12 Players Most Likely to Get Traded in the 2025 Offseason
Now that the postseason dust has settled and a few so-called contenders have sputtered out early, front offices are already looking at the trade board like it’s a chess match with the clock ticking. The 2025 offseason might end up delivering some of the wildest player movement in recent memory, and here’s how we see things.
Giannis Could Make the Knicks a Finals Favorite
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New York has the trade pieces to take a massive swing. Giannis Antetokounmpo teaming up with Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby would elevate the Knicks into the NBA’s top tier. Milwaukee would start over with Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and premium picks.
Durant Might Power Up the Rockets
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KD in Houston? It’s not as far-fetched as it sounds. Despite being 36, he’s still producing at an elite level, and the Rockets have enough youth and draft capital to make it happen. Phoenix, after a flat year, could start fresh with guys like Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr.
Embiid Could Land in South Beach
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Miami’s identity revolves around chasing big stars, and Joel Embiid remains one of the biggest. His injury concerns haven’t scared them off before, and adding him to the mix could revive their Finals hopes. In return, the Sixers get scoring from Wiggins and shooting from Duncan Robinson.
Zion May Become Brooklyn’s Franchise Face
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Since the Durant-Irving era collapsed, the Nets have lacked a true centerpiece. Zion Williamson, still just 24, could be that guy—health permitting. Brooklyn’s package of Cameron Johnson, Ziaire Williams, and future picks gives New Orleans an off-ramp from years of Zion uncertainty while retaining flexibility for future moves.
Ja Morant Might Ignite Orlando’s Offense
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Orlando has defense figured out. Offense? Not so much. That’s where Ja Morant steps in. His explosiveness and creativity could take the Magic to the next level alongside Banchero and Wagner. Memphis, meanwhile, would land Jalen Suggs and a treasure chest of picks.
San Antonio Could Go All In for Giannis
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The Spurs have more draft picks than they know what to do with—and Wembanyama’s already the cornerstone. Toss in De’Aaron Fox and a pile of future assets, and Giannis suddenly has a contending trio to run with. Milwaukee would walk away with Sochan, the No. 2 pick.
Zach LaVine Might Jumpstart Detroit’s Backcourt
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Detroit’s rebuild needs a jolt. LaVine’s scoring and spacing could finally give Cade Cunningham the partner he’s lacked. The Bulls, on the other hand, could kick-start a real rebuild with Jaden Ivey and picks, finally letting go of the middle-of-the-pack treadmill they’ve been stuck on for years.
Jrue Holiday Could Steady the Mavs
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Kyrie Irving’s injury leaves Dallas needing help at guard. Jrue Holiday checks the boxes—veteran leadership, defense, and enough playmaking to keep the offense afloat. Boston would ease its payroll crunch while adding Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington, both functional rotation pieces for a team facing long-term decisions.
Claxton Might Be the Answer for Lakers at Center
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The Lakers have been patching together the center spot for a while now. Nic Claxton could finally lock that down. He defends the rim, and he moves well—basically, everything you’d want next to LeBron and Luka. Brooklyn wouldn’t walk away empty-handed either, getting Rui Hachimura and a first-rounder.
Markkanen Could Stretch the Floor in San Antonio
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Lauri Markkanen’s game feels tailor-made for a team like the Spurs. He can shoot, he spaces the floor, and he won’t get in Wemby’s way inside. Utah could walk away with Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, and picks—enough to take the next step toward a whole youth movement.
Lillard Might Head to Phoenix in Strategic Reset
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Things haven’t exactly gone to plan in Phoenix. So, they could flip the script by adding Damian Lillard—even if it means sitting tight while he recovers. Trading Bradley Beal to Milwaukee clears up future cap headaches and brings back draft assets.
Zion Could Reboot His Career in Portland
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Portland’s need for a centerpiece could lead them to bet on Zion. Despite his injury history, his ceiling remains high. The Pelicans would take DeAndre Ayton, a lottery pick, and pick swaps, giving them flexibility and a reset around their younger core of Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones.
Beal Might Join Giannis in Milwaukee
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The Bucks may not love swapping Lillard for Beal, but keeping Giannis happy is the priority. Beal brings scoring and veteran presence, even with a big contract. Meanwhile, the Suns would finally get out from under that deal and stock up on picks to restructure their core.
Durant Could Still End Up in Houston
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Reports cooled the idea, but Houston chasing Durant still makes sense. They’ve got the assets, the cap room, and a playoff-ready core. Phoenix could finally hit reset by collecting draft capital and young talent instead of clinging to a superteam plan that’s gone nowhere fast.
Boston Might Retool Around Depth Post-Tatum
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With Tatum sidelined, Boston faces a crossroads. Instead of tearing it down, they could go the smart route—adding solid pieces like P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford to keep things competitive. It’s not a rebuild, just a pivot that buys time until their star returns and the window swings open again.