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Ranking NBA Trade Candidates In 5 Different Tiers

By Fran Leiva,

9 hours ago

The 2024 NBA offseason is in full swing, and the trade rumors are flying. We've already seen some big moves, like Klay Thompson heading to the Mavericks and DeMar DeRozan landing with the Kings. Teams are shuffling players to either rebuild or make a championship push. With plenty of buzz and speculation, let's dive into the most likely trade candidates this offseason, sorted by their impact and likelihood of being moved.

Tier 1: Unofficially On Trade Block

Trae Young, Brandon Ingram, Andrew Wiggins, Bruce Brown, D’Angelo Russell, Nikola Vucevic, Zach LaVine

Trae Young's future with the Atlanta Hawks is a hot topic this offseason. After the team moved Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans , there's been growing speculation that Young could be next. Despite his impressive stats—averaging 25.7 points and 10.8 assists last season—Young's defensive shortcomings and the Hawks' need for a fresh start have fueled trade rumors. Potential destinations include the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers, or even the Miami Heat , which could benefit from his playmaking and scoring abilities. Young's fit in Atlanta remains uncertain as the team navigates its rebuild.

Brandon Ingram is another big name in the trade rumor mill. With the New Orleans Pelicans reportedly unwilling to offer him a max extension worth $208 million, Ingram's camp is actively seeking a new home. Ingram averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists last season, making him an attractive option for teams needing a versatile scorer. The Pelicans are looking to prioritize younger talents like Trey Murphy III, making Ingram expendable. Teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers , Philadelphia 76ers, and Brooklyn Nets have shown interest, but his hefty contract demands could be a stumbling block.

Andrew Wiggins, who recently had a down year with the Golden State Warriors, is another player frequently mentioned in trade talks. The Warriors are looking to retool around their core after Klay Thompson’s departure, and Wiggins' ability to play strong defense and contribute offensively makes him a valuable asset. He averaged 13.2 points and 4.5 rebounds last season, and teams like the Toronto Raptors , Miami Heat, and Washington Wizards have shown interest in acquiring him.

Bruce Brown’s versatility and defensive prowess have made him a valuable trade asset. The Toronto Raptors recently exercised Brown’s $23 million team option, primarily to use him as a trade chip. Brown, who averaged 10.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists last season across stints with the Indiana Pacers and Raptors, is known for his solid perimeter defense and ability to fit alongside ball-dominant players. The Lakers have shown interest in acquiring him to bolster their backcourt depth, although there is no imminent move coming for Brown.

D’Angelo Russell, in his contract year with the Los Angeles Lakers, remains a prominent trade candidate. Last campaign, Russell averaged 18.0 points and 6.3 assists during the regular season but saw his numbers dip to 13.5 points and 4.5 assists in the playoffs. This inconsistency, particularly in high-pressure games, has led the Lakers to explore trade options. Teams needing an experienced guard who can create offense and facilitate plays are likely to find Russell appealing.

Nikola Vucevic and Zach LaVine are both on the trade block as the Chicago Bulls consider a rebuild. Vucevic, with his strong presence in the paint, and LaVine, a dynamic scorer, have been pivotal for the Bulls, but their current roster configuration hasn’t yielded the desired success. Trading one or both players could bring in the young talent and draft picks necessary to start fresh. However, trading LaVine has proven difficult due to his substantial contract and recent injury history, which limited him to just 25 games last season. His contract, with $138 million remaining over the next three years, is viewed as a significant obstacle by many teams.

Tier 2: Most Likely Available

Anfernee Simons, Jerami Grant, Deandre Ayton, Keldon Johnson, Bradley Beal, Jonas Valanciunas

The Portland Trail Blazers are looking to move both Anfernee Simons and Jerami Grant , possibly in a package deal. Simons, who averaged 22.6 points and 5.5 assists last season, doesn't fit into the long-term plans with the emergence of Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. Meanwhile, Grant signed a hefty five-year, $160 million contract, averaging 21.0 points and 3.5 rebounds last season. Despite his comfort in Portland, the Blazers may find it challenging to trade him due to his high salary.

Deandre Ayton, after his debut season with the Portland Trail Blazers, is another trade candidate since they drafted Donovan Clingan. Ayton averaged 16.7 points and 11.1 rebounds last season, but finds himself in a crowded frontcourt. With Clingan, Robert Williams III, and Ayton all vying for minutes, the Blazers are considering moving Ayton to make room for the new talent. This decision aligns with their long-term strategy to rebuild around younger players.

Keldon Johnson of the San Antonio Spurs is on the trade block, especially with the arrival of Victor Wembanyama. Johnson, who averaged 15.7 points and 5.5 rebounds last season, has a manageable contract at four years, $80 million. His salary and potential make him a valuable asset for the Spurs to move in order to bring in another high-caliber player to pair with Wembanyama.

Bradley Beal , now with the Phoenix Suns, had a rough season as the team was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. Beal averaged 18.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists during the regular season, but his hefty contract and injury history make him a potential trade piece. With $161 million remaining on his contract over the next three years, the Suns might explore trading Beal to gain more flexibility and improve their roster around Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.

Jonas Valanciunas recently signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Washington Wizards but is expected to be traded as early as December. Last season, he averaged 14.1 points and 10.2 rebounds, providing solid production as a big man. The Wizards likely signed him with the intention of facilitating a future sign-and-trade deal, making him a key candidate for a mid-season move.

Tier 3: Could Be Traded For The Right Package

Darius Garland, Julius Randle CJ McCollum, Brook Lopez, Kyle Kuzma, Walker Kessler, Collin Sexton

Darius Garland of the Cleveland Cavaliers has been linked to various trade rumors, with notable interest from the San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans. Despite these rumors, Garland has expressed his desire to stay in Cleveland, and the team has shown no intention of moving him. Last season, Garland averaged 18.0 points and 6.5 assists per game, dealing with injuries and personal challenges that affected his performance. The Cavaliers are optimistic about his future under new head coach Kenny Atkinson.

Julius Randle’s future with the New York Knicks has become uncertain following the acquisition of Mikal Bridges. Randle averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists last season but missed the latter part of the season due to a shoulder injury. With Bridges in the fold, Randle could be expendable, especially if the Knicks find a trade package that fits their vision of building a more cohesive unit around Jalen Brunson and Bridges. However, as of now, the Knicks haven't shown a strong intention to trade him unless the right offer comes along.

CJ McCollum, currently with the New Orleans Pelicans, is another player who might be moved if the right package is offered. McCollum averaged 21.0 points and 5.9 assists last season and provides veteran leadership and scoring. The Pelicans are looking to better align their roster around Zion Williamson and new star Dejounte Murray, and moving McCollum could help them acquire complementary pieces.

Brook Lopez remains a crucial part of the Milwaukee Bucks, despite trade rumors. Lopez averaged 12.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks last season and is viewed as a key defensive anchor and floor spacer. The Bucks have stated they have "zero intentions" of trading him, although they are open to offers. His $23 million contract and age make him a challenging piece to move, but his performance continues to make him valuable to Milwaukee.

Kyle Kuzma of the Washington Wizards is a versatile forward who might be traded for the right package. Kuzma averaged 22.2 points and 6.6 rebounds last season. The Wizards, in the midst of a rebuild, might move Kuzma if they receive an offer that aligns with their long-term goals. His ability to contribute in multiple areas makes him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their lineup.

Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz is drawing significant interest from multiple teams. Kessler averaged 8.1 points and 7.5 rebounds last season and has shown great potential as a young center. The Jazz are open to trading him if it helps them acquire more experienced players or additional draft picks to support their rebuilding process. Collin Sexton, also with the Jazz, could be traded for the right package. Sexton averaged 18.7 points and 4.9 assists last season but has struggled with consistency and injuries. The Jazz might consider trading him to acquire assets that better fit their long-term strategy, focusing on developing their younger core and improving team dynamics.

Tier 4: Very Expensive

Lauri Markkanen, Zion Williamson, Alperen Sengun, Tyler Herro, Cameron Johnson, Myles Turner

Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz is highly sought after this offseason. Markkanen, who averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists last season, is delaying his contract extension to maintain his trade flexibility. The Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings have made substantial offers, but the Jazz are holding out for a package that includes future first-round picks and a young core player. The Warriors view Markkanen as a potential game-changer, but they are hesitant to part with key young assets. The Jazz are holding out for the perfect offer, valuing Markkanen's potential max contract starting at $42 million annually.

Zion Williamson's situation with the New Orleans Pelicans remains uncertain. Last season, he averaged 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 70 games, showcasing his immense talent. However, ongoing injury concerns and off-court issues have led the Pelicans to consider trade options. Teams like the New York Knicks have shown interest, potentially offering packages involving multiple first-round picks and key players. Despite the rumors, Pelicans EVP David Griffin has stated that no formal trade discussions have taken place, and the team is still focused on building around Williamson.

Alperen Sengun of the Houston Rockets is a rising star who averaged 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists last season. Despite interest from multiple teams, including the New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors, the Rockets are not actively looking to trade him. However, they are open to offers that could accelerate their rebuilding process, potentially involving high draft picks or a significant talent like Kevin Durant. Sengun’s development and team-friendly contract make him a highly valuable but expensive trade target.

Tyler Herro of the Miami Heat averaged 20.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists last season, making him a valuable asset. His four-year, $120 million contract, however, makes him an expensive player to trade. The Heat would need a substantial return to consider moving Herro, as they aim to build a championship-contending roster around their core players. Teams interested in Herro will need to weigh his scoring ability against his hefty contract.

Cameron Johnson of the Brooklyn Nets is drawing significant trade interest, especially following the trade of Mikal Bridges to the Knicks. Johnson, who averaged 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists last season, is entering the second year of a four-year, $94.5 million contract. The Los Angeles Lakers, among others, have been rumored as potential suitors. Johnson's ability to shoot and defend makes him a valuable, albeit expensive, trade target for teams looking to bolster their wing depth.

Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers is considered a valuable but expensive trade candidate. Last season, Turner averaged 18.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, showcasing his elite defensive skills and ability to space the floor. His performance helped the Pacers exceed expectations, contributing significantly to their playoff run. The recent success of the Pacers, coupled with Turner's strong season, has increased his trade value. Additionally, the Pacers extended Pascal Siakam on a max contract this offseason, which could lead them to consider moving Turner for financial reasons.

Tier 5: Non-Tradable This Summer

Kevin Durant, Ben Simmons, Lonzo Ball, Brandin Podziemski, Jaren Jackson Jr., Karl-Anthony Towns, Austin Reaves

Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns remains non-tradable this summer despite ongoing trade rumors. Last season, Durant averaged 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.0 assists, proving his elite scoring ability and versatility. Although the Suns faced an early playoff exit, Durant's leadership and on-court performance make him indispensable. Both Durant and the Suns' front office have dismissed trade speculation, reaffirming his role as a key part of their championship aspirations alongside Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.

Ben Simmons remains non-tradable this summer due to his massive contract and lack of production. Last season, he averaged just 6.1 points, 5.7 assists, and 7.9 rebounds in 15 games before being shut down due to a nerve impingement in his lower back. This marked the third consecutive season Simmons struggled with injuries and inconsistent performance. With a $40 million salary for the upcoming season and ongoing health concerns, his contract is a significant burden for the Brooklyn Nets, making it difficult to find trade partners willing to take on such a high-risk player.

Lonzo Ball is currently considered non-tradable this summer due to his significant contract and ongoing injury problems. Ball, who has not played since January 2022, has undergone three knee surgeries and is still working on his recovery. Despite recent improvements, including starting to sprint and cut on the court, his future performance remains highly uncertain. Ball's contract, valued at $21.4 million for the upcoming season, coupled with his lengthy absence from play, makes it challenging for the Chicago Bulls to find a trade partner. As the Bulls navigate their roster decisions, Ball's status adds a layer of complexity due to the uncertainty surrounding his health and ability to contribute.

Brandin Podziemski of the Golden State Warriors has been a key figure in trade discussions, especially regarding potential deals for star players like Lauri Markkanen. Despite interest from the Utah Jazz, who have prioritized Podziemski in trade talks, the Warriors have been reluctant to include him in any deal. Podziemski had an impressive rookie season, averaging 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting 39% from three-point range. His performance and potential have made him a beloved player within the organization, and team owner Joe Lacob has emphasized their desire to keep him. The Warriors are committed to Podziemski's development and see him as a crucial part of their future, making him non-tradable this summer.

Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies is currently considered non-tradable this summer. Last season, he averaged 22.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists over 66 games. Despite his impressive individual performance, the Grizzlies had a disappointing season, which has led to speculation about potential roster changes. However, Jackson's strong performance and crucial role in the team's future plans make him a highly valuable asset that the Grizzlies are unlikely to move. His combination of scoring, defense, and versatility is seen as essential for the Grizzlies as they aim to improve their standing in the upcoming seasons.

Karl-Anthony Towns has been a focal point of trade rumors this offseason, largely due to his significant contract and the Minnesota Timberwolves' financial constraints. Last season, Towns averaged 21.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists while shooting 50.4% from the field and 41.6% from beyond the arc. His four-year, $221 million extension kicks in next season, starting at $49.4 million annually. The Timberwolves face potential luxury tax issues with both Towns and Rudy Gobert on max contracts, leading to speculation that one of them might be traded. Despite the rumors, Towns has expressed his desire to stay in Minnesota, emphasizing his commitment to the team and city.

Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers was involved in trade rumors last year, with potential deals for players like Dejounte Murray and Zach LaVine. However, the Lakers chose to retain Reaves, who has become a valuable player for them. Given his strong performance and fit with the team's future plans, it seems unlikely that the Lakers will move him this summer. Reaves' versatility and steady improvement make him a key part of the Lakers' strategy as they aim for another championship run.