The Potential NBA Trades That Could Shake Up the League in 2024

In the modern NBA, blockbuster trades seem like a regular occurrence, but in reality, the frequency of major deals varies from year to year. For example, in 2014, there was only one notable trade: Kevin Love moving to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The years 2015 and 2016 saw no significant trades at all. Then in 2017, the floodgates opened with a flurry of moves involving stars like Jimmy Butler, Paul George, Kyrie Irving, Chris Paul, and Blake Griffin. Fast forward to 2024, and although the season has only seen two big trades—Dejounte Murray to the Hawks and Mikal Bridges to the Nets—there are several potential deals on the horizon that could dramatically shift the NBA landscape. Here are ten players whose potential trades could rock the league.

1. Jonathan Kuminga (Golden State Warriors)

The Warriors’ ambitious “two-timeline” plan—balancing the prime years of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson with the development of young talent—has all but fallen apart. Reports suggest that Jonathan Kuminga could be on the move, especially with his rookie contract nearing its end. His representatives are reportedly seeking a max extension, which feels steep for a player who averaged just 16 points per game last season. The Warriors will have to decide if they’re willing to invest heavily in Kuminga or move him while his trade value is still high.

2. CJ McCollum (New Orleans Pelicans)

The Pelicans have a tough choice to make: keep Brandon Ingram and risk losing him for nothing next summer, or trade veteran point guard CJ McCollum, who is not untouchable in trade talks according to HoopsHype. McCollum’s two-year, $64 million extension is just beginning, and New Orleans is one of the two NBA teams that have never paid the luxury tax. The Lakers, who need more ball handling to complement LeBron James, could be a logical destination for McCollum, allowing the Pelicans to recoup a draft pick or two.

3. Blazers Veterans (Portland Trail Blazers)

With the Trail Blazers in full rebuild mode, veterans like Jeremy Grant and Robert Williams are on the trading block. Grant has already been linked to teams like the Lakers and Warriors, while Robert Williams could be a valuable piece for a contender if he can stay healthy. Brian Windhorst of ESPN has hinted that Portland is highly motivated to make a move, especially with their eyes on potential top draft pick Cooper Flagg.

4. Jalen Green (Houston Rockets)

The Rockets face a difficult decision with Jalen Green, their young star who showed flashes of brilliance but struggled under new head coach Ime Udoka’s disciplined system. Meanwhile, center Alperen Şengün has emerged as a potential All-Star and could be the player Houston chooses to build around. Green, on the other hand, could be traded for either a star player or additional draft picks, as the Rockets continue their rebuild. With only so much salary cap room, Houston might not be able to keep both young talents.

5. Michael Porter Jr. (Denver Nuggets)

Michael Porter Jr. was instrumental in the Nuggets’ title run last season, but questions remain about his consistency and durability. Reports have surfaced that Denver considered trading him for Paul George this past summer, signaling that Porter Jr. might not be untouchable. Given that the Nuggets let key contributors like Bruce Brown and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope walk over salary concerns, keeping Porter Jr. on a max contract may not be sustainable. If Denver struggles to start the season, don’t be surprised if they move him for depth pieces.

6. Julius Randle (New York Knicks)

Julius Randle is entering the final year of his contract, and the Knicks are facing a major decision. With a huge payday looming, Randle will either need to take a pay cut or be moved to make room for other key players like OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, who are also due for extensions. The fact that Randle recently voiced frustration about his jersey not being sold in the team store hints at possible tensions between him and the Knicks. Although his trade value may be low right now, his $28 million contract next season makes him a tradable asset.

7. Kawhi Leonard (Los Angeles Clippers)

The Clippers’ experiment with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George has yet to yield the success they envisioned. With Paul George already traded to the 76ers for James Harden, the focus now shifts to Kawhi. Leonard’s health is always a concern, but if the Clippers’ season unravels, they may look to move Kawhi to jumpstart a rebuild. The Clippers have no tradable first-round picks until 2031, so trading their stars might be the only way to reshape their roster.

8. Damian Lillard (Milwaukee Bucks)

Damian Lillard’s move to the Bucks was supposed to elevate Milwaukee into championship contention. However, if the Bucks falter again in the playoffs, it could lead to panic in Milwaukee. With Giannis Antetokounmpo in his prime, the Bucks can’t afford another early playoff exit. In such a scenario, trading Lillard—especially if his scoring struggles continue—might be the most realistic option for the Bucks to remain competitive.

9. Kyrie Irving (Dallas Mavericks)

Kyrie Irving’s contract situation in Dallas is one to watch closely. Although he signed a three-year deal, the third year is a player option, meaning Irving could hit free agency as soon as next summer. If the Mavericks take a step back this season, Irving could look to leave Dallas for a more competitive situation, especially if the dynamic between him and Luka Dončić becomes strained. While no one knows what Kyrie will do, his short-term contract ensures that the possibility of a trade will loom large throughout the season.

10. Multiple Stars (Zach LaVine, Jimmy Butler, Brandon Ingram, Kevin Durant, Trae Young)

This final category includes several big names—Zach LaVine, Jimmy Butler, Brandon Ingram, Kevin Durant, and Trae Young—who have all been at the center of trade rumors in the past year. Each of these players could be the centerpiece of a blockbuster trade depending on how their respective teams perform. While it’s impossible to predict which, if any, of these stars will be moved, history shows that the NBA never stays quiet for long. As the season progresses, one or more of these stars could be on the move, setting off a chain reaction of deals that reshape the league.

Conclusion

The 2024 NBA season is primed for potential blockbuster trades. From up-and-coming stars like Jonathan Kuminga and Jalen Green to established veterans like CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard, the trade market is buzzing with possibilities. While the season may have started slow in terms of major deals, the groundwork is being laid for what could be a series of seismic moves that reshape the NBA for years to come. Stay tuned, because as history shows, big trades are always just around the corner in the NBA.