22 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 22 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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Milwaukee’s consecutive early playoff exits have kept rival front offices on high alert. Despite his massive contract extension, the league continues to watch the Bucks’ stability to see if the multi-time MVP will eventually force a historic market-shifting move.
Kevin Durant
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The Rockets’ postseason exit has sparked fresh speculation about Durant’s future in Houston. Facing a delicate timeline balances prime veterans with young assets, rival franchises are aggressively monitoring whether the front office decides to cash in on the legendary scorer for a historic haul of future draft assets.
Zion Williamson: Health Concerns May Prompt Action
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When healthy, Zion remains an unstoppable, elite offensive force. However, his prolonged availability issues continue to test the front office’s patience, making him a highly polarizing asset who could be moved if a rival offers a massive haul of draft capital.
Devin Booker
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Booker is a franchise cornerstone, but Phoenix’s punishing financial restrictions under the luxury tax make long-term planning difficult. While publicly deemed untouchable, a truly overwhelming multi-team trade package could force the organization to rethink its current trajectory.
Ja Morant
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Morant’s unmatched athleticism makes him an elite franchise talent, yet persistent off-court questions and roster stagnation keep trade speculation alive. A team desperate for a dynamic superstar playmaker might gamble heavily on a fresh start for the young guard.
Jaylen Brown
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There’s a fascinating irony in how Brown’s supermax contract could now ironically push him out. Boston’s budget isn’t elastic, and with Jayson Tatum’s looming extension, the Celtics face a looming cap crunch. They won’t move him lightly, but the front office simply cannot ignore the punishing luxury tax math.
Jonathan Kuminga
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Kuminga’s explosive development has turned him into Golden State’s most valuable trade chip. Facing a delicate transition away from their older championship core, the Warriors are heavily weighing sign-and-trade scenarios to land an established, win-now veteran.
Michael Porter Jr.
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His elite shooting at his size is undeniably valuable, but his massive contract remains a major financial hurdle. The Nets, looking to aggressively reshuffle their depth and clear out cap space, view Porter as a primary trade candidate to bring back multiple rotation pieces or future draft assets.
LaMelo Ball
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A combination of recurring injuries and a shifting front-office direction has quietly altered his long-term security. While incredibly talented, league executives view him as a potential candidate for a surprise change of scenery if a team offers immediate draft assets.
Trae Young
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Young brought his elite playmaking to Washington following a mid-season trade, but his long-term fit with the rebuilding Wizards remains a question mark. As the franchise maps out its future direction, his high-volume, high-usage style makes him a prime candidate to be flipped to an immediate title contender.
Jalen Green
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Green flashes spectacular scoring bursts, but his overall consistency often clashes with winning timelines. Now with the Suns, front offices looking for an athletic, high-upside wing see him as a premier target if Phoenix changes directions to hunt for more established, win-now depth.
Alperen Sengun
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Sengun’s unique, old-school playmaking skills make him an incredibly attractive asset across the league. While a franchise building block, his team friendly contract also positions him as a flawless centerpiece if his front office aggressively hunts an MVP-level superstar.
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 lethal outside shooting and secondary playmaking make him a highly desirable asset across the league. If the Magic decide to aggressively shake up their perimeter rotation to hunt for an MVP-level superstar, Bane’s contract positions him as a premier centerpiece in blockbuster trade packages.
Jimmy Butler
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As Butler enters his mid-30s on a heavy contract, the window for a title push is closing fast. Following his stint with the Warriors, teams desperate for immediate playoff grit and proven veteran leadership are closely watching to see if another roster shake-up is on the horizon.
Lauri Markkanen
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A highly efficient 7-foot scorer who can fit seamlessly into any system is a luxury every single contender wants. If a rebuilding timeline doesn’t align with his prime years, a massive haul of future first-round picks could easily pry him away.
Kobe White
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White’s breakout evolution continued following his mid-season trade to Charlotte. On a team-friendly contract, his high-level scoring and poised playmaking make him an incredibly attractive asset. If the Hornets look to aggressively fast-track their rebuilding timeline around other core pieces, contenders will definitely circle with major offers.
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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Dāvis Bertāns actually moved overseas and extended his contract with Dubai Basketball in the ABA League, stating he plans to finish his career there. Because he is no longer an NBA asset or part of league trade filler negotiations, you should replace him to keep your list at a true 20 NBA players.
Jrue Holiday
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Now with the Trail Blazers, Holiday provides a stabilizing, elite defensive presence for a developing roster. While his veteran leadership is highly valued in Portland, his championship pedigree makes him the ultimate target for contenders desperate to add a proven, perimeter-stopping guard to their postseason rotation.
Brandon Ingram
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Brandon Ingram has heard trade rumors for years, but this summer feels different. New Orleans faces contract questions, roster balance issues, and pressure to build around younger pieces that stay on the floor together. Ingram still fills the box score with ease. That matters. So does the rising cost of keeping the core intact.
DeMar DeRozan
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DeMar DeRozan keeps scoring the old-fashioned way while half the league launches threes from the parking lot. Sacramento brought him in for experience and late-game offense, but roster pressure builds fast in the Western Conference. If the Kings reshuffle around younger pieces or chase defense, DeRozan’s contract could enter trade discussions again.