The NBA offseason is just around the corner and there will be plenty of buzz about stars wanting to be traded. However, despite persistent trade chatter, chances are there won’t be as many high-profile trades as the rumors suggest.
With that in mind, here are 10 prominent players who could be traded this offseason, ranked in inverse order by how likely it is they’ll actually be moved.
10. Mikal Bridges | Brooklyn Nets
Despite being one of the better 3-and-D players in the Association, Bridges isn’t an All-Star-caliber player. Yet, for some reason, the Nets have refused to trade him, even when offered insanely worthwhile packages. At last year’s trade deadline, Brooklyn declined an offer of four first-round picks from the Grizzlies for Bridges, per Hoopshype. This season, the team rejected a package that included Jalen Green and multiple first-round picks from the Rockets.
Considering the Nets don’t own a first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, they’d be wise to trade Bridges to get into the lottery. But since they haven’t moved Bridges for more advantageous offers, it’s difficult to imagine they will do so.
9. Tyler Herro | Miami Heat
Assuming Miami goes star-hunting again this offseason, Herro will surely be included in all trade conversations, just as he has over the past few years. The Heat could feel an increased need to move Herro this summer, as it could give them the best chance of improving the roster for the short and long term. Herro only played in 42 games this season due to knee and foot injuries but averaged career highs in points (20.8) and assists (4.5).
8. Trae Young | Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta will be one of the more fascinating teams to follow this offseason. After getting bounced in the play-in tournament, changes are desperately needed to improve a mediocre roster. Fortunately for the Hawks, they’re in a position either to launch a full-scale rebuild or to continue building around Young using the No. 1 overall pick in the draft on June 26.
Trading Young, a three-time All-Star who averages 25.5 points and 9.5 assists for his career, would undoubtedly net Atlanta an intriguing package that could help the team rebuild quickly. Still, since this year’s draft class doesn’t have a clear-cut star the Hawks can confidently build around, it might be in their best interest to hold onto Young for at least another season.
7. Donovan Mitchell | Cleveland Cavaliers
Mitchell, who is entering the final season of his five-year, $163M deal, will be one of the most coveted players this offseason should Cleveland make him available. While his time in Cleveland hasn’t worked out the way both sides envisioned, the team’s recent and upcoming personnel changes could lead to Mitchell signing an extension.
The recent firing of HC J.B. Bickerstaff was internally seen as a move that “will enhance” the team’s odds of extending Mitchell, per NBA insider Marc Stein. The Cavaliers probably must drastically revamp the roster to retain Mitchell, but at this point, it seems more likely the team will hang onto the five-time All-Star.
6. Mitchell Robinson | New York Knicks
One of the best selections in Knicks history based on his draft position, the 2018 second-rounder could be on the move this summer, depending on how New York’s offseason unfolds. The Knicks will attempt to re-sign wing OG Anunoby and center Isaiah Hartenstein this offseason, which will be costly. In turn, this could make Robinson too expensive to retain, especially if New York pursues another star. Robinson’s extensive injury history is undeniably a red flag, but when healthy, he’s one of the NBA’s best rim protectors and rebounders.
5. Kyle Kuzma | Washington Wizards
Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports recently reported Kuzma will be on the trade market this summer. Fischer noted Washington tried to move the versatile wing before this season’s trade deadline, but its asking price “was too rich for most rival teams.”
Should the Wizards come down from their asking price of multiple first-round picks, Kuzma should be a highly sought commodity. The one-time NBA champion averaged career-highs in points (22.2) and assists (4.2) this season.
4. Jarrett Allen | Cleveland Cavaliers
During a recent episode of the “Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective” podcast, ESPN’s Windhorst said he believes the Cavaliers will look into potential “Allen trades and what that can bring.” Even though Allen was arguably Cleveland’s second-best player this season, averaging 16.5 points and 10.5 rebounds, it would make sense to move him. Allen’s presence has hindered the development of Evan Mobley, a building block for the franchise and someone Cleveland would like to keep around to continue growing alongside Mitchell.
3. Zach LaVine | Chicago Bulls
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning LaVine, who has seemingly been available for several seasons. The Bulls are another team that should but probably won’t begin rebuilding this offseason. However, they will look to trade LaVine. They agreed to do so last season but were unable to find a team willing to take on the remaining three years and $138M on his current deal.
Chicago will likely have to attach assets to LaVine in any potential deal. Even though his contract is arguably the worst in the NBA, LaVine can still be an effective contributor for any team.
2. Brandon Ingram | New Orleans Pelicans
According to Stein, there is a league-wide belief New Orleans “will aggressively explore” Ingram’s trade market this offseason. Ingram, 26, disappointed during the Pelicans’ first-round playoff loss to Oklahoma City, averaging just 14.3 points and shooting 34.5% from the field and 25% from beyond the arc.
Aside from his on-court struggles, Ingram’s “minor” locker-room exchange with Pelicans HC Willie Green during the team’s Game 2 loss to the Thunder is likely contributing to his being available for trade.
Despite the questions surrounding him, Ingram should have plenty of suitors. He won’t cost much to acquire because he’s entering the final season of his contract.
1. Darius Garland | Cleveland Cavaliers
If Cleveland extends Mitchell, it will mark the end of Garland’s time with the team. The Mitchell-Garland backcourt pairing hasn’t panned out, and according to The Athletic, Garland’s representation will seek a trade if Mitchell signs a long-term deal with the Cavs.
Garland’s stats and efficiency dropped significantly this season, when he averaged 18 points and 6.5 assists in 57 games. His struggles continued into the playoffs (15.7 points and 5.8 assists). Nevertheless, a change of scenery could benefit Garland, whom many teams will look to deal for in the belief they can get him back to All-Star form.
