There are a few NBA stars who weren’t moved this offseason, but the trade deadline is still months away. To that point, any number of those players could find themselves in a new jersey by the end of 2024-25. All it takes is the right set of circumstances and even the seemingly impossible can happen.
Without any further ado, here are some of the best candidates to find a new home with an in-season trade.
4 High-Profile NBA Players Who Could Be Traded In-Season
Julius Randle
New York Knicks forward Julius Randle’s days in the Big Apple could be numbered.
For now, fans and analysts are content with the concept of the Nova Knicks. A core built upon chemistry and that has a defensive edge, the idea is that New York will be able to guard teams with multiple perimeter scoring threats. More to the point, the Knicks are designed to match up with the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers.
Yet, their roster additions could force Randle play more center than in years past. There’s no doubt that they’ll lead to a decrease in his touches. However, that isn’t ideal for the Knicks or Randle. By the trade deadline, both parties could be looking for deals that sent him elsewhere.
Brandon Ingram
To paraphrase what New Orleans Pelicans told Brandon Ingram this offseason, he’s good but not good enough. For that reason, his pleas for a max or near max contract extension have fallen on deaf ears. Indeed, if Pelicans executive vice president David Griffin had heard a trade offer he’d accept, the star forward might be gone already.
Ingram doesn’t project to be on the roster long though. Not only is he being denied the contract he wants, there’s a concern about whether their offseason changes will dramatically affect his scoring chances. With Ingram’s frustrated after not get the ball more in the 2024 NBA Playoffs, it’s a contentious issue.
Near the trade deadline, a contending team who views Ingram as a key piece could make a play for him.
Anfernee Simons
The Portland Trail Blazers could trade Deandre Ayton after drafting Donovan Clingan. They might move Jerami Grant when they believe his trade value is at its highest. Yet, Anfernee Simons may be their most likely trade candidate.
Unlike Ayton, his salary isn’t going to be a hang up, as he has a better reputation. He’s five years younger than Grant, which makes him a more enticing target. Lastly, when the Blazers drafted Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, they were projected to be long-term starters, leaving Simons in a precarious position.
The Florida native could fit well with the Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando Magic, in particular.
Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine needs better PR, whether he has to hire a team or just get back on the floor.
People seem to have lost the plot in discussions about the high-flyer, who is now underrated. Concerns about his durability, defense, and ball-dominance are warranted. Nonetheless, if averaging 24-4-4 on .475-.385-.838 splits —as LaVine has done over the past six seasons —was easy, more players would’ve done it.
That doesn’t mean a team has to be willing to pay him the $138 million he’s due over the next three seasons. Yet, the new TV contracts will lead to salaries that make his deal look far more reasonable. A team that’s willing to peel back the layers could move on him, with the Atlanta Hawks a potential landing spot.
