NBA Stars in Desperate Need of a Change: Why Trades Could be the Key for Success

In the NBA, sometimes the only way for a team to progress is by making difficult decisions—specifically, addition by subtraction. Although having a talented star player can seem like the recipe for success, it’s not always enough to translate to championships. Various factors—ranging from mismatched timelines to poor roster fit—can turn a promising partnership sour. In many instances, the player, the team, or both may benefit from parting ways. This season, several NBA stars find themselves in situations where a trade could be mutually beneficial. Here are four key players who need a change of scenery for the betterment of their careers or their respective teams.

1. Trae Young: Atlanta Hawks

Trae Young’s rapid ascent in 2021 led the Atlanta Hawks to an unexpected trip to the Eastern Conference Finals, cementing his status as one of the NBA’s premier young talents. However, the following seasons have been less promising. The Hawks’ front office miscalculated their approach by trying to accelerate their success, making moves that haven’t panned out. The addition of Dejounte Murray, although a solid player in his own right, proved to be an awkward fit alongside Young. Atlanta’s failures to progress beyond the play-in tournament over the past three seasons culminated in them trading Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans this past summer.

Additionally, the Hawks made a surprising splash in the NBA Draft by selecting Zachary Racee with the number one overall pick. Typically, such a move signals a shift towards rebuilding, but Atlanta didn’t fully commit to that path. As a result, they’ve positioned themselves for yet another mediocre season, leaving Young stuck in a stagnant situation during the prime of his career. Although his defensive limitations are well-documented, Young’s offensive prowess as a playmaker and three-level scorer with deep range is undeniable.

Several playoff-contending teams could use an elite playmaker like Young to boost their offensive firepower. If the Hawks stumble out of the gate, don’t be surprised if trade rumors surrounding Trae Young start to gain steam. Young deserves a shot at contending, and Atlanta may soon realize that moving him could be the best option for both parties.

2. Jimmy Butler: Miami Heat

Jimmy Butler has been the heart and soul of the Miami Heat since his arrival, leading them to three Conference Finals appearances and two trips to the NBA Finals. But despite Butler’s all-time great playoff performances, the Heat’s front office has struggled to build a consistent contender around him. At 35 years old, Butler’s prime years are limited, and the Heat’s inactivity in recent offseasons raises questions about their long-term strategy.

This past summer was a prime example of Miami’s reluctance to make bold moves. The Heat were frontrunners to land superstar Damian Lillard, but ultimately lost out to the Milwaukee Bucks after playing hardball in trade negotiations. Instead, Miami’s biggest acquisition was veteran guard Alec Burks, a solid player but not the game-changer Butler needs alongside him. Adding to the confusion, the Heat acquired Terry Rozier last season—a move that didn’t mesh well with Tyler Herro’s role on the team.

With the Heat seemingly content with a core that looks destined for a play-in tournament appearance or a low-seeded playoff berth, Butler’s patience may be wearing thin. Reports have already surfaced about tension between Butler and Heat president Pat Riley, and Butler’s frustrations could boil over if the team starts the season poorly. Given Butler’s history of demanding trades when dissatisfied, a split between him and the Heat could be imminent. At this stage in his career, Butler deserves to compete for a title, and if Miami can’t provide that, both sides may need to consider a trade.

3. Brandon Ingram: New Orleans Pelicans

Brandon Ingram’s time with the New Orleans Pelicans has been marked by flashes of brilliance and frustrating inconsistency. Last season, Ingram struggled, posting his worst statistical season since joining the Pelicans. His poor performance in their first-round playoff exit only added to the uncertainty surrounding his future with the team. Complicating matters, Ingram is entering the final year of his contract, and there were no significant extension discussions during the offseason.

The Pelicans have committed large portions of their salary cap to Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and recent acquisition Dejounte Murray. With emerging two-way wing Trey Murphy due for a contract extension next summer, it’s becoming clear that Ingram may not be part of the Pelicans’ long-term plans. The Pelicans are now faced with a difficult decision: either trade Ingram soon or risk losing him in free agency for no return.

Despite his recent struggles, Ingram remains a talented player with All-Star potential. He’s still young enough to bounce back, but New Orleans may struggle to get the value they want in return due to his injury history and the fact that he’s on an expiring contract. Nonetheless, scoring wings are always in high demand, especially as the trade deadline approaches. A move could benefit both Ingram and the Pelicans, as it would allow the team to secure assets for the future while giving Ingram a fresh start.

4. Zach LaVine: Chicago Bulls

Zach LaVine’s situation in Chicago mirrors Brandon Ingram’s in several ways. Both players are coming off disappointing seasons, dealing with injuries, and finding themselves in less-than-ideal fits on teams that need to embrace a rebuild. For the Bulls, trading DeMar DeRozan this offseason signaled an acknowledgment that their current core isn’t working, but surprisingly, LaVine remains on the roster.

LaVine’s value as a trade asset is complicated by several factors. First, his production last season was underwhelming, with his scoring dipping below 20 points per game for the first time since 2018. Second, injuries have plagued him in recent years, casting doubt on his durability. Finally, LaVine has three years remaining on his current contract, worth $137 million. Teams are hesitant to take on such a large deal for a player whose best days may be behind him.

Still, LaVine has the potential to bounce back if he can stay healthy. His ability as a dynamic three-level scorer makes him an attractive option for teams in need of a scoring boost as the season progresses. The Bulls are a team that should fully embrace rebuilding, and trading LaVine could kickstart that process by bringing in young talent and draft assets.

Conclusion

In the NBA, sometimes tough decisions need to be made for the betterment of both the player and the team. Trae Young, Jimmy Butler, Brandon Ingram, and Zach LaVine all find themselves in situations where a trade could provide a fresh start and an opportunity to compete for success. Whether it’s mismatched timelines, poor roster fit, or impending free agency, these players—and their respective teams—may need to make a move sooner rather than later. As the season unfolds, don’t be surprised if trade rumors involving these stars heat up, with each potentially seeking greener pastures in pursuit of a championship.