Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies changed their offense last season, and the result was a team that ran the fewest pick-and-rolls in the league. Ja Morant didn’t always appreciate having the ball taken out of his hands, but it made sense for Memphis given his lack of availability in previous years. The Grizzlies feel like they are in a transition phase with long-time coach Taylor Jenkins out and former assistant Tuomas Iisalo promoted to the top chair. While lead executive Zach Kleinman has emphatically said Morant isn’t available, there has been speculation that Morant could be moved for the right price since the trade deadline. Morant is still a very good player, but he isn’t getting to the foul line as much as he used to, his three-point shot is regressing, and he’s still a big injury risk. With $126 million owed over the next three years, it wouldn’t be too shocking if the Grizzlies gave up their franchise player to reset their books and load up on future assets until they can figure out their next move.
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Lauri Markkanen, F, Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz aren’t getting any closer to moving out of their rebuild. The Jazz have seen their win total fall from 37 to 31 to 17 over the last three years, and they still don’t have a top draft pick to show for it. Utah’s new GM Austin Ainge may say the team won’t tank next season, but it sure feels like the Jazz have no choice but to play the lottery game again with a loaded big three on top of the 2026 draft. The Jazz signed Markkanen to a five-year, $238 million extension before last season, and his numbers promptly took a downturn as his team descended into a lost season. The 7-foot Finnish forward is ready to play in meaningful games, and he could help any playoff team with his size, shooting, and ability to attack the paint off the dribble. Markkanen probably doesn’t fit Utah’s theoretical timeline with real contention still years away, so it could make sense to trade him and continue to maximize future assets.
Karl-Anthony Towns, F/C, New York Knicks
The Knicks took a bold swing in acquiring Towns at the onset of training camp, and they got the full KAT experience in his first season. Towns was electric offensively in scoring 24.4 points per game on 63 percent true shooting, but his defense was a disaster, and it felt like he disappeared for long stretches as New York reverted to Jalen Brunson iso ball. The big question for the Knicks is if they can win the championship with two minus defenders in Brunson and Towns in the lineup. Towns’ massive contract with three years, $171 million remaining will be an anchor on any salary sheet, but he’s so talented that he should still have some market if the Knicks decide to move him. Towns is very much in his prime as he turns 30 years old in Nov., and he’s shown he can still play his game whether he’s at the four or the five. The Knicks are all-in on trying to win a championship after firing head coach Tom Thibodeau, and it wouldn’t be too surprising if they wanted to get out of the KAT business before he comes into his highest-paid years. If Leon Rose wants to do it badly enough, he should be able to find a way.
There are so many more names that could be added to this list. The Pelicans have vowed to keep Zion Williamson, but he could still be moved. Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Derrick White could all be on the trade block for the Celtics. Trae Young continues to be a popular name in trade talks in Atlanta, and another Cavs star could replace Darius Garland on the trade block now that he’s sidelined with toe surgery. Cam Johnson and Trey Murphy III may not be stars yet, but both could make an All-Star team in the right year.
