The prelude to the 2025 NBA Draft has delivered fireworks, and we’re still rolling. Earlier this month, Phoenix stunned the basketball world by shipping Kevin Durant to Houston in a deal that reshaped pick positioning and title trajectories.
Days later, Portland and Boston orchestrated a high-impact swap, sending Jrue Holiday to the Trail Blazers in return for Anfernee Simons. And most recently, a three-team transaction landed Kristaps Porzingis in Atlanta, further electrifying the summer landscape.
But with the draft officially set for June 25-26, and teams eager to recalibrate, the dominoes haven’t even begun tumbling, and the potential for mid-draft chaos is sky high. The Warriors, Spurs, Lakers, Heat, and even the Nets and Hornets are rumored to be in on discussions that could redefine rosters and reset power hierarchies overnight.
Here’s a preview of nine blockbuster trades that could still shake the NBA to its core before the confetti falls on the 2025 Draft.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Joins The Golden State Warriors
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (Sign-and-Trade), Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Trayce Jackson-Davis, 2026 first-round pick, Pick, 2028 first-round pick
This would be an earth-shattering move. Giannis Antetokounmpo is still an absolute monster, 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists over 67 games this year, ranking 2nd, 6th, and 13th in the league, respectively.
Even at age 30, he’s a two-time MVP and still in his physical prime. Any contender would kill for that kind of impact on both ends. In this swap, Milwaukee lands Kuminga via sign-and-trade, plus role players Podziemski, Moody, Jackson-Davis, and two future picks (’26 and ’28).
Kuminga averaged a solid 15.3 PPG on 45.4% shooting this year, flashing serious upside as a bouncy, multi-tool wing. Add their youth and the caps, and the Bucks walk away with a balanced rebuild haul.
Bringing Giannis to Golden State feels like peak “championship now.” Surround him with Steph, Klay, Draymond, and utility pieces? That’s an instant Finals favorite. Milwaukee sacrifices a superstar, yes, but lands depth, youth, and draft equity. If the price is Kuminga + role players + stockpiling, it’s a tough offer to walk away from. Golden State might just be ballsy enough to pull it off.
Jaylen Brown Becomes Face Of Brooklyn Nets
Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) reacts after stealing the ball and making the basket against the Indiana Pacers in the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) reacts after stealing the ball and making the basket against the Indiana Pacers in the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Jaylen Brown
Boston Celtics Receive: Cam Johnson, 2025 No. 8 overall pick, 2025 No. 19 overall pick, 2025 No. 27 overall pick
The Brooklyn Nets are invested in the trade market to find their next franchise player and the one they can target is All-Star Jaylen Brown. Brown is coming off the 2024-25 campaign with averages of 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game while making his third All-Star appearance.
The Celtics have already moved Jrue Holiday to Portland and Kristaps Porzingis to Atlanta, and it has been reported that multiple teams have already reached out about Brown. With Jayson Tatum sidelined for the upcoming season, there will be more moves to shed salary and keep the rebuild coming once Tatum returns.
The Nets will happily part ways with multiple first-round picks and sharpshooter Cam Johnson, and create an interesting core that features Brown and the budding Cam Thomas. Celtics fans are bracing for impact because they might be losing an All-NBA-caliber player very soon.
Miami Heat Take A Gamble On Joel Embiid
Feb 7, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) shoots in the first half against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Feb 7, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) shoots in the first half against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Duncan Robinson (Sign-and-Trade), Nikola Jovic, Jaime Jaquez Jr., 2028 first-round pick (MIA)
We can see Miami unleashing Joel Embiid in South Beach. The former MVP averaged 23.8 PPG and 8.2 RPG this past season, and he’s a two-way titan who can still dominate the paint, physical, polished, and built for playoff chaos.
In return, the 76ers would receive Wiggins, Robinson via sign-and-trade, plus youngsters Jovic and Jaquez Jr., and Miami’s 2028 pick. Wiggins brings consistent scoring (18.0 PPG this season), while Duncan (a lethal 3+D guy) and the rookies offer flexibility and young upside, ideal for Philly’s retool timeline.
This is a high-risk, high-reward deal. Miami would legitimize their Finals aspirations, but at great cost. Philly, meanwhile, would pivot with veteran scoring, two rookies, and long-term pick value.
Our gut feeling? Philly already has Embiid, so flipping him for cap flexibility, role players, and picks could be the smarter path, especially if the 76ers don’t foresee another deep postseason run.
Brooklyn Nets Make Jalen Green Their Franchise Star
Feb 3, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) dribbles up court during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Feb 3, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) dribbles up court during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Jalen Green
Phoenix Suns Receive: Ziaire (Sign-and-Trade), Noah Clowney, Keon Johnson (Sign-and-Trade), 2025 No. 8 overall pick, 2027 first-round pick (PHI)
Jalen Green exploded this season with 21.0 points per game on 42.3% field goal shooting, including 35.4% from deep. His quick first step and explosive finishing paint the picture of a potential franchise cornerstone. At just 23, he’s got untapped star potential, and Brooklyn is chasing exactly that kind of high-upside electric talent.
The Suns clear cap space by not retaining Green but lock in two young wing prospects (Ziaire and Keon Johnson) and a promising forward in Noah Clowney, while also nabbing a top-10 pick and a future first. Phoenix sticks to its youth movement blueprint and stockpiles assets to build around a rising core led by Devin Booker.
This would be a bold, bold swing by Brooklyn. Elevating Green to primary scoring responsibility is a high-ceiling move, but risky, too. Phoenix, on the other hand, may prefer flexibility over flash. I think it tilts Brooklyn-heavy, but if Green finds consistency, that gamble could pay off in spades for the Nets.
Charlotte Hornets Stun The NBA With Zion Williamson Deal
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) dribbles against the Phoenix Suns in the second quarter at Footprint Center.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) dribbles against the Phoenix Suns in the second quarter at Footprint Center.
Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Zion Williamson
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Josh Green, Tidjane Salaun, Tre Mann (Sign-and-Trade), 2025 No. 4 overall pick, 2031 first-round pick
Zion Williamson’s 24.6 points on 56.7% shooting and 7.2 rebounds per night last season would breathe new life into Charlotte’s frontcourt. Picture him slicing to the rim alongside LaMelo Ball, dyno-fast with thunderous finishes.
New Orleans receives Josh Green, unheralded French wing Tidjane Salaun, Tre Mann, and two first-round picks, including the No. 4 overall. It looks like a reset, Pelicans get financial flexibility and the chance to pivot toward youth development.
Charlotte grabs a potential superstar but mortgages future flexibility. Zion stays on a max; it’s now or never. For New Orleans, this is practical. My gut: If Zion can stay healthy (big if), Charlotte makes a splash. But Pelicans’ path may be smarter, sometimes, hitting the reset button is the winning move.
Los Angeles Lakers Acquire Both Walker Kessler And John Collins
Jan 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Utah Jazz forward John Collins (20) celebrates with Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) after scoring against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Jan 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Utah Jazz forward John Collins (20) celebrates with Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) after scoring against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Walker Kessler, John Collins
Utah Jazz Receive: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, Maxi Kleber, 2031 first-round pick
The Los Angeles Lakers are hunting for paint protection, enter Walker Kessler, who averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks on 66.3% FG this season. Throw in John Collins' spacing ability and finishing (19.0 PPG, 8.2 RPG), and the Lakers bolster their interior two-man game significantly, with young athletic bigs who can both defend and score.
Utah would walk away with veterans Rui Hachimura (13.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG), Dalton Knecht (9.1 PPG), Maxi Kleber, and a 2031 first-rounder, salary relief, plus useful shooters and wings in return. It’s a sensible exchange: the Jazz maintain flexibility while offloading bigs who might be redundant in their long-term rebuild.
One part smart, one part gamble. Kessler is locked up long term, and Utah refuses to move him, yet the lure of both bigs might push L.A. to throw everything at Utah. Collins’ fit beside LeBron and Luka can't be denied. But ultimately, unless the Lakers concoct a genius package, I suspect Utah stands firm. Stay tuned, L.A.’s frontcourt desperation could spark surprises.
San Antonio Spurs Add Two-Way Presence With Herb Jones
Apr 24, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (5) shoots a three-point basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter of game two of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Apr 24, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (5) shoots a three-point basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter of game two of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Herb Jones
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Jeremy Sochan, Julian Champagnie, Malaki Branham, 2025 No. 14 overall pick, 2025 No. 38 overall pick
Herb Jones is the Pelicans’ Swiss Army knife, a 6’8” stopper who brought 1.9 steals per game and averaged 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists before his season ended with surgery. His rim-closing and versatility are exactly the kind of glue San Antonio needs to accelerate its rebuild.
In exchange, New Orleans secures two developing wing talents, Jeremy Sochan (11.1 PPG, 6.5 RPG) and Julian Champagnie (9.9 PPG, 3.9 RPG), plus Malaki Branham and picks No. 14 and 38 in 2025. It's a mix of upside youth and draft capital, ideal for a team not chasing the postseason yet.
This feels like a Spurs blueprint: secure a defensive anchor who doubles as a playmaker, while banking on wing upside via picks and youth. For New Orleans, they get flexibility and depth, win-win. We'd lean San Antonio’s way, they’re reprioritizing identity, and Jones would be the heartbeat of a tough, gritty core.
Chicago Bulls Go All-In For Jonathan Kuminga
Apr 26, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) dribbles against the Houston Rockets during the first quarter of game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Apr 26, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) dribbles against the Houston Rockets during the first quarter of game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Chicago Bulls Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (Sign-and-Trade)
Golden State Warriors Receive: Nikola Vucevic, Ayo Dosunmu, 2025 No. 45 overall pick
Despite flashes of brilliance, including a career-high 34 points on Dec 28, Jonathan Kuminga’s full potential has yet to be realized under Kerr. At 22, he combines elite athleticism, multi-positional defense, and upside on offense. The Bulls, stuck in the middle of the pack, need that explosive talent.
Chicago would send Nikola Vucevic (18.5 PPG, 10.1 RPG), Ayo Dosunmu (12.3 PPG, 4.5 APG), and the No. 45 pick to Golden State. That means salary balance, rotational stability, and a pick to Chicago. It's messy, but it gives the Dubs cap space and veterans around Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler.
Bold, bruising, and exactly the kind of aggressive move Chicago fans want to see. It’s risky, but high reward. Vucevic is useful, sure, but Kuminga is a potential centerpiece. I see this as a slam dunk for the Bulls if they truly want to pivot into serious contention.
Lakers Make A Backup Move By Acquiring Marcus Smart
New York, New York, USA; Washington Wizards guard Marcus Smart (36) reacts after a basket against the New York Knicks during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
New York, New York, USA; Washington Wizards guard Marcus Smart (36) reacts after a basket against the New York Knicks during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Marcus Smart
Washington Wizards Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, 2025 No. 55 overall pick
Marcus Smart, fresh off a trade to Washington this February, continues to bring elite perimeter defense, leadership, and hustle. He averaged 9.0 points and 3.2 assists per game this past season and has a tenacity that aligns perfectly with playoff basketball. Remember, Smart is only three seasons removed from winning Defensive Player of the Year.
Trading him gets Washington back Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and the No. 55 pick. Vincent offers backcourt depth, Vanderbilt is a sizey wing, and the late pick provides upside, sweet for a relatively cap-strapped roster.
This feels like a finals-ready move. Smart has the grit, the experience, and the mentality after all. L.A. needs that voice, especially sharing the locker room with superstars. It’s not flashy, but it's exactly what championship-caliber teams should be doing in the late draft, shoring up identity and toughness. Smart is a Laker I’d bet on.
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