1 Trade For Every Team This Offseason

As 93% of the NBA have transitioned into their “off-season mode,” we are starting to look ahead to see what is next for each team. The NBA Draft process isn’t just about talent evaluation; it is also surrounded by trades and shifts within each organization. Post-draft, there will be even more movement as Free Agency springs upon us. Today, we look at a move that each team should consider making to go in the direction the organization seems to be going. 

(These are projections based on information and knowledge we know as of now. The opinions and ideas in this article are mine and not necessarily the opinions of others. Feedback is always welcomed and appreciated).

Hawks Receive: Tyler Herro, 2029 First Round Pick

Heat Receive: Dejounte Murray, 2025 Second Round Pick (via MIN)

I saw an idea of this thrown out online about a potential Murray for Herro swap to benefit both sides and the more I think about it, the more I love it. It is obvious that the Dejounte Murray trade has not gone how it was expected for Atlanta, and it seems more evident by the day that a trade is on the horizon.

For Atlanta, you are getting back a player who will fit alongside Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, and the first overall pick, who are the clear building blocks of this franchise going forward. Herro is a prolific scorer who saw himself change roles multiple times throughout his tenure with the Heat. This past season, he was asked to play an on-ball role, more as a point guard, which isn’t where he excels most. Being able to feed off of Young and be the second option in a more spread-out offense with a true #1 guard will help his scoring ability. The worry for Atlanta could be the defensive struggles in the backcourt, but having the surrounding wings playing the 3/4 can easily cover up whatever issues there may be. In addition, Atlanta will pick up an extra first-rounder in 2029, which could be valuable someday, but it will be needed to facilitate this trade.

Miami gets a dominant, on-ball guard that can control the offense and allow things to stay under control, which was an issue down the stretch of this past year. Adding another decent defending guard in replacement of Herro also helps, and the contract is controllable for years to come, allowing this core to stick together.

Celtics Receive: Jae'Sean Tate

Rockets Receive: Jaden Springer, 2025 Second Round Pick

At the trade deadline this past season, the Celtics had taken a look at Jae'Sean Tate to help add to their postseason depth on their roster. We get to revisit this idea again in the offseason as we have now had the chance to see the NBA Finals run from the Celtics. 

The Celtics will also need to address the backup center role in the offseason, but that is more of a free-agency priority than the trade route. This last year, the Celtics took Jordan Walsh out of Arkansas in the second round to be a future defending wing, but it seems he isn’t ready yet. Grabbing Tate could bolster this bench and their defensive identity -- giving them plenty of options to plug in different lineups -- the way Marcus Smart would do for them, and we see Jrue Holiday do now. 

Jaden Springer was a deadline addition to be a depth piece at guard but has not seen the floor much during the playoffs outside of garbage time minutes. Giving up Springer to match salaries is not too much of a loss for this team, along with giving away a second-rounder as well to sweeten the deal. Houston adds more draft capital in the second round and a young defending guard to bring more depth to the backcourt full of offense.

Nets Receive: Dillon Brooks, 3rd Overall Pick, 2025 First Round Pick (via BRK), 2026 First Round Pick (via BRK), 2028 First Round Pick Swap

Rockets Receive: Mikal Bridges

Our first of many "swing for the fence” trades in this article come early, and this won’t be the last time you see Mikal Bridges come up.

Brooklyn has been one of the weirdest ran franchises of the past decade -- going from the whole Boston Celtics trade for Garnett and Pierce giving up years worth of draft capital -- to the Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant era, now at the point where the team needs to restock on assets. This cross-road they are approaching must turn into ripping off the band-aid to ensure future success before it gets too late. Dillon Brooks being sent to Brooklyn is more of a salary match than a true asset in this deal, and ultimately, it could be redirected to pile on more assets. 

The key part of this deal is that the number 3 overall pick in this year’s draft (which was originally Brooklyn’s) and getting back both of the remaining picks that are theirs are all involved in the regrettable James Harden trade. This now allows the Nets to have the ability to do whatever they want as a team, knowing they have complete control over their picks and where they land, or pivot to another deal that could come up over time that would take the assets they didn’t have originally outside of the picks in the Kevin Durant trade.

Houston will be getting a key piece to this lineup, solidifying the identity in which this team is presented going forward. It also allows them to get off the Dillon Brooks contract, which isn’t horrible, but not the value you want for a player of his caliber. The Grizzlies offered the same package a year ago involving Brooks and four first-round picks, but the difference here for Houston is the ability to give Brooklyn their own picks back rather than the end of the first-round picks Memphis offered.

Hornets Receive: John Collins

Jazz Receive: Davis Bertans, Bryce McGowens, 42nd Pick, 2027 Second Round Pick

Contrary to popular belief of other sites and writers, John Collins doesn’t hold the same value as he once did a few seasons ago before signing his rookie extension. To get a player like Collins, it is more of who is willing to take on his contract than his level of play (as we saw Utah do by only giving up one second-round pick last offseason).

Charlotte is starting to show flashes of who they want to be going forward. With the emergence of Brandon Miller following his All-Rookie campaign, it is becoming clear that Miles Bridges will be leaving in free agency to go elsewhere. What was the one thing LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges have a connection with? 

Lob-City.

John Collins will be that replacement for the Hornets and be a connection with Ball while also allowing a piece of the offense to take a hit, losing Bridges to open up for more Brandon Miller, LaMelo Ball, and whoever they pick in this year’s draft. This also adds a good pairing with Mark Williams in the frontcourt as another good rebounder and secondary shot blocker. Giving up Davis Bertans (who clearly will not play a factor in this team in the future), Bryce McGowens, and a few seconds could easily do the deal and will not give up much to get a player that fits in well.

Utah is only looking to shed salary here in this trade and create a significant trade exception so they can turn around and make another move if they want to. Bertans can be flipped if wanted, McGowens has potential as a secondary ball handler off the bench for them, and the draft capital is always welcomed. In my opinion, this trade benefits both sides and could work out in the long run.

Bulls Receive: Omer Yurtseven, 10th pick, 32nd pick, 2029 Second Round Pick

Jazz Receive: Nikola Vucevic, 11th pick

I made this as realistic as possible for all these trades to give whoever is reading a chance to think about real scenarios. It’s hard to do so here for Chicago, as it isn’t realistic that they make a trade in general. For a team that hasn’t completed a trade since August of 2021, who knows if they even think about doing one now, but they have to make a change starting now looking ahead.

The Bulls need to figure out what they want to do as they continue to express their desire to compete; most outsiders would disagree with this idea and want them to take a step back and reset. This trade allows the Bulls to finally get rid of the whole disaster of a Nikola Vucevic trade while also keeping it realistic. It sounds like Vucevic doesn’t hold enough value around the league, so the eventual deal might hold a similar value to this trade. 

Getting back Yurtseven gives them another center on the roster at a younger age who has shown some flashes while swapping picks 10 and 11 around to deny any other suitors from trading up to 10 and taking a player Chicago might like. 32 and a future second-rounder will allow this team to get younger guys on cheaper contracts. But this trade is all about getting off Vucevic’s contract and freeing up salaries for future extensions.

Utah gets another floor spacing big that speeds up the timeline for them a bit, while also remaining in the lottery and the ability to take a young player for the future. With cap space to operate with, the Jazz can get a win-now player to pair alongside Lauri Markkanen with his looming free agency.

Cavaliers Receive: Harrison Barnes, Davion Mitchell

Kings Receive: Caris LaVert, Craig Porter Jr, 2025 Second Round Pick (via MIL), 2026 Second Round Pick

The Cavs make many appearances throughout this article, getting rid of their star players amidst their alleged locker room struggles. But for this trade idea, I want to operate in the idea that Cleveland runs it back again with the core players and decides to figure things out as they go. 

Getting Max Strus in free agency turned out to be a solid addition to the team, and with Caris LeVert on the last year of his deal, they want to capitalize on value now. Harrison Barnes gives this team a little more size, whether he starts or comes off the bench, and has good shooting ability. Davion Mitchell hasn’t worked out as expected for the Kings after he was drafted in the top 10 back in 2021, so a change of scenery going into the final year of his contract could benefit him. It could also benefit Mitchell, giving the Cavs a sure defender in the backcourt coming off the bench. Giving up LaVert and Craig Porter -- who had a surprising rookie year -- and a few seconds is good value to give up to take on some salary.

Sacramento gets an insurance player in case Malik Monk leaves in free agency in LaVert to be their sixth-man off the bench, bringing a similar spark for this group. Porter showed promise this past season and is a cheap backup option at guard who has little expectations for himself going into a new spot and picking up a couple of future second-rounders in the process. This allows the Kings to start Keon Ellis after he broke out late this year following Kevin Huerter’s injury. I like this deal for both sides to keep each team in the playoff picture.

Mavericks Receive: De'Andre Hunter

Hawks Receive: Josh Green, 58th pick, 2025 Second Round Pick (via TOR), 2028 Second Round Pick (via MIA)

Writing these before the end of the NBA Finals is tricky, because it is just simply projections, as we have yet to see the full potential of this team and if they win the title or not. But we can see right now that the Mavericks need to stock up on defending wings to play alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

Dallas getting De’Andre Hunter would be a match made in heaven for them based on the available players to trade for and how they can match salaries. A good 3&D wing should be inserted right into the starting lineup, especially considering what Derrick Jones Jr could do come free agency. Giving up Josh Green will be tough, especially since Dallas extended him just his past offseason. His play has run into a limited role off the bench down the stretch in the playoffs, but you must give up an asset to get a better-fitting asset. Adding three second-rounders should get the deal done for Atlanta, who reportedly want to move on from Hunter. Dallas (if they don’t win this year), with this trade, could have a certified championship starting five.

Atlanta and Dallas work together once again to settle things for each side, with Hunter’s contract getting off the books sooner rather than later, as it has become evident that things haven’t worked out in Atlanta. Josh Green is a great player to get in return for Hunter and could be a solidified piece for their bench unit. This paves the way for Jalen Johnson to be the guy at the 3/4 going forward, along with any other moves they make to sock up on young talent.

Nuggets Receive: Jevon Carter

Bulls Receive: Vlatko Cancar, Jalen Pickett, 56th pick

Creating a trade for Denver is pretty hard based on their salaries and their tax level, limiting the number of trades or the level at which they can trade. I’ve seen some thrown around about a possible MPJ trade to try and get off his contract, but that seems too controversial, so we will go with an easier one to choose.

Denver gets Jevon Carter, a defensive-minded guard who has proven to be valuable at all stops he has been at so far in his career. Unfortunately, he has gotten lost in the shuffle of a crowded backcourt in Chicago that will only get more crowded post-draft selections and Lonzo Ball returning. With Reggie Jackson having an option to elect free agency this summer, Denver looks to capitalize on that need and secure a ball handler off the bench who can also create havoc on the defensive end. They do not have to give up much outside of a couple of players and a pick at the end of the second round, which Denver doesn’t need anyway. This is a safe trade that fills a small need for the Nuggets.

Chicago unloads a minor contract off the books that they are locked into for the next few years at around $6 million per season in return for Cancar (who they could decline his option), Jalen Pickett -- who is a second-year guard and one of the oldest rookies this past season -- as well as a draft pick that could be used on draft night or traded again. Again, this isn’t some groundbreaking trade for either side, but it fills a need for Denver while also unclogging the jam at guard that Chicago currently has.

Pistons Receive: Zach LaVine, 11th pick

Bulls Receive: Isaiah Stewart, Marcus Sasser, 5th pick, 2027 Second Round Pick (via BRK)

Detroit did not have the most remarkable season in the 2023-24 campaign. It has been reported that the Pistons are looking for veteran players to surround their young talent, but veterans who can contribute at a high level. The Zach LaVine rumor has been floating around for a while, with Detroit being a team that had been rumored to be interested. We execute that trade here today and look at what a trade could look like between the two division rivals.

Detroit obviously would be the one gaining the multi-time All-Star in Zach LaVine, who would instantly be a great offensive fit next to cornerstone guard Cade Cunningham. A secondary ball handler who can change a game with the snap of a finger is something this group needs because, quite frankly, they don’t have that at the moment. When trading for LaVine, you are also trading for his massive contract attached to it ($40+ million annually), which has been an issue for teams that initially wanted to trade for him. The kick with this deal for Detroit is that you are swapping picks to even out the deal a bit. Giving up the 5th pick to get the 11th back is good value when you end up with LaVine. Having to give up Isiah Stewart was a move that could have to be made eventually with their future contracts, and Sasser, who shined with this group last year, can be another young piece to this Bulls eventual re-tooling.

Chicago finally gets the LaVine contract off the books and can wipe their hands clean as they move forward into a new era of Bulls basketball. They get back Isaiah Stewart -- who can handle the front down low for the future -- and Marcus Sasser, who might get flipped again. If not, he can be a great guard off the bench for this team. Chicago primarily gets to move up in the draft to pick at five, where they will have their choice among the top prospects in this draft, where they can now go any direction they would like.

Warriors Receive: Jakob Poeltl, Chris Boucher

Raptors Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Moses Moody, 2025 First Round Pick (Top 8 protected), 2026 Second Round Pick (via ATL)

The Warriors will inevitably decline, as we saw it happen this past season. Before they go out, I assume they want to give Curry one last good run for a title. This trade solves multiple problems for them and opens up a new way for this team to be built.

The Warriors need more size and strength, with their center rotations between Kevon Looney, Draymond Green, and rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis. For years now, the Warriors have been in the market for a floor-spacing big, but no moves haven’t been made to do so. It will be hard to do that here, so the Warriors focus on a big that will do a ton of the dirty work and help this group. Jakob Poeltl will get the job done down low for what this team is looking for in rebounding and overall size. You also get Chris Boucher in this deal, which can serve as a good backup bench piece in the frontcourt that can stretch the floor more. 

You are also solving the issue of getting off Andrew Wiggins’ contract by attaching a future first, second, and a promising young player in Moses Moody to do so. It will now open up the full-time role of Jonathan Kuminga as a starter at the 3 rather than playing small with him at the 4. This benefits the Warriors in both ways and could be the piece that keeps them in the playoff picture.

The Raptors always seemed to get mocked any available Canadian-born player in potential trades. So, I fell into the trap again today. The quick shift in focus within the Raptors organization has shocked their fanbase, so we lean more into that idea by giving up assets to get future ones. The former All-Star starter, Wiggins, will serve a good role with this team and allow them to play bigger, should he slide into that starting role alongside RJ Barrett. Like getting Ochai Agbaji last year, they get Moses Moody, who has a ton of potential, being a former lottery pick and contributing to the championship team in Golden State. Getting a first-rounder back after giving up two for Poeltl last trade deadline will be enough on top of the player return to satisfy the organization.

Rockets Receive: Donovan Mitchell

Cavaliers Receive: Jalen Green, Tari Eason, Jock Landale, 3rd Pick, 2025 First Round Pick (Top 5 protected)

In the Nets mock trade earlier, I had the Rockets landing Mikal Bridges for a package of picks. But here, let’s swing for the fences if you are Houston trying to acquire your organization’s biggest star since James Harden.

Houston seems to want to lean towards getting “win now” type players, and it doesn’t make a bigger statement than going out and getting the multi-time All-Star in Donovan Mitchell. Obviously, you have to give up a lot to get the big prize in return, but looking at what they really do have to give up, it could be much worse. Mitchell is an elite offensive guard that can take over a game and dictate how it goes within a blink of an eye, which this team will need as they don’t have that true game-changer on their roster yet. 

The argument that Jalen Green is that guy could be had, but there is still a ton to unlock with him going forward, and if the Rockets are serious about winning now, they have to pull the trigger. Green -- the former number 2 overall pick -- is starting to turn the corner in his progression, but with extensions looming, Houston has a chance to capitalize on his value before a number is attached. Tari Eason is one of the more underrated players in this league so far, (in my opinion) and has a ton of value while having had previous interest from the Cavaliers before the 2022 NBA Draft. Landale is a salary filler that matches things up and could be redirected as well. Getting the 3rd pick and another first-rounder next year (which is the value of the two years remaining on Mitchell’s current deal) should be enough on top of the players to want to make the move, which allows the Cavs to re-tool going into next season.

The Donovan Mitchell experiment for Cleveland is potentially coming to a close, and if so, this could be one of the better returns you could get for him. Two young studs to surround Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, along with a couple of picks -- in which one is a top 3 pick this year -- gives enough value for Cleveland not to have to reset but rather, as previously mentioned, re-tool.

Pacers Receive: Deni Avdija

Wizards Receive: Aaron Nesmith, Jalen Smith, 36th pick, 2025 Second Round Pick, 2027 Second Round Pick (via UTA)

The Indiana Pacers overachieved where they were expected to be at the start of this past season, but it was due to the emergence of Tyrese Haliburton and the acquisition of Pascal Siakam at the trade deadline. But something has still been missing for this group, and it is defense.

Deni Avdija is one of the better-defending wings in the league at his age already, which makes him intriguing, to say the least. His offensive game has been adaptive to his role, but simplifying it more in Indiana with more available shots could do the trick. Sure, Aaron Nesmith was your best perimeter defending wing for your playoff team, but it wasn’t enough for you offensively, and he could not stay on the court much due to foul trouble in the Eastern Conference Finals. Avdija gives you more of a spark offensively to have trust in him taking shots in certain moments. Along with the return next year of Bennedict Mathurin, you will have your fair share of wings that can open up the floor for Haliburton. Jalen Smith showed some flashes for Indy after being traded there in 2022 but quickly fell out of the rotation this season, and it will be even harder to find a spot with Jarace Walker being ready to go for next year. Three second-round picks might not be the right pick value for Deni, but I think collecting the assets now, along with the players involved, could be good enough for Washington to pull the trigger (especially based on the Porzingis return last year).

Washington will have to unclog their wing position at some point anyway, so you are doing so here while also getting to see what Nesmith can do in a different role while also prioritizing the development of Jalen Smith to happen in a contract year. The picks will help for the future, as well as one for this current draft, which will help with their eventual development of young talent.

Clippers Receive: Dean Wade

Cavaliers Receive: Terrence Mann, Bones Hyland, 2030 Second Round Pick

I might be the only one who isn’t trying to create a trade for Los Angeles to go over the top and find another stud for this roster that will be of name value. However, the player the Clippers receive in this trade could significantly impact this team as they push quickly for a title.

The Clippers have always tried to surround their star players with good defenders that can open up the floor. Look no further than Dean Wade, who may not be a household name to most but is a guy who should be on every team’s radar. A plus-defender who shot just under 40% from three this past year -- before getting hurt -- was one of the more valuable guys for the Cavaliers when injuries hit their team early on in the season. A player who knows his role on the team and isn’t doing too much outside of it to try and get in the way, he is the perfect player that the Clippers should try and get. They currently use Terrance Mann as that gadget-type player who holds multiple roles on the team. They tried to get another one by getting PJ Tucker in the Harden trade this past season, but it didn’t go as planned. 

Dean Wade brings a little more size and versatility offensively than Mann, so in my eyes, this would be an upgrade from him now. Giving up Mann isn’t much due to him being on the last year of his deal, along with trading Bones Hyland, who has apparently hated his time in LA ever since he was traded there, and a future second is equal value to what Wade does on the court.

The Cavs standpoint on Wade is valuable, so they have to get someone of a similar statue or rule to what he provided for the team. If the team stays as constructed within the starting five, Mann can come in and serve the role they wanted Isaac Okoro to do but just has yet to provide. Along with adding Hyland -- who is a spark plug scorer at guard off the bench -- this serves best for both sides in this trade if the direction of both teams is to win now.

Lakers Receive: Donovan Mitchell

Cavaliers Receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 17th pick, 2028 First Round Pick, 2030 First Round Pick

Welcome to my section of the Lakers trade, where I put realism into what I project, unlike most people’s expectations. Now, I understand getting Donovan Mitchell is a pipe dream, but if they are going to try and swing big to keep Lebron around, they have to make this move.

Mitchell will instantly come in and solve any issue at the guard spot scoring-wise that they might have currently. If you play Russell and Mitchell in the backcourt together, it may be small, but their offensive impact completely cancels out the size disadvantage, mainly depending on who you start at the 3. This could also be a long-term play for the Lakers, trading for Mitchell now so that you have the upper hand on him before he enters free agency in a few years. This would mean the Lakers part ways with some guys they like, including their remaining first-round draft capital. 

Austin Reaves has been a reliable piece for the Lakers over the past two seasons -- earning an extension this past year -- but it is evident that he is unreliable defensively. I’m not saying Mitchell is the end-all, be-all defensively, but he is better than Reaves. Hachimura hurts getting rid of based on size and defense, but with a healthy Jared Vanderbilt waiting to jump back in, it will be easier to part ways. Hood-Schifino is still a young guard with much potential, so he gives value in this deal, along with the obvious three first-rounders spanning five years. This game-changing trade for the Lakers could put them right back where they want to be next season.

This isn’t going to be the most intriguing package up front for Cleveland, but it can fill some holes they still have now. Reaves can slide in next to Garland to be the off-ball scorer who helps open up the floor. Hachimura gives size for his position with the ability to score and finish around the rim. Hood-Schifino can be your backup point guard and even has the potential to play alongside Garland in the long term with his positional size. But looking at those first-round picks in the future makes it interesting because, by the time 2028 rolls around, there won’t be Lebron or Anthony Davis on the Lakers. So you could be getting value now on a pick that turns into a gold mine.

Grizzlies Receive: Wendell Carter Jr, 18th pick

Magic Receive: Ziaire Williams, 9th pick, 57th pick

As a Grizzlies fan, it is tough not to mock some of the dumbest trades ever that are borderline unrealistic while also making sure they don’t give up too many assets to fill a positional need. So, I settled for this deal that benefits both sides now and in the future.

With the loss of Steven Adams again before the start of last season, it became very apparent that the Grizzlies needed more size, and Jaren Jackson Jr was not ready at his age to be a full-time center. Getting another big player who can be a good rebounder while also being able to finish around the rim at a high level is a priority. But getting a center that can do that and stretch the floor might be a match made in heaven. Wendell Carter Jr fits that role perfectly and can do so for this group. Shooting around 37% from three while averaging three attempts per game will be enough to satisfy Grizzlies fans. Allowing him not to have to do too much besides getting down low and grabbing boards while also allowing the offense to run 5-wide only raises the roof of this team’s potential. Injuries are his only real issue, and we all know how well injuries and the Memphis Grizzlies love to run hand-in-hand with one another. 

But this deal allows you to fill a need while not having to give up too much player value. Ziaire Williams has had his fair share of injuries and has shown flashes of being a great catch-and-shoot guy at the wing, so getting him a new opportunity elsewhere would benefit both sides here. This trade also lets Memphis fall back into the first round more after not having the luck on lottery night, to where they can still get another big if they would like (Edey, Ware, Filipowski). 

Orlando needs shooters, and although they are still waiting for immediate ones, this opens up the possibility of getting some. Clearning Carter’s contract opens up around $11 million the next two years, which could be spent on more shooting in free agency or trade. Williams has shown flashes of being able to be reliable from three, but a change of scenery might be the best thing for him. Flipping 18 for 9 on draft night opens up new possibilities for the Magic, where they can take a guy like Dalton Knecht, who is the best pure shooter in this class. Also, gaining another second at the back end of the second continues to fill any value they could want in return.

Heat Receive: Donovan Mitchell

Cavaliers Receive: Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr, 15th Pick, 2029 First Round Pick, 2030 First Round Pick Swap

Here we are again with another Donovan Mitchell trade package, and for the Heat, it might end up being the best out of them all. As a team that has been trying to aggressively acquire the third star to put them over the top, the Miami Heat have a chance to do so this offseason.

Donovan on the Heat would be a perfect fit next to Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. You’ve already read my analysis on D-Mitch, an elite scorer and a game-changer. After getting Terry Rozier during the trade deadline, the Heat hoped it would solve the guard problem for the time being, and he and Herro paired together. We quickly found out, once again, that Tyler Herro cannot run as a team’s point guard. Donovan Mitchell, although better off the ball, will command the ball to be in his hands to make winning plays, and he easily can do that. You’d have to give up a hefty price tag to be able to get him, but the inevitable will happen here in this trade. 

Tyler Herro needs a new change of scenery to figure out who he is as a player because it feels like he's behind a wall in Miami. Pairing him alongside a great playmaker in Darius Garland would do wonders for the guy and his development as a secondary scorer off the ball. Jaime Jaquez Jr is also a huge piece to get rid of, but you must give to get what you want. I could see a world where Nikola Jovic could get the job done, but Cleveland will ask for the All-Rookie forward in Jaquez. If you are Miami, you have to pull the plug. Giving up the 15th pick in this draft and a few firsts will get the job done; already having to give up the haul of prospect players in Herro and Jaquez Jr.

Cleveland wins in this situation easily, getting two players who are "win now” caliber talent and fitting the mold the team has been built upon. Guaranteeing these players and then draft capital in the first round should convince the Cavs to pull the trigger on this deal. A Garland, Herro, Jaquez, Mobley, and Allen starting five would be incredible down the stretch, with the availability to start Strus over Jaime and bring him off the bench. It is a win-win trade in my eyes, looking at it in the short term.

Bucks Receive: Corey Kispert, 52nd Pick

Wizards Receive: Chris Livingston, AJ Green, 23rd Pick

Milwaukee is stuck in a position where they have a ton of their players on large contracts that are almost untradeable unless they attach something to it to get the money off (Middleton, Lopez). Year one of the Lillard and Antetokounmpo campaign didn’t go as expected, with a coaching change mid-season and the injury endings for both players.

If there is one thing Doc Rivers has always loved to have available for himself in lineups, a sharpshooter and one who is a movement shooter as well. Corey Kispert is that guy who could play the role of what JJ Redick or Ray Allen did for his former coached teams. With Malik Beasley hitting free agency, a spot is open as the starting 2/3. To fill that void, you get a 38% three-point shooter in the last year of his rookie contract. Even if he doesn’t start, and you roll with MarJon Beauchamp or Pat Connaughton, you still have Kispert as that spark plug and sharpshooter coming off the bench. 

Chris Livingston is an unproven player but was highly touted coming out of high school and at Kentucky, where he has a chance to develop in Washington. AJ Green has been a solid shooter for Milwaukee but not as good overall as a player as Kispert is. You’d have to part ways with the 23rd pick in this year’s draft, but there’s a chance you don’t get a player to help right now as much as Kispert could. Getting him along with the 52nd pick and a chance to get another player should make this a no-brainer for the Bucks.

Washington will have to clear up room in that wing column at some point, so why not do it now, knowing you will get a first-round pick in value back from a contending team? This would give the Wizards three first-round picks in this draft and roster flexibility. You can keep the players in return, see what they have, or move them elsewhere. The first-round pick for Kispert alone makes this worth it, and they should capitalize now before they have no control over where he goes next year.

Pelicans Receive: Myles Turner, Kendall Brown, 36th pick, 2025 Second Round Pick, 2027 Second Round Pick (via UTA)

Pacers Receive: Brandon Ingram

Pelican fans will be surprised by the value in return for this deal, but they would also be surprised at what value Ingram has overall in the league. This trade would benefit both sides greatly in terms of their current needs.

The Pelicans obviously would have to part ways with Brandon Ingram in this deal, but there is a chance they part ways in free agency anyway, so why not try and capitalize on his trade value now? Getting Myles Turner is the ideal center to play alongside Zion Williamson, who is the obvious priority of this organization. They want to space the floor a bit more and allow the paint to be opened up, and Myles Turner, as a three-point shooter, is respected enough to clear out what they want. There isn’t going to be a better option out there on the free agency or trade market that is as available as Turner potentially could be. So you might have to be overpaying slightly to get him, but as I mentioned, he is the perfect fit at center. 

Plus, this now opens the door for Trey Murphy to slide in as a full-time starter, Herb Jones to slide to the three and start Dyson Daniels, start Jordan Hawkins, or make another trade to get another piece. Kendall Brown is a throw-in filler player but has some value, as he showed flashes in the G-League this past year, averaging 17 points, but then also getting multiple second-round picks that can be packaged to get another player or used to get young talent is good enough to get this deal done.

The Pacers get their third star at the wing position, who will play like Pascal Siakam in isolation but compliment Tyrese Haliburton off the ball as a scorer. This allows the Pacers to get an early bid in on the Ingram free agency sweepstakes, slide Nesmith to the bench with Mauthrin to get a ton of electricity off the bench, and move Andrew Nembhard to the starting five for good. The issue would be filling that center role. Siakam can do it, but it will be a very small lineup. Isaiah Jackson will be good down low to start, but I assume they would find a replacement big to help out. This is a chance to capitalize on what you have now to expand upon your success this past season.

Thunder Receive: Jarrett Allen

Cavaliers Receive: Josh Giddey, Kenrich Williams, 12th pick, 2025 First Round Pick (via PHI)

The Oklahoma City Thunder jumped out in front of the West this season, grabbing that number one seed in the conference, and now get to cash in the years of stockpiling assets to get a glaring need. It was apparent this team needed a big center that could crash the glass, bump bodies, and finish strong around the rim.

Insert Jarrett Allen. With the rumors of Allen being available for trade (with the Thunder being tied heavily to him), the Thunder should jump all over this and do whatever it takes to get him on the team. It slowly seems like Josh Giddey is the odd man out amongst the young Thunder starters, along with his off-the-court issue this past November, which makes him all the more willing to be moved by the organization. 

Attaching Giddey with Kenrich Williams to match salaries, the 12th pick in this year’s draft, and a future first-rounder should get the job done and make the Cavaliers want to take on this deal. Knowing the plethora of picks at the Thunder’s disposal, the Cavs might try to gain another pick out of this deal, but even with a pick swap or another second-rounder, I would still do this. It allows Chet Holmgren not to have to take the brute of the attack in the paint from other bigger fives in the league and be a secondary shot blocker that would instantly make this the best-defending frontcourt duo in the league and even frontcourt overall if you factor in Jalen Williams—easy deal for the Thunder to maximize this team’s success.

Cleveland might be willing to get rid of Jarrett Allen if the allegations of his attitude towards not wanting to return during the playoffs are true (I do not believe these claims are valid, but this is for hypothetical reasons). Suppose they make this only move and run it back with the rest of the roster. In that case, you allow Mobley to now slide to the five full-time time, and either Dean Wade, Georges Niang, or the newly acquired Kenrich Williams to start at the 4 to give you versatility on the defensive end. Josh Giddey could be a backup guard for this group -- and if they decide to move on from one of the other guards -- then another starting level guard can pair alongside the one who has yet to move. The draft capital is what matters here, and this value is good, but as I mentioned above, the Cavs might want to drain every last pick they can until the Thunder says no.

Magic Receive: Anfernee Simons

Trail Blazers Receive: Cole Anthony, Jett Howard, 18th pick, 2025 First Round Pick (via DEN), 2026 First Round Pick (Swap)

The Magic broke out this past season and surprised many people with how they played as a defensive unit due to their size and length all over the court. However, the one glaring issue they had was the lack of perimeter shooting or guard scoring as a whole. This trade allows them to get a guard that is all about shooting the ball.

Anfernee Simons is coming off his best season yet, averaging 22 points on 38% from three, and if you are Orlando, you are chomping at the bit to get him back to his home state of Florida. He would be the key addition that this team needs to take that next step next season by adding a guy who can score off the dribble and prove his value off the ball in catch-and-shoot scenarios. 

Giving up Cole Anthony will be okay from an on-the-court standpoint, as he took a step back this year (bring back the hair, dude) and might need a new chance to figure things out. At the time, Jett Howard was an interesting pick for this team as a roster fit, but not for the slot they used to pick him in, so they are more than okay with parting ways. Three first-round picks should also get the job done from a draft capital standpoint, with the 18th pick and another pick for next year, with a pick swap to round it out. Simons, Suggs, Wagner, Banchero, and Carter would be a scary starting five on both ends of the floor.

The Trail Blazers will most likely move on from Simons eventually, as it was apparent quickly that he and rookie Scoot Henderson didn’t gel well together on the court. With Scoot being the priority as we advance, moving on from Simons for this package could be acceptable. Clears up a $20 million salary hole, they have to find players who will fit this team better than they have now. Cole Anthony can be the backup guard who controls the bench and provides an offensive spark while also sharing a home where his father, Greg, played for three seasons in the late ’90s. Jett Howard can get immediate play off the bench with limited expectations, who could honestly play better off Scoot Henderson, who is more of a willing passer. Then, having more draft capital to stock up on young talent or making other moves on top of what they have currently.

76ers Receive: Jerami Grant

Trail Blazers Receive: 16th pick, 2026 First Round Pick, 2027 Second Round Pick

We highlighted the Trail Blazers in the last trade projection, but for this one, we steer in a different direction player-wise, with the same mindset in return. Philadelphia currently, as it stands, has FOUR players under contract: Joel Embiid, Paul Reed, Jeff Dowtin Jr, and Ricky Council IV. Acquiring a player who has a contract would be a good start for this team in the offseason.

Jerami Grant could be the new Tobias Harris replacement, with a better role and better expectations. Grant, a former member of the 76ers, has a great feel for his offensive game as a mid-range shooter, getting to his spots and hitting them efficiently. Combining his finishing ability with three-point shooting gives him an all-around bag offensively that will work alongside Embiid and Maxey (expecting him to re-sign). By not having many, or any, players under contract, this allows the 76ers only to have to give up draft capital in order to get Grant. This value should be enough to get Grant away from Portland, but knowing the situation, two firsts and a second will be the right price for a contending team.

Portland finally will get off the contract they didn’t want to sign in the first place, until Damian Lillard begged for it, then asked for a trade. Getting straight draft capital, including a pick this year and in the final year of Grant’s deal, is excellent value and what this Portland team needs to continue doing. The other bright side is that they have no return contract to take on. Win-win for both teams, and everyone goes home happy.

Suns Receive: Vasilije Micic

Nets Receive: Nassir Little

The offseason talk surrounding the Phoenix Suns will always be, “If only they had a true point guard to control this offense, they would be in a better spot.” Well, here you go. Are you happy now, Suns fans? It might not be the caliber point guard you want, but a guard who will serve a significant role for this team.

Vasilije Micic isn’t a name that will get Suns fans jumping out of their seats and screaming from the rooftops that they will win the NBA Finals. But when building a championship-caliber team, you need two things -- veteran role players and former champions -- and Micic fits the criteria for both. A guy who was the Thunder’s “biggest” free agency signing this past offseason -- getting shipped at the deadline in the trade that brought Gordon Hayward to OKC -- turned it on post-trade that made him look like a viable NBA backup. He averaged about 11 points and 6 assists once becoming a Hornet and starter for 21 of the 30 games he played for them, including a 21-point game versus these Phoenix Suns. Although his status in the NBA is still growing, he brings championship experience as a 2-time EuroLeague Champion, winning the MVP in the Final Four of both runs, 3-time Turkish League champion and finals MVP in one of their runs, with plenty more championships and medals he has won. Micic is a winner and a proven one at that, so Phoenix would be getting a guy who can help. Despite his height and athleticism, he is a great interior scorer and uses his dribble drives into kick-outs to open up the floor for shooters. Will be serviceable defensively but getting him would be with the idea of getting a true point guard on the roster.

Charlotte gets to add a young wing with defensive upside and interior scoring off the dribble, but unfortunately, just hasn't been able to stay healthy and on the court for both Portland and Phoenix. Little can still get a chance to play in Charlotte with a young team that needs more help in depth at wing, which also allows this team to open up another guard spot for Tre Mann to return, as well as the second step for Nick Smith Jr and Bryce McGowens.

Trail Blazers Receive: D'Angelo Russel, Maxwell Lewis, 2029 First Round Pick (Top 3 Protected)

Lakers Receive: Malcolm Brogdon

It’s always hard to make mock trades for teams like Portland, who aren’t actively making trades to win but are trying to offload assets to gain more future assets. This trade does exactly that for the Blazers while creating a pathway for acquiring even more assets.

Brogdon was acquired by the Trail Blazers as a part of the Jrue Holiday deal last offseason, and it was evident that they wanted to keep him at the time and have him work with rookie Scoot Henderson. Now, in the final year of his deal, they could look to move him and cash in on his value while he is still under contract. The return might not be what you would expect, but the Blazers are still getting value in this deal. Maxwell Lewis was one of my personal favorite prospects in last year’s draft process and has a ton of upside as an offensive wing to play alongside Scoot Henderson. That 2029 pick could be something based on the year it is in, knowing this far out that Lebron and AD won’t be on the roster. D’Angelo Russel is the interesting piece here, not necessarily because they need him (they don’t at all), but the idea of doing what they did with Jrue Holiday last year and flipping him for more assets. This could be one of the better returns looking at the big picture that the Blazers could get for Brogdon.

The Lakers are always looking for a new guard every year, and the end of the playoffs for Russel did not go too hot. There could be a world in which he opts out of the player option he has. So, offloading him now to get a player in return could be the best move. Lewis most likely won’t see much play time this year again so it would be another development year, and why not let him do it with another team and use his trade value now. Finally, we all know the Lakers do not care about their draft capital at all, so this is an easy part. Brogdon would provide ball security offensively, being a great connecting piece that the Lakers haven’t had since Rajon Rondo helped them win a title in 2020. There are also defensive impacts from Brogdon, but his perimeter shooting will give him the most love with the Lakers.

Kings Receive: Kyle Kuzma

Wizards Receive: Harrison Barnes, Davion Mitchell, Chris Duarte, 13th pick, 2025 Second Round Pick

It was recently reported that the Sacramento Kings are looking to move the 13th pick in this year’s draft to get a “win now” player on their roster, with Harrison Barnes and Kevin Huerter being the two names to look out for. Well, this mock trade was made before that report ever came out, so to back that idea, here is the mock trade to go for.

The Kings were heavily involved and interested in Kyle Kuzma when he became an unrestricted free agent last offseason before he re-signed to go back to Washington. Since he returned on a near-maximum contract, it has also come out that the Wizards are willing to part with Kuzma for a few first-round picks. This has toned down a bit, and they only want a first in return. For the Kings, you have the 13th pick in a draft that may not have what they want, so capitalizing on the pick now is best. Kuzma would be a perfect second or third option on this team offensively and give a ton of size to pair him with Keegan Murray at the 3/4. The experience of winning as a Laker gives Kuzma an advantage and could help elevate this Kings team that just extended their head coach, Mike Brown. 

Giving up Harrison Barnes is fine to get a player back like Kyle Kuzma, and the value will be equaled by giving up Davion Mitchell and Chris Duarte. The 13th pick would be in the interest of the Wizards, and the future second gives them value in the future. This could elevate the Kings to the next level outside of the Play-In Tournament and solidify a Top 6 seed.

For the Wizards, this is capitalizing on Kuzma’s value now, in case anything goes south and the contract turns into an “untradable” one, like the Jordan Poole deal they are taking on. Harrison Barnes is a piece you will almost 100% redirect within this trade or flip at a later point this offseason. Davion Mitchell is the intriguing piece here from a player standpoint -- going into the last year of his deal -- with the opportunity to start potentially with no real strings attached. He’s a great defender, plays hard, needs to find his identity on the offensive side of things, and might just need a change of scenery. Duarte is a throw-in piece for this trade, but still young enough and could be of value to the young Wizards group. The 13th pick is the part that stands out here because that would give the Wizards three first-round picks in the draft to stock up on young talent.

Spurs Receive: Darius Garland

Cavaliers Receive: Keldon Johnson, Tre Jones, 8th Pick, 2025 First Round Pick (via CHI), 2026 First Round Pick (Swap ATL)

Now, let’s get back to the blockbuster deals that would change the directory of a team and their season. It became undeniable quickly that the Spurs needed a true point guard to control the offense. This trade gets one that does it better than most of the guards in the league.

Getting Darius Garland would be a game-changer acquisition for this young Spurs team looking to build around the budding superstar Victor Wembanyama. But the glaring issue from last season was the hole of not having a true point guard to be a playmaker and setting up the rest of the team for success (specifically Wemby). Garland would not only do that (averaging no less than 6 assists per game since his rookie year), but he will provide a ton of scoring aptitude, averaging 18 points per game over his career, shooting 38% from beyond the arc. He is one of the most perfect guys to have play alongside Wembanyama. 

Having to get rid of Keldon Johnson doesn’t hurt too much with the number of wings this team has, and it seems like he needs a new team to figure things out, along with the contract attached to him. Tre Jones sucks losing because he was the only other true point guard on the team currently, but he is in the last year of his deal and is expendable. The three first-round picks, including the 8th pick this year, are very valuable for Cleveland if they are moving on from Garland (especially with the guard availability in the top 10). A much-needed change can happen, and San Antonio should do what it takes to get him.

Cleveland, in this scenario, is choosing Donovan Mitchell going forward over Garland, but with this return, it can still keep them competitive this season. Johnson can slide in and immediately start or help coming off the bench as an off-the-ball shooter. Tre Jones can also slide in and start alongside Mitchell if they would like to, but if they bring him off the bench instead, it will still be effective. Then, using those picks to gather more assets in prospects or flipping them for “win now” type of players is critical. It's a win-win trade for both sides here.

Raptors Receive: 16th pick

76ers Receive: Bruce Brown, 31st pick

Toronto, unfortunately, did not exceed expectations regarding where the team would be in 2024 after they gave away their pick in this draft for Jakob Poeltl. This means the 8th overall pick ends up in San Antonio, and Toronto is left with the 19th and 31st picks for a team that is in a small rebuilding phase.

This deal will get Toronto another pick in the first round this year to stock up on young talent to build their roster for the future while consolidating players to clear up roster space. Bruce Brown was acquired in the Pascal Siakam deal with the Indiana Pacers mid-season, and it is clear that Brown does not fit the Raptors’ timeline and should be moved to a contending team. This deal ships him off to Philadelphia in exchange for the 16th pick. Including the 31st pick implies that Toronto is basically trading the last year of Bruce Brown’s contract to move up 15 spots and get just outside of the lottery. Now, they can target multiple positions in the 15-20 range compared to taking what falls to them at 19 only. Once again, this gives roster flexibility and opens up smaller contracts to extend Immanuel Quickley and Scottie Barnes this offseason.

Philly gets Bruce Brown- a pivotal part of the Denver Nuggets’ 2023 NBA Championship run- and looks to do so for the 76ers as they basically re-tool their roster from last season. Shooting and primarily defense will be what Brown brings to the table and would be a great piece to compliment Tyrese Maxey at point guard, allowing Brown to play the 2/3 based on roster construction.

Jazz Receives: Trae Young

Hawks Receive: Colin Sexton, Taylor Hendricks, Brice Sensabaugh, 10th Pick, 2025 First Round Pick (via CLE), 2027 First Round Pick (Swap)

Here we go with a blockbuster coming out of left field between the Jazz and Hawks that, honestly, I haven’t seen mentioned or talked about much, if any at all. Utah is making a move to try and compete in the West, while Atlanta is committing to the rebuild for now.

With the purchase of the Arizona Coyotes and relocation to Utah, current Jazz owner Ryan Smith is looking to make Salt Lake City a hot sports attraction come next winter. For the Jazz fans -- some of the most loyal and passionate in all of sports -- you now get the chance to be the team that trades for the superstar guard instead of shipping them out (Deron Williams, Donovan Mitchell, to name a few). Trae Young is one of the premier guards in this league and is an elite-level playmaker with an electric arsenal scoring-wise. This shows the commitment to winning now and in the long term, which would then stem a Lauri Markkanen extension. 

You’d have to pay the price in assets to get the superstar guard, but that is something that Utah has stacked up on to make a move like this. Moving these pieces is what teams have to do to make these moves, and the Jazz are parting with some good pieces, but that should make it convincing enough for the Hawks to agree.

Atlanta would only be making this deal if Trae Young said he isn’t going to re-sign, which there is a chance he becomes unsatisfied with the direction in which they are moving. Losing Trae Young obviously is something you don’t want to be on the wrong end of, but the compensation you could get might be worth it. Sexton has proven to be a very good guard in this league on both ends of the floor, and he is under contract for the future, mixed with the fact that he is a Marietta, Georgia native. Taylor Hendricks was the Jazz’ top 10 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and didn’t see much time on the court until down the stretch of last season, but he also brings a ton of potential on both sides of the floor. Brice Sensabaugh is more of a project player but still has a ton of promise out of last year’s draft cycle. Then adding three first-round picks, including one from this year’s draft at 10, gives a haul of picks, and they might have to add one more to get the job done.

Wizards Receive: Josh Giddey, Kenrich Williams, 12th Pick

Thunder Receive: Kyle Kuzma, 26th pick

Our final trade might not be the biggest one I’ve proposed, but it is still impactful for both parties involved. Kyle Kuzma is reportedly on the trade block, with his value decreasing from the expected “two-first-round picks” reported back at the trade deadline. If the Wizards do decide to part with Kuzma, this package would be an ideal one from an asset standpoint for the direction this team is going in. 

Despite a ton of controversy and issues off the court this past November, Josh Giddey, just a year ago, was regarded as one of the young rising studs in this league that would be a mainstay for a while. After the issues became public knowledge, Giddey’s play was affected by it. But there is still a ton of promise left in the young Australian guard, and now that the investigation has been closed, there is still time for him to regroup and become better on the other side of this. A change of scenery would help, and Washington -- a team in dire need of a point guard -- would be a great landing spot for him to excel the most with other young talent. 

Kenrich Williams is a guy thrown in to match salaries in this deal on the Thunder’s front but will most likely be re-directed from this deal, but that isn’t for me to fully make decisions of. The big idea here is swapping the 26th pick to move up and get to the 12th pick. This would mean the Wizards have two lottery picks (2 and 12) to add to their already young core and create roster flexibility to pick multiple positions based on the available players. I think this would benefit this team a lot and would get money off the books now before the contract could get ugly down the road.

The Thunder get a player that is perfect to fit with this group and will play a role ideally to help push them to the next level. Kuzma was instrumental in the Lakers’ 2020 championship run and proved he could be that spot-up, secondary scoring threat off the bench. Here, he will start, and make an impact as a main guy for this group outside of Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren. OKC was missing a guy who could give relief to those guys on the scoring end once they went to the bench, and Kuzma could score at all three levels while also providing enough size defensively and on the glass.