The 2024–25 NBA season has been a rollercoaster for some of the league's most storied franchises. The Golden State Warriors, after acquiring Jimmy Butler, are contemplating further moves to support Stephen Curry's pursuit of a fifth ring. The Boston Celtics, facing salary cap constraints and the absence of Jayson Tatum due to an Achilles injury, are considering significant roster changes.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks, reeling from the departure of Doncic, aim to retool around Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and the No. 1 overall pick. The Los Angeles Lakers, having made a blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic midseason, now seek to bolster their roster to complement their star duo.
In this article, we delve into seven compelling trade ideas involving these franchises and others, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, Brooklyn Nets, and Orlando Magic.
Warriors Acquire Superstar In Trade With 76ers
Apr 20, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) during game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (Sign-and-Trade), Trayce Jackson-Davis, Brandin Podziemski, 2028 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2031 First-Round Pick (GSW)
The Golden State Warriors, aiming to maximize Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler's championship windows, pursue a bold move by acquiring Joel Embiid. Embiid, despite a dip in production due to injuries, averaged 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists over 19 games in the 2024–25 season.
His presence would provide the Warriors with a dominant interior force, complementing Curry's perimeter prowess. However, Golden State parts with promising talents like Jonathan Kuminga, who contributed 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, and Trayce Jackson-Davis, signaling a shift from developing youth to immediate contention.
Kuminga, in particular, does not seem to be in Steve Kerr's long-term plans, and that could spell the end for him in San Francisco. He is too talented to be on the bench game after game, and the Warriors could leverage his presence to make a blockbuster trade.
The inclusion of two future first-round picks underscores the Warriors' commitment to securing another title in the Curry era because they will have to make a major move to get out of the second round of the playoffs and back into title contention. Taking a gamble on Embiid could be the move that takes them over the top.
For the Philadelphia 76ers, this trade marks a significant transition. Moving on from Embiid allows the team to embrace a youth movement around Tyrese Maxey, acquiring Kuminga and Jackson-Davis to bolster their frontcourt.
Brandin Podziemski (11.7 PPG, 5.1 RPG) adds depth to their guard rotation, while the additional draft capital provides flexibility for future roster construction. If Embiid goes, the next chip to fall would likely be Paul George, and that could be what the Sixers need after many years of disappointment.
Celtics Move On From Jaylen Brown In All-In Move
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Boston Celtics Receive: Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, 2025 No. 10 Overall Pick
Houston Rockets Receive: Jaylen Brown
The Boston Celtics, facing salary cap constraints and the absence of Jayson Tatum due to an Achilles injury, opt to trade Jaylen Brown for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and the 10th overall pick in the 2025 draft with this proposal. Brown, who averaged 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, has been a cornerstone for Boston, but a franchise as big as the Celtics are known to make bold moves.
However, this move allows the Celtics to acquire Green, a dynamic scorer with a 21.0 PPG average, and Brooks, known for his defensive tenacity (14.0 PPG, 3.7 RPG). The draft pick offers an opportunity to add a young talent to the roster, aiding in the team's retooling efforts.
The Houston Rockets, in acquiring Brown, aim to accelerate their ascent in the Western Conference. Pairing Brown with their existing young core led by Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson could enhance their competitiveness.
Brown's experience and versatility provide the Rockets with a reliable two-way player, potentially elevating their status as playoff contenders. This trade reflects Houston's ambition to transition from rebuilding to contending.
Mavericks Use Cooper Flagg To Add A Top-5 Player
Apr 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) gets ready to play Indiana Pacers during game four of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
© Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: 2025 No. 1 Overall Pick, Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington
The Dallas Mavericks, holding the No. 1 overall pick, leverage this asset to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks in this trade idea. Giannis, who posted 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, remains one of the league's premier talents.
Antetokounmpo has been having discussions with the Bucks about his future, and NBA teams will be heavily involved in the "Greek Freak" sweepstakes. That means the Mavs have to make a deal as soon as they can because the superstar will likely force a move away and change the NBA landscape.
His addition would instantly transform the Mavericks into championship contenders. Dallas parts with Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, and P.J. Washington, along with the top pick, indicating a win-now approach around Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis.
Obviously, trading Giannis signifies a monumental shift for the Bucks. Acquiring the No. 1 pick, potentially used to draft Cooper Flagg, offers a foundation for a new era. Thompson provides veteran leadership and shooting, while Gafford and Washington add depth to the frontcourt. This move allows Milwaukee to reset and build around young talent, preparing for future success.
Clippers Create A New Big Three In LA
Feb 15, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) watches his 3-point shot against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at Spectrum Center. The Charlotte Hornets won 120-110. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-Imagn Images
Credit: Nell Redmond-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: LaMelo Ball
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Norman Powell, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Kris Dunn, 2031 First-Round Pick
The Los Angeles Clippers could aim to rejuvenate their roster by acquiring LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets. Ball, averaging 25.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 7.4 assists, brings playmaking and youth to a veteran-laden team. Pairing him with Kawhi Leonard and James Harden could create a formidable trio, and the point guard might just be the perfect fit for the LA-based franchise.
The Clippers part with Norman Powell, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Kris Dunn, and a future first-round pick, balancing immediate gains with future considerations. Powell was a fringe All-Star this past season with an average of 21.0 PPG, but there is no denying that he isn't quite on the level of Ball when it comes to raw offensive firepower.
The Hornets, in return, receive seasoned players who can contribute immediately and mentor younger teammates, including whoever will be chosen at No. 4 overall. Powell and Bogdanovic offer scoring and spacing, while Dunn adds defensive prowess.
The future first-round pick provides additional assets for Charlotte's ongoing rebuild. This trade allows the Hornets to reshape their roster with experienced players and future flexibility.
Nets Find Their New Franchise Star In Fair Trade
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) reacts during the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Smoothie King Center.
Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Zion Williamson
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Cameron Johnson, Ziaire Williams (Sign-and-Trade), 2025 No. 19 Overall Pick, 2031 First-Round Pick
The Brooklyn Nets, seeking a new cornerstone, could trade for Zion Williamson from the New Orleans Pelicans. The big man's future in New Orleans is likely up as many NBA teams prepare to make moves for him. Williamson, with averages of 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists this past season in 30 games, offers explosive athleticism and scoring.
His presence could invigorate the Nets' offense and provide a focal point for their future. Brooklyn sends Cameron Johnson, Ziaire Williams, and two first-round picks to New Orleans, a significant package reflecting Williamson's potential impact.
For the Pelicans, this trade addresses concerns about Williamson's availability and fit. Johnson and Claxton bring versatility and defense, complementing New Orleans' existing core.
The additional draft picks enhance their asset pool, offering opportunities to further strengthen the roster. This move allows the Pelicans to reconfigure their team dynamics considerably, because it seems that the leaders of the franchise want to trade Zion as soon as they can.
Lakers Go Win-Now Mode In Trade With Pelicans
New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (5) dribbles against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Herb Jones
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Dalton Knecht, Gabe Vincent, 2025 No. 55 Overall Pick
The Los Angeles Lakers, aiming to capitalize on their championship window, acquire Herb Jones from the New Orleans Pelicans. Jones, known for his defensive acumen, averaged 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists before a season-ending injury and already has an All-NBA Defensive First Team selection to his name.
His addition would bolster the Lakers' perimeter defense, providing support alongside LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves. Los Angeles trades Dalton Knecht, Gabe Vincent, and a second-round pick, maintaining their core while enhancing their defensive capabilities tremendously.
The Lakers could be open to trading Reaves for the right player, but they can hold onto him in this proposal, which sets them up strongly next year. After all, the Lakers only ranked 15th in defensive rating, and they can use a boost on that end, and it is obvious that there will be players who could leave this summer.
The Pelicans, in return, receive Knecht, a promising rookie, and Vincent, a reliable guard whose contract expires after next season ($11,500,000). This trade offers New Orleans depth and potential future contributors. The second-round pick adds to their draft assets, allowing for further roster development, and the likely scenario for the Pelicans would be to go for an all-in tank.
Magic Finally Find Offensive Help In Trade With Hawks
Apr 11, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) reacts after scoring against the Philadelphia 76ers in the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Orlando Magic Receive: Trae Young
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Jalen Suggs, Jonathan Isaac, 2025 No. 16 Overall Pick, 2025 No. 25 Overall Pick
The Orlando Magic, seeking offensive enhancement, trade for Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks in this proposed idea. After all, there will likely be plenty of interest from many other NBA teams. Young, leading the league with 11.6 assists and contributing 24.2 points per game, would address Orlando's playmaking needs.
His ability to orchestrate the offense could elevate the Magic's young roster. Orlando parts with Jalen Suggs, Jonathan Isaac, and two first-round picks, a substantial investment in offensive leadership around Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
The Hawks, in this exchange, acquire Suggs and Isaac, both offering defensive versatility and potential. The additional draft picks provide Atlanta with assets to continue building their roster.
This trade allows the Hawks to retool since Young's future has remained in question for most of the season, focusing on a balanced approach between defense and future development. It marks a strategic shift, emphasizing team cohesion and long-term planning around Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels.
