15 NBA Players Most Likely to Be Traded This Offseason
The NBA offseason has a rhythm all its own: disappointment, denial, and then deals. Some franchises retreat, others reload, and somewhere in between, stars start packing or at least thinking about it. This offseason may produce the boldest movement in years, and these 20 names top the watchlist.
Here are the top players who could be on the move this summer. But don’t expect a copy-paste list. Each story has its own twist.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
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Despite signing a three-year, $175 million extension, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks is uncertain following their third consecutive first-round playoff exit. Antetokounmpo’s recent comments about enjoying playing in New York have further intensified trade rumors, with teams like the Knicks and Warriors reportedly interested.
Kevin Durant
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At 36, Kevin Durant remains an elite scorer, but his fit with the Phoenix Suns is under scrutiny. The team’s lack of depth and financial flexibility, combined with Durant’s substantial salary, has led to trade discussions. Reports suggest the Suns and 76ers considered a deal involving Durant and Paul George, though the 76ers have denied such rumors.
Zion Williamson: Health Concerns May Prompt Action
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There’s a stat that feels made up: Zion has played fewer games in five seasons than most rookies log by year three. And yet, the moment he’s on the court, he looks like a cheat code. That paradox has haunted the Pelicans for years. While the front office claims they’re not shopping him, there’s increasing chatter that the right offer could change that fast.
Devin Booker
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Devin Booker has been a cornerstone for the Suns. But with the team’s recent struggles and financial constraints, his future is uncertain. While the organization has publicly stated that trading Booker is not an option, the evolving landscape of the NBA means no player is entirely untouchable.
Ja Morant
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If NBA careers came with chapter titles, Ja Morant’s current one might be called “Reckoning.” Electrifying on the court but shadowed by off-court trouble, he remains the Grizzlies’ brightest star—but also their biggest uncertainty. They say he’s untouchable. Others say his trade value might never be higher, especially for a team willing to bet on redemption.
Jaylen Brown
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There’s a fascinating irony in how Brown’s loyalty, talent, and work ethic earned him a supermax, which could now push him out. Boston’s budget isn’t elastic, and with Jayson Tatum’s extension looming, the Celtics could soon face a cap crunch that forces hard choices. They won’t move him lightly, but they also won’t ignore the financial math.
Jonathan Kuminga
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In an alternate timeline, Kuminga’s breakout would be a signal for Golden State to build around him. In this one, it’s created leverage. The Warriors are reportedly open to sign-and-trade possibilities—part strategy, part reality. The tension between old guard loyalty and new talent development has never been more pronounced.
Michael Porter Jr.
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He’s one of the most efficient catch-and-shoot wings in the league, and also one of the most expensive. MPJ’s role in Denver has narrowed to a specialty, and with the Nuggets needing more depth around Jokic, trading Porter for two or three rotation-ready players might be the most logical—if painful—move.
LaMelo Ball
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Imagine being the face of a franchise, and still somehow feeling expendable. That’s LaMelo in Charlotte, where a combination of injuries, new ownership, and a fresh front office have changed the long-term calculus. He’s not being shopped outright, but execs around the league think a quiet exit could be brewing behind closed doors.
Trae Young
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What happens when a player averages 25+ points and 10 assists, and yet still feels out of sync with the team’s identity? Trae Young’s box scores scream star, but his high-usage, low-defense profile has drawn polarizing reviews in Atlanta’s front office. A retool is coming. Whether it includes Trae is still TBD.
Jalen Green
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The Rockets are in a weird spot: young talent everywhere, but pressure to start winning now. Jalen Green’s inconsistency may not fit that new direction. He’s electric in transition and fearless in isolation, but Houston might prefer a more steady presence, or a trade that brings one in.
Alperen Sengun
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Sengun’s got old-school footwork and new-school passing, wrapped in a team-friendly deal. Houston could build around him… or flip him as the centerpiece in a superstar pursuit. One thing’s for sure: other teams are circling, intrigued by a 6’11” playmaker who doesn’t need the ball to matter.
Kristaps Porzingis
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It’s easy to forget that Porzingis played some of his most efficient basketball this season, when healthy. That’s always the catch. Add in his rising salary and Boston’s luxury tax situation, and the Celtics might be tempted to swap size for flexibility, especially if another contender is willing to roll the dice.
Desmond Bane
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Desmond Bane’s shooting and playmaking make him a desirable asset. If the Grizzlies decide to shake up their roster, Bane could be included in trade packages to acquire star talent, especially given his rising contract.
Jimmy Butler
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The Heat’s culture might as well be named after him, but sentimentality rarely wins in business. Jimmy’s entering his mid-30s on a hefty contract, and Miami, eyeing a potential reset, could be convinced to trade him while he still holds top-tier value. He won’t lack for suitors—especially those desperate for playoff toughness.
Lauri Markkanen
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He’s the kind of player who quietly averages 24 and 8, and suddenly half the league is wondering, “Wait, can we get him?” Utah loves what he brings, but rebuilding timelines rarely leave room for mid-prime scorers. If the Jazz can snag picks and prospects, Lauri might be headed elsewhere.
Kobe White
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Kobe quietly evolved from “volume scorer” to “steady contributor” this year, right as the Bulls began hinting at a rebuild. If they tear it down, White’s growth and reasonable contract could fetch real returns. He might not be flashy trade bait, but he’s exactly the kind of player good teams ask about.
Nikola Vucevic
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Nikola Vucevic’s offensive skills and expiring contract make him an attractive option for teams seeking a veteran center. The Chicago Bulls might trade him to acquire assets or younger players as they reassess their roster.
Dāvis Bertāns
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You’ve heard of “salary filler,” but Bertāns brings more than just cap math. His quick-release shooting can stretch defenses, and that’s always useful in a playoff series. Don’t be surprised if his name pops up in a three-team deal as a shooter-for-hire.
Jrue Holiday
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The Celtics adore Jrue’s defense, but his expiring deal and looming payday might push Boston to think ahead. Contenders hungry for a stabilizing vet (hello, Lakers? Sixers?) will be watching closely. He’s the kind of player who disappears from the rumor mill and lands in someone’s Finals rotation.