In recent NBA offseasons, a clear trend has emerged: virtually any player can be traded for the right price. Unexpected trades, like Jrue Holiday’s move to accommodate Milwaukee’s acquisition of Damian Lillard or Paul George’s trade prompted by Kawhi Leonard’s demands, highlight this growing trend. With the NBA evolving into a league driven by trades, the only players seemingly safe from the movement are MVP-level stars and championship contenders with several years left on their contracts.
As the 2024 NBA playoffs concluded, speculation about potential trades for the upcoming 2024–25 season began to intensify. Below is a list of 75 players who, for various reasons, are seen as realistic trade candidates this offseason. While not all will be traded, and notable omissions might still see movement, these players—organized into 12 categories—are crucial names to monitor.
Category 1: Stars Likely to Be Available
These prominent players have been actively involved in trade rumours this offseason.
- Jimmy Butler, Heat: Butler seeks a two-year max extension, but the Heat are hesitant to offer it. Teams like the Philadelphia 76ers are interested and might pay him what he wants. While trading Butler is atypical for the Heat, they might consider it to acquire assets for a younger star.
- Trae Young, Hawks: Atlanta’s backcourt issues make Young, despite mixed interest so far, a valuable trade asset. At 25 and a three-time All-Star, Young has the potential to attract significant offers.
- Darius Garland, Cavaliers: If Donovan Mitchell extends his contract, Garland’s fit with Mitchell as two offense-focused guards may prompt trade talks through his agents at Klutch Sports.
- Brandon Ingram, Pelicans: With a looming luxury-tax issue and other starters solidifying their roles, Ingram might be traded for a point guard or centre before he hits free agency next offseason.
- Dejounte Murray, Hawks: Shopped previously at the trade deadline, Murray remains a viable trade candidate if the Hawks opt for minor adjustments rather than a complete rebuild.
Category 2: Stars Possibly Available
These stars could be traded depending on team or player decisions.
- Karl-Anthony Towns, Timberwolves: Minnesota faces financial strain, making Towns, a four-time All-Star with a unique skill set, a potential trade to manage their roster and cap space. His playoff performance and contract, however, add complexity to any trade discussions.
- Michael Porter Jr., Nuggets: Despite being part of the NBA’s top starting lineup, Porter’s underwhelming playoff performances and the Nuggets’ tax issues make him a possible trade candidate.
- Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers: Mitchell’s trade hinges on his decision to extend his contract. Should he choose to leave, the Cavaliers would likely trade him rather than risk losing him for nothing.
- Mikal Bridges, Nets: The Rockets’ previous offer for Bridges shows his value. With Brooklyn having no immediate contention path, trading Bridges for draft assets could be reconsidered.
- Jarrett Allen, Cavaliers: To balance their frontcourt and improve their lineup fit, Cleveland might trade Allen if they feel comfortable with Evan Mobley’s performance at centre.
Category 3: Stars Unlikely to Move (But Worth Inquiring)
These stars aren’t actively in trade rumours but are worth a trade inquiry.
- Kevin Durant, Suns: Despite the Suns’ determination to maintain their core, their lack of roster flexibility and early playoff exit might prompt consideration of a substantial offer for Durant.
- Kawhi Leonard, Clippers: If Paul George leaves, the Clippers might explore trading Leonard, especially if it helps their long-term prospects and draft pick situation.
- Lauri Markkanen, Jazz: Markkanen’s trade could enhance the Jazz’s draft capital, allowing them to rebuild more strategically as their current direction remains uncertain.
Category 4: Free Agents and Player Options
These players can move through free agency or trades, depending on their contract choices.
- LeBron James, Lakers: James is expected to stay in L.A., but any desire to join teams without cap space, like the Warriors’ previous interest, would likely necessitate an opt-in-and-trade scenario.
- DeMar DeRozan, Bulls: DeRozan might seek a high-paying contract through a sign-and-trade if Chicago doesn’t meet his salary expectations.
- D’Angelo Russell, Lakers: The Lakers prefer Russell to opt into his final contract year for trade purposes, but his preference for a longer-term deal could complicate this plan.
Category 5: Cap Dumps
These players are likely to trade candidates because their teams want to shed their contracts.
- Zach LaVine, Bulls: With diminished trade value, the Bulls are now open to cheaper offers for LaVine, whose contract might be more appealing to rebuilding teams willing to rehabilitate his value.
- John Collins, Jazz: The Jazz might regret taking on Collins’ contract last offseason, and with a new lottery pick, they may seek to offload his remaining bad money.
- Nikola Vucevic, Bulls: Chicago, facing potential tax issues, might look to trade Vucevic, whose contract doesn’t match his backup-level performance last season.
- Tim Hardaway Jr., Mavericks: To free up cap space for Derrick Jones Jr., Hardaway is a prime candidate for a trade, especially with Jaden Hardy proving himself as a capable replacement.
- P.J. Tucker, Clippers: Tucker, who saw limited playtime post-trade, could be moved to help the Clippers avoid the second apron if they re-sign George.
- Maxi Kleber, Mavericks: With other positions filled, Dallas might trade Kleber, whose contract could be used to alleviate cap space and focus on future wings.
- Zeke Nnaji, Nuggets: Denver could trade Nnaji to ease their tax burden and re-sign Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, making him a viable candidate for financial manoeuvring.
- Paul Reed, 76ers: Reed, matched by Philadelphia last offseason, might be traded for more cost-effective alternatives as his backup centre role doesn’t justify his current salary.
- C.J. McCollum, Pelicans: While Brandon Ingram is the more probable trade candidate for the Pelicans, they’ve shown interest in several point guards. McCollum has served as New Orleans’ starting point guard for a few years. He might be required to match salaries if Ingram isn’t involved in a trade or could prefer to be traded rather than move to the bench.
- Jerami Grant, Trail Blazers: Portland signed Grant to a much-criticized five-year, $160 million contract last offseason, and the first year of their rebuild has been as challenging as anticipated. Although the contract may look worse towards its end, Grant remains a valuable starting forward, a position in high demand. With no short-term winning prospects, trading Grant now and committing to a rebuild seems prudent for the Blazers.
- Kyle Kuzma, Wizards: The Wizards almost sent Kuzma to Dallas at the deadline, but he chose to stay when asked. Another team needing a wing (possibly his former team, the Lakers) might tempt him. Given the long rebuild ahead for the Wizards, nearly every veteran should be considered for trade, though Kuzma is the most sought-after.
- Cam Johnson, Nets: Brooklyn is open to various possibilities. Johnson could be valuable in a trade for a star player or, if the team decides to rebuild, he could be traded individually for good value due to his shooting prowess.
- Bruce Brown, Raptors: Brown had a down season in Indiana and Toronto, but he was highly sought after in free agency just a year ago. The version of Brown seen in Denver was one of the most versatile role players in the NBA. A team might trade for him, exercise his team option, and try to extend him at a slightly lower number.
- Malcolm Brogdon, Trail Blazers: The Blazers risked keeping Brogdon at the last trade deadline. Given his injury history, his value could drop suddenly. With many young guards on the team, Brogdon might not find much playing time. However, as the 2023 Sixth Man of the Year, he could be a valuable bench player for another team.
- Clint Capela, Hawks: With Onyeka Okongwu ready for a bigger role and Alex Sarr a favourite for the top draft pick, the Hawks are likely to focus on their young big men. Capela, nearly traded to Dallas last summer, could be available again.
- Jakob Poeltl, Raptors: Toronto overpaid for Poeltl at the 2023 deadline and then signed him to a hefty four-year contract. While they lack a clear young replacement, they traded for Kelly Olynyk, whose shooting is needed given the team’s composition. A non-spacing, defence-first big man like Poeltl might no longer fit Toronto’s plans.
- Bogdan Bogdanovic, Hawks: The Hawks have higher-profile guards available, but starting with Bogdanovic might be wiser. If they trade Young or Murray, they likely aim to get younger. At 31, Bogdanovic is ready to help a win-now team. If Young or Murray aren’t traded, it doesn’t make sense to invest heavily in a third guard.
- De’Andre Hunter, Hawks: Nearly every member of the 2023-24 Atlanta Hawks, except Jalen Johnson, should be considered available for trade. This would be clear to anyone who watched the team last season.
Category 7: Reasonably Priced Role Players
- Dorian Finney-Smith, Nets: Finney-Smith is a versatile trade candidate, valuable whether the Nets are acquiring a star or seeking to trade individually. His affordable salary makes him an attractive option for many contenders. Although he’s stronger on defence, his skill set fits almost any team.
- Jordan Clarkson, Jazz: Clarkson can score efficiently and affordably due to a front-loaded deal by the Jazz, making him attractive to teams needing a scorer. He made $23 million last season but will drop to $14 million this season.
- Bobby Portis, Bucks: While the Bucks likely prefer to keep Portis, their limited draft capital and young assets may force their hand. Portis, a valuable player, could help them add necessary perimeter defence without breaking up their core.
- Robert Williams III, Trail Blazers: Williams is a top defensive player when healthy, but his frequent injuries and high salary as a backup centre make him a trade candidate. Teams believing they can keep him healthy might see him as a cheaper starting option.
- Dennis Schroder, Nets: Schroder is known for his defence and scoring off the bench, though his inconsistent shooting and discomfort in the pick-and-roll with big men are drawbacks. Still, he’s a capable point guard, valuable as a Sixth Man or starter for decent teams.
- Alex Caruso, Bulls: Caruso is a highly desirable role player this offseason due to his defensive prowess, improved shooting, and affordable salary. Many teams target him, and with just one year left on his contract, the Bulls might move him now rather than lose him for less value later.
- Jevon Carter, Bulls: Carter is a budget alternative to Caruso, offering strong defence, ball-handling pressure, and three-point shooting at a low cost. He’s an affordable role player who fell out of favour in Chicago last season.
- John Konchar, Grizzlies: Facing a roster crunch, the Grizzlies might move one of their older role players. Konchar, a versatile player with a reasonably priced contract, would attract interest from teams needing a reliable contributor.
Category 8: Possibly Gettable for the Right Price
- Anfernee Simons, Trail Blazers: With three guards vying for two starting spots, Simons might be the odd man out. Portland isn’t eager to move him, but it might be better to address the situation now if Henderson and Sharpe are in the future.
- Collin Sexton, Jazz: Sexton excelled as a starter but might not fit into the Jazz’s plans with Keyonte George poised to take over. He could still be valuable in a smaller role, but the Jazz will need a worthwhile offer to consider trading him.
- Naz Reid, Timberwolves: Minnesota shouldn’t trade Reid, but his unique skill set and the potential savings might tempt them. Teams with cap space might make offers for Reid, given his rarity as a shooting big man who doesn’t hurt defensively.
Category 9: Necessary Cap Filler
- Ben Simmons, Nets: Simmons’ $40 million expiring salary could be useful for the Nets in various ways, such as matching salary in a star trade or taking on bad contracts for assets. If a viable suitor for LaVine or another player emerges, Simmons’ contract might facilitate the deal.
- Chris Paul, Warriors: Paul’s non-guaranteed contract allows flexibility. The Warriors could guarantee a portion for salary matching without burdening the receiving team with the entire deal, making him useful in many trade scenarios.
- Andrew Wiggins, Warriors: Wiggins’ three-year guaranteed contract requires a team wanting him long-term. Although he’s been disappointing recently, a team might believe it can restore his 2022 form.
- Bojan Bogdanovic, Knicks: Bogdanovic’s non-guaranteed contract means the Knicks might keep him if they don’t find an immediate trade option. He’s a useful rotation player but could be moved to stay below the second apron if necessary.
- Harrison Barnes, Kings: Barnes, with a mid-sized contract, could be part of a major addition for the Kings. While Keegan Murray is becoming a reliable forward, the Kings could survive without Barnes if they find a suitable trade.
- Jusuf Nurkic, Suns: The Suns likely won’t trade Durant, Booker, or Beal, and Allen is not trade-eligible. Nurkic’s $18 million contract makes him a candidate for trade if the Suns seek upgrades, though their limited draft capital complicates potential deals.
- Kevin Huerter, Kings: Huerter might be traded if the Kings re-sign Malik Monk, as Keon Ellis has seemingly taken his starting spot. The Kings needed a defence-first perimeter player, and Ellis and Monk provided enough bench scoring to make Huerter expendable.
- Rui Hachimura, Lakers: The Lakers plan to be aggressive on the trade market, and Hachimura, the most expensive of their trio of role players, is likely trade bait. Despite his strong play last season, he might be moved to acquire significant upgrades.
- Gabe Vincent, Lakers: Vincent, despite missing most of last season due to injury, remains valuable. If the Lakers trade Russell, Vincent could be a backup point guard, but he might also be used to aggregate salary in a trade.
- Jarred Vanderbilt, Lakers: Vanderbilt showed his value as a defender and energy player but barely played last season. With a long contract and low cap figure, he could interest several teams, but the Lakers would trade him only for a meaningful upgrade.
- Steven Adams, Rockets: Newly acquired at the trade deadline, Adams is seen as a backup centre. However, the Rockets are looking for significant additions, and without trading Dillon Brooks, they’d need to aggregate salaries, making Adams a potential trade candidate.
- Jeff Green, Rockets: Green, who mentored younger Rockets last season, might be less crucial with Whitmore, Eason, and Tate needing forward minutes. As such, Green might be traded to free up space for these emerging players.
- Jock Landale, Rockets: Landale’s non-guaranteed contract for the next three seasons makes him a valuable matching salary in larger trades. This unique contract could facilitate significant deals for the Rockets.
Category 10: Second Draft Candidates
- Onyeka Okongwu, Hawks: Although Capela is more likely to be traded, Okongwu has greater value. If Alexandre Sarr is the top pick,
- C.J. McCollum, Pelicans: While Brandon Ingram is the more probable trade candidate for the Pelicans, they’ve shown interest in several point guards. McCollum has served as New Orleans’ starting point guard for a few years. He might be required to match salaries if Ingram isn’t involved in a trade or could prefer to be traded rather than move to the bench.
- Jerami Grant, Trail Blazers: Portland signed Grant to a much-criticized five-year, $160 million contract last offseason, and the first year of their rebuild has been as challenging as anticipated. Although the contract may look worse towards its end, Grant remains a valuable starting forward, a position in high demand. With no short-term winning prospects, trading Grant now and committing to a rebuild seems prudent for the Blazers.
- Kyle Kuzma, Wizards: The Wizards almost sent Kuzma to Dallas at the deadline, but he chose to stay when asked. Another team needing a wing (possibly his former team, the Lakers) might tempt him. Given the long rebuild ahead for the Wizards, nearly every veteran should be considered for trade, though Kuzma is the most sought-after.
- Cam Johnson, Nets: Brooklyn is open to various possibilities. Johnson could be valuable in a trade for a star player or, if the team decides to rebuild, he could be traded individually for good value due to his shooting prowess.
- Bruce Brown, Raptors: Brown had a down season in Indiana and Toronto, but he was highly sought after in free agency just a year ago. The version of Brown seen in Denver was one of the most versatile role players in the NBA. A team might trade for him, exercise his team option, and try to extend him at a slightly lower number.
- Malcolm Brogdon, Trail Blazers: The Blazers risked keeping Brogdon at the last trade deadline. Given his injury history, his value could drop suddenly. With many young guards on the team, Brogdon might not find much playing time. However, as the 2023 Sixth Man of the Year, he could be a valuable bench player for another team.
- Clint Capela, Hawks: With Onyeka Okongwu ready for a bigger role and Alex Sarr as a favourite for the top draft pick, the Hawks are likely to focus on their young big men. Capela, nearly traded to Dallas last summer, could be available again.
- Jakob Poeltl, Raptors: Toronto overpaid for Poeltl at the 2023 deadline and then signed him to a hefty four-year contract. While they lack a clear young replacement, they traded for Kelly Olynyk, whose shooting is needed given the team’s composition. A non-spacing, defence-first big man like Poeltl might no longer fit Toronto’s plans.
- Bogdan Bogdanovic, Hawks: The Hawks have higher-profile guards available, but starting with Bogdanovic might be wiser. If they trade Young or Murray, they likely aim to get younger. At 31, Bogdanovic is ready to help a win-now team. If Young or Murray aren’t traded, it doesn’t make sense to invest heavily in a third guard.
- De’Andre Hunter, Hawks: Nearly every member of the 2023-24 Atlanta Hawks, except Jalen Johnson, should be considered available for trade. This would be clear to anyone who watched the team last season.
Category 7: Reasonably Priced Role Players
- Dorian Finney-Smith, Nets: Finney-Smith is a versatile trade candidate, valuable whether the Nets are acquiring a star or seeking to trade individually. His affordable salary makes him an attractive option for many contenders. Although he’s stronger on defence, his skill set fits almost any team.
- Jordan Clarkson, Jazz: Clarkson can score efficiently and affordably due to a front-loaded deal by the Jazz, making him attractive to teams needing a scorer. He made $23 million last season but will drop to $14 million this season.
- Bobby Portis, Bucks: While the Bucks likely prefer to keep Portis, their limited draft capital and young assets may force their hand. Portis, a valuable player, could help them add necessary perimeter defence without breaking up their core.
- Robert Williams III, Trail Blazers: Williams is a top defensive player when healthy, but his frequent injuries and high salary as a backup centre make him a trade candidate. Teams believing they can keep him healthy might see him as a cheaper starting option.
- Dennis Schroder, Nets: Schroder is known for his defence and scoring off the bench, though his inconsistent shooting and discomfort in the pick-and-roll with big men are drawbacks. Still, he’s a capable point guard, valuable as a Sixth Man or starter for decent teams.
- Alex Caruso, Bulls: Caruso is a highly desirable role player this offseason due to his defensive prowess, improved shooting, and affordable salary. Many teams target him, and with just one year left on his contract, the Bulls might move him now rather than lose him for less value later.
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