The NBA never stops moving. Just when it feels like things are starting to settle, everything shifts again. Trades, rumors, big names on the move—it’s all happening, and the season isn’t even over yet.

Zion Williamson, Kevin Durant, OG Anunoby, Donte DiVincenzo, and Jimmy Butler are all part of the chaos, with deals being made, talked about, or waiting to explode this summer.

Zion’s value is rising again, teams are circling, and the Pelicans have to make a choice. Kevin Durant’s name keeps coming up, even though he’s still in Phoenix. Anunoby could land in Los Angeles. DiVincenzo is in the middle of every trade talk, while Butler has already changed everything for Golden State.

The regular season is still going, but the NBA is already getting ready for what could be one of the wildest offseasons in years. The fire’s already lit, and the real heat hasn’t even started.

Zion’s Value Is Back—Now What?

Zion Williamson has always had the talent, but that was never the issue. Staying healthy has been the real struggle. That’s what kept him from being a steady star or even a valuable trade piece until now. After missing 27 straight games with a hamstring injury earlier this season, Zion returned and reminded everyone why he was the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.

He has averaged 24.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.4 steals per game in 22 of the Pelicans’ last 31 games. Even more impressive, he’s shooting 59.5% from the field.

Winning games is only one part of what this strong run is doing for New Orleans—it’s also tied to the plan to “restore his value,” according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon on Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective. With “significant interest” from NBA teams, the Pelicans are now getting calls and have serious decisions to make.

With a record of 18-49, New Orleans is near the bottom of the standings and could be heading into another rebuild. Trading Zion could bring younger talent or future picks, but a rival GM told ESPN’s Brian Windhorst that even now, the Pelicans might not get “great value” for him. The risk is clear—keep him and risk another injury, or trade him and watch him become a star elsewhere.

Zion’s contract makes it more complicated. He signed a five-year, $197.23 million deal in 2022 that runs through 2027–28. While that provides contract security for teams, it’s a huge number for a player who has only played more than 60 games twice in six seasons.

He missed all of 2021–22, played only 24 games in 2019–20, and just 29 games in 2022–23. Even at his best, staying on the court is the real challenge.

DiVincenzo, Anunoby, and Trades That Don’t Quite Fit Together

Donte DiVincenzo’s name is popping up again, and his journey has been wild. After a strong 2022–23 season with the Warriors, he signed a four-year, $46.8 million deal with the Knicks. He quickly became a fan favorite, averaging 15.5 points and shooting 40.1% from three.

Then, in October, he was part of a three-team trade that sent him to the Timberwolves. Now, there are rumors that the Warriors want him back. It makes sense—they need shooting, and DiVincenzo fits—but you can’t just undo trades. He’s part of a new team now, and deals like that aren’t easy.

Golden State is always hunting for shooters to play alongside Stephen Curry. DiVincenzo knows their system and could slide back in, but trade talks are never simple, especially when multiple teams are involved.

Meanwhile, the Knicks face a big decision with OG Anunoby. He’s on a five-year, $212.5 million deal and is averaging 16.5 points with shooting splits of 47% from the field, 37% from three, and 80% from the line. His health is the concern—he’s only played more than 70 games once.

The Lakers are now interested. A trade proposal would send Anunoby to LA for Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith, and rookie Dalton Knecht. The Knicks would get depth and flexibility, and the Lakers would add a strong defender who doesn’t need the ball to score. It sounds good on paper, but the risk is high. Anunoby’s contract is massive, and his injury history makes it a gamble.

Finney-Smith has already helped the Lakers. Since joining, they’ve gone 22-11 under coach JJ Redick, who praised his “toughness” and “spirit.” Finney-Smith understands the business. When asked about Luka Doncic’s trade, he said, “Sh*t. I thought it was fake.” Players live with that kind of uncertainty every day.

Durant’s Name Won’t Go Away, and Minnesota Isn’t Done

Kevin Durant is still with the Suns, but he’s far from locked in. Before the trade deadline, multiple teams made calls, including the Warriors, Heat, Mavericks, Rockets, Grizzlies, and Timberwolves. Minnesota pushed hard but refused to trade Anthony Edwards or Jaden McDaniels.

Instead, they offered Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo (again), and Naz Reid, trying to convince Phoenix to deal. Since joining the Timberwolves, Randle has played well. The team has won 11 straight games with him, and he has a $30.94 million player option for next season.

DiVincenzo continues to shine, averaging a career-high 3.7 assists and shooting 39.4% from three. Naz Reid, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, also caught Phoenix’s eye. He’s expected to decline his $15 million option and hit free agency, but Minnesota wants to re-sign him.

Durant’s contract is heavy. He’s owed $54.7 million in 2025–26, the final year of his deal. If the Suns struggle in the playoffs, expect his name to flood the trade market again.

Butler Changed Golden State—and Everything About Their Season

The Warriors didn’t wait for the offseason—they made their move. Trading for Jimmy Butler changed everything. Since he arrived, Golden State is 13-1 when he plays. Their defense ranks third (108.7 rating), and their offense also ranks third (121.5 rating), according to NBA.com.

GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. didn’t mince words: “It’s time to win, no f****** around.” Dunleavy knew Butler from their Chicago days and gave him a two-year, $111 million extension. Butler delivered, averaging 16.8 points, 5.8 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game.

Coach Steve Kerr compared Butler’s presence to Andre Iguodala’s, saying he brings calm and focus. Draymond Green added, “It’s definitely changed who we are as a team.”

Kevon Looney, a 10-year veteran, felt it, too. He said Butler brought “a new spark, a new life.” Looney knows free agency is coming, but for now, he’s focused on winning. “Free agency is always crazy, so whatever happens, happens,” he said.

Quinten Post, a rookie who worked his way from the G League, echoed that message. “We’re trying to win now,” he said. Post praised Butler, Curry, and Green for their leadership and added, “There’s no ego in this league.”

Filip Chytil’s return to the ice didn’t last long before he was forced off again in a painful and worrying fashion. The 25-year-old forward, now with the Vancouver Canucks, was hit hard from behind during a game on Saturday night, March 15, 2025, against the Chicago Blackhawks.

This happened late in the third period of a game that the Canucks were winning 6-2. Despite the clear impact of the hit and Chytil’s collapse on the ice, no penalty was called, and frustration grew among Canucks players and fans.

The hit came when Chytil had just passed the puck near the boards. Chicago’s Jason Dickinson struck him from behind, sending Chytil’s head sharply into the glass before he fell to the ice.

At first, Chytil stayed down. He tried to get up but stumbled and fell again. Finally, he got to his feet and made his way to the bench and then the locker room. He did not return to the game.

Coach Tocchet: “It Was a Pretty Bad Hit”

After the game, Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet shared that he had no update from the medical staff.

He simply said, “It was a pretty bad hit so we’ll see how he is.” Tocchet also explained that officials didn’t give him any reason for not calling a penalty on the play.

On Sunday, ahead of a game against the Utah Hockey Club, Tocchet addressed the media again. He did not directly use the word “concussion,” but it was clear something was wrong.

He said, “I talked to him today a little bit. He felt OK, nothing great. He’ll go through the every day to see how he feels type of thing. He has had a few concussions in the past and we’ll see how this thing turns out. Sometimes, they can rapidly turn, so you’ve got to stay positive.”

Chytil has now been placed in concussion protocol, and his condition will be closely monitored over the next 48 hours. The team will then decide whether to take him on an upcoming six-game road trip.

A Long History of Head Injuries

Chytil’s latest injury is deeply worrying because it’s not the first time he has dealt with a possible concussion. Last season, he missed 72 regular season games due to a concussion.

He tried to return in January 2024 but had a setback, believed to be another head injury. He came back during the playoffs but didn’t score a point in six games and was clearly not at his best.

This season, Chytil started strong in the New York Rangers training camp. He was healthy and focused, centering the third line.

But on November 14, he collided with teammate K’Andre Miller and missed seven games with what was called an upper-body injury. Doctors said it was not a concussion, but many still had doubts.

In 41 games with the Rangers this season before being traded to Vancouver on January 31, 2025, Chytil had 11 goals and 9 assists, totaling 20 points. He was averaging 14 minutes and 20 seconds of ice time per game.

Since the trade, Chytil has played 15 games with the Canucks, scoring 2 goals and adding 4 assists for a total of 6 points. His plus-minus rating stands at -11; he has gone scoreless in his last six games. His ice time has increased to about 16 minutes per game, but his production has dropped.

Chytil has played 393 NHL regular-season games in his career, scoring 77 goals and 93 assists for 170 points. His best season came in 2022-23 with the Rangers, when he had 22 goals and 23 assists in 74 games. He has also played in 36 Stanley Cup Playoff games, scoring 8 goals and 5 assists.

Canucks’ Playoff Fight Faces a Setback

The Canucks are fighting for a playoff spot and cannot afford to lose key players. Their record stands at 31 wins, 24 losses, and 11 overtime losses, giving them 73 points.

They are fourth in the Pacific Division and holding onto the second Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. With only a few games left, every point matters. Losing Chytil, even for a few games, could hurt their playoff chances.

Canucks play-by-play announcer Brendan Batchelor spoke on Sportsnet 650, quoting Tocchet: “Chytil felt okay today, but is in the protocol. They’ll see how he is over the next 48 hours before deciding if he’ll go on the trip.”

The Canucks are also on a two-game win streak and will need strong performances in their upcoming games. Chytil’s absence could affect their chances as they prepare to face tough opponents on the road.

No Penalty, No Explanation, No Protection

The hit that sent Chytil to the locker room has raised serious questions. Jason Dickinson hit him from behind, Chytil went headfirst into the boards, and officials said nothing.

No call was made, no penalty was given, and no reason was shared. Naturally, the silence has angered many, especially knowing Chytil’s history with concussions.

Chytil was, understandably, upset as he left the ice, and many fans were, too. The NHL’s rules on player safety are meant to protect players in situations like this, but many feel the rules were not followed.

Hits like Dickinson’s can end careers, and without proper punishment, they are likely to happen again.

Chytil is now waiting for updates on his condition—for a player who has worked hard to stay on the ice, this is yet another painful setback, and the future is once again uncertain.