The NBA trade market could be hyperactive this offseason. Even by its own never-a-dull-moment standards. The conditions feel perfect for a blockbuster-filled summer.
That doesn't mean that's what the hoop gods will deliver, but they have all the ingredients to make it happen: Stagnating squads, potentially restless stars, closing windows for contention, acceleration candidates among the rebuilders and a forgettable free-agent pool. It's the kind of environment in which the league's landscape could be shifted from almost every conceivable angle, but there are some central plot points likely to drive trade discussions, so let's dig into the 10 most significant. The Cleveland Cavaliers just reeled off 48 wins and recorded their first playoff series triumph without LeBron James since 1993.
And yet, they are front and center among the NBA's offseason-overhaul candidates. That's due in no small part to the fact that Donovan Mitchell could have free agency awaiting him next summer—he holds a $37.1 million player option for 2025-26—so the Cavs only have so much time to convince him to stay.
They also happen to have multiple redundancies on the roster, including between him and backcourt mate Darius Garland, a pairing that may be nearing its expiration date, per The Athletic's Shams Charania, Jason Lloyd and Joe Vardon : "Rival executives believe the Cavs will have to seriously evaluate the fit of Mitchell and Garland and ultimately may have to choose one or the other. Should Mitc.
