With the NBA season ending and a new one on the horizon, teams should look to these trade targets to bolster their roster.
With the NBA season nearly coming to an end, many teams out of the playoffs are already looking to the future.
The NBA Draft and free agency, coming together in back-to-back weeks in the offseason, will give teams a solid roadmap to constructing their rosters.
Being competitive in the current NBA is tougher than ever, thanks to the new salary cap and aprons introduced in the latest CBA.
But the trade market is a great place to look for teams that are looking for players they can add to their teams and make a big push.
2024-25 Stats: 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists
Kevin Durant is the most likely name to be traded this offseason. He is the only player the Suns can realistically trade without sacrificing their future. And his current brilliance ensures they will get a strong return for him.
Likely Destinations: Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks
Read More: Brian Windhorst ‘98% sure’ on Kevin Durant’s Suns future, reveals All-Star’s contract demand
2024-25 Stats: 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists
Giannis Antetokounmpo has made it clear to the Milwaukee Bucks that he will consider his future this offseason. At 30 years old, Giannis wants to maximize his championship window. His future is likely going to be outside of Milwaukee.
Likely Destinations: San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets
2024-25 Stats: 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists
One might question why the Celtics would trade a former Finals MVP in his prime. But with Jayson Tatum‘s injury and their roster’s untenable wage bill, the Celtics might choose to go into a two-timeline rebuild, and getting rid of Jaylen Brown might be the best call to secure the most assets.
Likely Destinations: Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs
Read More: Jaylen Brown comments on what Boston Celtics fans can expect from him next season amid trade rumors, ‘into my own hands…’
2024-25 Stats: 16.4 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds
Derrick White proved to be a key part of the Celtics’ 2024 championship push. But with the team’s future in doubt, they might look to cash in on his high value. Perhaps another championship-level team is making a move for him.
Likely Destinations: Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets
2024-25 Stats: 19.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists
With the Jazz failing to hit it big in the NBA Draft Lottery, they might consider trying their luck in the draft market. Lauri Markkanen has proven to be a strong All-Star-level player. Unfortunately, he is just not on their timeline, so they might consider building around Walker Kessler, Isaiah Collier, and their 2025 pick.
Likely Destinations: Miami Heat, LA Clippers, New York Knicks
2024-25 Stats: 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds
The Los Angeles Lakers will not want to get rid of Austin Reaves. In fact, they’re torn about trading him or Rui Hachimura right now. But he is becoming a free agent next year and due for a pay rise, one the Lakers can’t afford. They might see trading and cashing in on his value as the best path forward.
Likely Destinations: Dallas Mavericks, Charlotte Hornets, Brooklyn Nets
Read More: ‘Have no idea…’ Austin Reaves’ agent sends brutal warning to Lakers over trade rumors and 2026 free agency
2024-25 Stats: 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists
Karl-Anthony Towns joined the Knicks to be the final piece of their championship roster. Instead, he underwhelmed for much of the season and the playoffs. His defensive weakness has proven to be too costly. And the Knicks could look for an upgrade at the power forward position.
Likely Destinations: Phoenix Suns, New Orleans Pelicans, Washington Wizards
2024-25 Stats: 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists
Trading a young core piece, one who was named Defensive Player of the Year, might be risky. But the Grizzlies’ core has shown that they’re not at the level where a championship roster can be built around them. Plus, Jaren Jackson Jr. is in line for a big payday, one the Grizzlies might not want to endure.
Likely Destinations: Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat, New York Knicks
2024-25 Stats: 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists
Cam Johnson had a brilliant year with the Brooklyn Nets. If we combine that with his improvement with his affordable $43 million salary across the next two seasons? Johnson could be the final piece for a contending team. The Nets will want to maximize their draft capital, and trading Johnson would be a great way to do so.
Likely Destinations: San Antonio Spurs, LA Clippers, Houston Rockets
Read More: How the Brooklyn Nets can help Giannis Antetokounmpo get dream trade to San Antonio Spurs
2024-25 Stats: 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists
After signing a contract extension, Nic Claxton had a down year with the Brooklyn Nets. However, his track record when playing with All-Stars shows he can be a reliable third option, especially as a lob threat and rim protector. Expect a team that needs size to make a play for him.
Likely Destinations: Los Angeles Lakers, Detroit Pistons, Phoenix Suns
