Predicting Every NBA Team’s Top 3 Offseason Trade Targets
While the NBA has passed its 2024-25 deadline, the trade market never fully dies down. Teams are currently jockeying for playoff, play-in or lottery positions, but few have true designs on a championship.
Many front offices are conducting initial offseason research to prepare for future moves. However, some details will not be evident until the final standings and draft lottery are announced on May 12.
The draft, held over two days (June 25-26), is usually one of the busiest trade periods on the schedule. After the moratorium ends on July 5, teams spend most of their time reshaping their rosters (in trade and free agency).
It may be too early to get an accurate gauge of what's to come, but it's worth mapping out each team's top three potential trade targets this offseason.
Atlanta Hawks
1 of 30
Cap level: Historically avoids paying the luxury tax
Key free agents: Clint Capela, Caris LeVert, Larry Nance Jr., Garrison Mathews
Primary trade bait: $25.3 million trade exception, draft compensation
Potential targets: Nicolas Claxton, Daniel Gafford, Robert Williams III
Assuming the Hawks continue their relationship with Trae Young, the team has some flexibility to improve its roster while staying under the tax—though much of that could go to retaining free agents. Keeping Capela, LeVert, etc., would limit the team's ability to use the large trade exception while staying within the team's projected budget.
With Young, a healthy Jalen Johnson and three wings (Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher and Terance Mann), Atlanta can commit to Okongwu as the primary center or play him off the bench while acquiring a full-time center. Perhaps the answer is keeping LeVert as another scoring wing while going after a reasonably priced center.
Boston Celtics
2 of 30
Cap level: Above the second apron
Key free agents: Al Horford, Luke Kornet, Torey Craig
Primary trade bait: Draft compensation
Potential targets: Ariel Hukporti, Jaylin Williams, tax savings (no player in return)
The Celtics are what they are, and for Boston fans, that's possibly a back-to-back champion. The team already has one of the top payrolls in the league before deciding on Horford, who will be 39 before next season. Despite his age, he's still important to the team.
Kornet is a solid backup center, and the team may want to retain him on a minimum salary. However, Kornet might get a slightly larger offer elsewhere, which could push Boston to trade or scour the free-agent market for an inexpensive backup center.
The Celtics only made one trade through 2024-25, sending out Jaden Springer to save in luxury taxes. Boston could look to do the same to get out of Xavier Tillman Sr. if they don't believe he's a suitable replacement should Kornet depart.
Brooklyn Nets
3 of 30
Cap level: $67-$80 million in cap room
Key free agents: Cam Thomas (RFA or restricted), D'Angelo Russell, Day'Ron Sharpe (RFA), etc.
Primary trade bait: Cam Johnson, Nicolas Claxton, cap room
Potential targets: RJ Barrett, draft compensation, unwanted contracts (perhaps Terry Rozier)
The Nets may be the toughest to gauge, but they have the most financial flexibility this summer. Brooklyn could shop for free agents, use its spending power to acquire talent in trade or choose to take on unwanted contracts for draft and youthful considerations.
Several teams are expected to pursue Johnson this summer. It's unclear whether Brooklyn will keep Claxton or shop him. Brooklyn needs talent, so identifying a specific target may be a fool's errand. The Toronto Raptors may need to get out of Barrett's contract after investing in Brandon Ingram; perhaps that's a worthy stab in the dark for the Nets.
Charlotte Hornets
4 of 30
Cap level: Historically avoids paying the luxury tax
Key free agents: Tre Mann (RFA), Seth Curry, Taj Gibson
Primary trade bait: LaMelo Ball, Mark Williams, Miles Bridges, Josh Okogie
Potential targets: Dalton Knecht, Reed Sheppard, draft picks
The Hornets may continue down the path of building around Brandon Miller and Ball, but some around the league wonder if the team will cash out Ball's expensive contract and focus on developing a new core with Miller and the talent the Hornets get from the top of the 2025 and 2026 drafts.
The team has already shown a willingness to trade Williams, as evidenced by the rescinded trade with the Los Angeles Lakers that would have brought in Knecht and first-round picks. The goal may be to continue down that path with youth and draft compensation the goal.
Chicago Bulls
5 of 30
Cap level: Historically avoids paying the luxury tax
Key free agents: Josh Giddey (RFA), Tre Jones, Talen Horton-Tucker, Jevon Carter (PO or player option)
Primary trade bait: Nikola Vučević, Coby White, $17.2 million trade exception, draft considerations, expiring contracts
Potential targets: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Julius Randle, RJ Barrett
The Bulls' most significant decision will be to find the right price for Giddey. Chicago can match any other team's offer without paying luxury taxes. The challenge is identifying the Bulls' direction as a middling play-in team that has moved on from several veterans (DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Alex Caruso, etc.).
Chicago could pursue a veteran upgrade, armed with all of its own first-round picks and a protected one from the Portland Trail Blazers. The team has an extensive list of short contracts, including Lonzo Ball, Zach Collins, Kevin Huerter, Ayo Dosunmu, Carter, White and Vučević. Of course, who would they play with if the Bulls traded out all the veterans for a big name?
Finding the right balance is key, and Chicago could wait until 2026 when it will have significant cap room. Alternatively, it could bring in draft picks and young players to take on longer, unwanted deals.
Cleveland Cavaliers
6 of 30
Cap level: Above the second apron
Key free agents: Ty Jerome, Sam Merrill, Tristan Thompson, Javonte Green
Primary trade bait: Isaac Okoro, Craig Porter Jr., Jaylon Tyson, second-round picks
Potential targets: Duop Reath, Ariel Hukporti, Jaylin Williams
The Cavaliers have the best record in the NBA and aim for their second title. They have already gone all in, notably acquiring De'Andre Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks. Cleveland can pay up to about $14 million to keep Jerome, but will they go that deep into the tax/second apron?
Okoro may be expendable with little to no salary in return, as few players project to crack the team's rotation next year if Jerome and Merrill return. Perhaps the Cavaliers could use an extra big man in case Mobley or Allen needs to sit for extended periods with injury.
Dallas Mavericks
7 of 30
Cap level: Above the first apron
Key free agents: Kyrie Irving (PO), Dante Exum, Spencer Dinwiddie
Primary trade bait: Daniel Gafford, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Irving
Potential targets: LaMelo Ball, Lonzo Ball, Cole Anthony
The Mavericks must decide about Irving, who recently tore his ACL. Can the franchise afford to wait for him? Will he be his usual self early in the year, or will he need more than a year to return to form? They "probably" do, but pivoting to a younger scoring point guard like Ball could be a radical but viable alternative.
The 2024-25 season appears derailed by injury, but when fully healthy, the team may need to reallocate some of its budget from the center position after acquiring Anthony Davis. Since the team is likelier to keep Dereck Lively II, that could make Gafford the one to move.
Denver Nuggets
8 of 30
Cap level: Above the first apron
Key free agents: Russell Westbrook (PO), Dario Šarić (PO)
Primary trade bait: Michael Porter Jr., Julian Strawther, Zeke Nnaji, Šarić
Potential targets: Kevin Durant, Cam Johnson, RJ Barrett
The Nuggets have arguably the best player in the world in Nikola Jokić, which makes up for many of the team's flaws. Will it be enough this year for another title?
Denver has been stuck in the luxury tax, above the first apron, with limited flexibility just below the second apron. The team has struggled to maintain its level of experienced veteran talent, losing Bruce Brown Jr. and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in subsequent seasons. If Denver doesn't win this year, should it look to add another high-level, expensive star at the cost of depth—like Durant for Porter, Strawther, Nnaji, Šarić and others?
Or should the Nuggets run it back and hope the younger players improve? Another option is to trade Porter's large salary for cheaper, quality vets in return.
Detroit Pistons
9 of 30
Cap level: Approximately $25 million in cap room
Key free agents: Tim Hardaway Jr., Dennis Schröder, Malik Beasley, Lindy Waters III
Primary trade bait: Tobias Harris, Ron Holland II, Simone Fontecchio, cap room, draft compensation
Potential targets: Michael Porter Jr., Cam Johnson, Miles Bridges
Detroit has finally returned to respectability after years of terrible basketball. Suddenly a playoff team, the Pistons will look to build upon their success. That could mean keeping their own free-agent veterans to stay over the salary cap entirely (which would grant the team the non-taxpayer mid-level exception of roughly $14.1 million).
In addition to using cap room, the Pistons could use Harris' expiring salary to bring back a more expensive player. Perhaps they could take advantage of another team's financial distress to get a nice return without giving up too much. If Detroit wants to add more "win-ready" veterans, would they trade Holland or a future first?
Golden State Warriors
10 of 30
Cap level: From below tax to over the second apron
Key free agents: Jonathan Kuminga (RFA), Kevon Looney, Gary Payton II
Primary trade bait: Buddy Hield, Brandin Podziemski, Kuminga (sign-and-trade)
Potential targets: Norm Powell, Cam Johnson, John Collins
The Warriors revived their season with the Jimmy Butler trade. The veteran wing signed an extension as part of the deal, locking in the core of Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Butler through 2026-27.
The most significant decision the team has to make this offseason concerns Kuminga, who is expected to be well-compensated as a restricted free agent. The team can keep him depending on his price, which may raise payroll as high as the second apron. Instead, the Warriors could execute a sign-and-trade to get value in return (with a second-apron hard cap).
Houston Rockets
11 of 30
Cap level: Near the luxury tax
Key free agents: Fred VanVleet (TO or team option), Steven Adams, Jeff Green, Jae'Sean Tate
Primary trade bait: Jalen Green, Reed Sheppard, Jock Landale, Aaron Holiday, Cam Whitmore, draft compensation
Potential targets: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant
The Rockets seemed aimless for several years, but the emergence of Alperen Şengün as an All-Star, Amen Thompson as a problem (for other teams), the addition of quality veterans and the hiring of head coach Ime Udoka have shifted the team's trajectory.
Houston has enough ammunition to make a significant pitch for the next star player who becomes available, whether Antetokounmpo, Booker, Durant or some other disgruntled difference-maker.
Some wonder if Green is the piece the Rockets will shop to add a star. Others believe he's grown into a higher-impact player, and prospects like Sheppard could be the key to a blockbuster deal.
Also, look for the Rockets to opt out of VanVleet's final year to re-sign him to a mutually beneficial new contract to help the team afford that star player under the aprons.
Indiana Pacers
12 of 30
Cap level: Historically avoids paying the luxury tax
Key free agents: Myles Turner, Thomas Bryant, Isaiah Jackson (RFA)
Primary trade bait: Bennedict Mathurin, Obi Toppin, Jarace Walker
Potential targets: Walker Kessler, Cam Johnson, Daniel Gafford
The Pacers don't have a center under contract for next season. The simple answer may be a new deal for Turner, but at a figure that allows the franchise to stay below the luxury tax (perhaps the $16 million starting range).
Another path is to get out of Toppin's salary, with either Mathurin or Walker as an additional incentive. If Mathurin, rookie-scale extension eligible this summer, projects to be too expensive for the Pacers, he and Toppin out could open minutes in Indiana for Walker and room under the tax for Turner.
Kessler, who can also extend this summer, could replace Turner at a cheaper price for 2025-26. Gafford could make sense as a backup to Turner, provided the Pacers can clear enough salary in trade to stay under the tax.
LA Clippers
13 of 30
Cap level: Near the tax
Key free agents: James Harden (PO), Amir Coffey, Nicolas Batum (PO), Ben Simmons
Primary trade bait: Harden, Norman Powell, Bogdanović, Kobe Brown, Kawhi Leonard, Ivica Zubac
Potential targets: Bennedict Mathurin, Julius Randle, Rob Dillingham
The Clippers are good enough to vie for a playoff berth (possibly through the play-in) but probably aren't contenders. Leonard, who is due another $100 million over the next two years, isn't consistently healthy enough to carry a team. While Harden returned to All-Star status, he'll be 36 before next year.
The most likely path may be for LA to ride out Leonard's run, with Harden either opting into his final year or re-signing. But the Clippers should start planning a retool with maximum flexibility around the 2026 offseason.
Jump-starting that plan could involve targeting younger players like Mathurin and Dillingham, offering playoff-ready veterans to contending teams like Leonard, Harden, Powell and even Zubac to dig in early to a rebuild. Randle's short deal could be the ticket to Dillingham if the Timberwolves prioritize a player like Harden.
Los Angeles Lakers
14 of 30
Cap level: Near the first apron
Key free agents: LeBron James (PO), Dorian Finney-Smith (PO), Jaxson Hayes
Primary trade bait: Dalton Knecht, Maxi Kleber, Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent, Jared Vanderbilt, Shake Milton
Potential targets: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Daniel Gafford, Walker Kessler
The Lakers already landed a dream target in Luka Dončić, but the franchise is greedy. If Antetokounmpo demands out, a combination of salaries, talent and picks could get him to Los Angeles. It's a stretch, but it'd be remiss to leave him out if this is a team's wish list.
Otherwise, LA is less likely to send out key players like Reaves, Hachimura, etc. Instead, look for the franchise to target a center with Knecht as bait—similar to the failed Mark Williams deal with the Charlotte Hornets (the Lakers didn't clear Williams' physical).
Memphis Grizzlies
15 of 30
Memphis Grizzlies
Cap level: Up to $17.5 million in cap room
Key free agents: Santi Aldama (RFA), Marvin Bagley III, Luke Kennard
Primary trade bait: Brandon Clarke, John Konchar, Kennard (via sign-and-trade), draft considerations
Potential targets: Miles Bridges, Cam Johnson, Haywood Highsmith
Some speculate that the Grizzlies may go in a different direction, but for now, the assumption is that Ja Morant is unavailable. Memphis can get under the cap to renegotiate and extend Jackson. A trade to trim salary could help keep Aldama in Memphis, though Clarke and Konchar may not bring much back without draft considerations.
Otherwise, the team likely will choose to stay over the cap and could use its non-taxpayer mid-level exception. Memphis could use a good-sized forward who can shoot and defend. Historically, the team avoids the luxury tax.
Miami Heat
16 of 30
Cap level: Near the luxury tax
Key free agents: Davion Mitchell (RFA), Alec Burks
Primary trade bait: Haywood Highsmith, Duncan Robinson, Kyle Anderson, Terry Rozier, Jamie Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jović
Potential targets: Collin Sexton, Bennedict Mathurin, Marcus Smart
The Jimmy Butler saga derailed Miami's season, and the team hasn't clicked since the trade with the Golden State Warriors. The Heat may get through the play-in tournament to give a top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers or Boston Celtics a scare, but more likely than not, it's an early vacation for the franchise.
Assuming the team continues to build around Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo, the Heat needs shooting and help at point guard. Mitchell may be retained, but he may be best suited as a reserve. Duncan Robinson is expected to opt into his final year, roughly half-guaranteed. The Heat could go younger or look to cash out prospects like Jaquez and Nikola Jović to win with Herro and Adebayo.
Milwaukee Bucks
17 of 30
Cap level: Near the luxury tax, over with Brook Lopez
Key free agents: Bobby Portis (PO), Kevin Porter Jr. (PO), Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, Jericho Sims, Lopez
Primary trade bait: Pat Connaughton, AJ Green, Andre Jackson Jr., Chris Livingston, Tyler Smith, Portis
Potential targets: John Collins, Walker Kessler, Marcus Smart
From the Bucks' perspective, Giannis Antetokounmpo may be another team's top target, but he's off-limits. There's a universe where the former MVP decides to push for a trade, but unless that happens, Milwaukee will continue to build around him, Damian Lillard and Kyle Kuzma.
The Bucks don't have much to offer in picks, but they can trade their 2032 first-rounder after the upcoming draft in June. Connaughton, who is unlikely to opt out of his $9.4 million option year, doesn't hold much value. Still, he's a big enough number to bring a rotation player back to Milwaukee, provided the team includes young talent/draft sweeteners.
Portis' option and Lopez's free-agent price will determine the Bucks' flexibility. The team should be able to stay comfortably below the second apron but may not be able to avoid luxury taxes. Much will be decided on how much longer the Bucks are willing to roll with Lopez (almost 37).
Milwaukee could try to pry away one of the Utah Jazz's two big men, but the asking price for Kessler would be much higher than Collins.
Minnesota Timberwolves
18 of 30
Cap level: Near the luxury tax, near or over the second apron with Naz Reid, Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Key free agents: Julius Randle (PO), Reid (PO), Alexander-Walker
Primary trade bait: Mike Conley, Randle, Rob Dillingham, Terrence Shannon Jr
.Potential targets: James Harden, Kevin Durant, Marcus Smart
The Timberwolves are still in flux after trading Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks before the season. Randle will probably opt in at $30.9 million, leaving little flexibility if Minnesota prioritizes Reid and Alexander-Walker (as expected). Since Conley is slowing down, that could push the team to move Randle, presumably for a point guard.
Harden is also an older player; he's a former MVP and returned to All-Star status with the LA Clippers this season. LA may not want to go in a different direction, but the Wolves can try to make something happen. Similarly, if Durant wants out of Phoenix, the Suns will get a call from the Wolves. Smart is another experienced, defensive-minded option at guard.
New Orleans Pelicans
19 of 30
Cap level: Historically avoids paying the luxury tax
Key free agents: Bruce Brown Jr., Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
Primary trade bait: CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, Jose Alvarado
Potential targets: Coby White, Collin Sexton, John Collins
The Pelicans have had one of the most disappointing seasons this year based on their internal expectations. Injuries have devastated the franchise and may dictate the addition of a ball-handling guard until Dejounte Murry returns to form after an Achilles tear (which may also keep Alvarado in town).
Some around the league wonder if New Orleans will move on from Zion Williamson, who has also struggled to stay on the court. For now, pencil him back with the Pelicans, the team looking to add a guard with a scoring punch like White or Sexton (or possibly Cole Anthony). With luxury taxes in the way and the possibility of retaining Brown, the Pelicans may need to cash out the McCollum contract. If Sexton is the answer, perhaps New Orleans adds another big in Collins to back up Yves Missi and fill in at power forward if Williamson misses any extended time again next year.
New York Knicks
20 of 30
New York Knicks
Cap level: Under the second apron
Key free agents: Precious Achiwua, Cam Payne, Delon Wright, Landry Shamet, Ariel Hukporti (TO)
Primary trade bait: Mitchell Robinson, Tyler Kolek, Hukporti
Potential targets: Cole Anthony, Isaiah Stewart II, Coby White
The Knicks have the third-best roster in the Eastern Conference and are on par with anyone in the West outside of the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Karl-Anthony Towns acquisition shifted the team from a grind-it-out defensive unit built around Jalen Brunson to more of an offense-based approach (but it's a Tom Thibodeau team; they're still going to grind out games).
New York has little flexibility and few trade pieces. Robinson has a movable contract ($13 million for 2025-26), but when he is healthy, he provides a vital defensive counterpoint to Towns. A smaller trade could send out the younger big (Hukporti) for an inexpensive role player.
New York can also send a Washington Wizards first-round pick, but it's heavily protected. Anthony (whose father Greg Anthony is a former Knickerbocker) could replace Payne and Wright as a scoring option at guard if available but leave the Knicks short-handed at center. The Detroit Pistons may not want to move Stewart, but he'd provide a level of physical toughness that should appeal to Thibodeau.
Oklahoma City Thunder
21 of 30
Oklahoma City Thunder
Cap level: Under the luxury tax
Key free agents: Jaylin Mitchell (TO), Ajay Mitchell (TO)
Primary trade bait: Ousmane Dieng, Jaylin Williams, Kenrich Williams, draft picks
Potential targets: First-round picks, second-round picks, more picks
Instead of pretending the Thunder have some ideal trade targets in current NBA form, the team already has all the players it needs on the roster. If anything, Oklahoma City needs to open space for four selections in June's draft (three firsts). More likely, look for the franchise to trade upcoming picks for future ones.
Dieng may be the most likely to go to make roster room. The Thunder may still value all their players named Williams (Jalen the All-Star, Jaylin for what he does on the court in a bit role and Kenrich for his leadership).
Thinning out a potential championship roster to reunite with an aging Kevin Durant may sound like a nice idea, but it's entirely unnecessary for the Thunder.
Orlando Magic
22 of 30
Cap level: Under the first apron
Key free agents: Mo Wagner (TO), Gary Harris (TO)
Primary trade bait: Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Jonathan Isaac, Goga Bitadze, Jett Howard, Tristan Da Silva
Potential targets: Grayson Allen, Dalton Knecht, Cam Johnson
The Magic have a full roster for 2025-26 but may need to trade or opt a few players out to make room for their two first-round picks (including one from the Denver Nuggets). Several teams could use a ball-handling scorer like Anthony off the bench.
Orlando may need to move Caldwell-Pope or Isaac's salary for a big move. Paolo Banchero is extension-eligible this summer and is on track for a max deal. The Magic may not want any heavy long-term commitments outside of their three best players (Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs and Banchero).
Allen's salary is a bit high but he provides shooting and secondary ball handling. Knecht is cheaper and younger. Johnson may duplicate positionally, but he helps where Orlando struggles most (shooting, shooting, shooting). Of the list of available players, Da Silva is the last one the Magic would trade barring an incredible return.
Philadelphia 76ers
23 of 30
Cap level: Near the luxury tax
Key free agents: Quentin Grimes (RFA), Kelly Oubre Jr. (PO), Andre Drummond (PO), Guerschon Yabusele
Primary trade bait: Paul George, Oubre, Gordon, Drummond
Potential targets: Bradley Beal, Dalton Knecht, Mitchell Robinson
After this season's disaster, the Sixers may be the most difficult to read. The team will only benefit from their first-round pick if it's a top-six selection. The more significant dilemma is Joel Embiid's status, out with a knee injury that some think may be career-threatening. If he's forced to retire (not on the table at this point, but if), he will come off the 76ers' books midway through next season (and will receive his entire existing salary of almost $250 million).
George hasn't looked worthy of his $211.6 million max deal, and the Sixers are just in a bad spot. Does Beal want to be out of Phoenix and into Philadelphia's iffy situation enough to waive his no-trade clause? His deal is one year shorter than George's.
Philadelphia may need to use one of its spending expectations to retain Yabusele. In trade, Knecht would add cheap shooting. Robinson could be a reserve behind a healthy Embiid or a defensive starter.
Phoenix Suns
24 of 30
Cap level: Over the second apron
Key free agents: Tyus Jones, Mason Plumlee, Bol Bol, Vasilije Micić (TO)
Primary trade bait: Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, Grayson Allen, Micić, Cody Martin
Potential targets: Lauri Markkanen, Paul George, Reed Sheppard
The Suns are also disappointed with their 2024-25 season. The play-in tournament is in range, but it's not a lock. Regardless, Phoenix hoped it had a contending roster, which hasn't been the case. For the most expensive team in basketball, missing the playoffs outright would be a stunning result.
The path forward could include trading Durant if he pushes out instead of extending it. The return could be something like Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz in a multi-team trade or possibly taking on young players for a more sustained retool via the Houston Rockets. Another potential option could include taking on Paul George's larger deal for Bradley Beal, assuming Beal is willing to go (his no-trade clause holds significant power).
Portland Trail Blazers
25 of 30
Cap level: Under the luxury tax
Key free agents: Matisse Thybulle (player option), Dalano Banton, Ryan Rupert (TO)
Primary trade bait: Deandre Ayton, Jerami Grant, Anfernee Simons, Robert Williams III, Thybulle, Reath
Potential targets: Zion Williamson, Jonathan Kuminga, Dalton Knecht
The Blazers turned around what seemed like a lost season. Now the squad has a puncher's chance of making the play-in, playing spoiler for playoff-bound teams. Portland shouldn't try to make too big a leap this offseason to try and contend. Still, if the New Orleans Pelicans consider going in a different direction, given Williamson's durability, he'd be an incredible roll of the dice for the Blazers.
Perhaps a sign-and-trade to acquire Kuminga from the Warriors would be a worthy upside play, depending on his asking price. If the Lakers want to send out Knecht for a center, Portland could certainly use shooting on the wing.
Sacramento Kings
26 of 30
Cap level: Historically avoids paying the luxury tax
Key free agents: Jake LaRavia, Trey Lyles, Markelle Fultz
Primary trade bait: Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Jonas Valančiūnas, $16.8 million trade exception, draft considerations
Potential targets: Jabari Smith Jr., Coby White, Bennedict Mathurin
The Kings do not appear likely to trade Sabonis this summer, but he's worth monitoring. If that goes south, so be it, but since this is one of the "top goals," keep Sabonis on the roster for now. The same can probably be said for nearly everyone on the list except for possibly Valančiūnas.
Instead, the Kings could use their Kevin Huerter trade exception and some of the first-round picks they got in the De'Aaron Fox trade to add. That probably puts the team into the tax unless Valančiūnas' contract is dumped. Using the Huerter trade exception would also trigger a first-apron hard cap.
If the Rockets pull off a blockbuster deal, they may need to move Smith. Since he's close to a new extension, if a rebuilding team prefers one of the Kings' extra first-rounders, Sacramento may be able to add a young, versatile forward who plays defense. Mathurin is another wing on a team full of wings, but he could fit the Kings' style of play. White would be an option at point guard, which Sacramento seems to be lacking, though he is more of a scoring point guard than a true distributor.
San Antonio Spurs
27 of 30
Cap level: Below the luxury tax
Key free agents: Chris Paul
Primary trade bait: Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes, Malaki Branham, Blake Wesley, draft compensation
Potential targets: Devin Booker, Cam Johnson, Lauri Markkanen
The first assumption—hope, really—is that Victor Wembanyama recovers fully from his deep vein thrombosis (and coach Gregg Popovich heals from a stroke). San Antonio took a significant step forward on the court, which led to the De'Aaron Fox trade to give the team a second star and lead guard.
The Spurs have enough picks and young talent, like Vassell and Johnson, making enough salary to bring back almost any player in the league (especially if Barnes is included). Booker is an All-Star guard who has yet to push his way out of Phoenix, but if the Suns don't course-correct, that could be in his future. Johnson is relatively cheaper and a solid shooter, defender and role player (recently thrust into more of a starring role with the Brooklyn Nets).
Another choice could be Markkanen, giving Wembanyama a skilled front-court partner. Markkanen has a massive salary but could be a fascinating fit in San Antonio.
Toronto Raptors
28 of 30
Cap level: Below the second apron
Key free agents: Chris Boucher
Primary trade bait: RJ Barrett, Jakob Pöltl
Potential targets: Mark Williams, Daniel Gafford, Walker Kessler
The Raptors are already heavily invested and project to be a tax team slightly over the first apron. Instead of waiting until free agency, Toronto acquired Brandon Ingram at the trade deadline and extended him. That either pushes RJ Barrett or Gradey Dick to the bench, though several sources expect Barrett to be shopped this summer.
The Raptors could shop Pöltl, but the team already needs depth at the position and would need a replacement center (possibly in the draft). Boucher could return, but the key to any Toronto additions starts with a salary reduction via trade (likely Barrett).
Toronto probably seeks a deal for Barrett with a cheaper Pöltl replacement, opening the door to move the veteran center. The Raptors must ensure the Los Angeles Lakers were incorrect in their assessment of Williams' physical. Otherwise, Kessler would be another (initially) inexpensive option. Gafford isn't that expensive but is heading into the final year of his deal.
Utah Jazz
29 of 30
Cap level: Just over the cap
Key free agents: John Collins (PO)
Primary trade bait: Lauri Markkanen, John Collins, Walker Kessler, Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, KJ Martin
Potential targets: Reed Sheppard, Dalton Knecht, Jarace Walker
The Jazz are rebuilding and may prioritize the draft in 2025 and 2026 to get their next franchise-level players. That could open the door to a Markkanen trade, which may be the best way for Utah to add prospects like Sheppard and draft picks. If the Houston Rockets land a player like Kevin Durant, the Phoenix Suns may prefer Markkanen to Sheppard, opening the door for Utah.
Additionally, the Jazz contemplated moving Kessler, who is extension-eligible this summer. Those negotiations could dictate if he's moved or kept, as several teams, like the Los Angeles Lakers with Knecht, may be interested.
The team can offload several veterans on short contracts for kids, picks and the best chance at a top lottery pick in 2026.
Washington Wizards
30 of 30
Cap level: Below the luxury tax
Key free agents: Khris Middleton (PO), Malcolm Brogdon
Primary trade bait: Marcus Smart, Jordan Poole, Richaun Holmes, Corey Kispert, Middleton
Potential targets: RJ Barrett, Reed Sheppard, draft compensation
By design, the Wizards are easily the worst team in the NBA this year. Rebuilding isn't pretty, but the team is gradually adding young players with hopes of being the next Detroit Pistons (eventually).
They may consider moving Kispert, who was recently extended, but the Wizards are about taking in unwanted veterans (for whatever reason) and flipping them to contenders for profit. It may be too soon for Poole, who may have rehabilitated some of his value. Smart is the best (presumably) available trade piece, on an expiring $21.6 million for next season. Holmes has just $250,000 of his $13.3 million guaranteed. Middleton's expiring $33.3 million (player option) may be too much for most teams to take on, but that doesn't mean the Wizards won't try.
Maybe the Wizards can take on RJ Barrett from the Toronto Raptors for a fee (young players, picks). It would probably take a multi-team deal, but Smart and Holmes would be enough outgoing salary for a deal.
And if the Rockets do land a star, put the Wizards in line as the third team hoping to take on Sheppard to help facilitate a blockbuster.
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on X @EricPincus and Bluesky.
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