NBA Trade Watch: 5 All-Stars Who Could Be on the Move
With over half the league already out of title contention, the NBA’s summer trade frenzy is about to kick into high gear.
In today’s all-in era, only one team can win it all, and every few years, frustrated stars on fallen contenders start weighing their options.
That’s where we stand now. More than half the league has already been eliminated, with others soon to follow. Some teams are strategizing how to improve; others are scrambling to reassure their stars that contention is still possible.
Let’s examine five big names who could be traded this summer.
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
Giannis has a history of pushing Milwaukee to make bold moves—and the Bucks have obliged, trading for Jrue Holiday (which led to a title) and later Damian Lillard (which hasn’t panned out as well). Now, the Bucks are out of assets: no tradeable veterans, no first-round picks until 2031, and no young talent to develop.
The decision rests with Giannis. If he wants to stay in Milwaukee regardless of the team’s trajectory, the Bucks will happily keep him. But if he prioritizes chasing more championships, he’ll likely have to do it elsewhere.
At 30, he’s still in his prime—and if he requests a trade, every team in the league will come calling.
2. Kevin Durant, Suns
The Suns’ intentions with Durant are no secret. After reportedly shopping him to the Warriors at the deadline (a move Durant vetoed), Phoenix is expected to revisit trade talks this summer. The goal? A Devin Booker-led retool.
His market won’t be as robust as Giannis’. At 37 next season and with a lengthy injury history, Durant isn’t a long-term solution—he’s a short-term boost for a contender. Only a few teams can both meet the Suns’ asking price and remain competitive after acquiring him.
Most are in the West, with Houston and Oklahoma City as younger outliers. Many Durant suitors would prefer Giannis, but if the Bucks’ star stays put, Durant’s departure feels inevitable.
3. Trae Young, Hawks
Young’s future hinges on his willingness to stay in Atlanta. With free agency looming in 2025 and no supermax eligibility likely, his financial ties to the Hawks are weakening. Back-to-back play-in exits don’t help, either. If Atlanta lowballs him on an extension or he rejects their offer, a trade becomes probable.
The problem? The Hawks explored moving Young last offseason but found little interest. His ball-dominant style, defensive limitations, and awkward fit alongside other stars make him a tricky acquisition.
4. Zion Williamson, Pelicans
Front-office changes often lead to roster shakeups, and New Orleans’ decision to replace David Griffin with Joe Dumars raises questions about Zion’s future. Reports are mixed—some suggest ownership wants to move on, while others indicate Dumars may try to salvage the relationship.
Williamson is the ultimate high-risk, high-reward trade target. When healthy, he’s an All-NBA force, but his availability has been unreliable. His contract includes injury protections, offering some security for his next team.
A bold GM might gamble on Zion finally staying fit—and if he does, that team could vault into contention overnight.
5. Lauri Markkanen, Jazz
Yes, we’ve been here before—but the situation has shifted. Last summer, Utah had reasons to keep Markkanen (cap flexibility, contract leverage). Now, the Jazz are fully committed to tanking, and with a loaded 2025 draft ahead, they may prefer to bottom out again. Markkanen, already secured financially, could be moved if the right offer arrives.
The catch? Danny Ainge drives a hard bargain. He’ll demand a massive return, especially since Utah has shown it can lose with Markkanen on the roster.
Still, star supply never meets demand, so contenders will inevitably line up with offers.
Image - Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn
