As the NBA’s busy summer continues, a second wave of trade chatter is ramping up. With summer league in Las Vegas underway and league executives gathering in New York for the next round of roster moves, conversations about potential deals are heating up. Here’s a comprehensive update on what’s circulating around the league as teams weigh their options.
Key developments and near-term implications
– Donovan Mitchell extension and Cavs questions: The Cleveland Cavaliers locked in Mitchell with a four-year deal, which settles questions about his commitment. The broader reckoning for Cleveland is how this extension affects their long-term plan. Some observers wonder whether a win-now approach could push Evan Mobley toward a trade market to clear long-term salary and bring in complementary role players who fit a more flexible roster.
– Celtics’ posture after a major move: Following a blockbuster trade involving Jaylen Brown, teams have inquired about a potential Jayson Tatum deal, but the market has remained quiet. The Celtics appear focused on building a roster around Tatum rather than adding a second star to share touches. Target discussions have floated names such as Herb Jones or Keldon Johnson rather than a marquee add.
– Lakers and Jazz trade talks expanding: Negotiations around a Walker Kessler-related deal have evolved, particularly after Jaxson Hayes joined Utah. Expanding the transaction could create more financial flexibility for Los Angeles and a potential trade exception for Utah. Rumors also suggest the possibility of pursuing a two-year, $20 million deal for Jonathan Kuminga if the right structure emerges.
– Bucks swing for depth and shooting: A deal involving Caris LeVert helped the Pistons trim payroll while the Bucks acquired cap-friendly pieces. Pistons fans are eyeing additional moves to add scoring and youth, with cap space to explore options while staying under luxury tax thresholds. Restocking the roster with reliable shooters remains a priority as the team navigates its financial framework.
– Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers–Raptors back-and-forth: The landscape around Kawhi Leonard’s status remains fluid as teams explore possibilities for a larger, front-office-aligned reshuffle. Any potential move would hinge on finding a fit that supports both teams’ championship timelines without compromising value.
– Mavericks eyeing a rotation and potential reshuffles: The Mavericks have signaled enthusiasm for integrating younger talents into their rotation and are weighing how best to balance a stretch of youth with proven veterans. Discussions around moving aging wings or fixtures to accelerate the timeline could surface if favorable matchups arise.
Big Board: Star players who could move
– Kevin Durant (two years, ~$90 million remaining with a player option): Interest has been limited, with only a few teams publicly connected to Durant in meaningful ways. Detroit has been mentioned as a potential destination, but the fit is complex due to age, contract, and the team’s long-term plans around draft assets and young cores.
– Jamal Murray (three years, ~$160 million): Denver is weighing roster adjustments as it refines its supporting cast around Nikola Jokic. A Murray trade would be a bold recalibration, but it’s unclear whether the Nuggets will opt for a blockbuster swap or prefer subtler changes elsewhere.
– Anthony Davis (two years, ~$121 million with a player option): Washington has indicated a preference to keep Davis, but if the season starts slowly, there could be strategic discussions around evaluating trade value in February.
– Kyrie Irving (two years, ~$81 million): The Mavericks have suggested they’re not actively pursuing a move in the near term, and only a limited market of interested teams exists.
– Jimmy Butler (one year, ~$57 million): With ongoing rehab and questions about fit, Butler’s trade outlook remains uncertain, and the market for a late-career, aging star is typically constrained.
Young and tradable: under-26 targets
– Moses Moody (two years, ~$26 million): A valuable piece for the Warriors, Moody’s health could influence whether the team explores a move to make room for other priorities.
– Jalen Duren (restricted free agent): Detroit’s strategy around Duren remains cautious, with negotiations likely to continue into the season as teams balance restricted free agency dynamics.
– Trey Murphy (three years, ~$88 million): Murphy has drawn steady interest, with questions about how aggressively teams would need to bid to acquire him from New Orleans.
– Evan Mobley (four years, ~$223 million): The Cavs have emphasized consistency with their core, but Mobley’s ceiling makes him a frequent subject of discussion in trade scenarios if Cleveland seeks a substantial return for cost containment.
– Peyton Watson (restricted free agent): Interest from several teams exists, potentially increasing if the Nuggets deem a sign-and-trade feasible or if a market emerges for a credible young wing.
– Zion Williamson (two years, ~$87 million): Williamson’s production invites both interest and strategic debate about maximizing value versus maintaining a core with high upside.
Eastern Conference targets: potential Cavaliers-related moves
– Max Strus (one year, ~$16 million): The Cavaliers may consider moving Strus to adjust their second-apron constraints and clear space for larger aspirations, including high-profile targets.
– Jarrett Allen (three years, ~$90 million): Allen could be a potential bargaining chip if the Cavaliers pursue a bold move to attract a marquee player, though teams historically value his rim protection and interior presence.
– Myles Turner (three years, ~$80 million): Turner remains a candidate for scenarios where a team seeks a veteran big who can anchor the defense and stretch the floor, though his value may depend on timing and the market.
– Michael Porter Jr. (one year, ~$40 million): As a high-upside wing with a sizable contract, Porter’s future with the Nets could hinge on draft assets and broader roster-building strategies.
– Derrick White (three years, ~$98 million): While not a primary trade target for most teams, White could surface in discussions if the Celtics decide to reconfigure their guard rotation.
Western Conference targets: relief for front offices
– Keldon Johnson (one year, ~$17.5 million): A strong candidate to fetch a first-round pick backing up a broader strategic pivot for the Spurs.
– Domantas Sabonis (two years, ~$93 million): Sabonis’s value is high, but teams would need to shoulder significant financial commitments, especially as he returns from knee surgery.
– Jrue Holiday (two years, $72 million, with a player option): Holiday’s veteran presence and playoff experience keep him as a viable trade option in the right package.
– Rudy Gobert (two years, ~$74 million): Gobert’s contract and fit continue to shape trade discussions as teams consider frontcourt versatility and defensive impact.
– Zach LaVine (one year, $49 million): LaVine’s expiring deal makes him an appealing option for teams seeking scoring upside, depending on the health of the market.
– Aaron Gordon (three years, $110 million): Health history and fit questions complicate trades, but Gordon remains a useful pinch-hitter for teams seeking a versatile forward.
– Daniel Gafford (three years, $54 million): The Mavericks may explore moving Gafford to align with a younger core and prioritize durability and development.
– Cam Johnson (one year, ~$23 million): A frequent topic of speculation, though teams continue to weigh his fit and long-term value within their systems.
– Klay Thompson (one year, ~$17 million): While still a sharp shooter, Thompson’s age and salary push discussions toward younger targets for most contending teams.
– Paolo Banchero and other young players have also surfaced in speculative chatter around parallel deals, reflecting the ongoing interest in reshaping rosters around promising young cores.
What’s already happened: notable blockbuster moves
– Celtics-Sixers exchange: Jaylen Brown moved to Philadelphia for a package including a 2028 first-round swap and other picks, reshaping both teams’ trajectories.
– Heat-Bucks exchange: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis were moved to Miami in a multi-part deal, while Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kasparas Jakucionis joined Milwaukee, with draft picks and future considerations changing hands.
– Hornets-Timberwolves swap: LaMelo Ball joined Minnesota, pairing with Anthony Edwards and reshaping the Timberwolves’ offensive identity, while Charlotte acquired Naz Reid and multiple draft assets.
– Raptors-Clippers trade: Kawhi Leonard joined Toronto, with Brandon Ingram heading to Los Angeles in a deal headlined by multiple first-round picks and swaps.
– Trail Blazers-Grizzlies: The Grizzlies acquired Jerami Grant in a package that helped reshape Portland’s roster and gave Memphis more frontline versatility.
– Nets-Bulls swap: Nic Claxton moved to Chicago, sending the Nets into a new phase as Brooklyn reorganizes its frontcourt.
– Pistons-Grizzlies and Pistons-OKC trades: Detroit moved Isaiah Stewart to Memphis to bolster its frontcourt and opened up cap flexibility, while Oklahoma City sent players and assets to Detroit to help balance payroll and maintain competitive status.
– Suns-Hornets: Miles Bridges was sent to Phoenix as part of a broader roster reshuffle involving Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale, signaling Phoenix’s willingness to absorb past concerns for a shot at a stronger future.
Closing thoughts
As teams evaluate contracts, aging stars, and young prospects, the pace of trades is unlikely to slow significantly. Every move has to balance immediate competitiveness with long-term financial health, a challenging but essential equation in today’s NBA. Expect continued chatter as teams explore every avenue to optimize rosters, cap flexibility, and championship potential in the coming weeks.
