NBA Trade Landscape: Potential Blockbuster Moves That Could Rock the League

The NBA is renowned for its dramatic and unpredictable trades, with blockbuster moves sometimes coming seemingly out of nowhere. While 2024 hasn’t seen an explosion of trades yet, the groundwork is laid for potential deals that could reshape the league’s landscape. Here’s a closer look at the trade trends over the past decade and the top 10 trades that could rock the NBA in the coming season.

Trade Trends in Recent Years

While major NBA trades seem like an annual occurrence, there have been periods of quiet between explosive trade windows. For instance, in 2014, only one major deal occurred—Kevin Love’s move to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The subsequent years saw fluctuations, with some seasons completely devoid of blockbuster trades, and others, like 2017, featuring multiple huge deals involving stars such as Jimmy Butler, Paul George, and Kyrie Irving.

Recently, trade activity has been unpredictable. After a lull in 2021 and 2022, where only James Harden and Russell Westbrook were involved in big deals, the NBA saw a resurgence in trades in 2023. So far in 2024, only two major moves—those of Miles Bridges and Dejounte Murray—have occurred. However, there’s a sense that the trade market is about to erupt, with several players and franchises under pressure to make significant moves.

Here are the top 10 potential trades that could shake up the NBA this season:

1. Jonathan Kuminga (Golden State Warriors)

Jonathan Kuminga’s situation with the Golden State Warriors has caught the attention of many. The team’s two-timeline plan, attempting to balance veteran success with young talent, appears to be falling apart. The Warriors kept Kuminga off-limits during trade discussions with the Utah Jazz for Lauri Markkanen, but tensions remain as Kuminga enters the final year of his contract.

Kuminga and his camp are reportedly seeking a max extension for his contributions, averaging 16 points per game. However, Golden State might be hesitant to commit significant resources to a young player with potential but limited playoff experience. With the Warriors’ focus on contending while veterans Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are still elite, Kuminga could be on the move if a suitable deal presents itself.

2. CJ McCollum (New Orleans Pelicans)

Amidst trade speculation surrounding Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum has also become a name to watch. The Pelicans are in a tricky position, especially given their luxury tax concerns and McCollum’s expensive two-year, $64 million extension. With a young point guard already in place and McCollum not considered untouchable, teams like the Lakers, who need more ball-handling depth, could make a move for the veteran guard. The Pelicans might prefer to keep Brandon Ingram and use McCollum’s trade value to get some much-needed draft capital or other assets.

3. Portland Trail Blazers’ Veterans

The Blazers are in clear tank mode, eyeing high draft picks and possibly top prospect Cooper Flagg. Veterans like Jeremy Grant and Robert Williams are potential trade targets for contending teams. While Deandre Ayton’s contract makes him less movable, Robert Williams could be highly valuable to a team like the Warriors or Lakers in need of reliable frontcourt defense and depth.

4. Jalen Green (Houston Rockets)

Houston Rockets’ young star Jalen Green finds himself in a precarious situation. The arrival of head coach Ime Udoka has led to tougher standards for the team, including Green’s benching for poor play. Alperen Şengün, meanwhile, had a breakout year and is considered the more promising player. The Rockets may face a difficult decision: keep Şengün and move on from Green, who, despite averaging 28 points per game in March, may not fit the team’s long-term plans. Trading Green could yield a significant return in assets or draft picks for the Rockets’ rebuild.

5. Michael Porter Jr. (Denver Nuggets)

Reports have emerged that the Nuggets considered trading Michael Porter Jr. for Paul George during the summer. Porter, despite his shooting ability, has had inconsistent playoff performances, such as his struggles against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Denver may need to consider whether Porter’s max contract is sustainable given their financial situation. A trade could bring back depth or another star player to complement Nikola Jokić.

6. Julius Randle (New York Knicks)

Julius Randle is another big name potentially on the move. Randle is up for a lucrative new contract, but the Knicks are already financially committed to players like Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby. If Randle is unwilling to take a pay cut, the Knicks may look to trade him before his value drops further. Randle’s frustration with the organization has already surfaced, as he voiced discontent over his jerseys not being sold in the team store. A trade could be imminent if the Knicks find a suitable offer.

7. Kawhi Leonard (LA Clippers)

Kawhi Leonard’s future with the LA Clippers is uncertain. The Clippers have limited draft capital and have already lost Paul George to Philadelphia for nothing. If the Clippers fail to contend with their current roster, they may be forced to move Leonard and initiate a rebuild. Leonard’s health will play a crucial role, but even trading him for cap space could be on the table if the team feels it’s time to reset.

8. Damian Lillard (Milwaukee Bucks)

Damian Lillard’s move to the Milwaukee Bucks hasn’t gone as planned. Despite forming a star duo with Giannis Antetokounmpo, the team has struggled, leading to coaching changes and underwhelming performances. If the Bucks endure another disappointing playoff run, Lillard could be on the trade block again. His dissatisfaction with the current situation, combined with Milwaukee’s need to optimize Giannis’ prime, might lead to a reshuffle.

9. Kyrie Irving (Dallas Mavericks)

Kyrie Irving’s situation is always unpredictable. Despite signing a short-term extension with the Mavericks, Irving could opt out after this season, making him a free agent. If Dallas fails to meet expectations, Irving could seek a new destination. His track record of surprising moves means this possibility cannot be ruled out.

10. Group of Stars: Zach LaVine, Jimmy Butler, Brandon Ingram, Kevin Durant, Trae Young

The final group consists of perennial trade candidates, including Zach LaVine, Jimmy Butler, Brandon Ingram, Kevin Durant, and Trae Young. These players have been the subject of trade speculation for various reasons, from team underperformance to potential rebuilds. At least one of these stars could be involved in a major deal as teams look to capitalize on their value and position themselves for future success.

Conclusion

As the NBA trade market heats up, these ten players stand as the most likely candidates to be moved in deals that could reshape the league. Whether it’s a team looking to rebuild or a contender seeking the final piece, the trade possibilities are endless, and as history has shown, surprises are always around the corner.