Even if they haven't been moved yet, there are seven NBA stars who are very likely to be traded before the 2025-26 campaign starts.
7 NBA Stars That Still Could Be Traded This Offseason originally appeared on Fadeaway World.
Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s offseason remarks: “Probably. We’ll see. I love Milwaukee”, during a recent livestream with IShowSpeed, have ignited fresh speculation about his future. It doesn't help that rumors have come out that Giannis was unhappy with the Damian Lillard fiasco. In fact, it has got everyone talking about some more juicy trades.
Following the Kevin Durant move and other trades, like the Desmond Bane deal, we're now waiting patiently for the next big move. While Antetokounmpo’s saga takes center stage, several other All-Stars could be on the move before the season tips:
A veteran forward with a $50M+ tag whose hefty contract could prompt cap-conscious rebuilding teams to pull the trigger, while a top-tier scorer recently linked to a reluctant but cap-savvy franchise, whose front office quietly shopped him in hopes of refreshing their roster.
We will go through some big names around the NBA right now, but regardless of who they are, the landscape will likely shift for good. Let's go through seven stars who might not be with their teams for long.
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo finds himself at a crossroads after Milwaukee exploded the Damian Lillard experiment. His recent “probably I’ll stay… I love Milwaukee” comments during a livestream underscored his love for the city, but equally fueled uncertainty, especially with the Bucks seemingly adrift after another early playoff exit.
Sources indicate Giannis is quietly evaluating if Milwaukee's asset situation, no first-round picks until 2031, is enough to rebuild a championship roster. As word spreads that he’s keeping his options open (though he hasn’t formally requested a trade), interest is rampant across the league.
We have spotlighted specific fits, with routes to Brooklyn and San Antonio generating the most buzz. We floated a Spurs swap that would pair Giannis with Victor Wembanyama a few months ago, a generational frontcourt duo, supported by significant Bucks assets in a deal with San Antonio.
Similarly, the Nets are viewed as a natural landing spot, offering young talent, cap flexibility, and a fresh East Coast stage. Even the Golden State Warriors could be interested, and we have floated that idea, with Giannis having some cryptic reactions about links. As Giannis gathers intel on Milwaukee’s offseason moves, the table is being set for a potential summer relocation.
2. Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson’s injury-plagued tenure in New Orleans has prompted increasing doubt about whether he and the Pelicans remain a long-term match. The organization is seemingly preparing for a roster reset, driven by concerns over his availability and the desire to pivot around different cores. Though no formal request has been made, the trade radar is active.
Fadeaway World teases two standout destinations: Detroit, where the Pistons might take a high-upside swing on his unique talent, and Brooklyn, which could pair Zion with a veteran backcourt to revive his All-Star potential. Both scenarios provide a controlled, supportive environment, ideal for Zion, hoping to reset and finally stay healthy.
3. Joel Embiid
Despite a massive new deal keeping him in Philly through 2029, whispers suggest Joel Embiid may not be untouchable, particularly if his injury history and off-court distractions conflict with long-term roster optimization. While the Sixers publicly reaffirm they’re building around Embiid, speculative front offices see value in leveraging his prime years for a young asset haul.
Our potential targets include: Oklahoma City, where a package centering on Hartenstein could immediately vault the Thunder into league-wide domination; and Miami, which could add Embiid’s interior dominance to fuel another Finals run. As Philly weighs long-term health strategies, this remains one of the most dramatic trade chips still on the market.
4. Paul George
Paul George’s arrival in Philadelphia was billed as another championship-tier upgrade, yet recurring injuries and lackluster cohesion have muted expectations. Although the Sixers rebuffed public rumors of trading him and their 2025 first-round pick, internal rebuilding pressures and draft flexibility could push them to test the market.
We list several fit-rich destinations: Portland, pairing George with an exciting young core; and Brooklyn, which could offer cap space and draft assets in return for his two-way versatility. The cap-neutral nature of a George swap gives Philly appealing flexibility to adapt their trajectory.
5. DeMar DeRozan
DeMar DeRozan continues to shine in Sacramento, averaging 22.2 PPG, including late-season heroics to reach 25,000 career points. Yet with veteran years piling up and the Kings chasing a younger timeline, management could pivot toward a quicker, longer-term rebuild. That means DeRozan, a scoring machine on a medium-term deal, is potentially expendable.
We envision high-scoring contenders swooping in, especially the L.A. Clippers, who could augment their crunch-time offense with his midrange mastery, alongside other play-in teams hunting veteran pedigree. As Sacramento eyes youth and cap maneuverability, don’t dismiss a blockbuster DeRozan trade that would shake up the West’s middle tier.
6. Lauri Markkanen
The Utah Jazz locked Lauri Markkanen into a five-year, $238 million deal, but doubts loom about whether his floor-stretch game meshes with their evolving timeline. Shoulder issues and roster direction could make him the most coveted trade chip in the Jazz arsenal.
We put two matchups at the top: San Antonio, offering Victor Wembanyama ideal spacing and frontcourt balance; and the Lakers, viewing Markkanen as the missing shooter next to LeBron and Luka in a proposed Lakers-Jazz swap (although it could be more complicated with the Deandre Ayton signing). For Utah, swapping the deal now could yield future flexibility and core alignment; they may wait for the right offer.
7. Coby White
Coby White’s dynamic scoring and finishing have made him a centerpiece for a rebuilding Chicago Bulls squad, now nearing the end of his rookie extension (free agent in 2026-27). Chicago’s strategic patience paid off recently when they declined a massive offer from Orlando, signaling they believe his value will grow.
Still, with core pieces being shuffled, White is likely to hit the trade block sooner rather than later. We tag Sacramento as a top suitor; they’re seeking a scoring guard to deepen their backcourt and could reunite White with former Kings brass.
At 25, White gives teams a cheap, high-ceiling guard with All-Star upside, making him a tempting asset for contenders who need a boost without breaking the bank.
Related: 5 Best And 5 Worst Signings From 2025 NBA Free Agency So Far
This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
