Zion Williamson, Bradley Beal’s Top Trade Landing Spots After 2025 NBA Draft

Both the New Orleans Pelicans and Phoenix Suns have been active in the trade market this offseason, which means a pair of key players could be on the move after the NBA draft.

Zion Williamson and Bradley Beal are two names to watch heading into the rest of the offseason after the Pelicans sent CJ McCollum to the Washington Wizards and the Suns traded Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets.

Here's a look at some possible landing spots for the two players.

Zion Williamson's Top Landing Spots

Charlotte Hornets

Williamson would likely agree that the start of his career hasn't gone the way he would have hoped, as injuries have sidelined him for much of his first six seasons.

The former No. 1 overall pick could use a fresh start and the chance to play pressure-free basketball, and the rebuilding Charlotte Hornets could be the place for him.

Charlotte is still years away from being a legitimate contender, and that would afford Williamson the opportunity to regain his bearings, get healthy and perhaps become the superstar he was expected to be coming into the NBA.

Charlotte is also close to Williamson's home state of South Carolina, which might be a good option for a player who has spent the last few years in the spotlight, for better or worse.

Detroit Pistons

A different approach for Williamson would be to join a team on the brink of contending.

Since the Pelicans aren't close to being a Finals team, Williamson perhaps hasn't felt the need to step into the star role he's capable of. In Detroit, expectations would be high, though he wouldn't have to be the focal point of the team since Cade Cunningham occupies that role.

The Pistons, as outstanding as their turnaround has been, still need a star player alongside Cunningham, and Williamson could be an affordable option on the trade market this offseason.

Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies find themselves armed with draft picks after trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic, but with Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. around, it's not quite time to enter a rebuild.

Williamson and Morant, the Nos. 1 and 2 picks in the 2019 NBA draft, have been compared to one another their entire careers, but perhaps the best versions of themselves would be alongside one another.

Memphis has a clear need for another scoring option, and Williamson could fill that void on a team hoping to compete in the playoffs.

Bradley Beal's Top Landing Spots

Miami Heat

Beal has been linked to the Miami Heat for years, including last season when the team was trying to trade Jimmy Butler. Beal's expensive contract ultimately got in the way, but perhaps Miami is willing to give him another look this offseason.

The Heat were a play-in team even after trading Butler, and adding Beal, though he isn't the star he once was, could allow them to make a deeper playoff run.

Of course, to make a trade happen, Phoenix would almost certainly have to take on some of Beal's contract. He's set to make $53.7 million this season and has a $57 million player option in 2026-27.

Chicago Bulls

The middling Chicago Bulls have been linked to Beal as they look to make a jump and reach the playoffs next season.

The Bulls have a relatively cheap roster, but it's also one that finished 39-43 last season. Now could be the time to spend and try to make a surprise playoff run.

The East is set to have a bit of a down year since Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum and Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton are both set to miss most of the season with torn Achilles injuries.

Bringing in Beal is certainly a risk because of his expensive contract, but he could help the Bulls improve tremendously and take advantage of a weak conference.

Utah Jazz

New president of basketball operations Austin Ainge made it clear the Utah Jazz are done tanking, so could we see the team try to make a playoff push as early as this season?

If that's the goal, the Jazz might consider trading for Beal.

Much like the Bulls, Utah doesn't have too many financial obligations because of its young roster, so taking on Beal's contract isn't as detrimental as it would be to a team hovering near the second apron.

While Beal won't turn the Jazz into a Finals contender, he could at least help them improve some while mentoring the group of youngsters.