NBA Trade Landscape: Key Teams to Watch Ahead of the 2024-2025 Season

As the NBA gears up for the 2024-2025 season, the trade landscape is already buzzing with speculation and potential moves. With the February 5 trade deadline looming just four months away, teams are strategizing to position themselves for success. This article delves into the current state of the league, focusing on 14 teams that are likely to be active in trade discussions, while also providing context and historical insights into their situations.

The Golden State Warriors: A Championship Window in Jeopardy

The Golden State Warriors find themselves at a critical juncture as they aim to extend their championship window, particularly with 37-year-old Stephen Curry leading the charge. The Warriors have a unique opportunity to leverage their first-round draft capital, which allows them to trade up to four first-round picks over the next seven years. However, the financial landscape complicates matters.

Curry, along with fellow stars Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler, consumes over 75% of the team’s salary cap. This leaves the Warriors with limited flexibility to make impactful trades. The recent signing of Jonathan Kuminga, who opted not to accept an $8 million qualifying offer, has transformed into a $22.5 million trade asset. However, the Warriors are now hard-capped at the second apron, limiting their ability to take back salary in trades.

Boston Celtics: Balancing Short-Term Gains with Long-Term Vision

The Boston Celtics have successfully navigated the offseason by trading away key players like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, allowing them to get under the second apron and save approximately $300 million. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Jayson Tatum‘s recovery from a torn Achilles, Celtics President Brad Stevens has made it clear that rebuilding is not on the agenda.

With All-Stars Jaylen Brown and Derrick White still under contract through at least the 2028-29 season, the Celtics are poised for both immediate and future success. The acquisition of Anfernee Simons, who has a $27.7 million expiring contract, could play a pivotal role in shaping the team’s future.

Los Angeles Lakers: Navigating Two Timelines

The Los Angeles Lakers epitomize the dual-timeline approach, balancing the present with LeBron James and the future centered around Luka Doncic. As James enters the final year of his contract, the Lakers face the challenge of building a competitive roster while also planning for the future.

With several key players, including Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves, set to become free agents next summer, the Lakers have over $50 million in expiring contracts. This financial flexibility could allow them to make significant moves, but the question remains: can they afford to wait until next summer with James still on the roster?

Milwaukee Bucks: The Giannis Dilemma

The Milwaukee Bucks are in a precarious position as they attempt to build a championship-caliber team around Giannis Antetokounmpo. General Manager Jon Horst has made several moves, including trading for Kyle Kuzma and signing Myles Turner, but the roster turnover has raised questions about Antetokounmpo’s long-term commitment to the franchise.

Antetokounmpo has expressed his desire to compete for championships, and if the Bucks struggle early in the season, speculation about his future will likely resurface. With only four players eligible for trade, the Bucks will have to wait until mid-December to make any significant roster changes.

Houston Rockets: A Team in Transition

The Houston Rockets are poised to be active in trade discussions, especially following the season-ending injury to Fred VanVleet. Despite having appealing draft assets, the Rockets face restrictions due to first-apron limitations and a lack of tradeable contracts.

With several new signings, including Steven Adams and Dorian Finney-Smith, the Rockets are currently unable to make trades until mid-December. However, they still have a core of promising players, including Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun, who could be pivotal in their future plans.

New York Knicks: Small Moves on the Horizon

The New York Knicks are expected to make a trade this October, but it is likely to be on a smaller scale compared to last season’s blockbuster involving Karl-Anthony Towns. With a strengthened bench and hard-capped at the second apron, the Knicks may need to trade draft picks to retain veterans like Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet.

Despite being over the first apron, the Knicks have the flexibility to include cash in trades and possess multiple second-round picks. However, their top-heavy salary structure, with five players accounting for 70% of the cap, complicates their trade options.

Denver Nuggets: A New Era Under Ben Tenzer

The Denver Nuggets are entering a new era with Ben Tenzer at the helm of basketball operations. After trading Michael Porter Jr. for Cameron Johnson, the Nuggets have made strides to improve their roster depth.

While their draft assets are limited, the Nuggets are not hard-capped and have a balanced salary structure, allowing them to explore trade opportunities. The key question remains whether ownership is willing to enter the luxury tax for a fourth consecutive season.

New Orleans Pelicans: A Season of Evaluation

The New Orleans Pelicans are in a unique position as they evaluate their roster under new leadership. President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars has made aggressive moves, including trading away a favorable first-round pick, but has set realistic expectations for the season.

With Zion Williamson’s injury history casting a shadow over the franchise, the Pelicans are focused on building a competitive team while assessing their long-term strategy. Williamson’s contract, which has three years remaining, adds another layer of complexity to their plans.

Phoenix Suns: Organizational Reset

The Phoenix Suns are undergoing an organizational reset under new GM Brian Gregory. With limited draft assets, the Suns are allowed to aggregate contracts for the first time, providing them with more flexibility in trade discussions.

The departure of high-salary players like Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal has opened up financial space, allowing the Suns to focus on building a more balanced roster. However, the challenge remains in finding the right pieces to complement Devin Booker.

Sacramento Kings: An Evaluation Period

The Sacramento Kings are entering a period of evaluation under new GM Scott Perry. With a mix of returning players and new signings, the Kings are assessing how their roster fits together, particularly the pairing of Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan.

As the trade deadline approaches, the Kings will need to determine whether their current roster can compete or if changes are necessary. The performance of key players like Malik Monk will be crucial in shaping their decisions.

Toronto Raptors: A New Leadership Dynamic

The Toronto Raptors are navigating a transition with Bobby Webster taking over from Masai Ujiri. With a history of playoff struggles, the Raptors are looking to reshape their roster while remaining financially flexible.

Webster has indicated that significant changes are likely, but the timeline for those changes remains uncertain. The Raptors’ recent trades and player performances will be closely monitored as they seek to return to playoff contention.

Dallas Mavericks: The Wild Card

The Dallas Mavericks continue to be a wild card in the trade landscape, with GM Nico Harrison known for his willingness to make bold moves. The Mavericks have the contracts and draft picks to facilitate trades, but their recent history of transactions makes them unpredictable.

As the season unfolds, the Mavericks will be a team to watch, especially if they seek to make a significant trade to bolster their roster.

Philadelphia 76ers: Health and Trade Discussions

The Philadelphia 76ers’ trade activity will largely depend on the health of key players like Joel Embiid and Paul George. If the team struggles, they may consider cutting costs and making moves to reshape their roster.

With several expiring contracts, the 76ers have the potential for flexibility, but their top-heavy salary structure poses challenges. The upcoming season will be pivotal in determining their direction.

Brooklyn Nets: Cap Space Opportunities

The Brooklyn Nets have emerged as a team with significant cap space, allowing them to be active in trade discussions. Despite recent trades that have reduced their flexibility, the Nets still have room to maneuver.

As the season approaches, the Nets will need to ensure they meet minimum salary requirements while exploring opportunities to strengthen their roster.

Conclusion

As the NBA season approaches, the trade landscape is rife with possibilities. Teams like the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers are navigating complex financial situations while aiming for success. Meanwhile, franchises like the Milwaukee Bucks and Houston Rockets are grappling with roster changes and player commitments. The upcoming months will be crucial as teams assess their strategies and make moves to position themselves for the future. With the trade deadline on the horizon, the excitement and uncertainty of the NBA season are just beginning.