The NBA offseason is officially in motion. While all eyes are on draft night and free agency, there’s another storyline heating up, and that is the trade market. With teams looking to retool their rosters and free up cap space ahead of stricter luxury tax penalties, several high-profile veterans are quietly being shopped.
Some of them could be on the move sooner than expected. A new report from a trusted NBA insider lays out the names to watch over the next few weeks, with several factors driving increased activity this summer.
Jake Fischer Reveals 8 Veterans Who Could Be Traded Soon
According to Jake Fischer of “The People’s Insider,” a number of notable veterans are being monitored closely around the league as potential trade pieces this summer. The timing isn’t coincidental, as teams face new financial pressures and roster construction challenges.
“Among the veterans currently being monitored leaguewide for potential inclusion in trades this offseason: Miami’s Andrew Wiggins, Toronto’s RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, Utah’s Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson in addition to Collins, Washington’s Marcus Smart, and Milwaukee’s Pat Connaughton,” Fischer wrote on Marc Stein And The People’s Insider substack.
Let’s break down what’s driving their trade buzz.
Andrew Wiggins
Wiggins was recently made available in trade talks, especially after Kevin Durant’s blockbuster move to the Houston Rockets forced the Miami Heat to reshape their plans.
Wiggins could be “available in trade talks and would be willing to part with the 20th pick in the NBA Draft for an upgrade alongside Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo.”
The former No. 1 pick showed flashes in Miami, including a 42-point explosion against Charlotte, but struggled with consistency and injuries throughout his brief tenure with the Heat.
RJ Barrett
Barrett’s contract makes him tough to move as he’s owed $57.32 million over the next two seasons, but he remains on the radar after a career year. He was traded to Toronto in 2023-24 in the deal that sent OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Raptors are looking for favorable trade opportunities involving Barrett to revamp their roster.
REPORT: The Raptors are shopping RJ Barrett, per @MikeAScotto
(h/t @esidery) pic.twitter.com/3be6duXnXn
– Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 23, 2025
The Toronto native averaged career-highs of 21.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists this past season, proving his development since leaving New York.
Immanuel Quickley
Quickley has the shooting range and scoring ability to draw interest, including from the New York Knicks, who reportedly want to bring him back. However, his four-year, $162.5 million deal makes things tricky for most suitors.
His development as a primary playmaker in Toronto has been impressive, but the Raptors may need to move salary to avoid luxury tax issues.
Collin Sexton
Both Sexton and teammate Jordan Clarkson are drawing trade interest. The Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks are reportedly keeping tabs on Sexton, who averaged 18.4 points this season. His consistent scoring has made him an attractive target for teams needing backcourt production.
Jordan Clarkson
Clarkson is on an expiring $14.2 million deal and averaged 16.2 points in limited action (37 games played in 2024-25 season due to plantar fasciitis). But as NBA insider Andy Larsen told James Hansen, “Jordan Clarkson is, frankly, just going to be a hard one to find a spot for.” His injury history and expiring status create a complex market for the veteran scorer.
John Collins
Collins’ name popped up in rumors linking him to the Lakers, but NBA insider Jake Fischer recently shut that down. Still, Fischer said, “Utah is open to trading Collins this offseason.” His future could hinge on what happens after the 2025 NBA Draft. Collins has until Thursday to decide on his $26.6 million player option, adding urgency to Utah’s planning.
Marcus Smart
Smart’s name is on the list, too, as Washington continues to reshuffle their roster. A defensive specialist with playoff pedigree, Smart could be an intriguing add for a contender needing veteran leadership and defensive intensity. His championship experience with Boston makes him particularly valuable for teams with title aspirations.
Pat Connaughton
Connaughton picked up his $9.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season as per ESPN, but his role has shrunk significantly. He played just 14.7 minutes per game across 41 appearances this season. The Milwaukee Bucks could look to offload him for salary flexibility as they navigate luxury tax concerns.
With the 2025 NBA Draft just days away and free agency on the horizon, the trade dominoes are lining up and these veterans might be among the first to fall. The combination of new tax restrictions and competitive pressures has created a unique marketplace where proven veterans could change teams quickly.
