The NBA offseason rarely disappoints as the player empowerment era continues. A larger number of players depart via free agency or request trades from their current teams each year.
The summer of 2025 has the potential to be an extremely intriguing and entertaining offseason, as there are huge salary cap implications upcoming for the Boston Celtics and several stars such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, and Zion Williamson reported as either on the trading block or open to playing elsewhere.
As soon as the last game of the 2025 NBA Finals is played, all 30 teams will be granted the ability to trade — and madness will ensue.
A number of teams are over the second apron of the salary cap, placing a hard cap on their spending and making trades that much more difficult. But as we’ve seen in recent years, if teams want to make a trade happen, they’ll find a way to facilitate it, whether that means shipping a big contract out or including a third or even fourth team in the deal to distribute the money better.
Without further ado, here’s a list of one player each NBA team should target with the trade season just weeks away.
Atlanta Hawks
Isaiah Stewart, C, Detroit
With Onyeka Okongwu slated to step in as the starting center for the Hawks and Clint Capela likely headed out the door in free agency, there’s a vacancy at the backup center position. With the 2025 NBA Draft not heavy on centers who can contribute early, Stewart is someone Atlanta could target as an impact player who brings immediate toughness on the floor.
Also a career 34.5% three-point shooter, the burly 6’8″ center has the ability to play with other big men as well as roam on the perimeter with an underrated playmaking ability.
Boston Celtics
Kyle Filipowski, F, Utah
The Celtics are extremely limited in what they can receive in trades due to the amount of cap restrictions they’re set to face this summer. However, a player on a rookie contract like Filipowski is a possible addition if the Jazz are willing to part with him for value in return. The Duke alum averaged 9.6 points and 6.1 rebounds per game while hitting 35.0% of his shots from deep.
As a member of the Celtics, he could fit the role of being a stretch four that Al Horford and, in a bigger capacity, Kristaps Porziņģis have filled in recent seasons, while being a younger, cheaper option.
Brooklyn Nets
Zion Williamson, F, New Orleans
Entering a pivotal time for the Pelicans franchise, Williamson could potentially be on the trading block this summer. While his talent and skill are unquestioned (career averages of 24.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game), the obvious concern is injuries. The Nets are somewhat in limbo with few promising young players on the roster and finishing 12th in the Eastern Conference standings.
Trading for Williamson would immediately provide Brooklyn with a marketable star that would help drive revenue and interest as well as a building block for the future.
Charlotte Hornets
Nic Claxton, C, Brooklyn
Claxton’s future, along with other Nets players, is in question this summer. He’s largely plateaued during the past three seasons as a rim-running, rangy shot-blocking center — a player archetype that doesn’t have a ton of success on rebuilding teams without a primary creator.
The Hornets have exactly the type of pick-and-roll maestro that would serve best for Claxton in point guard LaMelo Ball. This would be completely reliant on Charlotte finding a trade partner for current center Mark Williams, who’s speed and athleticism aren’t in the same stratosphere as Claxton — a much better fit for this roster.
Chicago Bulls
Bennedict Mathurin, G, Indiana
A proven scorer (16.1 points on 45.8% shooting from the field) finishing his third season in the league, Mathurin has seen his minutes fluctuate in the 2025 playoffs. A plodding, dribble-creating slasher, his play style isn’t quite the best fit for the Pacers’ up-tempo system.
While the Bulls aren’t necessarily a slow team either, they could benefit from recouping a player who can get a bucket when needed, as that was a difficulty at times without Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan on the roster for the back half of last season.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Aaron Wiggins, G, Oklahoma City
With little flexibility to make moves this summer, the Cavaliers will only have opportunities to add around the edges of their roster. Meanwhile, Wiggins has turned himself into a solid reserve for the Thunder on both ends of the court, scoring 12.0 points and grabbing 3.9 rebounds per game in limited minutes.
Cleveland forward Isaac Okoro has a similar build but doesn’t bring anything to the table offensively; if the Cavs front office can woo Oklahoma City with draft compensation, they might be willing to part with Wiggins, who would fit right into Cleveland’s system.
Dallas Mavericks
Jaden Ivey, G, Detroit
It’s easy to forget that Ivey, the 2022 No. 5 overall pick, was absent during the whole Pistons run to the playoffs, as he was injured just 30 games into the season. Expected back for the 2025-26 season, he could be seen as expendable as he’s a player who needs the ball in his hands — something Cade Cunningham also needs and is quite well as a primary creator.
The Mavericks have a clear need at the guard position in the present and future, as Kyrie Irving is expected to miss most, if not all of next season. Ivey’s career averages of 16.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists would be welcomed in Dallas for a team looking to compete right now.
Denver Nuggets
Sam Hauser, F, Boston
Several large contracts have the Nuggets limited as far as what a trade would look like, but if Hauser is made available — as there’s a world where the Celtics could be dumping contracts left and right — he’d be a tremendous fit with Nikola Jokić. Last in three-point attempts and 28th in three-point makes last season, Denver needs to add more threats on the outside and Hauser’s 42% career three-point mark would be an excellent first step.
Detroit Pistons
Jerami Grant, F, Portland
A Piston for two seasons from 2020-2022 before being traded to the Trail Blazers, Grant should be a trade target they’d bring back as they enter a completely different phase of their rebuild. Their surprise run came without much offensive contribution and quality shooting from young wings Ron Holland II and Ausar Thompson — a spot Grant could help fill if the Pistons decide to go all-in to win with this roster.
Golden State Warriors
Giannis Antetokounmpo, F, Milwaukee
It’s been documented that Antetokounmpo and Stephen Curry have a good relationship, potentially sparking rumors of teaming up for the last years of Curry’s career. With both Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler III each 35 years old, the timeline makes sense for Golden State to sell out for a franchise-altering star.
They have assets that Milwaukee could want, namely young players such as Jonathan Kuminga — in a sign-and-trade — Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski and multiple first-round picks. If completed, it would immediately slingshot Golden State into title contention.
Houston Rockets
Robert Williams III, C, Portland
Williams has essentially spent the past two seasons for the Trail Blazers in street clothes, having suffered numerous injuries while the team has won a total of just 57 games. Still flashing his spark-plug defending and finishing abilities around the rim when he’s played, reuniting him with coach Ime Udoka would be a perfect fit for both sides.
The Rockets could benefit greatly from a shot-blocking center, as Alperen Sengun struggles in that area. Not needed to play big minutes in the regular-season, landing with the Rockets would be an excellent spot for Williams as the franchise looks poised to be a frequent playoff team.
Indiana Pacers
Jabari Smith Jr., F, Houston
Smith is the type of player that could fit on any team in the league due to his versatility and positional size — especially the space-and-pace Pacers who would treasure his defensive abilities and three-point shooting. It would be a hand-in-glove type of fit either in the starting lineup or off the bench.
It may take some maneuvering, as the Rockets may not want to get off the 2022 third-overall pick just yet, but Indiana does have several young pieces it could include as well as future draft picks.
Los Angeles Clippers
Jrue Holiday, G, Boston
One of the likeliest candidates to depart the Celtics via trade due to their cap situation, Holiday’s age is beginning to show, potentially bringing down his market. That would work perfectly for the Clippers, who don’t have an overload of assets to give.
Still a top-tier defender, Holiday would fit right in next to primary ball-handler James Harden while spacing the floor and slashing to the hoop offensively.
Los Angeles Lakers
Walker Kessler, C, Utah
Entering the offseason as easily the most center-needy team in the league, Kessler’s name was floated as a potential option for the Lakers at the trade deadline, but to no avail. The teams could explore trades this summer, as Kessler is the exact type of rangy, athletic center that Luka Doncic excels with in the pick-and-roll game.
He’s also in the conversation as one of the best shot blockers in the league, registering 2.4 blocks per game in his career alongside 11.1 points and 12.2 rebounds per game last season.
Memphis Grizzlies
Cameron Johnson, F, Brooklyn
Hearing his name floated in trade rumors for multiple years now, the chances of Johnson being traded is as high as ever this summer. Averaging 18.8 points while shooting 39.0% on threes, he’s a versatile player that could fit on nearly any team in the league.
Memphis had a disappointing season, getting swept in the first round. Though Johnson isn’t necessarily young (29 years old), he’d be a fresh face to a roster that hasn’t seen many changes in recent years and might need a reboot in order to push their star trio to levels they haven’t reached.
Miami Heat
Miles McBride, G, New York
The Terry Rozier addition at the 2024 trade deadline has been a dud so far, as he shot just 39.1% from the field last season and was linked to serious off-the-court issues and allegations that sparked a federal investigation. McBride has been a terrific scorer off the bench when he gets time, as coach Tom Thibodeau only played him 24.9 minutes per game during the 2024-25 season.
With Jalen Brunson the starter, it’s unlikely McBride would have a bigger role in New York — but in Miami, he’d potentially step in as the Day 1 starter alongside combo guard Tyler Herro, who takes care of a majority of the ball-handling responsibilities.
Milwaukee Bucks
Jalen Green, G, Houston
Entering an offseason clouded with major uncertainty about the future of the franchise, the Bucks should be trying to acquire as much young talent as possible. With Houston a potential trade candidate for Antetokounmpo, Green would be a key piece to receive back — especially with Damian Lillard expected to miss a majority of next season.
Green in Milwaukee makes sense short-term, as he’d handle some of the ball-handling responsibilities in Lillard’s absence, and long-term due to his potential of becoming a more prolific — and, more importantly, efficient — scorer with further development.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Payton Pritchard, G, Boston
Timberwolves starting point guard Mike Conley Jr. will be entering his 19th season if he decides to return next season. He’s already shown major signs of decline, signaling the need for a younger player at that position.
If Boston is willing to part ways with the 2025 Sixth Man of the Year Pritchard, Minnesota should be first in line to target him. A terrific shooter (14.3 points on 40.7% shooting from beyond the arc) and requisite playmaker (3.5 assists per game last season), he’d be an excellent fit as a ball-handler next to Anthony Edwards once Conley calls it a career.
New Orleans Pelicans
Lauri Markkanen, F, Utah
If the Pelicans decide to part ways with Williamson, Markkanen would be a solid side-step as he’s much more available on a night-to-night basis while also being a former All-Star despite not having the same superstar capabilities.
That should be okay for New Orleans, as they have a mismatch core of young and aging. Markkanen’s versatility would be key in this situation. Of course, this all depends the Jazz’s opinion on whether or not to trade the Finish forward.
New York Knicks
Cole Anthony, G, Orlando
Anthony’s time with the Magic seems to have run its course, as he averaged a career-low in points and minutes last season as defensive-minded second-year guard Anthony Black passed him up in the pecking order.
The Knicks have lacked pop off their bench outside of McBride in recent years and could be in the market for a player like Anthony. The talent is still there for the Magic guard, as he posted the second-highest three-point percentage of his career (35.3%). A fresh start would be best for Anthony, and New York could use his services.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Guerschon Yabusele, F, Philadelphia
Quietly, Yabusele had a tremendous redemption season for the 76ers after four years out of the league. He started 43 games and averaged 11.0 points and 5.6 rebounds while spacing the floor to the tune of 38.0% from deep. That was on a largely tanking team, making his fit a question with the regulars on Philadelphia’s roster.
For the Thunder, they should be continuing to search for physical players to pair with Chet Holmgren, who often gets pushed around and prefers to play on the perimeter. Starting center Isaiah Hartenstein is under contract for two more seasons but will likely price himself out of a return. Yabusele would be a cheap option moving forward if the 76ers can be enticed with the boatload of draft picks the Thunder hold.
Orlando Magic
Anfernee Simons, G, Portland
An Orlando native, this simply makes sense for both sides. Simons has proven himself as a terrific shot-maker (19.3 points per game last season) in his seven seasons with the Trail Blazers, but faces a potential crossroads as the franchise may look to move forward with Scoot Henderson at point guard.
Orlando desperately needs a player of Simons’ ilk at one of its guard positions. The Magic ranked dead last in scoring despite having two All-Star-caliber forwards in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Simons’s scoring and creativity would be put to use right away with the Magic.
Philadelphia 76ers
Bogdan Bogdanović, G, Los Angeles Clippers
Lacking scoring punch at the reserve guard position next season, even if a Kelly Oubre Jr. extension is worked out, it would be wise for Philadelphia to be aggressive in targeting Bogdanović. Traded to the Clippers at the trade deadline in February, the former Hawks guard struggled at times to find his role, averaging under 17 minutes a game in their first-round series.
If Los Angeles decides to shop him, his scoring (14.3 career points per game) and three-point shooting (career 38.2% shooter from deep) would fit right away as a complement to a star-studded roster that aims to contend in the Eastern Conference.
Phoenix Suns
Tari Eason, F, Houston
If Houston becomes a player in the Kevin Durant sweepstakes, Eason would be one of the leaders of the trade package coming back to the desert. He’s a tremendous defender, using his size (6’8″ with a 7’2″ wingspan) to disrupt the opposition, as evidenced by his team-leading 1.7 steals per game despite coming off the bench.
His offensive game has greatly improved in his three seasons in the league, giving slight hope of a Jimmy Butler, Kawhi Leonard-esque development on that end. Still raw, he scored 12.0 points and grabbed 6.4 rebounds per game last season while shooting 48.7% from the floor and 34.2% from three-point range.
Portland Trail Blazers
Jabari Smith Jr., F, Houston
Smith’s skills would be greatly appreciated on the Trail Blazers, who have a long-term view in mind while also appearing to gear up to win in the upcoming seasons. The Houston forward would directly help with that, as he’d provide great size (6’10”) next to center Donovan Clingan (7’2″), creating one of the top defensive front courts in the league.
Portland was bottom five in three-point shooting percentage, another aspect of Smith’s game that would be useful for the Blazers as they build a youthful roster.
Sacramento Kings
Payton Pritchard, G, Boston
After trading away point guards Tyrese Haliburton and De’Aaron Fox within the past three seasons, the Kings are left without a starting-caliber point guard. Pritchard started just three games for the Celtics last season but averaged 21.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 7.3 assists in those outings, inspiring belief that he could be a starter in Sacramento if the teams can work out a deal.
San Antonio Spurs
Kevin Durant, F, Phoenix
With the No. 2 and No. 14 overall picks in the upcoming draft, along with a number of young, promising players, the Spurs have a viable trade package they could present for the Suns. It’s been reported that Durant is almost assuredly set to be moved this summer after a turbulent 2024-25 season.
If San Antonio’s decision-makers decide to go all-in and bet on Victor Wembanyama being championship-ready right now, they have the assets to make this blockbuster move.
Toronto Raptors
Robert Williams III, C, Portland
Likely a target for multiple teams this summer, the Raptors have to fill their backup center position behind starter Jakob Poeltl. Williams’ athleticism would bring a different element to the roster, giving them a high-flying, lob-catching big man with high-level defensive capabilities that Poeltl simply doesn’t bring to the table.
Utah Jazz
Jrue Holiday, G, Boston
The Jazz reportedly considered trading for Holiday in 2023 before backing off. Now, in 2025, it’d be smart to broach his trade value, as Utah has a number of young players. Assuming they don’t trade away Markkanen in this instance, the Jazz would have two All-Star-caliber players surrounded by young talent.
In addition to his contributions on the court, Holiday would be a tremendous addition to the locker room and a big help for the development of the team’s talented yet raw guards.
Washington Wizards
Mark Williams, C, Charlotte
The Hornets revealed their hand of not having Williams in their long-term plans after the failed trade deadline deal with the Lakers, making it no surprise to see him potentially moved this summer.
MORE: 2025 NBA Mock Draft Following Shocking Lottery Results
The Wizards drafted the 7’0″ Alex Sarr with the second pick last year and need a physical presence down low to pair with him, as he’s more comfortable roaming on the perimeter. Williams is just that, as he averaged 15.2 points largely in the paint while bringing down 10.2 rebounds per game last season, potentially offsetting Sarr’s weaknesses.