NBA Trade Ideas from Latest Rumors and Buzz

We're only about three weeks away from the 2024 NBA trade deadline, with plenty of new rumors and reports coming out every day.

While we consistently hear that X team is interested in Y player, few reports actually piece together what a trade package would look like.

Based on the latest buzz, we'll put together five such offers, explaining why each team would ultimately make the deal.

Orlando Magic Pick Up Keldon Johnson, Doug McDermott to Solve Shooting Woes

Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images

SAN ANTONIO, TX - JANUARY 13: Keldon Johnson #3 and Doug McDermott #17 of the San Antonio Spurs high five during the game against the Golden State Warriors on January 13, 2023 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Buzz

"Along with Wendell Carter Jr., whose availability was disclosed here last week, Orlando is said to be exploring the trade market for guard Markelle Fultz, who is playing on a $17 million expiring contract," via NBA Insider Marc Stein.

The Trade

Orlando Magic Receive: F Keldon Johnson, F Doug McDermott

San Antonio Spurs Receive: C Wendell Carter Jr., PG Markelle Fultz

The Rationale

While the Magic flirted with a top-four seed in the East for the first few months of the season, they've recently fallen into a play-in tournament berth.

Orlando ranks just 29th overall in both made threes (10.8) and three-point accuracy (34.2 percent) and desperately needs shooters to put around its core.

McDermott owns a lifetime mark of 41.3 percent from deep and is shooting a career-high 46.5 percent this season. Johnson isn't the outside threat that McDermott is, but he's a versatile forward who can start or play a sixth-man role and is averaging 17.2 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists this season while owning a career mark of 36.0 percent from outside the arc.

The Spurs should be excited to add a starting-caliber center in Carter next to Victor Wembanyama, especially someone who's still just 24 but playing in his sixth season.

A point guard-needy San Antonio team also gets to take a look at Fultz before he becomes a free agent this summer.

Knicks Get Another Ball-Handler with Malcolm Brogdon

Sarah Stier/Getty Images

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 09: Malcolm Brogdon #11 of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles against Quentin Grimes #6 of the New York Knicks during the first half at Madison Square Garden on January 09, 2024 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

The Buzz

The New York Knicks are "targeting an extra ball-handler" and "are actively fielding offers" for Quentin Grimes, via The Athletic's Fred Katz.

The Trade

New York Knicks Receive: PG Malcolm Brogdon

Portland Trail Blazers Receive: SG Quentin Grimes, F Evan Fournier, 2024 second-round pick (more favorable of Cleveland Cavaliers and Utah Jazz)

The Rationale

According to Katz, the Knicks want to package Grimes and the contract of Fournier to acquire "someone who could help the team today and also has a contract that would be attractive in a hypothetical trade for a star this upcoming summer." He also noted that New York does not want to part with any unprotected first-round picks, saving them for any star who may become available this summer.

Mix all of these wishes together and Brogdon is the perfect fit.

A big combo guard who can run the offense while Jalen Brunson rests or, at 6'4" and 229 pounds, can play the 2 next to him, Brogdon is averaging 14.7 points, 5.1 assists and shooting 41.3 percent from three for the Blazers this season. He'd be a huge addition to the Knicks rotation and may not even cost a first-round pick.

Portland can offer Grimes, 23, a bigger role as more than just a catch-and-shoot wing while Fournier's contract essentially serves as an expiring deal with a team option next season. The Blazers also pick up an extra pick in the 2024 draft to aid in their rebuild.

Lakers Reload Around Dejounte Murray

Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 12: Dejounte Murray #5 of the Atlanta Hawks dribbles the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers on January 12, 2024 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Buzz

"Dejounte Murray is the player that they're engaged around the league with. They have talked to the (Los Angeles) Lakers," via ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Trade

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: PG Dejounte Murray, SG Bogdan Bogdanović

Atlanta Hawks Receive: PG Gabe Vincent, F Dorian Finney-Smith, SG Jalen Hood-Schifino, F Taurean Prince, 2029 first-round pick (unprotected via Los Angeles Lakers), 2024 second-round pick (via Los Angeles Clippers)

Brooklyn Nets Receive: PG D'Angelo Russell, F/C Christian Wood, 2025 second-round pick (via Los Angeles Lakers)

The Rationale

Finding a straight Lakers-Hawks trade built around Murray is tough, especially since Russell doesn't project as a good fit alongside Trae Young.

Bringing in a third team may be needed as a landing spot for Russell, so why not the one stop where he previously achieved All-Star status?

Starting with the Lakers, adding both Murray and Bogdanović should help jump-start an offense that's looked largely lethargic this season. A core of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Murray, Austin Reaves, Bogdanović, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Cam Reddish, Max Christie and Jaxson Hayes could certainly make a deep playoff run once again.

The Hawks are fading fast, so making this trade helps keep them competitive while also increasing the team's long-term flexibility. Vincent is the perfect sixth man when he returns from knee surgery in a few weeks, while Finney-Smith and Prince help fix Atlanta's porous defense. Hood-Schifino, 20, was the 17th overall pick in the 2023 draft, and the Hawks also pick up an unprotected first-rounder from the Lakers in 2029.

Brooklyn keeps its playoff hopes alive with the additions of Russell and Wood while also picking up a second-round pick from L.A. next year.

West Contender Swoops in on Siakam

Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images

TORONTO, CANADA - NOVEMBER 26: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors and Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks on the court talking after the game on November 26, 2022 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Buzz

On Tuesday, Shams Charania and Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that the Toronto Raptors and Indiana Pacers were "engaged in trade talks centered around" Pascal Siakam.

However, there's a Western Conference team that could crash the party.

According to Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer, via the Locked on Mavs podcast, "I know there are absolutely people in Dallas who really think Pascal (Siakam) is a missing piece that could potentially pair with Luka (Dončić) and Kyrie Irving, and all of a sudden you look up and the Mavericks off are a legitimate contender in the West."

The Trade

Dallas Mavericks Receive: PF Pascal Siakam

Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F Josh Green, SG Jaden Hardy, PF Grant Williams, C Richaun Holmes, 2027 first-round pick (unprotected), 2025 second-round pick (via Toronto Raptors), 2028 second-round pick (via Miami Heat)

The Rationale

The Mavericks, currently sixth in the West despite shuffling starting lineups seemingly every night, still don't look like a true title contender just yet.

This is a roster that's screaming for a third star to complement its outstanding backcourt, with Siakam serving as a solid fit. Even doing a semi-gut of the roster would still leave Dallas with a core of Luka Dončić, Kyrie Irving, Siakam, Tim Hardaway Jr., Dereck Lively II, Maxi Kleber, Seth Curry, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Derrick Jones Jr., Dante Exum and others.

An unprotected first-rounder from Dallas in 2027 is the highlight here for Toronto (especially since Dončić, Irving and Siakam will all hit free agency by then), although Green (23), Hardy (21) and Williams (25) could all be immediate contributors while growing with a new-look roster now built around Scottie Barnes.

Kyle Kuzma Gives Pacers Their Big Wing

Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 10: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards dribbles the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers on January 10, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Buzz

"Kuzma has the best price, is younger than [Pascal] Siakam and probably doesn't cost the Pacers as much in trade. The Wizards were said to be looking for a first, but that price has recently risen to two. That may be because, in part, they have one already available to them via Indiana," via Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus.

The Trade

Indiana Pacers Receive: F Kyle Kuzma

Washington Wizards Receive: SG Buddy Hield, F/C Isaiah Jackson, 2024 first-round pick

The Rationale

Pincus reported that the Pacers are searching for a bigger wing at the deadline and they may pursue Kuzma if the asking price for Pascal Siakam is too high.

At 6'8" and 221 pounds, Kuzma fits the bill with his ability to play either forward position, making an already elite Pacers offense even more lethal. The 28-year-old is averaging a career-high 22.4 points and 4.2 assists per game and should fit in well with a core of Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, Myles Turner, Bruce Brown Jr. and others.

The Wizards get an extra first-round pick this summer (currently projected for No. 17 overall), can reroute Hield to a third team for additional draft assets and plug Jackson, 22, into their frontcourt rotation.