Newest NBA Trade Rumors Reviewed and Updated Landing-Spot Predictions

NBA free agency is off and running, but the trade market has been responsible for the biggest changes to the league's landscape so far.

Kawhi Leonard is a Toronto Raptor again. LaMelo Ball is now teammates with 2020 draft classmate Anthony Edwards on the Minnesota Timberwolves. And the Miami Heat finally reeled in their long-coveted whale by adding Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Somehow, the rumor mill hasn't slowed down amid this flurry of activity. So, let's dive into the latest trade winds swirling about the Association.

Tepid Trade Market for Jaylen Brown?

David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images

If the Boston Celtics wind up sending All-NBA swingman Jaylen Brown elsewhere, they'll want a substantial haul in return. There seems to be real skepticism that anyone is interested in buying at an elevated price.

The Athletic's Sam Amick surveyed Brown's market and characterized at as "nowhere near the level" Boston would want. Amick went on to report that the Portland Trail Blazers' interest is "moderate, at best," the Denver Nuggets' interest "has been significantly overstated" and the Brooklyn Nets "are not engaged with the Celtics at all and don't appear to be heading in that direction."

It does make you wonder whether the Shamrocks will find a taker. That sounds wild considering the kind of season Brown just had—piloting a 56-win team and posting a slew of career-highs—but this was his first time as a true focal point, so maybe there's some hesitation to fully buy into him as an organizational centerpiece. He's also extremely costly, as he is playing on a supermax already and is eligible to sign a two-year, $142 million extension later this month.

That said, players of this caliber rarely hit the trade market during their prime, so you'd think someone will be willing to make an all-in move. Maybe that winds up being his hometown Atlanta Hawks, who took a step forward this past season but might need one star addition to join the contending ranks.

Predicted landing spot: Atlanta Hawks

Wizards Keeping Anthony Davis?

Jason Miller/Getty Images

As shocking as trade season has been already, the juiciest rumor to date might break the internet. That would be the Golden State Warriors, scrambling to give Stephen Curry another shot at title contention, pursuing both LeBron James and Anthony Davis, as ESPN's Shams Charania reported.

It is fascinating in theory, but maybe that's all it will ever be. The Washington Wizards "are not interested" in trading away Davis, per Andscape's Marc J. Spears:

Now, it is worth noting that Washington would have nothing to gain by admitting it would move AD. It's probably also worth pointing out that the 33-year-old star is far from the cleanest fit for a franchise that just tethered its present and future to No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa, who won't turn 20 years old until after the calender flips to 2027.

This report, then, probably doesn't totally torpedo the idea of a Davis deal. It might, however, suggest that the Wizards would want a rather substantial package in return for him, and maybe that winds up being a bigger risk than the Warriors—already aging and facing availability concerns without him—feel like they can take.

Predicted landing spot: Washington Wizards

Portland Keeping All Four Point Guards?

Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images

Anyone who is claustrophobic should probably avoid the Portland Trail Blazers' point guard room for the foreseeable future. Because with Ja Morant added to a position group already featuring Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson, things are awfully crowded.

The Blazers "[do] not feel it is essential to unload one of its guards" and "believe the four guards can co-exist," per The Athletic's Jason Quick. Holiday's positional versatility is apparently a "large part" of that belief.

Then again, Quick's report also noted how the Blazers "want more big-man depth and realize they have a logjam of four point guards." So, they probably recognize this roster is imbalanced in a way that will require some roster reshuffling sooner than later.

If there's an odd-man out here, Henderson feels like the one. Lillard, a franchise icon, hasn't suited up since rejoining the organization last offseason. Morant was just added to this group. And Holiday's versatility—and especially his defense—could be vital to making this work. Henderson, the No. 3 pick in 2023, could be a fascinating addition for a more future-focused franchise.

Predicted landing spot: Dallas Mavericks