1 Player On Every NBA Team Most Likely To Hit the Trade Block Next
NBA trade season will officially begin again in a few weeks when half of the league begins their long offseason.
We're already monitoring names like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ja Morant, Michael Porter Jr. and others.
So, who else is likely to switch teams this summer?
Based on their current usage, future contracts, direction of the team and other factors, these are the players on all 30 NBA teams most likely to hit the trade block next.
Atlanta Hawks: Buddy Hield
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The Atlanta Hawks' new-look core of Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Onyeka Okongwu is starting to take shape. Jonathan Kuminga could be part of the long-term plan as well.
Buddy Hield, however, who came over from the Golden State Warriors along with Kuminga, shouldn't be buying real estate in Atlanta just yet.
Hield hasn't been part of the Hawks rotation since the trade, playing in just five total games during mop-up duty. His contract is easy to trade (two years, $20.8 million) and is guaranteed for just $3 million next season. Atlanta could buy him out, although it would make more sense to use his salary in a trade this summer.
Boston Celtics: Sam Hauser
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Assuming the Boston Celtics keep their core of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Derrick White moving forward, Sam Hauser is the next priciest part of the rotation.
His $10.8 million salary for next year doesn't chew up much of the cap sheet, although it could be used to help match money in a potential deal for another star.
With younger, cheaper forwards on the roster like Baylor Scheierman, Hugo González and Jordan Walsh, the 28-year-old Hauser may be the most likely player to hit the trade block if the Celtics like what they see from the young core.
Brooklyn Nets: Michael Porter Jr.
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It was surprising to see the Brooklyn Nets hold on to Michael Porter Jr. at the trade deadline, as the 27-year-old's value was as high as it's ever been. He'll also be on an expiring contract next season, making Porter a flight risk for whoever trades for him this summer.
Still, the Nets are at the bottom of a rebuild and don't make sense as a home for the 2023 NBA champ. There should be plenty of interest around the league for the 6'10" forward who's averaging a career-high 24.2 points.
Porter, Nic Claxton and Terance Mann should all be widely available as the only vets on this young Nets team.
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Charlotte Hornets: Grant Williams
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The Charlotte Hornets have the best starting lineup in all of basketball (min. 250 possessions), with LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabaté registering a net rating of plus-29.4 this season (97th percentile, via Cleaning the Glass).
When examining potential trades, the Hornets should look to their bench instead.
Grant Williams makes the most sense as trade bait, as the veteran forward will be on an expiring $14.3 million contract. He returned from a torn ACL and is shooting 38.3 percent from three this year, giving his new team a floor-spacing power forward who's shown good defensive chops in the past.
Chicago Bulls: Patrick Williams
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The Chicago Bulls will almost certainly make Patrick Williams available this offseason. Whether or not another team actually makes an offer for the former No. 4 overall pick is a different story.
Still somehow only 24 years old despite playing in his sixth season, Williams has been used almost exclusively as a reserve. His shooting numbers have plummeted (37.4 percent overall from the field) and there's been no real growth in any area of Williams' game.
The three years and $54 million remaining on his contract is going to be tough to get rid of for Chicago, although it's time both parties go their separate ways.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Dennis Schröder
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Predicting that Dennis Schröder will be traded is akin to saying that the sun will rise tomorrow. He's only three trades shy of tying Trevor Ariza for the most in NBA history.
The Cleveland Cavaliers won't necessarily be shopping the veteran point guard, although the franchise still projects to be over the second apron next year. If James Harden comes back and the team is pleased with the growth of backup point guard Craig Porter Jr., moving Schröder in a salary relief move is one way the Cavs could get out of the second apron.
Of course, Donovan Mitchell refusing to sign an extension could force the Cavaliers to consider trading the franchise star as well.
Dallas Mavericks: Kyrie Irving
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Kyrie Irving and the Dallas Mavericks are now on completely different timelines from the last time he played pre-ACL tear.
Anthony Davis is gone, with cap space and draft picks now in his place. This is Cooper Flagg's team, with the Mavs likely eyeing a star point guard in the 2026 draft to pair with him.
Irving, 34, should desire a trade to a title contender and the Mavericks should be happy to oblige.
Denver Nuggets: Zeke Nnaji
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Another salary dump could be coming for the Denver Nuggets, who swapped Michael Porter Jr. for Cameron Johnson in order to get out of the luxury tax this year. With new extensions kicking in for Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun combined with a new deal needed for Peyton Watson, the Nuggets could soar past the second apron once again.
Getting rid of Zeke Nnaji and his $7.5 million contract would help ease the financial burden. In five years, Nnaji has never become a reliable part of the team's rotation.
The other potential piece to go would be Johnson. He's been good for the Nuggets in his first season with 11.8 points on 42.7 percent shooting from three, although the breakout play of Watson could make him expendable.
Detroit Pistons: Caris LeVert
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Caris LeVert looked like a perfect piece for the Detroit Pistons in free agency last summer, a do-it-all wing who can shoot and generate offense for himself and others.
Instead, the 31-year-old is undergoing the worst season of his career, averaging just 7.4 points on 41.2 percent shooting in 54 games all off the bench.
LeVert will be on an expiring $14.8 million contract next season. If the Pistons fall short of the Eastern Conference or NBA Finals, they could use LeVert's expiring money to help facilitate a deal for another star.
Golden State Warriors: Al Horford
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Stephen Curry might be the only safe player on the Golden State Warriors' roster this summer.
Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler could both be used as salary matchers to try to go get Giannis Antetokounmpo or another star. The young talent on the roster could very much be part of a deal as well.
If Al Horford decides to return for a 20th NBA season by picking up his $6 million player option, he should deservedly ask for a trade. Barring a deal for Antetokounmpo or another superstar, this Warriors team isn't going to win a championship anytime soon, something Horford should be seeking.
Houston Rockets: Dorian Finney-Smith
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The Dorian Finney-Smith signing has not gone well for the Houston Rockets, as the veteran forward signed a four-year, $53 million deal last summer yet is averaging a career-low 3.1 points on 26.9 percent shooting from three.
The good news for Houston is that Finney-Smith's contract can essentially be used as an expiring deal. The third and fourth years of his contract are non-guaranteed, meaning whatever team trades for the 32-year-old would only be on the hook for $13.3 million next season.
The Rockets need a point guard and we don't know how effective Fred VanVleet will be next season coming off a torn ACL at 32 years old. Finney-Smith's contract could be part of a salary-matching package to go get a new floor general.
Indiana Pacers: Obi Toppin
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The notoriously cheap Indiana Pacers are in danger of crossing the first apron next season if they bring the whole band back and a top pick in the draft could cost as much as $14.7 million.
Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam and Ivica Zubac are all safe, leaving Andrew Nembhard and Toppin as the highest-paid players potentially on the block. Nembhard is the more valuable of the two, especially as injuries have limited Toppin to just 17 games this year.
Indiana is inevitably going to have to shed salary this summer. Toppin and his $15 million contract could be absorbed by another team's mid-level exception.
Los Angeles Clippers: Brook Lopez
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Brook Lopez has a $9.2 million player option for next season, one he'll likely pick up at age 38. That doesn't mean he's staying in Los Angeles, however.
This isn't the same Clippers team that Lopez agreed to join last summer, one that featured James Harden, Ivica Zubac and had just pushed the Denver Nuggets to seven games in the West playoffs.
LA is making an effort to get younger by swapping Harden and Zubac for Darius Garland, Bennedict Mathurin and picks, meaning Lopez and the Clippers should mutually agree to find a new home for the 7'1" center via trade.
Los Angeles Lakers: Jarred Vanderbilt
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Jarred Vanderbilt just hasn't produced the way the Los Angeles Lakers had hoped for after giving him a four-year, $48 million extension in 2023.
The 26-year-old is averaging 4.4 points and 4.5 rebounds primarily off the bench for LA and has shot just 29.8 percent from three over the last two seasons.
Still owed $25.7 million over the next two years (with a player option in 2027-28), moving Vanderbilt would help clear some significant cap space for the Lakers this summer while helping build a new core around Luka Dončić.
Memphis Grizzlies: Ja Morant
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The trade market for Ja Morant was obviously cold leading up to the deadline and the two-time All-Star has done nothing to improve his value since. Morant has officially been ruled out for the season with an elbow injury and last played on Jan. 21st, two weeks before the deadline.
That doesn't mean that the needs of other teams won't change, however.
An early playoff exit could have the Miami Heat or Orlando Magic weighing their point guard options. The Sacramento Kings had interest in Morant at the deadline and the Milwaukee Bucks are still in desperation mode to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo happy.
Morant has already hit the trade block in Memphis and won't be moving off of it anytime soon.
Miami Heat: Andrew Wiggins
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It's unlikely that Andrew Wiggins turns down a $30.2 million player option for next season. He's become a good starting forward in the NBA, yet isn't likely to get a raise anywhere else.
If Miami bows out early in the playoffs, that expiring $30.2 million deal could be key in chasing a star to pair with Bam Adebayo.
The Heat may also want to turn more to their young forwards, a group that includes Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jović and Pelle Larson.
Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo
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Giannis Antetokounmpo is either signing a max extension to stay with the Milwaukee Bucks this summer or will be traded. Ownership has already publicly stated so.
Money isn't an issue for the two-time MVP, as any team would gladly still max Antetokounmpo out even at age 31. At 29-45 this season, the Bucks need to do what's in the best long-term interest of the franchise. They can't afford to let their star player reach free agency.
Of course, any trade involving Antetokounmpo would inevitably put more Bucks on the block as well. Myles Turner, Bobby Portis, Kyle Kuzma and others would all be of use to contenders.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Julius Randle
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If the Minnesota Timberwolves don't win the 2026 NBA Finals, no player outside of Anthony Edwards should feel safe.
All eyes will first go to Julius Randle, Edwards' sidekick who's yet to miss a game this season. Randle is on the border of being a No. 2 or 3 option on a championship contending team, and the Wolves have sniffed around Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo trades the past few years.
Minnesota's worst fear is that Edwards will grow unhappy with another failed playoff run and start eyeing other destinations. For this reason, the Wolves may be forced to consider a Randle trade while shooting for another All-Star.
New Orleans Pelicans: Jordan Poole
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Zion Williamson is the spicy answer here, although the New Orleans Pelicans still have given us no indications that a trade is coming. Maybe a full season of Derik Queen will have changed that, but probably not.
Jordan Poole should be aggressively shopped this summer, especially since Dejounte Murray is back healthy and the team will want to continue developing Jeremiah Fears.
Poole is averaging 12.9 points on just 36.5 percent shooting from the field this season. His $34 million salary won't be easy to move, but does serve as an expiring contract.
New York Knicks: Karl-Anthony Towns
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Anything short of a run to the NBA Finals could result in a major roster shakeup for the New York Knicks. Jalen Brunson will be safe, although Karl-Anthony Towns may not be as lucky.
Towns hasn't produced at the same efficiency level on offense under new head coach Mike Brown. He's also the most expensive Knick by far, with $57 million coming next season followed by a $61 million player option in 2027-28.
If the Knicks make a run at Giannis Antetokounmpo or another high-price star, Towns will likely be the first name that comes up in trade talks.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Alex Caruso
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Alex Caruso still impacts winning at a high level even at age 32, although the beginning of his decline and the financial constraints of the Oklahoma City Thunder next season may force the team to consider a trade.
OKC will be a whopping $39 million over the second apron if they bring back the same roster, a highly unlikely outcome. The Big 3 aren't going anywhere, which means Caruso and his $19.5 million salary could be shopped.
Averaging just 18.6 minutes a game this year, the emergence of Ajay Mitchell and Cason Wallace have led to a drop in usage for Caruso, who's also shooting just 28.9 percent from three.
Orlando Magic: Anthony Black
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Anthony Black has blossomed in Year 3 for the Orlando Magic. Unfortunately, he may now be too expensive to keep around.
The Magic are already going to be up against the second apron next season with Black heading into the final year of his rookie contract. At 39-35, Orlando isn't even guaranteed to make the playoffs, even in the East.
Paolo Banchero is probably safe, but there could be some major shakeups coming if the Magic miss the postseason or get eliminated in the first round for the third straight year.
Philadelphia 76ers: Justin Edwards
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As much as the Philadelphia 76ers would probably like to trade Joel Embiid or Paul George this offseason, their massive contracts will keep them in town.
Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe should be viewed as untouchable, leaving precious few other players on the roster.
Justin Edwards lands on this list nearly by default, as the 22-year-old is on a great contract (two years, $5 million) and is making 37.0 percent of his threes this season. The 76ers really have no reason to trade him, however, and should see if Embiid has any market at all.
Phoenix Suns: Khaman Maluach
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Despite being the No. 10 overall pick in the draft, Khaman Maluach hasn't looked like a rotation player in the NBA just yet. The 19-year-old is seeing just 8.4 minutes in his 40 games.
Mark Williams will likely re-sign with the Phoenix Suns in free agency, solidifying the center position for years to come. If this happens, the Suns could use Maluach as trade bait to upgrade other areas of the roster.
The 7'1" center has elite defensive potential and should draw interest from rebuilding teams who can be patient with his development.
Portland Trail Blazers: Jerami Grant
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Jerami Grant is quietly having a nice season for the Portland Trail Blazers, averaging 18.6 points and shooting 38.9 percent from three while splitting his time between starter and reserve.
The return of Damian Lillard next year is only going to take up another starting spot, however, leaving Grant, Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, Jrue Holiday, Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson to compete for the three spots between the franchise legend and center Donovan Clingan.
Grant is going to become an expensive full-time reserve, as he's owed $34.2 million next season with a $36.4 million player option in 2027-28. Portland should see if they can get some future financial relief and draft equity for Grant this summer.
Sacramento Kings: DeMar DeRozan
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Pick your veteran of choice for the Sacramento Kings here, as DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Malik Monk and Domantas Sabonis could all be on the trade block.
DeRozan is the most interesting of the group, as the six-time All-Star only has $10 million of his $25.7 million contract guaranteed. There's a good chance that the Kings let DeRozan go and save nearly $16 million, or they could bring the 36-year-old back and explore the trade market.
DeRozan can still help a contender. He's averaging 18.5 points and 4.1 assists this season in 74 games, once again being one of the more durable stars in the NBA.
San Antonio Spurs: Devin Vassell
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The San Antonio Spurs will probably stay away from any crazy trades this offseason, choosing to grow their young core organically around Victor Wembanyama.
If, for some reason, they do go after a higher-priced star, Devin Vassell and his $27 million salary is the most likely to head out in return.
Vassell, 25, is averaging 14.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and shooting 39.2 percent from three this season. He'll probably stay in San Antonio but would have a market if shopped around.
Toronto Raptors: Gradey Dick
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Following a breakout sophomore season, Gradey Dick's role has been reduced significantly now. His 6.3 points in 14.9 minutes a game are both career lows.
The former lottery pick is extension eligible this offseason, although it's hard to imagine the Raptors giving him any kind of real money given his current role. Dick could request a trade to a location where the opportunity would be more plentiful.
With a core that should land them a top-6 seed in the East, the Raptors will likely only make their bench players available via trade instead.
Utah Jazz: Lauri Markkanen
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The Jaren Jackson Jr. trade made it more likely that the Utah Jazz would keep Lauri Markkanen in town. The draft lottery may have the ultimate say, however.
Assuming Walker Kessler is brought back as a restricted free agent, the Jazz have a young core of Keyonte George, Ace Bailey, Jackson and Kessler to build around. Markkanen will turn 29 next month. If the Jazz land a forward like AJ Dybansta or Caleb Wilson in the draft, however, it would make more sense to give them the runway and shop Markkanen.
Thanks to his big year (26.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.0 steals), Markkanen should have a lot of interest around the league from contenders who are hungry to add a big, floor-spacing forward.
Washington Wizards: D'Angelo Russell
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D'Angelo Russell is technically a member of the Washington Wizards right now, although he hasn't reported to the team since the trade from the Dallas Mavericks. The 30-year-old has a $6 million player option for next season, one he'll likely pick up.
A trade seems inevitable, especially since Russell hasn't even played for the Wizards yet. Using him as a backup point guard to Trae Young would mean some historically bad point-of-attack defense for Washington.
The veteran guard wasn't good for Dallas this season and may already be nearing the end of his NBA career.
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