With the NBA Finals in the rearview, the NBA offseason has officially started. And reports from insiders have suggested this could be one of the most active in years, and right away. We already saw a big trade that sent Grizzlies star Desmond Bane to the Magic. And league legend Kevin Durant was shipped off to Houston over the weekend.
With all of that in mind, let’s look at 10 big-name NBA veterans who could be playing elsewhere next season.
Julius Randle
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Credit: USA Today Sports
After a very sluggish start, the second half and playoffs showed just how good a player three-time All-Star Julius Randle can be. The 11-year NBA veteran can opt out of the over $30 million he is owed next season and test his value in NBA free agency. The team moving him in a summer trade also seems possible. At this point, the odds of Randle staying in Minnesota are not as good as they were a few weeks ago.
Karl-Anthony Towns
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Credit: USA Today Sports
Karl-Anthony Towns played great during his first season with the Knicks. But for a franchise that hasn’t won an NBA title since the 70s, they are desperate to find the missing piece(s) to a championship team. KAT’s defensive deficiencies were a problem throughout the season. With big NBA trades needing the money to match, the five-time All-Star being at the center of a big summer deal is highly likely.
Austin Reaves
austin reaves
Credit: USA Today Sports
The Lakers being ousted from the playoffs in the quarterfinals showed they are far from being a serious title contender despite having Luka Doncic and LeBron James on the roster. They have solid trade assets, but being willing to finally add Austin Reaves would give them a chance to make a big move. His value is as high as ever after last season. Which means he could be used for a major front-court return to combine with Doncic for the next few seasons.
LaMelo Ball
lamelo ball
Credit: USA Today Sports
Hornets star LaMelo Ball is a very talented player with an All-Star appearance on his resume. However, after five seasons in the league, many feel he is injury-prone and doesn’t make teammates better. Furthermore, Charlotte wouldn’t be against moving the money left on his five-year, $203 million deal. While there are big red flags about his game, his potential to be a perennial All-Star will attract teams around the league.
DeMar DeRozan
demar derozan
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The Kings seem to be in a major shift period after firing their head coach and general manager during the season. They also made a huge change to the roster when they moved De’Aaron Fox in February. DeMar DeRozan could be next. After getting Zach LaVine in the Fox trade, DeRozan is expendable. He still has strong value around the league. Sacramento would like to make the most of it and replenish its draft capital in a trade.
Jrue Holiday
jrue holiday
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Boston point guard Jrue Holiday is another player sure to be moved this summer. The Celtics are in salary cap hell and badly need to slash payroll. Recent reports have suggested they are willing to be patient. And a player like Kristaps Porzingis might not be moved until next season’s trade deadline. However, Holiday is sure to be moved in the next couple of months.
Jarrett Allen
jarrett allen
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While there have been rumors that the Cavaliers could move Darius Garland, it feels more likely that Jarrett Allen could be the Cleveland veteran moved this offseason. With more teams going to a smaller lineup, a frontline with De’Andre Hunter and Evan Mobley might be a better option going forward. Making the big man expendable this summer.
Al Horford
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Al Horford played his last game for the Celtics last month. Due to being in salary cap hell, they have to let a well-aged team great walk in NBA free agency. At his age, he is sure to be a target for many teams with their veteran mid-level exceptions. Rivals the Knicks will be in play, but joining team greybeard in Oakland for a title run feels likely.
John Collins
john collins
Credit: USA Today Sports
After seeming untradable at one time, John Collins is an intriguing trade asset on the Jazz — if he opts in to the final year of his deal. In 2024-25, he seemed to return to the player who was on the verge of being a perennial All-Star a few seasons ago. At only 27, he will draw a lot of interest on the trade block this summer. And he does not seem to be in Utah’s long-term plans.
After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka ... More about Jason Burgos