The Unpredictability of NBA Trades: A Look Ahead to the 2024-25 Season
As the NBA gears up for the 2024-25 season, the trade landscape is as dynamic as ever. Recently, a list was published ranking the top ten players likely to be traded during the season, but one notable name was conspicuously absent: Karl-Anthony Towns. While he technically wasn’t traded during the season, his offseason move to the New York Knicks serves as a reminder of how unpredictable the NBA trade market can be.
The Towns Trade: A Case Study in Aggression and Creativity
The Towns trade exemplifies the willingness of teams to be aggressive and creative in their pursuit of roster improvement. Despite the Knicks having already depleted much of their draft capital and the Minnesota Timberwolves coming off their best season in franchise history, both teams were motivated to make a deal. This trade, executed in the offseason, was facilitated by the expanded rosters and the reduced pressure of integrating new players into an existing lineup.
However, the complexities of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) still loom large. For instance, the Knicks and Timberwolves required assistance from the Charlotte Hornets to finalize the deal, highlighting the intricate web of negotiations that often accompanies significant trades. While some trades may seem feasible during the offseason, the same cannot be said for mid-season transactions, particularly those involving multiple teams.
Future Trade Rumors: What to Expect
The Towns trade sets the stage for future trade rumors, suggesting that teams are still open to making bold moves. As we look ahead, several players are positioned as potential trade candidates. Using CBS Sports’ top 100 player rankings as a reference, we can identify the ten best players who could be on the move during the upcoming season.
Brandon Ingram: A Trade Candidate for the Pelicans
Brandon Ingram’s name has been circulating in trade discussions, especially after the New Orleans Pelicans attempted to move him throughout the summer. With the arrival of Dejounte Murray, who occupies a similar offensive role, Ingram’s fit in New Orleans has become questionable. The Pelicans are in dire need of a center, and trading Ingram could help them address that gap. As his contract nears its expiration, the Pelicans may have to view him more as a cap figure than an asset, especially if they find themselves in a tight spot come February.
Julius Randle: The Timberwolves’ Dilemma
Julius Randle’s recent trade to the Timberwolves does not guarantee his long-term security in Minnesota. With Naz Reid already in place, the Timberwolves have options if Randle’s fit doesn’t pan out. His player option for the upcoming offseason adds another layer of complexity, as Minnesota must weigh the benefits of keeping him against the potential for tax savings or acquiring different types of players. The uncertainty surrounding Randle’s role makes him a candidate for a mid-season trade.
Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen: Cleveland’s Backcourt Conundrum
The Cleveland Cavaliers find themselves in a unique situation with two talented point guards: Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell. Garland’s camp has expressed a preference for a trade if Mitchell extended his contract, which he did. This creates a logjam in the backcourt, as Garland struggles to adapt to an off-ball role. While the Cavaliers are unlikely to trade him without a compelling offer, the possibility of splitting their backcourt remains on the table.
Similarly, Jarrett Allen’s redundancy alongside Evan Mobley raises questions about his future in Cleveland. With the Cavaliers eager to see if their current roster can contend, Allen’s availability may hinge on the team’s performance as the season progresses.
Zach LaVine: A Burden for the Bulls
Zach LaVine’s situation with the Chicago Bulls is precarious. With three years remaining on a max contract and a disappointing season behind him, the Bulls may be eager to offload his contract. The market for score-first guards who lack defensive prowess is shrinking, making it challenging for Chicago to find a suitable trade partner. LaVine’s future in Chicago appears increasingly uncertain.
Jerami Grant: Portland’s Veteran Dilemma
Jerami Grant’s recent re-signing with the Portland Trail Blazers complicates the team’s direction. With the franchise in a rebuilding phase following the trade request from their star player, Grant’s value could be leveraged for a first-round pick. As the Blazers embrace their new reality, moving Grant may become a priority to facilitate their transition.
The Warriors’ Pursuit of a Superstar
The Golden State Warriors are actively seeking to bolster their roster for one last title push centered around Stephen Curry. After attempting to trade for established stars like Paul George and Lauri Markkanen, the Warriors are likely to dangle young talent like Jonathan Kuminga. With Kuminga’s extension eligibility looming, the Warriors must make a decision on his future, especially if they want to acquire a veteran superstar.
Anfernee Simons: Portland’s Trade Asset
Anfernee Simons presents a different scenario for the Blazers. While he may not fetch a superstar’s price, his youth and contract make him an attractive trade asset. With the emergence of Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, the Blazers may find it beneficial to cash in on Simons while he still has significant value.
Jalen Green: Houston’s Young Talent
Jalen Green’s future with the Houston Rockets is also uncertain. With the team investing in backcourt talent through recent drafts, Green’s extension eligibility adds pressure to the situation. If the Rockets cannot find common ground with Green on a new contract, trading him before his production obscures his potential may be a prudent move.
Bogdan Bogdanovic: A Veteran on the Move
Finally, Bogdan Bogdanovic stands out as a reliable bench creator for the Atlanta Hawks. At 32 years old, he may not fit into the Hawks’ long-term plans, especially after the team traded away Dejounte Murray. As the Hawks look to build around Trae Young, moving Bogdanovic for assets that align with their core could be a wise decision.
The Trade Landscape Ahead
As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, the trade landscape remains fluid and unpredictable. With teams eager to make moves and reshape their rosters, the coming months promise to be filled with speculation and excitement. The Towns trade serves as a reminder that anything can happen in the NBA, and the players mentioned above are just a few of the many who could find themselves on the move as the season unfolds.