Get ready for a wild ride as we explore the 5 craziest NBA trades that could shake up the league.
The NBA season has kicked off and we finally got treated to some NBA action after a long summer of drama and excitement with blockbuster trades happening. Obviously, the Damian Lillard trade has changed the NBA landscape significantly while other deals such as the Jrue Holiday move by the Boston Celtics proved to be extremely important. However, just because the season has started, there might be more blockbuster deals on the table.
In fact, there are five crazy trades that can happen at any moment even with the regular season underway. There could be five All-Star talents switching sides and while it won’t be easy to actually get deals over the line, anything is possible in the modern NBA where franchises never rest on their laurels and make moves instantly. Here are the five craziest trades that can happen before we know it, no matter how ludicrous they might seem at first.
Miami Heat Shock The World And Acquire Zion Williamson
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Make no mistake, Zion Williamson is frustrating New Orleans Pelicans fans with his constant injuries and inability to stay on the floor and the Heat can capitalize with a blockbuster trade.
Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Zion Williamson
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Tyler Herro, Caleb Martin, 2027 First-Round Pick
The Miami Heat’s pursuit of championship glory in recent years, exemplified by their Finals appearances in 2020 and 2023, underscores their ambition. Yet, they’ve fallen short, and it’s evident that Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo require additional support to elevate the team to true title contention. Failing to acquire Damian Lillard or Jrue Holiday this summer has left them seeking an alternative route to bolster their roster, and this trade presents that opportunity.
By acquiring Zion Williamson, the Heat would instantly infuse their lineup with generational talent. Williamson, if healthy, can be a game-changer on both ends of the floor, providing the inside scoring and athleticism Miami has been lacking. With Butler’s leadership and Adebayo’s versatile s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s, they could form a formidable trio.
Moreover, Tyler Herro and Brandon Ingram coming to Miami would provide a solid supporting cast, adding scoring and playmaking depth. This could position the Heat as a top-3 team in the Eastern Conference alongside the Bucks and Celtics, providing a formidable challenge to the Eastern elite.
On the other side, the New Orleans Pelicans are dealing with the frustration of Zion Williamson’s recurring injuries, which have hampered their progress. Trading him for a package including Herro, Ingram, and potentially other assets would offer the Pelicans a fresh start.
Both Herro and Ingram have displayed star potential and could serve as the foundation for a rebuilt squad. This trade could enable the Pelicans to refocus their efforts on long-term growth and development while potentially avoiding the injury woes that have plagued them with Zion.
In conclusion, the proposed trade would not only address the immediate needs of the Miami Heat but also offer the New Orleans Pelicans a chance to reset and build for the future. While it’s a hypothetical scenario, it exemplifies the strategic moves that teams often explore in their quest for success in the highly competitive NBA landscape.
Dallas Mavericks Create A Big Three And Keep Both Luka Doncic And Kyrie Irving
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The Dallas Mavericks might be stuck with their roster when looking at their crop of players, but there might be a way out courtesy of the Golden State Warriors and sharpshooter Klay Thompson.
Trade Details
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Klay Thompson
Golden State Warriors Receive: Josh Green, Tim Hardaway Jr., Richaun Holmes
The Dallas Mavericks, who can develop a Big 3 with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, can acquire Klay Thompson to form an incredibly potent trio. Thompson’s elite three-point shooting, defensive prowess, and off-ball movement would complement the playmaking s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s of Doncic and the scoring ability of Irving. This trio could potentially make the Mavericks a formidable contender in the Western Conference.
On the Warriors’ side, while the package they receive may not be the best available, it ensures they don’t lose Klay Thompson for nothing. Thompson’s future with the team is uncertain, considering his injury history and the need to sign a long-term deal.
In this trade, they gain Josh Green, a promising two-way player with significant potential. Additionally, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Richaun Holmes could provide valuable depth to the roster. This deal also allows the Warriors to clear salary cap space, potentially opening up opportunities for other roster improvements.
Ultimately, while the Warriors may not receive the most star-studded return for Klay Thompson, this trade allows them to manage the uncertainty around his future, develop young talent in Josh Green, and maintain flexibility for future moves. For the Mavericks, it represents an opportunity to create a powerhouse trio that could elevate their status in the highly competitive Western Conference.
Golden State Warriors Add The Best Shooting Big Man
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The Warriors have enough shooting but they might want to completely shock the NBA and make a trade for arguably the best-shooting big man in the world, Karl-Anthony Towns.
Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Karl-Anthony Towns
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga, Gary Payton II, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2027 First-Round Pick
From the view of the Golden State Warriors, acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns would be a game-changing move. Towns is not only one of the league’s most talented big men but also an elite scorer, rebounder, and shot-blocker. He is averaging 23.0 points and 11.2 rebounds per game over his career and is one of the best shooting bigs of all time (career 39.5% 3-PT FG).
His offensive versatility and ability to stretch the floor would be a perfect fit alongside Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. The move would instantly transform the Warriors into a powerhouse, as they add another star to their already star-studded lineup. Losing Draymond Green is not ideal after the player was signed to a deal and can’t be traded until 2024, but Golden State can set the terms from now.
On the other hand, the Timberwolves would receive a valuable package in return. Draymond Green, a former Defensive Player of the Year, brings a unique defensive presence and leadership to the team. Jonathan Kuminga is a young, high-upside prospect, and Gary Payton II provides athleticism and defensive intensity.
The two first-round picks sweeten the deal, offering the Timberwolves assets to build for the future. Minnesota could realize that their future could lie with Anthony Edwards, a tough competitor and 21-year-old star who posted 24.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game on 45.9% from the field and 36.9% from three last season.
Overall, this trade has the potential to benefit both sides. The Warriors would solidify their position as championship contenders, while the Timberwolves would gain assets and veteran leadership to aid in their ongoing rebuild. It’s a trade that could make waves in the NBA and reshape the competitive landscape in both conferences.
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The Pelicans are used to drama and dealing with disgruntled stars, so why not continue with James Harden? In all seriousness, Harden could make the team a very formidable contender for the Western Conference Finals.
Trade Details
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: James Harden
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: CJ McCollum
Trading for James Harden would be a significant addition to the New Orleans Pelicans’ roster. Harden is a former league MVP and one of the most prolific scorers in the NBA. His scoring ability, playmaking, and basketball IQ could provide a significant boost to the Pelicans’ offensive firepower. Just last season, The Beard led the NBA in assists (10.7) while also chipping in 21.0 points per game.
Pairing Harden with Zion Williamson could create a dynamic duo with the potential to elevate the team’s competitiveness in the Western Conference. Zion already has two All-Star appearances to his name and even Brandon Ingram could use a playmaker to place him in a more advantageous position to score. A Big Three would be too difficult to handle for most teams in the West right now.
On the other hand, the Philadelphia 76ers would be trading James Harden for CJ McCollum. While McCollum is not the same caliber of player as Harden, he is a talented and versatile guard who can provide scoring and shot creation.
The move would likely provide the Sixers with a more balanced backcourt alongside Tyrese Maxey, potentially offering improved floor spacing and playmaking. Of course, Joel Embiid would have a consistent outside shooter (39.5%) to pass to who is a professional and just wants to win.
In summary, the trade would represent a shift in offensive style and priorities for both teams. The Pelicans would go all-in on building a potent offensive tandem with Harden and Zion, while the Sixers would seek to balance their roster with the acquisition of McCollum. It’s a trade that could make sense for both sides depending on their respective goals and strategies.
New York Knicks Right Their Wrongs With Donovan Mitchell
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The New York Knicks might have missed out on Donovan Mitchell before and do not have a legitimate superstar on the roster right now. Carmelo Anthony did his best in the early to mid-2010’s, but one of the NBA’s biggest franchises can shake the landscape.
Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: Donovan Mitchell
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: R.J. Barrett, Josh Hart, 2024 Mavericks First-Round Pick (1-10 Protected), 2025 Bucks First-Round Pick (1-4 Protected), 2026 Knicks First-Round Pick
For the New York Knicks, acquiring Donovan Mitchell would be a game-changing move. Mitchell is a dynamic and high-scoring guard who would provide the Knicks with a much-needed go-to offensive weapon. His ability to create his own shot and excel in clutch situations would elevate the team’s offensive capabilities. Pairing Mitchell with Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson would form a formidable trio, and this trade could be a crucial step in helping the Knicks become a more competitive team in the Eastern Conference.
On the other side, the Cleveland Cavaliers would be parting ways with Donovan Mitchell, but in return, they receive a promising young talent in R.J. Barrett. Barrett has shown significant improvement since entering the league and could be a cornerstone piece for the Cavaliers’ rebuild.
Josh Hart adds depth and versatility on the wing. Additionally, the package includes several future first-round picks, providing the Cavaliers with valuable assets to facilitate their ongoing development and roster building.
The 2024 Mavericks first-round pick, the 2025 Bucks first-round pick, and the 2026 Knicks first-round pick would give the Cavaliers multiple opportunities to secure top talent in the draft. These picks also come with protections, which offer a degree of security and ensure that the Cavaliers have a chance at high-value selections.
While this deal might help the Cavaliers since Mitchell won’t be re-signing for the long term in all likelihood, the Knicks might benefit the most with a player who can lead the franchise going forward. A trio of Mitchell, Randle, and Brunson is good enough to challenge for the Western Conference Finals and the NBA is a better league with New York playing well.
