The NBA trade market doesn't truly kick off until December, but many teams are already gearing up for potential mid-season moves. According to the latest intel from ESPN insiders, three contenders are expected to be among the most active: the Warriors, Lakers, and Cavaliers. Starting with Golden State, their ongoing saga with Jonathan Kuminga has them looking ahead for potential roster changes.
"The Warriors lead this list because they've essentially spent the offseason signaling a desire for deadline movement. Their two-year, $45 million contract offer to restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga was designed to get him on a salary number they can flip come January," wrote ESPN.
The situation changed in Golden State when Jimmy Butler joined last season. His elite two-way game has brought them back to elite status in the West, but they'll need to do more if they want to maximize their title chances.
Currently, they have yet to make any significant moves, as the standoff with Kuminga continues into late August. The Warriors were planning on using his contract in a trade at the deadline, but he'd much prefer to be moved now so he can play for a team where he can commit long-term. So far, only the Kings have expressed interest, but unless Kuminga and the Warriors agree to a deal, everything is on hold.
Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, the Lakers have plenty of assets to make a move, and they have more than enough to add a difference-maker who could enhance Luka Doncic's game (28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 7.7 assists per game last season). Their primary trade chips are the Lakers' remaining first-round picks, which could be used to acquire a win-now veteran in 2025-26.
"The Lakers, who are transitioning into the Luka Doncic era, have maintained a few first-round sweeteners that can be used to get a deal done as LeBron James' expiring contract looms," per ESPN's Anthony Slater.
After securing the third seed last season, the Lakers might be more inclined to make a move if they're near the top of the standings. Rob Pelinka will not waste an opportunity to win a championship, and if they can add more depth in the frontcourt behind Deandre Ayton, it could be a major step to a Finals run.
For the Cavaliers, after coming up short in two straight playoffs, change is necessary to get over the hump, and we can expect them to consider some big roster moves leading up to the deadline. There are already rumors about a potential Darius Garland trade, but they'll likely wait until newly signed players become available before they start negotiating.
"For the Cavaliers' situation, disappointment and desperation can breed movement. If they fear their high-value core four won't get it done in the playoffs again, they may decide to flip one and change up the mix," Slater added.
With Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, the Cavs have a solid and balanced core of players, but they need to add depth and shooting on the wing to take the next step and succeed in the postseason. If they're willing to part with one of their starters, they could get back someone major, but options will be limited with the current salary cap.
With these three teams voted as the most likely to make a deal this season, we could end up seeing some big names swap jerseys before February's deadline. At this point, it's anyone's guess what these trades will look like, but all three will be win-now moves from teams looking to compete for the title.
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