NBA Trade Block Big Board: Realistic Deals for Top Rumored Players
The NBA trade market typically doesn't open until Dec. 15, when most players who signed offseason deals become trade-eligible.
However, this is the time when you start to hear some rumblings about what could be ahead.
Teams are quickly moving toward the one-quarter mark of the campaign, meaning they're getting a better grasp on what they have, what they can reasonably achieve and what they still need to realize those goals.
By rounding up the rumor-mill buzz, we can build a big board with the players involved in those talks and take things a step further by piecing together hypothetical deals for all of them.
10. Bojan Bogdanović, Detroit Pistons
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The Buzz
While a calf strain has so far delayed Bogdanović's season debut for the Detroit Pistons, win-now suitors aren't holding that against him.
There's already an expectation he'll be "heavily pursued by contenders" once he's healthy, per Hoops Wire's Sam Amico, who noted the New York Knicks and Miami Heat "have been mentioned as potential suitors."
As long as clubs have no reason to worry about Bogdanović's injury lingering, it makes sense to give him a long look.
The 34-year-old clearly doesn't fit the Pistons' long-term plans, but he could hit the ground running as a net-shredder (career 39.4 percent from deep) and support scorer (career-high 21.6 points per game last season) for an offense-needy contender.
The Trade
Bojan Bogdanović to the New York Knicks for Evan Fournier, Miles McBride and a 2024 first-round pick (via DET)
The Knicks need a little more offensive juice, and they'll always be in the market for more shooting as long as RJ Barrett, Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson are in the frontcourt.
Bogdanović could immediately improve their spacing and add a touch more size (6'7", 226 lbs) to their non-Randle lineups.
Detroit, which has so far posted its worst winning percentage in franchise history (.133), should be fully focused on the future. So, it makes sense to get back this first-rounder (which carries protections until 2027) and see whether it can find a spot for McBride, a feisty defender still looking to establish an offensive niche.
Fournier would make the money work, but the Pistons, who are shooting a ho-hum 35.2 percent from range, might also want his three-ball to give their young players more breathing room.
9. Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers
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The Buzz
While there aren't any recent trade rumors about Jerami Grant, maybe nothing really needs to be said. In September, HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported he was "expected to become available before the trade deadline."
The 29-year-old, who inked his five-year, $160 million pact before Damian Lillard requested a ticket out of Portland, looked immediately out of place when the Blazers shifted into a rebuild.
Grant is objectively overpaid, but suitors who can stomach his salary would covet his defensive versatility and complementary offensive game.
The Trade
Jerami Grant to the Atlanta Hawks for De'Andre Hunter and a 2024 first-round pick (lottery protected, via SAC)
If the perpetually mediocre Hawks have yet to take flight when Grant becomes trade-eligible on Jan. 15, they might view him as their missing third star. That's overselling his impact a bit, but a big-wing defender who offers three-level scoring is quite valuable in the modern game. And since the Hawks are already fully financially committed to their core, it's not like they'd have an obvious cap-space path with or without Grant any time soon.
The Blazers wouldn't fetch a ton in this swap, but that's likely true of any Grant trade. Swapping him out for Hunter would make them younger and cheaper at the forward spot, and maybe they wouldn't lose much production if Hunter could spread his wings while out from behind the shadows of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray.
Plus, Portland could say it turned Grant into a first-rounder, even if it's a lottery-protected one.
8. Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls
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The Buzz
Both Zach LaVine and the going-nowhere-fast Chicago Bulls have shown an "increased openness" in exploring a trade, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.
LaVine doesn't like Chicago's chances of turning "any type of contending corner," per Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer, and "is also ready to play under a different head coach than Billy Donovan."
The Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers rank among LaVine's preferred landing spots, per Fischer, and all of those teams have "registered some level of interest" in him.
His trade value is hurt by the money left on his deal ($129.1 million through 2025-26 with a $49 million player option for the following season), but his scoring and shotmaking should interest a small group of suitors.
The Trade
Zach LaVine to the Miami Heat for Kyle Lowry, Caleb Martin, Nikola Jović and a 2029 first-round pick (top-three protected)
Miami almost always gets a mention when a high-scoring star becomes available, but the trade price in LaVine's limited market may finally be right to get a deal done.
This outgoing package isn't nothing, but it would allow the Heat to snag an offensive star without disrupting their nucleus of Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro.
If the Bulls let go of LaVine, they need to shift their focus to the future. They'd get that ball rolling here with a lightly protected future first and Jović, a 20-year-old, 6'10" face-up forward who can handle, pass and shoot.
Martin could be a keeper if Chicago looked to remain competitive, but he'd more valuable as a trade chip in a future deal. Lowry would provide immediate financial relief by way of his expiring $29.7 million salary.
7. DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls
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The Buzz
Even with trade winds swirling around Zach LaVine, the Bulls have yet to signal that a total teardown is imminent.
Still, that feels like the logical next step, which might be why DeMar DeRozan reportedly "wants to see where the team goes" before seriously considering a contract extension, per Charania.
DeRozan is 34 years old and unsigned beyond this season, so his trade value doesn't exactly align with his production. Still, clubs in the market for offense must be drawn to the veteran swingman, who's on course to average at least 21 points and four assists for the seventh consecutive season.
The Trade
DeMar DeRozan to the Philadelphia 76ers for Marcus Morris Sr., Nicolas Batum, Jaden Springer and a 2028 first-round pick (top-four protected)
The Sixers have enough trade chips to take a bigger swing than this, but a DeRozan deal could help now without spoiling any future plans. He'd address the need for more playmaking, and his expiring contract would do nothing to limit the $50 million-plus Philly could have in cap space next summer.
As for the Bulls, if they're letting go of one win-now piece, they may as well let them all go amid a future-focused reset. They would do this deal for the pick, but they might also want a closer look at Springer, the No. 28 pick of the 2021 draft.
Morris and Batum would be included strictly for money-matching purposes, but maybe the latter could interest a win-now shopper ahead of the trade deadline.
6. Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls
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The Buzz
Chicago's intentions will become most clear through its handling of Alex Caruso. He has one of the NBA's best non-rookie contracts, is in no danger of leaving his prime any time soon—he has never played better—and his two-way flexibility would make him a fit with whatever roster the Bulls have around him.
The Bulls don't need to trade the 29-year-old, and they've "rebuffed" all inquiries on him in the past, per K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago. But if they're entering a rebuild, they need to collect the assets he'd bring back in a deal.
Of all the Bulls trade candidates, Caruso is the one "generating the most November trade curiosity," according to Marc Stein.
The Trade
Alex Caruso to the Golden State Warriors for Jonathan Kuminga, Cory Joseph, Gui Santos and a 2027 first-round pick
Warriors fan might balk at the idea of moving Kuminga in a trade that doesn't deliver a star, but his upside grows less intriguing the longer it takes for him to tap into it.
But fitting a star into Golden State's cap sheet is tricky, and that kind of upgrade may not even be necessary if Andrew Wiggins and Klay Thompson return to form. Caruso would be a hand-in-glove fit with the Warriors due to his defense, versatility and sky-high IQ.
Chicago's front office may not agree with this, but a total reset seems like the obvious way to go. The Bulls would need to maximize their return for Caruso, and this package could do it.
Kuminga is a 21-year-old with major two-way potential, and an unprotected future first from a franchise led by 35-year-old Stephen Curry could have tremendous value.
Joseph and Santos would mostly make the money work, though the latter is only 21, so Chicago would have time to see if he turns into anything interesting.
5. Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards
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The Buzz
So, there aren't specific rumors about Kyle Kuzma's availability, but it's hard to tell why the rebuilding Wizards would make the 28-year-old off-limits.
Plus, Jordan Poole's name has already popped up on the rumor mill, which has led to speculation over whether Kuzma's might be next.
He won't become trade-eligible until Jan. 15, which could be around the time buyers start getting desperate, especially if teams like the Bulls and Toronto Raptors opt not to sell.
There's a non-zero chance Kuzma could wind up as the most coveted name on the market, at which point Washington would almost certainly have to move him for multiple assets.
The Trade
Kyle Kuzma to the Dallas Mavericks for Richaun Holmes, Maxi Kleber, Olivier Maxence-Prosper, a 2027 first-round pick (top-three protected) and a 2028 first-round pick swap
Dallas had eyes on Kuzma this offseason, and it could wind up seeing him as the final piece to complete its starting five. Journeyman Derrick Jones Jr. is the clear weak link in that group, and Kuzma would be an enormous upgrade. He could shine as a third scoring option, and he's made big strides with his defense and distributing.
Washington started a youth movement this offseason, but it can (and should) lean further into that direction. The Wizards would pounce on this package for the pick and swap, both of which intrigue given some questions about Luka Dončić's long-term future in Dallas. Maxence-Prosper, this summer's 24th pick, could find a fit in the District. Holmes and Kleber would merely make the financial math work.
4. Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves
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The Buzz
There's a decent chance this is the last time Towns makes an appearance here, as the idea of the 10-3 Timberwolves making a significant subtraction seems more far-fetched by the minute.
To that end, Matt Moore reported for Action Network that the belief Towns could be had in a trade has been described as "overblown, if not outright wrong."
Saying that, Minnesota's payroll could be impossible to manage going forward, though it would become much more manageable if the Wolves could get out of the $222.7 million Towns will collect over the next four seasons.
Plus, his frontcourt fit with Rudy Gobert continues feeling less than ideal for both players. Of the Timberwolves' 10 twosomes to log 200-plus minutes, the Towns-Gobert pairing has the worst net rating.
The Trade
Karl-Anthony Towns to the Miami Heat for Tyler Herro, Caleb Martin, Nikola Jović and a 2028 first-round pick
An in-season trade of Towns feels highly unlikely, and a reunion with Jimmy Butler feels even harder to imagine.
The Heat could use more scoring, creation and long-range shooting, though, and Towns checks every box. He could widen the offensive end for Miami's downhill attackers, and the team could provide him with a more defensively versatile frontcourt partner in Bam Adebayo.
If the Wolves actually parted with Towns, they'd need to find some immediate impact players in return, and they'd nab two here with Herro and Martin.
Herro could scratch Minnesota's long-term itch for playmaking, and he'd be easier to protect on defense alongside Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels. The Wolves would also nab Jović and the pick to develop for the future or deal to fill a more pressing need.
3. OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors
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The Buzz
The Raptors have yet to tip their hand about their plans for this trade season, but teams continue to window-shop north of the border. Both OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam were mentioned as potential targets in the Sacramento Kings' search for a "star player," per Charania.
Anunoby is effectively playing on an expiring contract, as he can obliterate his $19.9 million player option for next season on the open market. He's an elite defender with as much flexibility on that end as anyone, and his offense feels like it's perpetually perking up.
This season, for instance, he's averaging a personal-best 2.6 three-pointers per outing while bettering his career mark on outside shots (38.8 percent this season, 37.6 for his career).
The Trade
OG Anunoby to the Sacramento Kings for Harrison Barnes, a 2026 first-round pick (top-five protected), a 2028 first-round pick and a 2030 first-round pick swap
De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis appear ready to carry the Kings further than perhaps the rest of this roster is ready to go.
Anunoby could help Sacramento make the leap from good to great. He is the shutdown wing defender this roster is without, and this offense could be even harder to handle if he was sharing third-scorer duties with Keegan Murray.
If Toronto let go of Anunoby, then it would be headed toward a top-to-bottom reset around Scottie Barnes.
Even if the Raptors didn't want to wait long enough to collect all of these picks, they could use them in acceleration deals once he shows them it's time go.
Harrison Barnes should have at least modest value in a separate trade, since virtually every win-now shopper could use a 6'8" three-and-D forward who can create his own shots in a pinch.
2. Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors
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The Buzz
Unless the Raptors see themselves as contenders—they are 47-49 since the start of last season, so how could they?—they should be shopping Pascal Siakam. He is 29 years old and needs a new contract after this season. Oh, and he shares a natural position (and plenty of skill overlap) with 22-year-old centerpiece Scottie Barnes.
Siakam lands closer to really-goodness than greatness, as he's not a sharp enough shooter nor a clever enough creator to serve as a decent team's top option.
Make him second or third on the pecking order, though, and he offers plenty of production and impacts both ends.
The Trade
Pascal Siakam to the Brooklyn Nets for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, Noah Clowney and a 2027 first-round pick (via PHO)
If the Nets think Mikal Bridges can be a star, they need to maximize his prime—which is probably right now.
Finding a capable co-star might give this group a chance to compete for more than a play-in tournament invitation, and Siakam would enhance a lot of Brooklyn's strengths with his length, versatility and unrelenting energy.
Toronto would need some rebuilding tools in a Siakam trade, and this trade immediately delivers two in the draft pick and Clowney, this summer's 21st selection.
It would probably provide more down the line, as Finney-Smith could surely fetch some draft assets in a different deal and Dinwiddie might be worth a pick to a point guard-needy team.
1. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
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The Buzz
There is zero evidence the Cavaliers are remotely interested in letting go of Donovan Mitchell. That hasn't stopped others from wondering whether he might shake loose. The Philadelphia 76ers, for one, are reportedly monitoring the star guard, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Next season is the final guaranteed one on Mitchell's deal—he has a $37.1 million player option for 2025-26—and there are serious questions about whether Cleveland can contend between now and then. It's also anyone's guess if he'd re-sign with the Cavaliers.
So, if nothing else, this is a situation worth watching, because he's a legitimately transformational talent on offense.
The Trade
Donovan Mitchell to the New York Knicks for RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Miles McBride, a 2024 first-round pick (top-12 protected, via WAS), a 2027 first-round pick, a 2029 first-round pick and a 2028 first-round pick swap
The Knicks didn't get Mitchell the last time he was on the trade market, but they might be more motivated to nab the New York native now.
In the year-plus since his trade to Cleveland, New York has seen Jalen Brunson solidify his standing as a rising star, Mitchell Robinson cement his spot among the best paint protectors, and Julius Randle secure his second All-NBA selection.
Team those three with Mitchell and Quentin Grimes, and the Knicks would have one of the league's best starting lineups. Plus, they would still have Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo and Isaiah Hartenstein on the second unit. That's an eight-man rotation that could hang with anyone come playoff time.
The Cavaliers, meanwhile, could refill their draft pick collection without abandoning all hope of competing at the highest level.
Barrett, Quickley and McBride are better timeline fits for Darius Garland and Evan Mobley than Mitchell, which would dial back some of the win-now pressure on Cleveland.
As soon as the Cavs signaled they were ready for contention, though, they could flip these picks for instant upgrades and perhaps come closer to the title race than they've been with Mitchell.
Statistics courtesy of Basketball Reference and NBA.com and current through games played on Nov. 21.
Zach Buckley covers the NBA for Bleacher Report. Follow him on X, @ZachBuckleyNBA.
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