Thanks to the new NBA collective bargaining agreement and its new rules that reward teams who spend below a certain threshold — and punishes those who do — there are sure to be some trades coming that will blow us away.
We already saw names like John Collins dealt before free agency began, along with Bradley Beal. But that’s probably not the end of the trade madness we’ll see as teams try to shed payroll and those with cap room take advantage.
So let’s run through some of the big names who could be on the trade block as we get into the summer:
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1
Zion Williamson
We’ve been hearing about him getting dealt for weeks. Will a contender take a shot on him as a buy-low candidate? Or a young team with cap room who could gamble on if he can stay healthy?
2
Damian Lillard
The Blazers could either keep him and make trades to keep him happy and contending … or they could deal him and accelerate a rebuild that already has some key pieces.
3
Karl-Anthony Towns
The Timberwolves just gave Naz Reid a new contract and now have a bajillion dollars committed to big men. It might be time to deal KAT and his enormous contract.
4
Deandre Ayton
There was a report that the Suns might keep him. Do we believe it? Particularly when Phoenix desperately needs depth to add behind its packed starting lineup?
5
Jaylen Brown
I’m not sure if the Celtics want to break up their core, especially after adding Kristaps Porzingis, but I do know his name is going to be buzzed about a lot this summer.
6
Pascal Siakam
If Toronto wants to tinker, he might be dealt.
7
Paul George
Do the Clips run it back and hope PG and Kawhi Leonard stay healthy to make a run? Or do they deal him now?
8
Zach LaVine
The guard is seemingly always part of NBA trade rumors, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see that again this summer.
9
Tyler Herro
If the Heat really want to upgrade, it may cost them this guy.
10
Trae Young
Would the Hawks really do it? Any buzz about him feels like a whisper at this point. Maybe it gets louder, but it felt like the Collins trade was meant to help Young and Dejounte Murray.
