The early weeks of the 2024-25 NBA season have brought to light several team needs, potentially positioning some franchises as sellers as the league adjusts. The Milwaukee Bucks have garnered significant attention with their underwhelming performance and the implications for key players such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Other teams, including the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic, remain in pursuit of offensive reinforcements, while the Los Angeles Lakers face critical decisions regarding specific players. Here are five trade scenarios that teams should consider as the season unfolds.
One proposed trade involves the Orlando Magic acquiring guard CJ McCollum from the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, center Goga Bitadze, and a second-round pick in 2025. Despite Caldwell-Pope's struggles, averaging only 7.1 points and shooting 22.4 percent from beyond the arc in the early season, the Magic could benefit from McCollum's scoring ability. The 33-year-old has been effective, averaging 18.8 points and displaying versatility in his shooting, potentially alleviating some of Orlando’s offensive deficiencies. By integrating McCollum alongside Jalen Suggs, the Magic may bolster their backcourt's effectiveness. Meanwhile, this trade would provide the Pelicans with defensive potential in Caldwell-Pope, alongside Bitadze as a short-term solution at center while their rookie develops.
Another noteworthy trade scenario has the Charlotte Hornets potentially acquiring center Deandre Ayton from the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for forward Josh Green, power forward Grant Williams, center Nick Richards, and a second-round pick in 2025. The Hornets’ playoff aspirations hinge on improving their center position, which has been hindered by injuries. Ayton, still in his prime at 26, offers double-double potential and can become an essential offensive asset next to LaMelo Ball. The Blazers, with their focus on rebuilding, would benefit from adding younger players like Green, Williams, and Richards while also securing a draft asset for their future.
The Miami Heat might explore acquiring point guard Trae Young and forward/center Larry Nance Jr. from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for guard Tyler Herro, forward Kel'el Ware, forward Duncan Robinson, and a first-round pick in 2029. Despite a sluggish start to the season, the Heat are seeking to enhance their offensive firepower. Young’s elite scoring and playmaking abilities could invigorate Miami's lineup alongside established stars like Jimmy Butler. For the Hawks, bringing in Herro, who has demonstrated impressive stats early in the season, would further complement their rising young core, including Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson.
The Milwaukee Bucks could also consider acquiring forward Jerami Grant from the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for forward Khris Middleton and a first-round pick in 2031. Adding Grant to the Bucks’ roster could optimize the balance around their superstar duo of Antetokounmpo and Lillard, given his scoring proficiency and defensive skills. For the Blazers, the opportunity to secure a credible veteran in Middleton, alongside a valuable draft pick, aligns with their rebuilding strategy as they identify their long-term core.
Lastly, a blockbuster trade scenario sees the Los Angeles Lakers potentially trading for point guard Damian Lillard from the Milwaukee Bucks, offering guard Austin Reaves, forward Rui Hachimura, point guard D'Angelo Russell, and a first-round pick in 2029. Given Lillard's underwhelming tenure in Milwaukee thus far, a move to Los Angeles could create an enviable trio alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Meanwhile, Milwaukee would strengthen their roster depth with key contributions from Reaves, Hachimura, and Russell as they aim to maximize their championship potential in the near future.
