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 Williamson is back in form, and NBA teams want him, but his injury history and $197 million contract make a trade risky.
- The Lakers want OG Anunoby, and the Timberwolves are chasing Kevin Durant, but both deals face big contract and player value issues.
- Jimmy Butler has turned the Warriors into serious contenders, with a 13-1 record since the trade showing they are all-in to win now.
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.”
