There is constant activity in the NBA trade rumour mill. Teams secretly consider their alternatives, which leads to ongoing rumours.
No matter if they are trying to win a championship or start over, every front office is always looking for a transaction that could change their lives.
Some players are brought up in trade discussions over and time again throughout the league.
These prominent figures may not be traded this season, but their talent and worth could swing the deal in the right direction. Rather of being absolute forecasts, these are just educated guesses.
Given the dynamic nature of the NBA, here is one player from each club that could be a good trade piece.
Atlanta Hawks: Trae Young
Trae Young continues to drive the Atlanta Hawks’ offense as their primary playmaker, averaging 24.2 points and a league-best 11.6 assists last season.
His elite production keeps him central to Atlanta’s identity, but his ball dominance and defensive flaws remain a concern.
Young is Under Contract through 2027 and eligible for a four-year, $222 million extension. At just 26, his hefty salary already ranks among the NBA’s highest, raising questions about Atlanta’s long-term value and financial flexibility.
The Hawks reshaped their roster this offseason by trading for Kristaps Porzingis, signing Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard, and drafting forward Asa Newell. These moves point to a shift toward more balanced play and spacing around Young.
However, the additions also complicate future salary distribution and team direction. If Atlanta is unsure about a max extension, exploring trade options now could help avoid losing Young for nothing.
Potential Landing Spots: Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks
Boston Celtics: Jaylen Brown
Jaylen Brown remains a cornerstone for the Boston Celtics, just one year removed from earning Finals MVP during the team’s title run.
He’s entering the second year of a five-year, $285 million extension that will pay him over $53 million in 2025-26. Brown is coming off a strong season, averaging 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists across 63 games.
Brown’s running mate, Jayson Tatum, is expected to miss most (if not all) of this season due to an Achilles injury. That puts more pressure on Brown to carry the scoring load and serve as the Celtics’ clear No. 1 option. His production will be vital, but his hefty contract complicates Boston’s difficult salary-cap situation.
The Celtics are in the middle of a challenging retool, having traded away Jrue Holiday and Porzingis to save money and reshape the roster.
In return, they’ve added younger pieces like Anfernee Simons and veteran depth in Georges Niang. However, with the exits of Al Horford and Luke Kornet, Boston has few options for cheap, reliable frontcourt help.
While Brown and Derrick White give the Celtics a strong foundation, competing for a title without Tatum is unlikely. That reality could force Brad Stevens to explore the trade market for Brown. If the right offer surfaces, moving him could reset the team’s future flexibility without fully relinquishing contention.
Potential Landing Spots: Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs
Brooklyn Nets: Nic Claxton
The Brooklyn Nets are clearly in rebuilding mode, evidenced by a disappointing 26–56 finish last season. Despite being a key defensive anchor, Nic Claxton could eventually find himself outside the team’s long-term rebuild strategy, which prioritizes draft capital. His presence, while valuable, limits the Nets’ ability to rack up losses for better draft positioning.
Claxton remains a defensive gem, averaging 1.7 blocks over his career and posting the 19th-best defensive box plus/minus last season.
He isn’t as valuable on the offensive end of the floor, though. He excels as a rim runner and lob threat, but his lack of a perimeter shot limits his versatility. Still, his youth, athleticism, and rim protection make him a prime trade asset for draft picks or young talent.
Claxton’s contract enhances his trade appeal. He signed a four-year, $97 million deal in 2024, with a 2025-26 salary of $25.4 million, a reasonable figure for a starting center. With the Nets deep into a rebuild, moving this contract could yield assets to accelerate their reset.
Potential Landing Spots: Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte Hornets: LaMelo Ball
LaMelo Ball’s injury history makes him a potential trade candidate for the Charlotte Hornets.
The former No. 3 overall pick has missed 141 games over the past three seasons. This inconsistency hinders the Hornets’ ability to build around him.
Despite his talent, his frequent absences raise questions about his reliability as a franchise player.
When healthy, Ball’s on-court performance is electrifying but flawed, fueling trade discussions.
In 2024-25, he averaged 23.8 points, 8.7 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.3 3-pointers per 36 minutes. However, his 4.3 turnovers during that span, along with his defensive shortcomings, highlight weaknesses in his game.
Considering Charlotte disappointed and finished with one of the league’s worst records last season, Ball may not fully align with the team’s rebuilding timeline.
Contractual factors further complicate Ball’s future with the Hornets. He signed a five-year, $203.85 million extension in July 2023, with a $37.96 million cap hit for 2025-26. This massive deal and his injury risks could deter Charlotte from retaining him if a team offers the right price.
Potential Landing Spots: Brooklyn Nets, Orlando Magic
Chicago Bulls: Nikola Vucevic
Nikola Vucevic’s status as a trade candidate for the Chicago Bulls stems from the team’s ongoing roster overhaul and his expiring contract. The Bulls have been stuck in play-in territory and are looking to bolster their rebuild.
Vucevic’s current three-year, $60 million contract, with $21.5 million in 2025-26, is relatively trade-friendly. Considering his age and Chicago’s shift toward younger talent, including Josh Giddey and Coby White, Vucevic could be a logical trade piece.
Particularly for contending clubs in need of a talented centre, his performance on the court increases his trade worth.
With a career-best 53% field goal percentage and 40.2% long-range shooting percentage last season, he appeared in 73 games and averaged 18.5 points, 10.1 boards, and 3.5 assists.
For the eleventh consecutive season, he averaged a double-double. Vucevic’s soft touch around the basket and floor-spacing skills make defences pay attention.
Before he approaches free agency, the Bulls may try to get a good return on him.
Potential Landing Spots: Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics
Cleveland Cavaliers: Darius Garland
One of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ biggest storylines this offseason has centered on Darius Garland, the young All-Star guard who has surfaced in trade rumors while recovering from toe surgery.
After Cleveland added Lonzo Ball from Chicago, speculation about Garland’s future has only intensified.
Trading Garland could alleviate this financial strain, allowing Cleveland to pursue players who complement Mitchell’s skill set. However, the contract’s size and his injury may deter some teams, narrowing the pool of trade partners.
Potential Landing Spots: Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves
Dallas Mavericks: Dereck Lively II
Due to the team’s crowded frontcourt, Dereck Lively II’s role with the Dallas Mavericks makes him a potential trade candidate, albeit an unlikely one. The Duke product averaged 8.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 36 games last season.
However, the presence of Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington reduced Lively’s minutes to 23.1 per game.
With Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg added to the mix, it will be interesting to see how Jason Kidd handles his rotation.
Lively’s youth and seemingly untapped upside as a two-way center make him an attractive asset for trade discussions.
Lively is on a four-year, $22.28 million rookie contract, with a $5.25 million team option for the 2025-26 season, offering cost-controlled value.
This affordability appeals to teams seeking young talent, especially those rebuilding or in need of a defensive anchor. His 1.5 blocks per game over his first two seasons highlight his rim-protecting ability, a premium skill in the NBA.
While Lively could start for Dallas in 2025, Nico Harrison and the front office have already shown that anyone could be available for the right price.
Lively’s injury history also raises questions about durability for a Mavericks team that needs reliability in its title chase. His youth mitigates some risk, but Dallas may prioritize proven health.
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