The NBA has a way of letting the trade talk take over long before the playoffs are even done. And right now, that’s exactly what’s happening. The postseason is still going, but the noise around possible trades is growing louder than anything happening on the floor.
It feels like two different seasons are playing out at the same time: one where teams are still fighting for a title, and one where front offices are already thinking about the next move. Big names like Kevin Durant, Zion Williamson, Lauri Markkanen, Trae Young, and Jonathan Kuminga are already part of serious conversations, and a lot could change before the summer even starts.
Below, we are breaking down the biggest names being discussed and what their futures could mean for the entire league.
- Kevin Durant and Zion Williamson are strong candidates for trades this summer, despite public statements hinting otherwise.
- Lauri Markkanen wants to stay in Utah, but the Jazz might still listen to massive offers after a disappointing season.
- Trae Young seems committed to Atlanta, but could still be moved if the right offer comes along.
Jonathan Kuminga Could Find a New Home with the Brooklyn Nets
Jonathan Kuminga was supposed to be the bridge between eras for the Warriors, but instead, he’s spent most of the time looking like a stranger inside his own locker room. Ever since he reportedly lost trust in Steve Kerr, his role has been shrinking, not growing. Despite being the third-best scorer on the team, he found himself watching more than playing, and with free agency looming, there’s little reason he would want to stay.
Brooklyn makes too much sense. The Nets have been tied to Kuminga for a while, according to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, and it fits perfectly because Brooklyn, with a brutal 26-56 record, is sitting on $60.7 million in cap space and holding four first-round picks next year. They’re rebuilding from scratch, and Kuminga would walk into a starring role, something he won’t get in Golden State, where $113 million will be going to Curry and Jimmy Butler alone.
The Warriors might try to match offers since Kuminga is a restricted free agent, but really, this relationship has been cooked for a while, and both sides know it.
Lauri Markkanen and the Jazz: A Marriage of Convenience… For Now
When a player signs a $196 million extension and says he loves being with the team, you usually think the story ends there. Not with Lauri Markkanen and not with the Utah Jazz. Markkanen told Sarah Todd from the Deseret News that signing showed his faith in Utah, and that he loves the guys around him. Jazz GM Justin Zanik practically said the same thing: that Lauri is central to their future, and they’re happy with the deal.
Still, this is the NBA, and love often meets losing. Utah went 17-65, the worst record in the league, and even when Markkanen played, the Jazz went a horrendous 9-38. His numbers dipped, too, down to 19.0 points and 5.9 rebounds, and even though he shot 34.6% from three, it didn’t move the needle enough.
Utah could trade for veterans with their stockpile of draft picks, but that would clash with what they have been trying to build, and if the offers for Markkanen get ridiculous, you can’t ignore them forever. Unless some team throws the kitchen sink, Markkanen stays. But love in the NBA always comes with conditions.
Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns: Divorce Seems Inevitable
If you’re waiting for some miracle coach to ride in and save the Phoenix Suns’ situation with Kevin Durant, stop waiting. Yes, Chris Haynes reported that if the Suns find a coach respected by players, Durant might stay. But even Haynes said it’s “very likely” Durant gets moved anyway.
The real problems in Phoenix aren’t coaching, it’s that they’re broken at every level. Bradley Beal’s contract has them stuck; they have no real point guard, they can’t defend, and they’re old. They were 21st in winning percentage and 23rd in net rating despite having Durant, Beal, and Booker together, and in the 667 minutes they shared, the Suns were actually getting outscored.
Durant, 36 years old and still chasing a title, knows this isn’t where he wants to spend the final years of his greatness. He’s got one year left at $54.7 million and wants one more big contract and one more real shot. Miami, Houston, Minnesota, San Antonio, and Dallas are all lurking. The Suns might not admit it out loud, but they know they have to trade him.
Zion Williamson and the Pelicans: The End of an Era?
When Joe Dumars walked into the Pelicans’ front office as their new Basketball Ops boss, he found a roster dripping with talent but dripping even faster with frustration, and Zion Williamson is at the heart of it. Zion, even with his jaw-dropping talent, has only managed to play an average of 36 games across six seasons.
It’s no surprise that Marc Stein and Jake Fischer are hearing about “organizational exasperation” behind the scenes. It’s understandable, too. You can’t build around a player who isn’t available, no matter how good he is when he’s healthy.
There’s another twist: if New Orleans wins the lottery and gets the right to draft Cooper Flagg from Duke, the chances of Zion being traded shoot through the roof.
The offers might not be as huge as some would expect because teams are scared of the injury risk, but there’s always someone out there willing to bet on the upside. If you’re in New Orleans, this summer feels like the best chance to hit reset.
Trae Young and the Hawks: Words are Nice but Reality is Heavy
Trae Young is saying the right things. He told Chris Haynes recently that he’s committed to Atlanta’s rebuild, that he wants to see it through. He even sounds genuine.
But after missing the playoffs again, after playing for four head coaches in five years, after seeing the front office get shaken up again with Landry Fields gone and a new President of Basketball Operations search underway—how long can that last?
The Hawks have pieces. Zaccharie Risacher was the No. 1 overall pick and looks legit. Dyson Daniels was a Defensive Player of the Year finalist. Jalen Johnson made a star leap before injury. Onyeka Okongwu held the starting center spot well. But good young pieces aren’t enough if the losses keep stacking up.
Trae can sign a four-year, $229 million max extension this summer. If he does, he buys himself time and leverage. He can always ask for a trade later when the situation feels unbearable. That might happen sooner than people think.
Atlanta Hawks Trade Targets: Building Around Young or Preparing for a Rebuild?
Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley laid out the three biggest options if the Hawks want to shake things up.
Benedict Mathurin from Indiana could be a trade target. He’s still young, improving, and fits the Hawks’ fast-paced style perfectly.
Jalen Green from Houston could also be a possibility, especially if the Rockets flame out early in the playoffs and decide to change things. Green is a walking highlight reel, though his decision-making and defense are still a work in progress.
If the Hawks trade Trae Young, they’d better grab every draft pick they can find.
