NBA Trade Rumors: Five Star Players Who Could Be Dealt Before the Season Begins

As the NBA offseason progresses, trade speculation surrounding several star players continues to swirl. With the draft and free agency frenzy now behind us, it might seem like things are calming down on the surface. However, many moves are still being considered behind the scenes, and some top-tier players could be on the move before the new season kicks off. Here are five star players whose futures remain uncertain, and why a change of scenery could benefit both them and their teams.

1. Brandon Ingram – New Orleans Pelicans

Despite initial expectations that he would be traded early in the offseason, Brandon Ingram remains with the New Orleans Pelicans. Entering the final year of his contract, the 26-year-old forward is reportedly struggling to reach a new deal with the team. Ingram’s trade value, however, is a complex issue. After a season plagued by injuries and an underwhelming playoff performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder, his stock has dropped compared to previous years.

Nevertheless, Ingram remains a highly capable scorer, averaging between 21 and 25 points per game over the past few seasons. Teams in need of a reliable shot creator may be willing to overlook his recent dip in form, especially as the season nears and teams begin to assess their offensive needs. If the Pelicans don’t see Ingram as part of their long-term plans, trading him now could allow them to maximize his market value and avoid the risk of losing him for nothing in free agency.

2. Lauri Markkanen – Utah Jazz

Lauri Markkanen has revitalized his career since joining the Utah Jazz, and he’s now one of the hottest names on the trade market. The 27-year-old power forward has emerged as a versatile scorer, averaging between 23 and 25 points per game and shooting around 40% from beyond the arc. Despite his success, Utah is still in a rebuilding phase, focused on developing young talent and accumulating draft capital.

While Markkanen could help the Jazz compete in the short term, he may not align with their long-term plans. Utah’s reluctance to trade him might be related to his expiring contract, as acquiring teams would want to ensure that Markkanen is interested in signing an extension. With the Jazz eyeing a strong 2024 draft class, they might be more inclined to part with their star forward to position themselves better in the race for top prospects like Cooper Flagg or Ace Bailey.

3. Darius Garland – Cleveland Cavaliers

Darius Garland’s future with the Cleveland Cavaliers is uncertain after the team secured Donovan Mitchell on a long-term contract extension. While Garland and Mitchell form an explosive backcourt duo, their on-court fit has been less than ideal. Both players excel when they can handle the ball and orchestrate the offense, but sharing these responsibilities has caused Garland’s production to dip.

The Cavaliers may look to surround Mitchell with players who complement his playing style better, making Garland a prime candidate for a trade. At 24 years old, Garland still has significant upside as a dynamic playmaker, and several teams would benefit from acquiring a player of his caliber. By dealing Garland, Cleveland could strengthen their roster with pieces that are better suited to maximize Mitchell’s impact.

4. Trae Young – Atlanta Hawks

After acquiring Dejounte Murray, the Atlanta Hawks were rumored to be considering offers for both Murray and Trae Young. While the Hawks were quick to complete a deal for Murray, Young’s situation remains unresolved. The decision to trade Young would signal a major shift in Atlanta’s direction, likely toward a full rebuild.

Young is among the league’s top playmakers, consistently ranking high in assists and points per game. Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando Magic, both of which could use a primary facilitator, might consider Young a valuable addition to their rosters. Although trading Young would be a bold move, it could provide the Hawks with the assets they need to kick-start a rebuild or retool their roster to be more balanced and defensively sound.

5. Zach LaVine – Chicago Bulls

Zach LaVine’s inclusion on this list may not come as a surprise, given his diminishing value over the past year. The Chicago Bulls have reportedly expressed willingness to attach a draft pick to a LaVine trade to entice suitors, suggesting a strong desire to move on from their star guard. Although LaVine’s production has waned, he has been a consistent scorer, averaging at least 24 points per game for multiple seasons before this past year’s injury-shortened campaign.

Now 29 and returning from surgery, LaVine could be a valuable “buy-low” option for a team seeking an offensive boost. Despite his recent struggles, LaVine’s scoring ability remains a significant asset, and a team willing to take on his contract could benefit from a bounce-back season. The Bulls’ willingness to sweeten the deal with draft capital could make LaVine a more attractive option for teams looking to compete in the short term.

Conclusion

While the offseason may appear to be slowing down, there is still plenty of activity happening behind closed doors. These five players could all be traded before the season begins, depending on how their respective teams decide to approach the upcoming campaign. For some, a fresh start could provide an opportunity to return to form, while others might find themselves on teams that better align with their aspirations. As the NBA landscape continues to evolve, the fates of these star players remain an intriguing subplot in the lead-up to the new season.

4o