Brooklyn remains a key club to watch in trade chatter. The Nets have the capacity to absorb contracts and acquire draft assets, and they’re aiming to move beyond a pure rebuild. A contemporary executive described the Nets as wanting to compete both in the short and long term, even if they aren’t a playoff or play-in team immediately. They’re seeking a roadmap that makes sense for the near future and beyond.
There was notable chatter about Mo Diawara landing with the Knicks for a bargain four-year, $10 million deal after he showed promise as a 20-year-old rookie. Diawara, a restricted free agent, signed before hitting the open market. If he isn’t used throughout the season, he could become a useful trade piece, with several teams showing interest in his perimeter shooting and upside.
In New Orleans, Trey Murphy has remained a frequent subject of trade speculation. The Pelicans are asking for a high price, and Atlanta is among the teams that could pursue him. New Orleans isn’t pressed to move him, so if Murphy is on the roster in October, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him remain with the team for the start of the season.
The evolving landscape includes a mix of star targets and younger talents:
Star targets
– Kevin Durant (Contract: two years, $90 million with a player option). While there’s been talk about Durant heading to Detroit, the Pistons’ current roster and financial framework don’t align for a Durant trade, particularly with Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson extending contracts in focus.
– Jamal Murray (Three years, $160 million). The Nuggets are exploring options to retool around Nikola Jokic, with questions about whether a Murray trade could be part of that plan. More likely, Denver could explore other moves rather than moving Murray, though adding a new piece elsewhere remains on the table.
– Anthony Davis (Two years, $121 million with a player option). Washington covets Davis but has signaled an intent to hold, hoping for a rebound season. If the Wizards don’t flip him in February, Davis could be kept to rebuild value or used as leverage for a seasonal push.
– Kyrie Irving (Two years, $81 million). The Mavericks have shown little indication they plan to move Irving in the near term. With the Timberwolves’ LaMelo Ball acquisition, Irving’s market narrowed, and there aren’t many other suitors likely to pursue him soon.
– Jimmy Butler (One year, $57 million). The Warriors have signaled they’re not trading Butler, though rumors persist. Given Butler’s ACL rehab and age, a blockbuster deal around Christmas feels unlikely.
Young talents (25-and-under)
– Moses Moody (Two years, $26 million). Moody has grown into a key piece for Golden State, but injury concerns could prompt a move if it clears the path for a different fit.
– Jalen Duren (Restricted free agent). The Pistons are weighing their options as they wait out Duren’s market dynamics, a typical strategy in restricted free agency.
– Trey Murphy (Three years, $88 million). Murphy remains highly regarded, with significant market interest. A Desmond Bane-style package might be needed for a deal, though teams may still explore a more modest package depending on New Orleans’ stance.
– Evan Mobley (Four years, $223 million). Cleveland has indicated they’ll “run it back” with their core, but Mobley’s max contract and potential growth make him a frequent point of discussion for teams seeking a longer-term upgrade.
– Franz Wagner (Four years, $184 million). Orlando’s trade chatter isn’t as hot, but Wagner or Paolo Banchero could be targets in major moves should a roster shakeup occur.
Eastern Conference targets
– Max Strus (One year, $16 million). The Cavaliers could consider moving Strus to comply with the second apron, possibly to finance a bigger move to attract a player like LeBron James.
– Jarrett Allen (Three years, $90 million). Allen could be a significant asset if Cleveland decides to pivot to attract a star, though such a path would involve substantial risk.
– Myles Turner (Three years, $80 million). Milwaukee may consider dealing Turner later in the season if the right offer emerges, using a strategy that keeps younger players in consistent rotation.
Portland’s and Dallas’s options
– Michael Porter Jr. (One year, $40 million, partial guarantee). Porter has drawn attention as a potential Nets target, though Brooklyn has not yet received a compelling draft-asset package.
– Derrick White (Three years, $98 million). The Celtics might consider moving White’s contract if a suitable return materializes, though it’s unlikely given his role and performance.
– Danial Gafford (Three years, $54 million). Dallas has shown a preference for younger pieces, but moving Gafford would require a plan to fill the center role with a reliable alternative.
– Klay Thompson (One year, $17 million). Thompson’s aging timeline makes him less ideal for Dallas’s long-term goals, though a youth-focused deal could be possible if complementary assets arrive.
– Cam Johnson (One year, $23 million). Johnson has had a turbulent spell in Denver; however, his reputation keeps him in the rumor mill, though a move might not occur soon unless the Nuggets pivot away.
– Kawhi Leonard (One year, $50 million). Leonard’s trade to Toronto was part of a broader blockbuster, with the Raptors moving toward a younger core.
West targets
– Domantas Sabonis (Two years, $93 million). A contender with knee surgery concerns could explore a deal, including teams like the Hornets or Pistons that have shown interest, though fitting money remains a barrier.
– Jrue Holiday (Two years, $72 million with a player option). Portland’s situation could force a move as they reassess the roster’s balance.
– Rudy Gobert (Two years, $74 million with a player option). Minnesota has been reluctant to extend Gobert; a reconciliation of needs might push them to trade him for younger pieces.
– Zach LaVine (One year, $49 million). An expiring contract could become a target for teams seeking a short-term scoring boost.
– Aaron Gordon (Three years, $110 million). Health and fit are concerns, and teams may be wary of overextending for a versatile frontcourt contributor.
Notable roster-changing declarations
– Daniel Gafford (Three years, $54 million). Moving Gafford would align with Dallas’s youth-first plan if they can secure a reliable center in return.
– PJ Washington (Four years, $90 million). Washington’s value and contract make him a potential trade candidate for teams looking to refresh their wings, though expectations for immediate impact should be tempered by his shooting consistency.
– Klay Thompson (One year, $17 million). With his surface-level fit questionable for some teams’ timelines, Thompson could be a supplementary piece in trades prioritizing youth.
Recent blockbuster shifts
– Celtics-Sixers swap included Jaylen Brown (Three years, $183 million) for a package that featured a 2028 first-round pick with swap potential, Philadelphia’s 2031 unprotected first-rounder, and two second-round picks, alongside Paul George (Two years, $110 million with a player option) moving to Boston.
– Hornets-Timberwolves spectacle involving LaMelo Ball (Three years, $131 million) heading to Minnesota in a deal designed to pair him with Anthony Edwards, including Naz Reid and multiple draft considerations.
– Heat-Bucks mega-deal sent Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to Milwaukee’s new path, with Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kasparas Jakucionis moving to Miami, and future draft assets and pick swaps exchanged.
Other notable exchanges
– Raptors-Clippers: Kawhi Leonard traded to Toronto in a package that included Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, multiple picks, and additional swaps. Ingram then moved to the Clippers, reshaping both rosters around new star dynamics.
As the season progresses, teams will continue evaluating the fit between veteran experience and younger upside, balancing cap implications with performance goals. Front offices will be watching for the right mix of salary matching, draft capital, and on-court potential to push toward competitive windows while managing long-term flexibility.
Note: This summary consolidates ongoing trade discussions and public reporting of transactions and rumors without referencing any specific original publication. It aims to present a comprehensive overview of the current landscape, including both established moves and speculative targets across the league.
