Imagine a trade so wild it changes everything we know about the NBA. This 5-team blockbuster does just that, moving star players and key role guys all over the place. The Warriors, Lakers, Knicks, Jazz, and Wizards would all be dealing, and the results could flip the league on its head. From Julius Randle finding a new home in L.A. to Andrew Wiggins heading to Utah, this trade could set the stage for an entirely different playoff picture. Let’s break down how each team comes out of this game-changing scenario.
Trade Proposal
Warriors receive: Kyle Kuzma, John Collins, Precious Achiuwa
Lakers receive: Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson, Drew Eubanks
Knicks receive: Malcolm Brogdon, Jonas Valanciunas, Cam Reddish
Jazz receive: Andrew Wiggins, D’Angelo Russell, Gary Payton, Moses Moody, Christian Wood
Wizards receive: Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Jarred Vanderbilt, Kyle Anderson, Kevon Looney, 2026 First-Round Pick (Warriors)
The Warriors Are Betting On Offense
In a league-altering move, the Golden State Warriors are making a big bet on offense by pulling off a trade that sends Andrew Wiggins, Gary Payton II, Moses Moody, and Kyle Anderson packing, bringing in Kyle Kuzma, John Collins, and Precious Achiuwa to bolster their lineup. This shake-up signals a new era for the Warriors, as they look to redefine their identity around Steph Curry, especially after the departure of longtime star Klay Thompson, who left in free agency after the 2023-24 season. With Thompson gone, the Warriors are turning to a younger, more versatile group to keep their championship window open.
Kyle Kuzma is the kind of player who can fill some of the scoring void left by Thompson. Coming off a strong 2024 season where he averaged 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, Kuzma is a proven scorer with the ability to create his own shot and knock down threes. He brings size and versatility at the forward position, which will allow the Warriors to experiment with different lineups and keep their opponents guessing. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, Kuzma's scoring punch is exactly what Golden State needs to stay competitive in the high-powered Western Conference.
John Collins, on the other hand, adds a different dimension to the Warriors' frontcourt. His athleticism and rebounding ability are critical assets, especially as the team looks to maintain its defensive edge while adding more firepower on offense. Collins averaged 15.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in the 2024 season, and he’s shown the ability to be a force in the paint as well as stretch the floor with his improving three-point shot. Pairing him with Draymond Green in the frontcourt could create a dynamic duo that’s hard to handle on both ends of the floor.
The addition of Precious Achiuwa as a backup gives the Warriors even more flexibility. Achiuwa is a high-energy big man who can provide solid minutes off the bench, contribute on the boards, and play multiple positions. With his ability to run the floor and finish around the rim, he fits perfectly into the Warriors' up-tempo style of play. Having a reliable backup like Achiuwa ensures that the Warriors won’t miss a beat when their starters need rest, keeping their rotation deep and effective.
The Warriors' roster now boasts a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young players. Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga remain key pieces of the future, and they’ll continue to develop under the guidance of Curry and Green. Adding Buddy Hield and De'Anthony Melton in the offseason further strengthens the team’s depth, especially on the perimeter. Hield’s sharpshooting and Melton’s defensive prowess give the Warriors additional options to mix and match depending on the matchup.
With this new-look roster, the Warriors have a lot of interchangeable parts, particularly on the wings. Kuzma and Collins can both slide between the three and four spots, allowing for small-ball lineups or more traditional setups with size and length. This kind of versatility is what has defined the Warriors' success in the past, and they’re clearly aiming to replicate that formula as they transition into this next phase.
Ultimately, the Warriors are betting that this infusion of offensive talent, combined with their remaining defensive stalwarts, will keep them in the mix for another title run. While the departure of Klay Thompson marks the end of an era, the arrival of Kuzma, Collins, and Achiuwa signals the beginning of a new one—one where Golden State is leaning heavily on youth, depth, and the ever-reliable brilliance of Steph Curry. If these pieces come together as hoped, the Warriors could very well remain a force to be reckoned with in the NBA for years to come.
The Lakers Get A New Superstar With The Comeback Of Julius Randle
The Los Angeles Lakers have been relatively quiet this offseason, a surprising approach for a team with championship aspirations. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis still anchoring the squad, it’s clear that they need more help if they want to make a serious run at the title. The reality is that LeBron and AD can't carry the load alone anymore, and with limited cap space and few assets to trade, the Lakers have struggled to make significant roster upgrades. Enter Julius Randle—a potential game-changer who could provide the scoring punch they desperately need.
Julius Randle, who averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in the 2024 season, returns to the Lakers as a different player than the one who left. Since his time in New York, Randle has developed into an All-Star caliber forward, capable of leading a team in scoring and playing a crucial role in the offense. His ability to score in a variety of ways—whether it's driving to the basket, hitting mid-range jumpers, or even stepping out beyond the arc—makes him a perfect fit alongside LeBron and AD. He can help take some of the scoring pressure off of them, especially in crunch time.
Adding Jordan Clarkson to the mix also addresses another significant need for the Lakers: scoring off the bench. Clarkson, who averaged 17.1 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game last season, is a proven sixth man who can light it up from beyond the arc and create his own shot. The Lakers have struggled with bench production, and Clarkson’s ability to score in bunches could be a huge asset, particularly when LeBron and Davis need rest.
Though not as flashy a name, Drew Eubanks brings a solid presence in the paint. With Christian Wood potentially being moved in this trade, the Lakers need a good backup center to support Davis, especially if Randle plays the 4 and LeBron shifts to the 3. Eubanks' hustle and defensive capabilities make him a valuable addition to the Lakers’ frontcourt rotation, giving them more depth and options, especially in matchups against bigger teams.
The fit of these players with the current Lakers roster seems promising. Randle’s ability to play both inside and outside will complement Davis, allowing the Lakers to mix and match their frontcourt depending on the opponent. Clarkson’s scoring from the perimeter will be a welcome addition to a Lakers team that struggled with consistency from three-point range last season. And Eubanks provides the grit and physicality that every championship team needs.
Despite the lack of blockbuster moves this offseason, this trade could be the shake-up the Lakers need to reassert themselves as true contenders. With Randle, Clarkson, and Eubanks on board, the Lakers would have a much more balanced attack, alleviating the burden on LeBron and AD, and putting them in a stronger position to make a deep playoff run.
Grade The Trade: Golden State Warriors Replace Klay Thompson With Khris Middleton
The Knicks Could Reshape Their Core With Veteran Talent
The New York Knicks are exploring significant moves this offseason, potentially setting the stage for a deep playoff run. With the departure of Isaiah Hartenstein, who reportedly signed a three-year, $87 million deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Precious Achiuwa on the move in this blockbuster trade, the Knicks find themselves in need of a solid backup center. The acquisition of Jonas Valanciunas from the Washington Wizards could address this need, especially with whispers already circulating about his potential early departure from Washington.
Valanciunas, who signed with the Wizards earlier this offseason, averaged 12.2 points, and 8.8 rebounds last season. His presence would be vital for the Knicks, particularly as a backup for Mitchell Robinson, who has historically dealt with injuries. Valanciunas’ ability to control the paint and provide consistent scoring inside could add a much-needed dimension to the Knicks' roster, ensuring that the team maintains a strong interior presence even when Robinson is sidelined.
The Knicks also made waves by acquiring Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets earlier in the offseason, a move that could reshape their lineup significantly. Bridges is known for his versatility and defensive prowess, making him an ideal fit in head coach Tom Thibodeau’s system. His ability to stretch the floor and score efficiently without dominating the ball would complement the playstyles of Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle (assuming he does not get traded this season). In the 2024 season, Bridges averaged 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while shooting nearly 38% from three, making him a dynamic addition to the Knicks' starting lineup.
In addition, the Knicks are set to bring in Malcolm Brogdon in this move, who averaged 15.7 points, and 5.5 assists last year. Brogdon’s experience and ability to play both guard positions could provide stability in the backcourt, giving the Knicks the flexibility to experiment with different lineup combinations. His efficient shooting and solid defense would be crucial assets as the Knicks aim to strengthen their perimeter play.
Finally, Cam Reddish's return could add depth to the wing positions, offering additional versatility on both ends of the floor. Reddish, while still developing, has shown flashes of his potential and could thrive in a more defined role under Thibodeau’s guidance. His athleticism and defensive capabilities would make him a valuable piece in the Knicks’ rotation, particularly as they look to compete with the elite teams in the Eastern Conference.
With these potential moves, the Knicks could find themselves with a restructured roster that balances veteran leadership and young talent. With these additions, New York would be positioning itself as a formidable contender in the East. Should everything align as hoped, the Knicks might very well be on their way to becoming one of the top teams in the league, ready to challenge for a title.
The Jazz Are Rebuilding But Could Shift Towards Competing
The Utah Jazz have been in a rebuilding phase, but the recent extension of Lauri Markkanen’s contract suggests they might be ready to pivot toward competing for a playoff spot. Markkanen, who signed a five-year, $238 million extension, averaged 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds last season, making him the franchise cornerstone. This long-term commitment indicates the Jazz’s desire to build around him while considering a more competitive approach.
In this mock trade scenario, the Jazz would acquire several veterans who could accelerate their shift from rebuilding to competing. D’Angelo Russell would be one of these key acquisitions. Russell recently exercised his $18.7 million player option for the 2024-25 season, making him an expiring contract. While Russell had a productive regular season with the Lakers, averaging 18.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.1 rebounds, his fit in Los Angeles has been questioned, especially after another disappointing playoff performance. The Lakers have reportedly been shopping him, suggesting that his time in L.A. might be coming to an end. His addition to the Jazz could provide them with a proven playmaker, though his long-term fit remains uncertain.
Andrew Wiggins is another veteran who could join the Jazz. Wiggins had a challenging 2024 season, averaging 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, which marked one of his worst statistical seasons in recent years. Coupled with various personal issues, it seems the Warriors might be ready to move on from him. A fresh start in Utah could be beneficial for both Wiggins and the Jazz, especially as they look to add depth and experience to their roster.
Moses Moody could also be part of this deal, though his situation is more complex. Moody hasn’t developed as the Warriors had hoped since being drafted, and with his contract coming up for renewal, the Warriors might be willing to move him. He averaged 8.1 points and 3.0 rebounds last season in limited minutes. For the Jazz, acquiring Moody could be a low-risk move with potential upside, especially if he can find his footing in a new environment.
Additionally, the Jazz could bring in Christian Wood and Gary Payton II as part of the trade. While these players might not be central to Utah's long-term plans, they could be used in specific matchups or as valuable trade assets down the line.
If the Jazz decide to pursue this strategy, they would be balancing the need to develop young talent with the desire to compete immediately. With Markkanen locked in and a mix of veteran players potentially on board, Utah could transition from a rebuilding team to a playoff contender faster than anticipated.
The Wizards Bring In Veterans To Support A Young Core
The Washington Wizards are in the midst of a rebuild, centered around their young talent, including the recently drafted Alex Sarr. However, Sarr had a rough start, struggling significantly in the Summer League, including a 0-for-15 shooting performance. Despite these struggles, the Wizards see potential in Sarr, particularly in his ability to read the game and make plays. They view him as a project that could develop into a versatile scorer and playmaker.
In this mock trade scenario, the Wizards would acquire several veterans to balance their youthful roster. Jalen Hood-Schifino could potentially emerge as the starting point guard of the future, addressing the Wizards’ need for a floor general with significant upside. As the team rebuilds, Hood-Schifino would have the opportunity to grow into this role and develop alongside Sarr and other young players.
The trade could also bring in seasoned players like Gabe Vincent, Kevon Looney, and Jarred Vanderbilt, each of whom would add experience and stability to a young and inexperienced squad. Vincent, known for his shooting and defense, and Looney, a reliable big man, could provide the veteran presence needed to mentor the younger players. Vanderbilt's versatility and defensive skills would further strengthen the team's core.
By bringing in these veterans, the Wizards would be able to better support their young talent, creating a balanced roster that could develop into a competitive team in the future. While the team is still focused on rebuilding, the addition of experienced players would help create a more structured environment, giving their young core the best chance to succeed as they develop into future stars.
