With the 2025 NBA season behind us, the trade market has already exploded with big names like Kevin Durant and Jrue Holiday heading to new teams. Here are 5 big-time players who could be next in line to hit the trade block.
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1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
NBA: Playoffs-Indiana Pacers at Milwaukee Bucks
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The best player left on the trade market by far, trade rumors about the 30-year-old, two-time MVP have been circulating for a while. Given the Milwaukee Bucks‘ lack of a legitimate young core and recent playoff underperformances, it’s becoming increasingly likely that Giannis will want in on a team that’s more competitive for a championship push.
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2. Lauri Markkanen – Jazz
NBA: Chicago Bulls at Utah Jazz
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The Utah Jazz are rebuilding, and after another disappointing lottery result, they are nowhere near ready to compete for playoff contention. If the Jazz want to offload Markkanen’s expensive contract and give the lottery one last try for a top-four pick, they should trade Lauri.
3. Trae Young – Hawks
NBA: Atlanta Hawks at Dallas Mavericks
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Trae Young’s contract runs through the 2026 season, and he will be eligible for a contract extension this offseason, but not a supermax extension. If he decides to hold out until free agency, there is a good chance the Atlanta Hawks may trade the 26-year-old star.
4. Jaren Jackson Jr. – Grizzlies
NBA: Play-In-Memphis Grizzlies at Golden State Warriors
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Jackson Jr. is in the same situation as Young. With the end of his contract in sight, he could easily sign an extension with the Memphis Grizzlies. But that’s only if Jaren wants to stay in Memphis. He just as easily can hold out and force the Grizzlies to trade him.
Also Read: NBA insider explains why Sacramento Kings traded Tyrese Haliburton to Indiana Pacers instead of De’Aaron Fox
5. Jaylen Brown – Celtics
NBA: Playoffs-Orlando Magic at Boston Celtics
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The Boston Celtics have already traded two significant contributors to their 2024 NBA Championship in Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. It would be foolish to think Brown isn’t also on the table, as given Boston’s immense payroll, two supermax contracts with Brown and Tatum just aren’t sustainable.
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