The NBA offseason is officially here, and while the Finals wrap up, the league’s front offices are already deep in conversation, plotting moves that could reshape rosters well before free agency kicks off. The buzz is louder than ever, fueled by major storylines like the recent Lakers sale and the uncertain futures of superstars like Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Adding to the intrigue, the first major domino of the offseason has already fallen: the Orlando Magic’s acquisition of Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies for a significant package including Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and a haul of unprotected first-round picks. This real trade sets the stage for potential subsequent moves.
With the NBA Draft just days away, whispers of potential trades are intensifying. Our league insiders have explored five hypothetical trade scenarios, involving ten different teams, that possess the power to dramatically shake up the first round order before the first pick is even announced.
Here are five potential blockbusters to watch for:
1. Memphis Continues Remake, Adds Proven Scorer
Following the trade that sent Desmond Bane to Orlando, the Memphis Grizzlies have acquired assets, including the No. 16 pick and multiple future first-rounders. This proposed trade sees Memphis potentially redirecting some of that newly acquired draft capital and a player to add a scoring forward in Brooklyn.
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, F John Konchar, No. 16 pick, 2028 first-round pick (via Orlando), 2030 first-round swap (for the worse of Memphis and Orlando)
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: F Cameron Johnson, No. 27 pick
This deal could be seen as ‘Part 2’ of the Bane transaction for Memphis. By flipping Caldwell-Pope and multiple future picks acquired from Orlando to the Nets for Cameron Johnson, the Grizzlies would gain a high-level perimeter shooter capable of helping replace the offense lost in the Bane trade. While Johnson is older than Bane and doesn’t offer the same playmaking, his career 39% 3-point shooting provides crucial floor spacing. His size could also offer lineup flexibility alongside players like Jaylen Wells and Jaren Jackson Jr.
Financially, including John Konchar helps Memphis create significant cap space, potentially allowing them to renegotiate Jaren Jackson Jr.’s contract and pursue an extension. For the Nets, who are focused on rebuilding, this trade offers a valuable collection of draft assets – moving up from No. 27 to No. 16 in the current draft, gaining a 2028 first, and securing a potential 2030 swap – for a veteran who doesn’t align with their timeline.
2. Bulls Land Scoring Wing, Raptors Gain Giannis Flexibility?
The Chicago Bulls have reportedly faced challenges with asset management in recent years, including their trade involving Zach LaVine, and could be looking for ways to boost their offense. Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors have reportedly been exploring significant moves to acquire a “big fish,” with Giannis Antetokounmpo mentioned as a potential target. This trade could address both teams’ needs.
Chicago Bulls Receive: G RJ Barrett
Toronto Raptors Receive: F Patrick Williams, G Jevon Carter, No. 12 pick
For the Bulls, acquiring RJ Barrett, a 25-year-old wing who has averaged over 20 points per game, would provide a significant boost to their offense, which ranked 20th in the league. This would also allow them to move on from Patrick Williams, the former No. 4 overall pick whose offensive development has stalled after signing a substantial deal.
The Raptors, known for developing rangy wings, could see potential in working with the younger Williams (still just 23). More importantly, moving Barrett’s larger salary for Williams’ smaller one, combined with receiving the No. 12 pick, offers Toronto increased financial flexibility. This newfound flexibility is crucial as they look to build around players like Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley, and potentially position themselves to be players for a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo, should he become available. Draft analysts suggest a player like combo guard Jase Richardson could be available for the Raptors at No. 12 in this scenario.
3. Lakers Prioritize Center (Again), Nets Stockpile Picks
The Los Angeles Lakers made a major move at the trade deadline, acquiring Luka Dončić in a blockbuster that saw them part with Anthony Davis and future draft capital. While the Dončić acquisition positions them for future success, particularly targeting the potentially star-studded 2026 free agency class, it also left them with a clear need for a starting center. This proposed trade sees them attempting to address that need using a familiar asset package.
Brooklyn Nets Receive: No. 11 pick (via Portland Trail Blazers), 2031 unprotected first-round pick (via Los Angeles)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: No. 8 pick (via Brooklyn Nets), No. 36 pick (via Brooklyn Nets)
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G Dalton Knecht, 2027 top-4 protected first-round pick (via New York Knicks)
Lakers President Rob Pelinka has publicly stated that acquiring frontcourt size is a top priority this offseason. This trade mirrors the asset package (Dalton Knecht and an unprotected 2031 first) the Lakers reportedly offered for Mark Williams before the trade deadline – a move that was criticized at the time due to Williams’ injury history and defensive stats, but highlighted the Lakers’ willingness to use their few available future assets.
By moving up from No. 11 to No. 8 (or potentially higher via another move), the Lakers could target a center prospect like Duke’s Khaman Maluach, who has been projected in that range by some mocks (though others see him available slightly later, like at pick #7). Maluach would provide a much-needed rim protector and lob threat alongside Dončić, filling a void exposed in their previous playoff run. This type of move aligns with the Lakers’ reported strategy post-Dončić trade: use their limited draft capital (primarily the 2031 pick is available for trades) to acquire players on rookie deals without taking back significant salary beyond 2025-26, thus preserving maximum cap space for the potentially star-laden 2026 offseason.
For the Nets, moving down slightly from No. 8 to No. 11 is offset by acquiring a highly valuable, unprotected future first-round pick from Los Angeles, adding to their already extensive collection of future draft assets. The Blazers, who have previously acquired players like Deni Avdija and future picks for lottery selections, gain a scoring wing prospect in Dalton Knecht and a future pick from the Knicks.
4. Bucks Seek Youth, Thunder Push Assets Further Out
The Milwaukee Bucks are looking to add youth and talent to their aging core as they aim to compete while navigating the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has reportedly expressed openness to exploring options outside Milwaukee. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder boast one of the league’s deepest rosters and an abundance of future draft picks, facing a potential roster crunch.
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: No. 15 pick, No. 24 pick
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: 2031 first-round pick (top-1 protected)
The Thunder are in an enviable position, with a young, successful core and a war chest of draft assets. They could choose to draft-and-stash players or bundle picks to move up, but trading present draft capital for future picks also aligns with their strategy of maintaining asset flexibility. Given their current depth, adding two more rookies via picks #15 and #24 would be challenging. Instead, pushing one of their future picks farther out to 2031 gives them an asset to use when their current young stars are on larger contracts and cap space becomes tighter. Analysts project players like forward Noa Essengue (15) and forward Will Riley (24) could be targets for a team like the Thunder looking for high-upside swings in this range.
For the Bucks, who lack their own 2025 first-round pick, acquiring picks No. 15 and No. 24 provides a crucial opportunity for a much-needed infusion of young talent. These selections allow Milwaukee to add prospects who can potentially contribute sooner than later or develop into core pieces for a future built around, or potentially beyond, Giannis Antetokounmpo in his later years.
5. Guard Swap in the West: Rockets Add Scoring, Kings Add Defense/PG
The Houston Rockets finished strong last season but lacked reliable isolation scoring, a weakness highlighted in their first-round playoff exit. The Sacramento Kings have recently undergone significant backcourt changes, acquiring Zach LaVine and Malik Monk, and are reportedly looking to address defense and the point guard position. This trade offers a potential solution for both.
Houston Rockets Receive: F DeMar DeRozan
- Sacramento Kings Receive: F Dillon Brooks, No. 10 pick
- www.foxsports.com
- www.nytimes.com
- www.on3.com
- www.nytimes.com
- sports.yahoo.com
The Rockets were a strong defensive team last season, but relied heavily on Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun for offense. Adding DeMar DeRozan, a perennial 20-point scorer and one of the league’s best isolation players, would provide a significant lift to their half-court offense. His ability to create shots off the dribble would ease the burden on their young stars, while defensive wings like Amen Thompson and Tari Eason could help mitigate the loss of Dillon Brooks’ defense.
For the Kings, who now have scoring punch from LaVine and Monk, the addition of Dillon Brooks would provide a much-needed boost to their perimeter defense. Moving DeRozan’s salary for Brooks’ smaller contract also offers some financial flexibility. Crucially, the Kings would receive the No. 10 pick. With point guard being a reported need after trading away De’Aaron Fox as part of the LaVine acquisition, the No. 10 pick could allow them to target a lead guard prospect. Mock drafts suggest players like Kasparas Jakučionis could be available at this selection, offering Sacramento a potential point guard of the future.
These five hypothetical trades represent just a fraction of the possibilities being discussed behind the scenes. With the NBA Draft approaching and the offseason in full swing, expect plenty more rumors and potentially groundbreaking deals to materialize, shaking up the first round and setting the stage for a dynamic summer.
