As the 2024-25 NBA season unfolds, the trade market is heating up with big names like Brandon Ingram, Mitchell Robinson, and Walker Kessler at the center of swirling trade discussions. These potential moves are poised to have a significant impact on their teams and the league’s landscape.
- Golden State Warriors are reportedly exploring a trade to acquire Brandon Ingram to bolster their roster.
- The New York Knicks are exploring trade options for Mitchell Robinson to manage their center rotation and salary cap.
- Despite his strong performance and potential, the Utah Jazz are surprisingly open to trading young center Walker Kessler.
NBA Trade Rumors: Latest Developments and Speculations
With the NBA draft and free agency just around the corner, trade season is in full swing. The recent trade of Alex Caruso between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Chicago Bulls has kicked off a flurry of activity.
As teams get ready for the 2024-25 season, rumors are flying, and big moves are expected for several key players.
Knicks Considering Trading Mitchell Robinson
The New York Knicks face ongoing challenges with their center position, especially with Mitchell Robinson’s future uncertain due to his injury history and recent surgery. Robinson is not expected to return to play until at least December or January of the 2024-25 season after undergoing ankle surgery in May.
Isaiah Hartenstein, who had previously helped anchor the center position, is no longer an option for the Knicks after signing a significant contract with another team, leaving a substantial gap in the lineup. The Knicks have re-signed Precious Achiuwa, but his role as a backup might need to be adjusted depending on how the team addresses its depth issues through trades or other roster moves.
Meanwhile, Mitchell Robinson, the other main center, is reportedly up for NBA trade. His low salary and injury history make him a candidate for a trade.
To manage costs and ensure stability, the Knicks might prefer a more reliable backup center, like Precious Achiuwa.
Trading Robinson could help the Knicks manage their salary cap better. His injuries have made him less reliable, and Achiuwa, although less skilled, could be a healthier, more affordable backup option.
Utah Jazz Open to Trading Walker Kessler
The Utah Jazz are undecided about their long-term strategy, switching between building for the future and acquiring veteran talent. Rumors suggest they might trade young center Walker Kessler despite his strong performance and potential.
Kessler is known for his defensive skills and is on a cheap rookie contract for two more seasons. However, he doesn’t fit well alongside John Collins, another non-shooting big man.
Trading Kessler could bring valuable assets to the Jazz, even though it’s unusual for a rebuilding team to trade such a promising player.
Trading Kessler is surprising, given his talent and the Jazz’s rebuilding phase. His defensive skills and rookie contract make him valuable, but the Jazz might trade him to better balance their roster.
Bulls Struggling to Trade Zach LaVine Without Caruso
The Chicago Bulls’ trade of Alex Caruso to the Thunder complicates their efforts to move Zach LaVine. Caruso could have helped sweeten a deal for LaVine, whose large contract has been hard to move.
The Sacramento Kings might be interested in LaVine, but their recent signing of Malik Monk reduces their need for another expensive shooting guard. The Bulls will need creative solutions to trade LaVine and get good returns.
Without Caruso, the Bulls face more challenges in trading LaVine. His big contract and the team’s lack of draft assets make trades difficult.
Potential deals, like those with the Kings, require careful planning to meet both financial and roster needs.
Brandon Ingram Could Be Heading to the Golden State Warriors
After failing to acquire Paul George and Lauri Markkanen, the Golden State Warriors are set to keep exploring the trade market in the coming months.
Finding an All-Star-caliber partner for Steph Curry is a top priority for the team, especially as they aim to avoid a second consecutive playoff absence and possibly head back to the NBA finals.
One potential move being discussed is the addition of Brandon Ingram, who could bring the scoring and playmaking needed to relieve some pressure from Curry. Ingram’s talent could be a game-changer for the Warriors as they look to bolster their roster for a stronger playoff push.
What to Expect During the 2024-25 NBA Season
As the NBA trade season heats up, these rumors show the tough choices and negotiations teams are dealing with. The upcoming trades will greatly affect the league and set up an exciting 2024-25 season.
