Imagining Every NBA Team’s Top 3 Trade Targets
Imagining Every NBA Team’s Top 3 Trade Targets0 of 30
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The NBA draft has long concluded. Free agency has all but dried up. Any more excitement this offseason will come via the trade market, with some notable names still possible to be moved.
Whether teams make moves before training camps open next month or wait until closer to the Feb. 6 deadline, all 30 franchises have some sort of trade target list they’ll constantly be updating. This could include All-Stars, starters or just some bench depth depending on the team’s financial situation, needs and potential trade ammo.
Keeping all of this in mind while also being wary of the second apron, these should be the top-three realistic trade targets for every NBA team.
Atlanta Hawks1 of 30
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Karl-Anthony Towns, F/C, Minnesota Timberwolves
If the Atlanta Hawks plan to keep and build around Trae Young, the franchise should be searching for All-Stars to pair him with given that their next three drafts are controlled by the San Antonio Spurs.
Towns is a strong candidate given his three-point shooting, rebounding and ability to be a secondary offensive hub alongside Young. The 28-year-old averaged 21.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and shot 41.6 percent from three last season and could play in big lineups between Jalen Johnson and Clint Capela or serve as a floor-spacing center in a spread-out offense.
Jerami Grant, F, Portland Trail Blazers
If the asking price for Towns is too steep, Grant is a reliable 3-and-D veteran forward who should fit in nicely alongside Young.
The 30-year-old put up 21.0 points and made 40.2 percent of his threes for the Blazers last season and would be fairly interchangeable at forward with Johnson, especially if No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher can play shooting guard on a full-time basis.
Derrick Jones Jr., F, Los Angeles Clippers
If the season goes south for the Clippers without Paul George, Jones would be an ideal trade deadline target for Atlanta.
The veteran forward is one of the best lob targets in the NBA given his special athleticism and would thrive off passes from Young.
Boston Celtics2 of 30
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Malik Beasley, SG, Detroit Pistons
Don’t expect the Boston Celtics to pull off any major trades anytime soon, as this team is already loaded with talent and is extremely limited in making deals due to second apron restrictions.
Beasley signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the Pistons this offseason and could be a hot commodity at the trade deadline if Detroit is out of the playoff race. Beasley would be a strong rotation player off Boston’s bench with his three-point shooting (career-high 41.3 percent last year).
Damion Lee, SG, Phoenix Suns
Lee missed all of last year with a knee injury but was an elite shooter for the Suns during the 2022-23 season. He nailed 44.5 percent of his three-pointers and will be making $2.1 million this season, an easy number for the Celtics to trade for.
With Tyus Jones and Monte Morris joining a backcourt with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, Lee may not even be guaranteed a spot in the Suns’ rotation. If he falls out, the Celtics should have interest.
Torrey Craig, F, Chicago Bulls
Craig is another reliable veteran on a tradable contract (one year, $2.8 million). The 33-year-old averaged 5.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and shot 39.2 percent from three last season and should be available by a rebuilding Bulls team.
Brooklyn Nets3 of 30
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Darius Garland, PG, Cleveland Cavaliers
The now-rebuilding Brooklyn Nets don’t have a point guard under contract past this season, as both Dennis Schröder and Ben Simmons will see their deals expire next summer. Both are too old to be foundational pieces moving forward, anyways.
Garland, 24, has four years remaining on his deal and could thrive in a bigger offensive role next to Cam Thomas in Brooklyn. The year before the Cavs traded for Donovan Mitchell, Garland was an All-Star who averaged 21.7 points and 8.6 assists per game.
Jonathan Kuminga, F, Golden State Warriors
Kuminga has yet to sign an extension with the Warriors, leaving his future with the franchise in doubt. He’d be a welcome piece in Brooklyn given his athleticism and positional versatility coming off a season where he averaged 16.1 points on 52.9 percent shooting overall.
Still just 21 years old going into his fourth professional season, the Nets should see if they can acquire Kuminga and move on from some of their older (yet still valuable) forwards.
Tari Eason, F, Houston Rockets
The Rockets have a ton of young talent and won’t be able to play (and pay) everyone. Eason ranks a bit lower in Houston’s prospect rankings, yet has desirable size and skill in the modern NBA.
The 6’8″ forward would thrive in a bigger role with the Nets, one where he could immediately claim a starting job if veterans like Cameron Johnson and/or Dorian Finney-Smith are moved.
Charlotte Hornets4 of 30
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Alperen Şengün, C, Houston Rockets
Pairing Şengün with LaMelo Ball has the making of the best passing team in the NBA, an ideal home for shooters and cutters to thrive.
Şengün put up 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game in Year 3 with the Rockets, yet he hasn’t signed an extension with the franchise. Houston played well down the stretch when he was sidelined, and may have to choose between Şengün and Jalen Green at some point because of a difference in play style.
Collin Sexton, G, Utah Jazz
Sexton would be an ideal sixth man in Charlotte, someone who’s capable of stepping into a starting point guard role for stretches if Ball suffers further ankle injuries.
The 25-year-old averaged a career-high 4.9 assists a game last year while putting up 18.7 points and shooting 39.4 percent from three. If the Utah Jazz want to truly enter the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes, they may be forced to trade players like Sexton to increase their tanking efforts.
Wendell Carter Jr., F/C, Orlando Magic
Even if the Hornets believe in Mark Williams as their franchise center, adding a big man to the rotation who can shoot threes and keep the floor spaced for Ball, Brandon Miller and company would be a good idea.
Carter made 37.4 percent of his threes for the Magic last year while averaging 11.0 points and 6.9 rebounds a game.
Chicago Bulls5 of 30
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F Brandon Ingram, F, New Orleans Pelicans
We’ve previously outlined what a Brandon Ingram trade to the Chicago Bulls could look like, and it’s a deal that would also get Zach LaVine’s contract off the books.
At 26, Ingram may still fit a rebuild in Chicago, or the Bulls could enjoy the cap space that his expiring $36 million deal would create. His addition would take some offensive pressure off of Coby White and Josh Giddey as well.
F Keldon Johnson, F, San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs are one of the few franchises that could reasonably take on LaVine’s remaining money, given that his massive contract runs the same length of time as Victor Wembanyama’s rookie deal.
If this happens, Johnson would almost certainly be one of the players coming back to Chicago, and fills a need as a young, versatile forward who can score and make plays for others.
F Corey Kispert, F, Washington Wizards
One of the most underrated shooters in the NBA, Kispert would pair perfectly with Giddey’s elite passing. The 25-year-old has averaged 12.3 points and shot 40.2 percent from three over the past two years in Washington and has yet to sign an extension with the Wizards.
Cleveland Cavaliers6 of 30
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Cameron Johnson, F, Brooklyn Nets
The Cleveland Cavaliers could use Johnson in a number of ways, primarily as the team’s starting small forward or as a floor-spacing four when either Evan Mobley or Jarrett Allen need a breather.
The 28-year-old has good size at 6’8″ and has averaged 13.5 points on 40.7 percent from three over the past three seasons. The Cavs shot just 31.5 percent from deep in the playoffs, ranking 13th out of the 16 postseason teams.
Bogdan Bogdanović, G/F, Atlanta Hawks
An ideal sixth man for this group, Bogdanović would be an upgrade over Caris LeVert with his consistent outside shooting.
He’s a talented scorer from all three levels and can make plays for others, averaging a career-high 16.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists last season.
Larry Nance Jr., C, Atlanta Hawks
The Akron, Ohio, native previously played for his hometown team from 2018 to 2021 and should be eager to return to a franchise far more talented than the one he was traded away from three years ago.
Cleveland doesn’t have a reliable backup center on the roster right now, and Nance is a do-it-all option that would be the perfect third big alongside Mobley and Allen.
Dallas Mavericks7 of 30
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Julius Randle, PF, New York Knicks
Bringing Randle, a Dallas, Texas, native, home would represent a huge get in terms of overall talent for a franchise that just reached the NBA Finals.
Randle, 29, was an All-Star last season, averaging 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists for the Knicks before a shoulder injury caused him to miss the entire postseason. Joining a starting lineup that also features Luka Dončić, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson and Dereck Lively II would help get Dallas back to the Finals.
Jerami Grant, F, Portland Trail Blazers
Grant would be an upgrade over P.J. Washington as the starting power forward with the Mavs, giving them a better defensive option who also hit a higher percentage of his threes (40.2 percent compared to 32.0 percent) last season.
Serving as the third or fourth scoring option while playing high-level, versatile defense on a championship-level team would be a nice transition for Grant coming off a 21-win Blazers squad.
Dorian Finney-Smith, F, Brooklyn Nets
Originally sent to the Nets in the deal that brought Irving to Dallas, the Mavs should have real interest in reuniting with their former forward.
Finney-Smith, 31, enjoyed the best years of his career in Dallas right before he was included in the trade and still fits this roster as a 3-and-D wing that could potentially start or come off the bench.
Denver Nuggets8 of 30
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Bogdan Bogdanović, G/F, Atlanta Hawks
Is there a player that Nikola Jokić would want to join forces with more than Bogdanović, his fellow Olympic teammate?
The two helped Serbia win the bronze medal and would pair nicely if reunited on the Denver Nuggets as well. Denver just so happens to need a new starting shooting guard after Kentavious Caldwell-Pope left in free agency, or Bogdanović could serve as the team’s sixth man, keeping the offense humming when Jokić needs a break.
Kevin Love, F/C, Miami Heat
Love re-signed with Miami this summer, although his spot in the rotation could get squeezed if young forwards like Jaime Jacquez Jr. and Nikola Jović continue to grow and develop.
Denver ranked dead last in three-point attempts per game last season and has since added Russell Westbrook, who made just 27.3 percent of his attempts with the Los Angeles Clippers. Love would bring some much-needed shooting to Denver’s second unit and get to reunite with Westbrook, his former college teammate at UCLA.
Torrey Craig, F, Chicago Bulls
If Denver is looking for a low-cost, veteran forward off the bench who can knock down shots, Craig should be available. He’d complement the Nuggets’ young collection of forwards and be a positive veteran influence in a locker room that’s gotten younger the past two offseasons.
Detroit Pistons9 of 30
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Karl-Anthony Towns, F/C, Minnesota Timberwolves
No team made fewer three-pointers than the Detroit Pistons’ 11.0 a game last season, an area this team still needs a ton of help in even after a busy summer.
Towns has no problem launching (and making) threes at a high volume, and the Pistons have a clean enough cap sheet to absorb his four-year, $220.4 million contract without a hiccup.
Brandon Ingram, F, New Orleans Pelicans
Ingram doesn’t take a ton of three-pointers, although he’s connected on 1.8 a game with 37.2 percent accuracy since arriving in New Orleans in 2019.
New Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon comes from New Orleans and knows Ingram perhaps better than any other front office leader in the NBA. A starting five of Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Ingram, Tobias Harris and Jalen Duren could compete for a spot in the East play-in tournament.
Corey Kispert, F, Washington Wizards
With the Wizards reshuffling their desk, the Pistons should check on Kispert’s availability given his outside shooting prowess.
The 6’7″ forward nailed 39.1 percent of his catch-and-shoot threes last season and could be even better with Cade Cunningham breaking down defenses before kicking the ball out to him on the wing.
Golden State Warriors10 of 30
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LeBron James, F, Los Angeles Lakers
The Golden State Warriors already tried to trade for James last season and shouldn’t be giving up on the idea completely. We were treated to a James-Stephen Curry pairing at this summer’s Olympics, and (shocker) the two worked beautifully together.
If the Lakers are hovering around .500 this season, the Warriors should at least make another phone call to gauge James’ availability, especially if Los Angeles fears he could leave as a free agent in the summer of 2025.
Kawhi Leonard, F, Los Angeles Clippers
If a trade for James doesn’t work out, the Warriors should pursue another veteran star forward in California.
The Clippers also have a real chance to fall to .500 this season (or below) with no Paul George on the roster. Pairing Leonard with Curry and Draymond Green would make the Warriors a title threat in the West again, assuming all parties are healthy and Green is on his best behavior.
Malcolm Brogdon, G, Washington Wizards
If trades for All-Star forwards fall through and the Warriors need to explore more realistic targets, Brogdon should be very available from the lowly Wizards.
The Warriors don’t have a true backup point guard after waiving Chris Paul, and Brogdon averaged 15.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists and shot 41.2 percent from three last season.
Houston Rockets11 of 30
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Kawhi Leonard, F, Los Angeles Clippers
The Houston Rockets are at the top of the list of contenders to go star hunting between now and the Feb. 6 trade deadline. This team is loaded with young talent and draft picks and should be hungry to make a playoff run after finishing just short last season.
Leonard is an intriguing target if the Clippers’ season goes south. Putting the two-time Finals MVP in the starting lineup in place of Dillon Brooks and reuniting Leonard with former Toronto Raptors teammate Fred VanVleet and some rising stars could make the Rockets a playoff lock.
Jimmy Butler, F, Miami Heat
Butler’s happiness in Miami with no contract extension is worth monitoring for the Rockets as well. A Houston, Texas, native, Butler could be intrigued by the idea of a return to his home city and the challenge of leading a young team towards a championship.
This core could benefit tremendously by being around Butler and his incredible work ethic, and the 34-year-old should still have a few All-Star caliber years of basketball left in him.
Julius Randle, PF, New York Knicks
Another Texas native, Randle would be an upgrade over Jabari Smith Jr. in the starting power forward spot and is a veteran that the Rockets could run their offense through.
A frontcourt of Randle and Alperen Şengün may not be the best defensively, but both are strong passers, rebounders and versatile scorers that head coach Ime Udoka could expand his offensive playbook with.
Indiana Pacers12 of 30
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Nickeil Alexander-Walker, G/F, Minnesota Timberwolves
For an Indiana Pacers team that finished No. 2 overall in offense yet No. 24 in defense, finding players who can guard is a top priority.
Alexander-Walker is one of the most underrated players in the NBA, becoming a prototypical 3-and-D wing with his nearly 6’10” wingspan. He hit 39.1 percent of his threes last season and ranked in the 98th percentile in defensive estimated plus-minus via DunksandThrees.com, finishing just below players like Alex Caruso, OG Anunoby and Victor Wembanyama.
Matisse Thybulle, G/F, Portland Trail Blazers
A two-time member of the NBA’s All-Defensive second team, Thybulle is great at playing passing lanes and racking up steals. He’s also become an adequate floor-spacer, hitting 35.4 percent of his three-pointers the past two seasons.
Thybulle could be a strong wing defender off the bench for a Pacers team that doesn’t possess a lot of stoppers.
Cody Martin, F, Charlotte Hornets
Martin, 28, served as a starter for the majority of his time with the Hornets last season, as the team needed his versatile defense on the wing.
He’s not much of an offensive threat and has struggled to stay healthy the past two years, although Martin did shoot 38.4 percent from three over 71 games during the 2021-22 season.
Los Angeles Clippers13 of 30
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Zach LaVine, SG, Chicago Bulls
The Los Angeles Clippers should be looking for ways to acquire talent with their limited resources, even if it means taking on questionable contracts.
LaVine has $138 million owed over the next three years, although the two-time All-Star played his college ball at UCLA and could be rejuvenated with a return to L.A. If the price is right, LaVine’s talent may be worth taking a chance on.
Julius Randle, PF, New York Knicks
If Randle doesn’t get a contract extension with the Knicks and sees his touches slashed with the addition of Mikal Bridges to an already deep team, a move to Los Angeles to play for Tyronn Lue could be an intriguing option.
A potential starting five of James Harden, Terance Mann, Kawhi Leonard, Randle and Ivica Zubac would still be a really good team, even in the West.
Jerami Grant, F, Portland Trail Blazers
Grant could take over Paul George’s spot as a starting forward on this Clippers team after averaging 21.0 points per game for the Blazers last season.
Portland should be eager to get off his remaining four-year, $132.5 million remaining contract, a number that’s still $80 million less then what the Philadelphia 76ers gave George.
Los Angeles Lakers14 of 30
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Kyrie Irving, PG, Dallas Mavericks
LeBron James has heaped nothing but praise on his former teammate over the past few years. If there was any sort of indication that Irving was unhappy in Dallas, the Lakers should check on his asking price, especially since Irving can become an unrestricted free agent in 2025.
Irving, James and Anthony Davis would be an incredible Big 3 and provide closure on what was an unhappy ending for the former Cleveland Cavaliers teammates.
LaMelo Ball, PG, Charlotte Hornets
If the Hornets appear headed for another lost season and really want to dive into the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes, trading Ball would certainly increase their tanking efforts.
Showtime would officially be back in Los Angeles with Ball, the most entertaining passer in the NBA today. He’s also a talented scorer (23.9 points per game last season) who would take a ton of offensive pressure off of James.
Darius Garland, PG, Cleveland Cavaliers
Garland, like James and Davis, is a Klutch client who would bring some stability to the point guard position with the Lakers.
The 24-year-old is a terrific passer who would also benefit off open three-point looks when James operates with the ball.
Memphis Grizzlies15 of 30
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Jimmy Butler, F Miami Heat
The Memphis Grizzlies could return towards the top of the West simply by having a healthy roster next season, although a trade for a star like Butler to place between Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. would all but guarantee it.
Following a first-round loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2023, the Grizzlies would be adding one of the best playoff performers we’ve seen over the past decade, with Butler averaging 27.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.9 steals over his last 39 postseason games.
Norman Powell, G/F, Los Angeles Clippers
Despite having the NBA’s second-best three-point shooter last season in Luke Kennard (45.0 percent), the Grizzlies still finished 29th overall in team accuracy (34.6 percent).
Powell connected on 43.5 percent of his 384 total attempts with the Los Angeles Clippers, a number that was good enough to rank fifth overall.
Clint Capela, C, Atlanta Hawks
Rookie Zach Edey is likely to win the Grizzlies’ starting center job in training camp. If he struggles to adjust to the NBA game or if Memphis simply wants to boost the position even more, a trade for Capela would be a smart rental.
The 30-year-old center is entering the final year of his contract and wouldn’t put any long-term pressure on Memphis’ salary books.
Miami Heat16 of 30
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Trae Young, PG, Atlanta Hawks
The Miami Heat don’t have a glaring positional weakness and should be exploring upgrades or additional depth alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.
After striking out on Damian Lillard last offseason the Heat still have a need for an All-Star caliber point guard, a role that Young would flourish in. Miami finished just 21st overall in offense and 29th in pace last season, two areas Young could help ignite.
Kyle Kuzma, F, Washington Wizards
Kuzma is another player who would provide an offensive boost after averaging 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists for the Wizards last season.
The 29-year-old is versatile enough to play either forward position and could slide between Butler and Adebayo in Miami’s starting lineup.
Cam Johnson, F, Brooklyn Nets
The Heat finished 19th in made threes last season (12.5 per game), an area Johnson would help improve.
The 28-year-old owns a career mark of 39.2 percent from deep on a healthy 5.7 attempts per game. Like Kuzma, he’s versatile enough at 6’8″ to to play both forward positions.
Milwaukee Bucks17 of 30
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Jordan Clarkson, SG, Utah Jazz
As a second apron team, the Milwaukee Bucks face a lot of restrictions in potential trades, including not taking on any additional salary. This means searching for players like Clarkson who can make a big impact while playing on a reasonable contract ($14.1 million).
The former Sixth Man of the Year averaged 17.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 5.0 assists for the Jazz last season and would join a Bucks bench that also potentially features Bobby Portis, Taurean Prince and Delon Wright.
Kris Dunn, PG, Los Angeles Clippers
Dunn has yet to play a game for the Clippers, although he could become a valuable trade piece at the deadline if Los Angeles is sputtering.
A strong defender, Dunn revived his career in Utah the past two years while averaging 7.4 points and 4.3 assists on 39.5 percent from three. He’d be an upgrade over Wright as the primary backup to Damian Lillard.
Keon Ellis, SG, Sacramento Kings
Ellis should be the Kings’ starting shooting guard this season, yet there’s a lot of talent in a backcourt that features De’Aaron Fox, Malik Monk, Kevin Huerter, rookie Devin Carter and others.
Should Ellis fall out of the rotation, he’d be an ideal trade target for a number of teams thanks to his three-point shooting, defense, hustle and $2.1 million salary.
Minnesota Timberwolves18 of 30
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Julius Randle, PF, New York Knicks
It’s tough to project trade targets for the Minnesota Timberwolves, as they can’t take on any extra money as a second apron team and essentially need all of their high-priced players.
If the team eventually decides to trade Karl-Anthony Towns and get off of his four-year, $220 million contract, Randle would be a terrific replacement at power forward. He offers the Timberwolves floor-spacing and a second scoring option next to Anthony Edwards at a discounted rate.
Kyle Kuzma, F, Washington Wizards
Kuzma is another player the Wolves should have interest in if Towns is moved, especially in three-team options. He’s a strong scorer and willing passer who’s a better athlete than Towns and makes less than half his salary.
For a Minnesota team that’s already $17 million over the second luxury tax line, finding players like Kuzma on team-friendly deals (three years, $64.4 million) will be key if they end up trading Towns at some point.
Tobias Harris, PF, Detroit Pistons
The Pistons are a sneaky destination for Towns, as the franchise desperately needs shooting and star power.
Harris would be the biggest money-matching option coming back, although Detroit would really have to sweeten the deal with some of their young players or future draft picks as well.
New Orleans Pelicans19 of 30
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Myles Turner, C, Indiana Pacers
The New Orleans Pelicans may have to turn to Zion Williamson at center given their current options, although finding a floor-spacing option to play alongside him would be far better.
Turner, 28, is the ideal target. He averaged 17.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.9 blocks and shot 35.8 percent from deep last year and could serve as a three-point shooting, rim-protecting big man for New Orleans. His presence would prevent Williamson from having to defend centers and keep the floor open offensively.
Brook Lopez, C, Milwaukee Bucks
Lopez is significantly older than Turner (36) but he’s still a better defender who made 36.6 percent of his threes last season. Retirement likely isn’t far off, although even getting one or two good years out of Lopez may be enough time for Yves Missi to take over the job.
A sluggish start may force the Bucks to consider making real changes around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard to keep pace in the East. If Lopez becomes available, he’d be a strong fit for the Pels.
Wendell Carter Jr., F/C, Orlando Magic
The youngest option here at age 25, Carter is a solid starting NBA center who’s on a terrific contract (two years, $23 million).
He’s also a reliable defense-stretcher (37.4 percent from three) who would pair nicely next to Williamson. The Magic have a ton of big men after re-signing Jonathan Isaac, Moe Wagner and Goga Bitadze and may be open to flipping Carter for wing help instead.
New York Knicks20 of 30
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Karl-Anthony Towns, F/C, Minnesota Timberwolves
The New York Knicks are loaded with talent at every position, save for center. The combination of Mitchell Robinson and Precious Achiuwa is OK, although the former has only topped 59 games once in his past four seasons.
Towns has been a long-rumored target of Leon Rose and the Knicks and was born about an hour away from Madison Square Garden. A starting lineup of Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby and Towns would truly rival the Boston Celtics for the best in the NBA.
Walker Kessler, C, Utah Jazz
Kessler is a completely different player than Towns and will never come close to reaching his offensive talent level, although he’s also making $46.3 million less than the four-time All-Star and is the better defender.
The 7-footer is an elite rim protector who averaged 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 22.3 minutes while making 65.4 percent of his shots.
Jonas Valančiūnas, C, Washington Wizards
Valančiūnas signed a three-year contract with the Wizards, although his actual time in the nation’s capital could be closer to three months.
The veteran center got his money and will almost certainly be moved to a contender before the Feb. 6 deadline. The Knicks could use his rebounding, screening and toughness either as a starter or backup to Robinson.
Oklahoma City Thunder21 of 30
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Dennis Schröder, PG, Brooklyn Nets
The Oklahoma City Thunder should be thrilled with their current roster and hold off on making any more trades for now. While the team waits for rookie Nikola Topić to recover from a torn ACL, bringing in a little point guard insurance behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander may be the team’s top priority.
Schröder had the best season of his career in OKC in 2019-20, finishing second in Sixth Man of the Year voting while averaging 18.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists and shooting 38.5 percent from three.
Simone Fontecchio, F, Detroit Pistons
Fontecchio, 28, thrived following his trade to the Pistons last year, averaging 15.4 points and shooting 42.6 percent from three.
Detroit won’t necessarily want to trade him, although OKC has enough draft picks to make nearly any team consider parting with any player. Fontecchio would fit like a glove as a backup wing on this team, knocking down shots as part of the second unit.
Russell Westbrook, PG, Denver Nuggets
Westbrook is a horrible fit on a Nuggets team that finished dead last in three-point attempts last season and then lost Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. At some point, Denver’s front office will realize its mistake and look to trade or cut Westbrook before he does any more damage to the team’s offense.
OKC led the NBA in three-point accuracy last season (38.9 percent) and would provide a far better fit for Westbrook, who should be eager to return to the franchise where he became one of the greatest point guards of all time. There would be no better end to his career than winning a ring with the Thunder, even if it’s in a far different role than he’s used to playing here.
Orlando Magic22 of 30
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LaMelo Ball, PG, Charlotte Hornets
Jalen Suggs is going to have an incredible NBA career, although he projects to be more of a Derrick White-type and not a true playmaking point guard.
Ball would electrify a stagnant Magic offense, as it’s easy to picture running a lethal pick-and-roll with Franz Wagner or throwing alley-oops to Paolo Banchero. He’d bring more three-point shooting to a team that finished dead last in made threes per game last year (11.0) as well.
Trae Young, PG, Atlanta Hawks
Everything said of Ball holds true for Young as well. The 25-year-old is probably a better all-around scorer than Ball and is an equally talented passer.
Any defensive concerns surrounding Young could be mitigated by a Magic team that finished No. 3 in overall defense and has a healthy Jonathan Issac to begin the season.
Darius Garland, PG, Cleveland Cavaliers
Garland isn’t quite as exciting as Ball or Young, but he’s still a really talented scorer and playmaker who fits Orlando’s timeline at age 24.
He’d also likely cost less in a trade and weaken a Cavs team that took out the Magic in the playoffs last season.
Philadelphia 76ers23 of 30
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Santi Aldama, PF, Memphis Grizzlies
There aren’t many weaknesses on a new-look Sixers team, although the power forward position is a little thin with 6’5″ Caleb Martin projected to start.
Aldama is one of the NBA’s most underrated players in the league, a 23-year-old, 6’11” forward who averaged 11.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.7 stocks in his 35 starts for the Grizzlies last season. He can space the floor and has far better size for the position than Martin, who would get to play more of the three off the bench.
Jarred Vanderbilt, PF, Los Angeles Lakers
A talented, versatile defender who can switch from bigs to wings, Vanderbilt brings the kind of defense that Philly will need from its role players.
Georges Niang, PF, Cleveland Cavaliers
A former fan favorite in Philly, Niang actually fits this roster now better than ever. The 6’7″ power forward played in all 82 games for the Cavs last season, averaging a career-high 9.4 points while hitting 37.6 percent of his threes.
Phoenix Suns24 of 30
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Jonas Valančiūnas, C, Washington Wizards
Jusuf Nurkić and Mason Plumlee are a fine center duo for the Phoenix Suns, although the team should be on the lookout for upgrades either in the starting lineup or second unit.
Valančiūnas is attractive here because of his reasonable salary number ($9.9 million), important for a Suns team that’s already $32.9 million (!!!) over the second luxury tax line.
Kelly Olynyk, C, Toronto Raptors
Neither Nurkić nor Plumlee are going to stretch out a defense next season, so trading for a proven three-point shooter like Olynyk would add a new wrinkle to this offense.
The 33-year-old averaged 9.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists and shot 38.7 percent from three last season and brings 48 games of playoff experience.
Steven Adams, C, Houston Rockets
Knee surgery wiped out the 2023-24 season for Adams, although his expected return this year brings us one of the toughest players in professional sports.
A terrific defender, rebounder and screener, Adams already has three years of experience playing alongside Kevin Durant from their Oklahoma City Thunder days.
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Jonathan Kuminga, F, Golden State Warriors
Continuing to add young wings alongside Deni Avdija is the priority for a guard and center-rich Portland Trail Blazers team, as there may not be an untouchable player on this roster yet.
Kuminga still has a huge upside heading into his fourth NBA season and hasn’t signed an extension with the Warriors yet. Seeing the 21-year-old throw down lobs from Scoot Henderson for the next 10 years would make for exciting basketball in Portland.
Rui Hachimura, F, Los Angeles Lakers
With Jerami Grant serving as a strong trade target for the Lakers, the Blazers should be doing their due diligence on Hachimura.
Isaac Okoro, F, Cleveland Cavaliers
Okoro is technically a free agent right now, although he’s still restricted meaning the best way to get him to the Blazers may have to come via trade.
The 23-year-old is the best defender of this group and has a good combination of size (6’5″, 225 pounds) and strength. He’s improved as a three-point shooter and would thrive as a cutter playing alongside Henderson, Anfernee Simons and others.
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Kawhi Leonard, F, Los Angeles Clippers
The Sacramento Kings went big with their sign-and-trade of DeMar DeRozan. Why not go crazy with a pursuit of Leonard?
If healthy, Leonard is the perfect star to add to this roster due to his defensive abilities. The 33-year-old played in 68 games last season, averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.7 steals and shot 41.7 percent from three. Pairing him with players like De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis and DeRozan would give Sacramento one of the best cores in the NBA.
Robert Williams III, C, Portland Trail Blazers
If we’re talking more realistic targets, Williams is a premier shot blocker who’d serve as a major upgrade over Alex Len as the backup center behind Sabonis.
Sacramento finished 28th overall in blocks per game (4.2) and Williams has averaged 1.7 for his career in just 20.5 minutes of action.
Larry Nance Jr., C, Atlanta Hawks
Nance is a talented, versatile defender who can play the four or five and would be the best big man in Sacramento’s second unit.
The 31-year-old can still throw down some incredible dunks and made a career-high 41.5 percent of his threes last season.
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Darius Garland, PG, Cleveland Cavaliers
The San Antonio Spurs called about Darius Garland this summer according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, a player they could revisit closer to the deadline especially if Chris Paul gets moved to a championship contender.
Garland, 24, is young enough to pair with Victor Wembanyama for the next decade-plus and would allow rookie Stephon Castle to focus more on his scoring and defense without worrying about making plays for others.
Anfernee Simons, G, Portland Trail Blazers
Simons, 25, is another intriguing target for San Antonio and could serve as the starting shooting guard next to Paul or play a sixth man role.
Quick with the ball in his hands and a good three-point shooter, Simons would help boost a Spurs’ offense that finished 26th overall last season.
Bilal Coulibaly, F, Washington Wizards
Coulibaly is likely part of the Wizards young core for now, although the Spurs have a lot of future picks they can dangle to try and acquire the No. 7 overall selection of the 2023 draft.
A teammate of Victor Wembanyama on the Metropolitans 92 in France, Coulibaly, 20, is still very raw but did average 9.7 points and 4.0 rebounds in his 15 starts last season.
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Nic Claxton, C, Brooklyn Nets
Resetting the franchise around Scottie Barnes in Toronto means getting younger, something the Raptors have yet to do at the center position with Jakob Poeltl (28) and Kelly Olynyk (33) at the top of the depth chart.
Claxton, 25, can’t be traded until Dec. 15 after he agreed to a new four-year, $97 million contract this summer, one that should age beautifully as it drops by a few million each season. He’s a good rebounder and shot-blocker who would anchor the defense in Toronto.
Jonathan Isaac, F/C, Orlando Magic
Isaac, 26, is an elite defender given his size and versatility and had the best defensive estimated plus-minus in the entire NBA last season per DunksandThrees.com.
He’s also become a legit floor-spacer on offense, knocking down 37.5 percent of his threes for Orlando over 58 games.
Onyeka Okongwu, C, Atlanta Hawks
Buried on the bench behind Clint Capela for the past four years, Okongwu is ready for a starting job and would thrive as a rim-protecting center in Toronto.
The 23-year-old averaged 16.1 points, 8.5 rebounds and shot 66.3 percent in his eight starts for Atlanta last season and has the athleticism to switch defensively onto nearly every position.
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Jalen Green, SG, Houston Rockets
For now, it appears that Keyonte George will become the franchise point guard in Utah. If the Jazz eventually trade veterans like Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson, the team will need another high-upside talent next to him in the backcourt.
Green has yet to sign an extension with the Rockets and there’s a real playstyle clash between him and Alperen Şengün. If Houston doesn’t want to commit a huge contract to Green with so many other players needing to be paid in the next few years, they could accept a pick-rich package from Utah and save some money instead.
Brandin Podziemski, SG, Golden State Warriors
The dream of getting Podziemski probably died when Lauri Markkanen signed an extension in Utah, although this is exactly the type of young talent the Jazz should be going after.
Podziemski, 21, had a terrific rookie season in Golden State, showing off his scoring and playmaking skills. He’s got good size at 6’5″ and has three years remaining on his rookie contract.
Jaden Ivey, SG, Detroit Pistons
A new front office in Detroit could make players like Ivey, drafted by a previous regime, potentially available.
Ivey has yet to come close to reaching his sky-high potential with the Pistons, even getting benched temporarily to begin last season. Ivey finished his last six games averaging 18.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists and shooting 47.4 percent from three, however, proving that he’s capable of more if given the opportunity.
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Alperen Şengün, C, Houston Rockets
Throw positions out the window; this is an organization that desperately needs star power.
Alex Sarr isn’t going to be the face of the franchise, nor is anyone else on the current roster. Şengün is already a borderline All-Star who teams can run an offense through and would pair nicely with Sarr, a defensive-minded big.
Şengün should have signed a max contract with the Rockets by now given his production last year (21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.2 steals), but he apparently hasn’t been offered one yet. It may be a long shot, but the Wizards should at least make a call.
Jonathan Kuminga, F, Golden State Warriors
Another high-upside player on their rookie deal who hasn’t agreed to an extension with his team, Kuminga would bring a great deal of excitement to Washington.
If Kyle Kuzma is traded this summer, there should be plenty of minutes available at the forward positions for Kuminga to take advantage of.
2025 First-Round Picks
Above all else, the Wizards should be looking to acquire additional first-round draft picks in what projects to be a loaded 2025 class.
Currently, Washington only has their own selection, one that’s technically owed to the New York Knicks but carries a top-10 protection. It’s safe to say that the Wizards will be keeping this pick, but should be looking to move Kuzma, Malcolm Brogdon or any other vets that would get them back into the first round.
