1 Ambitious Trade Target for Every NBA Team This Season..

As preseason games get rolling, most NBA teams and their fanbases are pretty optimistic about the 2024-25 campaign.

But a little losing streak or a disappointing individual start to the season can change feelings quickly. In some cases, even too many wins can get running to the trade machine.

Rest assured, at some point during 2024-25, each and every team will be connected to some trade rumor. Some ideas will be underwhelming. Others will read like pie in the sky.

The ambitious (but realistic) trade targets below are closer on the spectrum to the latter and are based on team need and where we think each team will be between now and February’s trade deadline.

Here’s a breakdown of one ambitious trade target for each NBA team this season:

1. **Atlanta Hawks**: **Zach LaVine (Bulls)** – The Hawks need a dynamic scorer to complement Trae Young. LaVine’s ability to create his own shot could elevate their offensive efficiency.

2. **Boston Celtics**: **Jayson Tatum** – While it sounds counterintuitive, trading Tatum for a haul of depth and young talent might be the bold move needed if they struggle to make the Finals.

3. **Brooklyn Nets**: **Jalen Brown (Celtics)** – Acquiring Brown could provide a solid wing player to build around, giving the Nets a chance to compete now while they rebuild.

4. **Charlotte Hornets**: **Karl-Anthony Towns (Timberwolves)** – The Hornets could use a franchise big man, and Towns’ shooting ability could open up their offense significantly.

5. **Chicago Bulls**: **Kyrie Irving (Mavericks)** – The Bulls need a playmaker, and Irving’s unique skill set could invigorate their backcourt alongside Zach LaVine.

6. **Cleveland Cavaliers**: **OG Anunoby (Raptors)** – Anunoby’s defensive prowess and ability to shoot the three could make the Cavs a more balanced team as they push for a deep playoff run.

7. **Dallas Mavericks**: **Deandre Ayton (Suns)** – Pairing Ayton with Luka Doncic could create a dominant offensive duo, especially if Ayton develops more consistency.

8. **Denver Nuggets**: **Damian Lillard (Bucks)** – Lillard could provide an explosive scoring option, making the Nuggets even more formidable in the playoffs.

9. **Golden State Warriors**: **Mikal Bridges (Nets)** – Bridges’ two-way play fits perfectly into the Warriors’ system and could help prolong their championship window.

10. **Houston Rockets**: **Jaren Jackson Jr. (Grizzlies)** – Acquiring a young, versatile big man like Jackson would accelerate the Rockets’ rebuilding process.

11. **Indiana Pacers**: **Pascal Siakam (Raptors)** – Siakam’s all-around game could be the missing piece for the Pacers to compete in the East.

12. **Los Angeles Clippers**: **Joel Embiid (76ers)** – If the Clippers are willing to go all-in, Embiid could transform their playoff prospects.

13. **Los Angeles Lakers**: **Kawhi Leonard (Clippers)** – A bold intra-city trade could bring the star power the Lakers crave for another title run.

14. **Miami Heat**: **Kevin Durant (Suns)** – The Heat could make a splash by acquiring Durant, adding another superstar to their roster.

15. **Milwaukee Bucks**: **Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)** – Gilgeous-Alexander would provide a new dimension to the Bucks’ offense alongside Giannis.

16. **Minnesota Timberwolves**: **Buddy Hield (Pacers)** – Hield’s shooting could help spread the floor for the Wolves’ talented frontcourt.

17. **New Orleans Pelicans**: **Bradley Beal (Suns)** – Beal could give the Pelicans another elite scorer to pair with Zion Williamson.

18. **New York Knicks**: **Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers)** – The Knicks could make a big splash by re-acquiring Mitchell, adding a proven scorer to their lineup.

19. **Oklahoma City Thunder**: **Ben Simmons (Nets)** – A low-risk, high-reward trade for Simmons could pay off as he seeks to revive his career.

20. **Orlando Magic**: **Michael Porter Jr. (Nuggets)** – The Magic need more shooting, and Porter’s scoring ability could be a perfect fit.

21. **Philadelphia 76ers**: **Nikola Vucevic (Bulls)** – Vucevic could provide additional scoring and rebounding alongside Embiid.

22. **Phoenix Suns**: **Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves)** – Trading for Edwards would create a dynamic trio with Booker and Durant.

23. **Portland Trail Blazers**: **Chris Paul (Warriors)** – Adding Paul could provide veteran leadership and playmaking for the Blazers’ young core.

24. **Sacramento Kings**: **John Collins (Hawks)** – Collins could offer the Kings a versatile scoring option in the frontcourt.

25. **San Antonio Spurs**: **Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers)** – Acquiring Haliburton would bolster the Spurs’ backcourt as they continue their rebuild.

26. **Toronto Raptors**: **Trae Young (Hawks)** – Young could rejuvenate the Raptors and turn them into a playoff contender.

27. **Utah Jazz**: **Dejounte Murray (Hawks)** – Murray’s defense and playmaking could be a great addition to the Jazz’s young roster.

28. **Washington Wizards**: **Victor Wembanyama (Spurs)** – Although a long shot, acquiring a star like Wembanyama would be transformative for the Wizards.

This ambitious trade season could reshape many franchises, making for an exciting year in the NBA!