Victor Wembanyama came into the NBA as arguably the greatest Draft prospect in NBA history. He's somehow been living up to that billing, already impacting the league as arguably its best defensive player. The Spurs want to be patient with building out the core around him, but a move like this isn't an overreaction, it's just accelerating the inevitable.

De'Aaron Fox is averaging 25.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.2 assists this season. If he aims to join the Spurs in 2026 and the Spurs want him, they likely will sign him in free agency. However, they'd be incentivized to have him on the roster as soon as possible to start building chemistry with Wembanyama and the team's young core.

They could play out this season and make a Play-In appearance before pushing for a title from next season onwards. They'll have the chemistry while the young stars on the roster continue developing into even more impactful players. The outgoing picks do not belong to the Spurs themselves, so they maintain p…

The Raptors have long been known for the presence of powerful swingmen or forwards. From Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter to Rudy Gay and DeMar DeRozan to even Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby. They seem to be committed to this path with their development of Scottie Barnes, hoping to see him become the face of the franchise. A forward who can excel at what he struggles with would make the Raptors instant Playoff threats.

Brandon Ingram is averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists this season. His on-ball scoring, shooting ability, and even developing playmaking skills would be perfect next to Barnes. He would also be a great veteran for developing scorers like Gradey Dick, creating a fun roster with multiple weapons to rely upon. This deal also helps the Raptors keep players like Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, and Jakob Poeltl, creating the genesis of a very competitive squad that could be Playoff-caliber with Ingram next season. Coupled with the development of their young core a…

The Rockets are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, so making a deal for Draymond makes sense. They have a 108.8 defensive rating this season and have a coach like Ime Udoka who demands maximum defensive effort from his players.

Draymond Green would be the perfect extension of Udoka's defensive sensibilities on the court, orchestrating the young and energetic Rockets in a frontcourt with Alperen Sengun.

He's averaging 8.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.4 assists this season, but his defensive skill set would be a perfect fit in Houston. He can guard all five positions in the post or on the perimeter. His offensive skills as a playmaker would also greatly improve the Rockets' offense. The Warriors might be the ones to object to this deal, as it gets them further away from competing with Stephen Curry on the roster. The expiring contracts of Jeff Green and Steven Adams carry little value when the Warriors won't open up enough cap space to make a marquee free-agency addition.

Cam …

LaVine is in the third season of a five-year, $215 million contract, a horrendous situation for any team interested in trading for the star. Luckily, the Detroit Pistons have more cap space than any team in the league, so pairing LaVine with star point guard Cade Cunningham would be an interesting experiment.

The Pistons have a way to make life easier on Cunningham. That alone is a compelling argument to pursue LaVine. Once you factor in what the addition might mean for Detroit's postseason aspirations—the Pistons are 3.5 games back of fourth place—that's when the temptation might grow too strong to ignore.

LaVine has effectively bounced back from a disappointing 2023-24 season, averaging 24.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game to get his trade value back up. As for why the Bulls would do this trade that the Bulls simply need to part ways with their 29-year-old star while they still can. But, he throws in two game-changers that really entice this deal for Chicago.

The re…

Zach LaVine has been on the trade market for over a year without a suitor. This deal allows the Rockets to materially improve their roster while the Bulls actually gain a draft asset in a LaVine trade after everyone assumed they'd be the one losing draft capital in a LaVine salary dump. This deal works for both franchises for several reasons. The Rockets' success is built on the backs of their third-best 107.6 defensive rating. Coach Udoka has been playing compact rotations comprising of the team's best defenders, playing with an intensity most teams simply don't match over an 82-game regular season. That effort and defensive panache are what will lead to their Playoff return after five seasons, but they're not built for Playoff success in their current state.

Zach LaVine is averaging 24.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists this season. He's averaging 33.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.8 assists over the last six games, showing he still can take over games offensively without opponen…

The 21-19 Pistons make a statement by acquiring Jimmy Butler to accelerate their rebuild in a dream scenario. His veteran leadership and defensive intensity are invaluable for a young team led by Cade Cunningham. Butler’s experience could fast-track Detroit’s return to playoff contention because the Pistons are close enough as it is.

Miami receives valuable assets, including Hardaway and Harris, who can contribute immediately, and a first-round pick that strengthens their draft flexibility. The Pistons have been rebuilding long enough and could wish to create a dynamic duo in the Eastern Conference….

Dallas targets Kelly Olynyk to add frontcourt depth and floor spacing because they are quite limited with regards to their salary cap. Olynyk is averaging 6.0 points and 3.4 rebounds while shooting 42.3% from three-point range, offering Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving a pick-and-pop partner.

His veteran presence and basketball IQ are valuable assets for a team with championship aspirations. Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford are solid big men, but a third one in the rotation would make the Mavericks very difficult to contain once Doncic and Irving return to the court….

The Atlanta Hawks are in desperate need of a consistent secondary scoring option to complement Trae Young, and Zach LaVine fits the bill perfectly. The two-time All-Star brings elite shot-making, averaging 24.0 points per game on 51.5% shooting this season, including 45.5% from beyond the arc. His ability to create his own shot would relieve pressure on Young and give Atlanta a potent one-two punch on offense.

While De'Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic are valuable, they lack Zach LaVine’s offensive ceiling. Adding LaVine’s explosiveness and athleticism could catapult the Hawks into a serious chance of holding a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The 2029 first-round pick sweetens the deal for Chicago, signaling Atlanta’s willingness to go all-in on their star duo….

It's quite appalling that the Lakers have made absolutely no moves to address their big-man rotation in almost two years. They're lucky that Anthony Davis has played some of the healthiest basketball of his career in the last two seasons, but their roster completely disintegrates without Davis' big-man play. He's all lines of defense and is so overburdened with the position that it's setting him up for bad nights.

Steven Adams would address that majorly. He's averaging 2.8 points and 4.7 rebounds on low minutes for the Rockets as the backup center behind Alperen Sengun. Adams' toughness is a virtue almost everyone in the NBA knows about, and the center is an intimidating inside presence even in his older years.

Adams can't be a full-time center for the Lakers, his presence at least unburdens Davis from needing to play 38-40 minutes as the center. It makes them more solid as a rebounding and defensive team, a struggle they haven't been able to get over with their current roster all se…

Julius Randle offers Charlotte a rugged interior presence and a scoring punch in the frontcourt. This season, Randle is averaging 19.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, and while his impact hasn't really been there for the Timberwolves, he remains a high-volume option who can take pressure off Ball and Miller.

His physicality and ability to stretch the floor make him a solid fit next to Mark Williams (if he can stay healthy with only 16 appearances this season), giving the Hornets an intriguing inside-out dynamic. Minnesota, on the other hand, could look to move on from Randle if his fit alongside Rudy Gobert continues to be clunky. In return, they get Grant Williams and Josh Green, both of whom bring defensive versatility and three-point shooting. Williams is a plug-and-play forward averaging 10.4 points and shooting 36.5% from deep, while Green adds athleticism and youth. Two first-round picks, including Dallas’s 2027 selection, provide long-term value for the Timberwolves.

Fo…

Bulls: For the Chicago Bulls, acquiring Michael Porter Jr., Duncan Robinson, and Zeke Nnaji sets the stage for a much-needed rebuild. The 26-year-old Porter is the crown jewel of this deal, bringing elite scoring potential and floor-spacing ability to a team that has lacked consistent offensive firepower. His 41.3% shooting from three-point range this season would immediately bolster Chicago’s perimeter game and make him a building block alongside their younger talent.

Duncan Robinson provides additional shooting and valuable veteran experience. While his contract may seem steep, his ability to stretch the floor is an asset, particularly in a system that prioritizes spacing. Zeke Nnaji, though still developing, offers versatility as a big man who can contribute defensively and grow into a rotational role. This trade signals a clear shift for the Bulls from trying to compete immediately to focusing on long-term potential. While losing Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic might be painful, th…

Potential Teams for Tee Higgins:

Chicago Bears: The Bears are in need of a number-one wide receiver to complement Rome Odunze and DJ Moore. I don't think they will bring back Keenan Allen and they are really focus on Caleb Williams' development. Higgins would give them a big, reliable target and is the type of player they need to bolster their offense. The Bears have cap space and could make a big splash in free agency.

New England Patriots: The Patriots are constantly looking for quality receiving talent to help quarterback Drake Maye. Higgins could provide the Patriots with a strong, versatile weapon, particularly with the team still in search of a true top-tier receiver.

Carolina Panthers: The Panthers with a young QB like Bryce Young needs a go-to receiver. Higgins could help them establish a strong offensive foundation. Pairing him with their young QB could give both parties the opportunity to grow together.

Washington Commanders: With Terry McLaurin already established as the…

It’s not a full tank, but they’re also nowhere near contention. Nikola Vucevic has been holding it down, averaging 21.0 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 22 games. The guy has been solid as always—efficient from the field at 51% and even splashing 34% from deep. But with this roster clearly going nowhere fast, moving him and starting fresh might finally be the right call. The Bulls are stuck in no man’s land. At 15-18 this season, they’re just not getting it done. The Grizzlies, on the other hand, are in a completely different spot. They’ve got Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr., but they need that extra push to compete at the highest level in a brutal Western Conference. Vucevic is exactly the type of player they’re missing. He’s a proven scorer inside and out, he rebounds like crazy, and his ability to pass out of the post fits perfectly with the Grizzlies’ style. Throw Chris Duarte into the mix—a shooter who can defend wings—and you’ve got a pair of additions that…

The Warriors would make a statement by acquiring Herbert Jones, an elite defensive wing, to complement their already strong defensive identity. Jones would thrive in Golden State’s system around Stephen Curry, where his defensive versatility and ability to guard multiple positions could elevate the team’s overall defensive performance. Averaging 1.9 steals per game, Jones would provide a significant boost to the Warriors’ perimeter defense, allowing them to better contain the league’s top scorers.

In return, the Pelicans would receive Gary Payton II and Brandin Podziemski, two valuable assets. Payton’s defensive tenacity is well-documented, and he could serve as a veteran leader for a rebuilding New Orleans team. Podziemski, a young and promising player, has shown flashes of his potential with his three-point shooting and versatility. The addition of a 2027 first-round pick gives the Pelicans another asset to use for their long-term plans. This trade allows the Warriors to fortify the…

The Pistons, eager to accelerate their rebuild, could make a major statement by acquiring CJ McCollum. Adding a seasoned scorer like McCollum would provide Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey with a proven mentor while boosting Detroit’s offensive production. McCollum’s ability to operate as a primary or secondary playmaker would give the Pistons’ young stars a reliable veteran presence who can also lead them in crucial moments.

The Pelicans, in turn, would receive a strong return. Stewart is a tough, versatile big man averaging 6.2 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, providing New Orleans with a much-needed interior presence. Tim Hardaway Jr. would give the Pelicans a capable shooter and floor-spacer who can contribute immediately. Additionally, the 2030 first-round pick adds future draft capital, allowing New Orleans to bolster their long-term rebuilding efforts.

This trade makes sense for both sides. The Pistons would significantly improve their offense and leadership, while the Pelicans…

This deal enables the Heat to land two highly productive players in their 20s who they can retain to remain competitive next season if Butler leaves. For this season, they both would be major upgrades to a thin Miami roster that's overly dependent on Tyler Herro for offensive production. The Jazz wrestle a potentially valuable first-round pick and the future upside of 2025 first-round selection Kel'el Ware. If the Heat refuse to move Butler midseason, there's no point in them just playing the season out and waiting for his inevitable departure. Even if the parties can't agree on a future, it greatly benefits them both to make a real run in the Playoffs, as it helps Butler increase his value for free agency and justifies the Heat's current era of contention continuing with a re-tooled roster led by Herro and Adebayo.

Collin Sexton is averaging 17.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.7 assists this season, proving to be an exciting offensive complement to Tyler Herro in the backcourt. Sexton c…

The Indiana Pacers can swing for the fences with Brandon Ingram, a star player who could be a game-changer for any team because his future in New Orleans is unclear. The 6’8” forward has played well for the Pelicans this season, averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. He could be a strong contributor in Indiana as a starting forward alongside Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton. Giving up Myles Turner will be tough because he has been with the team for almost a decade. He has averaged 15 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game this season, which cements his status as a top center. However, he, Aaron Nesmith, and the 2028 first-round pick compose the optimal package to send over to New Orleans for Ingram….

The Brooklyn Nets could sell most of their marquee players in plenty of possible moves. They shipped Dennis Schroder to the Golden State Warriors, so Cameron Johnson has become the most enticing trade piece, and they are asking for multiple first-round picks.

The combo forward is having a career year, averaging 19.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. He can be a fantastic addition to the Oklahoma City Thunder, especially with his three-point shooting, averaging 42.2% from beyond the arc. The Nets will be taking some risky swings on a young player in Nikola Topic. He is still unknown because he is not playing his first NBA season due to a torn ACL. The youngster is a bigger point guard at 6’6” and could become the lead playmaker in Brooklyn.

Aaron Wiggins has been stellar for the Oklahoma City Thunder over the past few years. He has developed from a two-way player into a fixture of the rotation due to his reliable scoring, defense, and hustle. This season, he is averaging…

The Atlanta Hawks have always had a solid center rotation since Trae Young entered the league in 2018. He has always worked well with his centers because the system caters to a connection in the pick-and-roll.

Clint Capela has been the center for a long time, but his contract expires at the end of the 2024-25 season. It is time to get some value for him, and why not take the gamble on another center in Brooklyn? Nic Claxton is only 25 years old, and one of the best defensive centers in the league. He can be the defensive anchor the Atlanta Hawks have needed for a long time, who could also switch in the pick-and-roll. The 25-year-old also fits well alongside Trae Young, who could throw him lobs almost every offensive possession.

Claxton averages 9.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, two assists on 61.4% from the field this season. His free-throw percentage of 46.5% is concerning, yet the 1.2 blocks per game should remedy those worries.

This likely blocks the pathway for Onyeka Okongwu again henc…

Like LaVine, Brandon Ingram has been all over trade rumors, fake-trade articles and other reports for at least a year.

And after injuries helped push the New Orleans Pelicans to last place in the West, they should be even more motivated to turn those rumors into an actual deal.

At one point, it almost felt inevitable New Orleans would flip Ingram for a center, but rookie Yves Missi has been better than expected. And after this first quarter of the season, the Pelicans probably shouldn't be looking at win-now trades anymore.

Even with CJ McCollum, Dejounte Murray, Herbert Jones and Trey Murphy III all recently filtering back into the rotation, it will be nearly impossible to make up enough ground to even be in the Play-In Tournament.

Instead, New Orleans should be angling for more forward-looking deals. This one gives the Pelicans a first-round pick, something teams are going to be hesitant to give up for a player on an expiring contract who's looking for a raise this coming summer….