NBA Trade Rumors: 5 Players Most Likely to be Traded This Season

While everyone waits for the possible BIG shoe to drop, if Giannis Antetokounmpo actually ever decides to move on from Milwaukee, there are quite a few other names out there who are far more likely to be traded this season.

As the season is getting going, let's have a look at 5 players who are most likely to be wearing different colors come the trade deadline, or sooner.

Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets, G

The high-scoring guard has decided to bet on himself this season, taking the one-year, $6 million qualifying offer to return to the Brooklyn Nets, which allows him to become an unrestricted free agent after the season. It's quite likely that he also went that route to almost force the Nets to trade him and avoid losing him for nothing. With the QO, he does own a no-trade clause, but he won't have a problem waiving it if he's dealt to a place he wants to be.

Thomas has averaged 22.9 points in 31.4 minutes per game over the past two seasons, but only played in 25 games last year due to a series of injuries.

Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls, C

The Bulls' rebuild is clearly underway, with DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine heading out the door last season, following the departure of Alex Caruso the previous offseason. It's really only a matter of time before the 35-year-old veteran center is on his way. He's still putting up great numbers at his advancing age, and is at 21.5 ppg and 11 rebounds per game through two contests this season.

Dalton Knecht, LA Lakers, F

The Lakers already traded Knecht once before, at last season's deadline, only to have the deal rescinded when Mark Williams failed his physical in LA. The 24-year-old Knecht, a first-round pick of the Lakers in 2024, hasn't been shown much love by the Purple & Gold, and so has already received a DNP-CD in their first game this season, and just seven minutes off the bench in their second contest. He is clearly not a part of their future, and should be packaged up in any trade the Lakers are able to swing this season.

Walker Kessler, Utah Jazz, C

The rim-protecting master has had his name floated on the rumor mill for quite some time. He and the Jazz did not agree on a rookie extension before the deadline, so he will be a restricted free agent next summer. It's likely that the Jazz will head that off at the pass and get back a big trade haul for him.

Laurie Markkanen, Utah Jazz, F

Kessler's teammate, Markkanen, is another star who has been put through the trade machine ringer more than his share. He's just starting a four-year, $195 million extension, but the 28-year-old is coming off a down season, and if there's a team that still values the seven-foot scorer at his current contract price point, Utah will likely be happy to unload him for the right (huge) package.