The hottest NBA trade rumors right now involve LeBron James, Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell, the Golden State Warriors, and the Los Angeles Lakers.

The NBA trade deadline is officially over and we have named the biggest winners and losers from that interesting but rather uneventful event. As we enter the All-Star Break, the hottest NBA trade rumors continue to swirl. Even if we won’t see any major changes happen this season, there will be some player movement this summer and it is almost a foregone conclusion.

If superstar players get traded or teams are forced into uncomfortable positions, these rumors will be the major talking points for the rest of 2024.

1. Warriors Are Going All-In For A Wing Player – LeBron, Durant, Or George

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The Golden State Warriors’ pursuit of a game-changing wing player has set the NBA rumor mill ablaze. The initial trade proposal to bring LeBron James into the Warriors team, envisioning a dynamic partnership with Stephen Curry, encountered a roadblock with the Lakers’ firm rejection. LeBron has a player option worth $51,415,938 next season and the Warriors could look to engage in a sign-and-trade with him.

However, the Warriors remain undaunted, doubling down on their efforts to secure a transformative talent for their roster. While LeBron remains their top prospect, the team’s gaze has broadened to encompass other stars of the game, including Kevin Durant and Paul George.

The possibility of Durant’s discontent with the Phoenix Suns’ playoff performance has emerged as a potential catalyst for his return to the Warriors in a blockbuster deal, potentially involving the reshuffling of key assets like Klay Thompson (sign-and-trade) and Draymond Green as the superstar is under contract until 2025-26.

Simultaneously, Paul George’s prowess on both ends of the court has positioned him as an attractive target for the Warriors, offering a blend of elite scoring and defensive acumen that aligns seamlessly with the team’s championship aspirations as he only has a $48,787,676 player option next year or otherwise will be a free agent.

As the rumor mill continues to churn, the Warriors’ pursuit of a wing player stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence and their willingness to explore all avenues in their quest for sustained success.

2. Lakers Are Interested In Trae Young

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The Los Angeles Lakers’ reported interest in Trae Young signals a strategic shift in their roster-building approach as they prepare for the post-LeBron era. With LeBron James nearing 40 years old and the team facing uncertainties regarding his future, the Lakers recognize the imperative of securing a third superstar to fortify their championship aspirations.

While this season’s title hopes may appear dim, attention has turned towards the summer, with Trae Young emerging as a potential target in the Lakers’ quest for a 2025 championship. Young’s dynamic playmaking abilities and scoring prowess offer a complementary skill set that could seamlessly mesh with the talents of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

As a proficient ball-handler and elite scorer, Young (26.7 PPG and 10.9 APG) has the capacity to alleviate some of the offensive burden on James, providing additional playmaking options and a perimeter shooting threat. Furthermore, his electrifying style of play injects a new dimension of excitement into the Lakers’ lineup, rejuvenating the team and energizing the fan base.

Beyond his on-court contributions, Young’s potential arrival could also play a pivotal role in persuading LeBron James to prolong his tenure in Los Angeles. With James holding a player option for the upcoming season, the prospect of contending alongside Young and Davis for a championship could sway his decision to remain with the Lakers.

3. Donovan Mitchell Is Almost Certainly Leaving The Cleveland Cavaliers

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The swirling rumors surrounding Donovan Mitchell’s future with the Cleveland Cavaliers paint a picture of an imminent departure from the team, with almost a 100% guarantee. Reports indicating his reluctance to commit to a long-term contract have fueled speculation, suggesting that the star shooting guard may be eyeing a move to a larger market.

Throughout the season, whispers of Donovan Mitchell’s desire for a change in scenery have persisted, casting doubt on his future with the Cavaliers. As the offseason approaches, the Cavaliers find themselves at a crossroads, faced with the decision of whether to explore trade options for Mitchell or to redouble their efforts to retain him.

The impending playoffs loom large as a potential deciding factor, offering the Cavaliers an opportunity to showcase their competitiveness and potentially sway Mitchell’s decision through postseason success. As the offseason looms on the horizon, the fate of Donovan Mitchell (28.4 PPG) and his future with the Cleveland Cavaliers remains shrouded in uncertainty, and the way the team plays in the postseason could essentially lead to a confirmed conclusion.

4. Lakers Might Draft Bronny To Retain LeBron James

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The tantalizing prospect of drafting Bronny James to the Los Angeles Lakers has emerged as a potential strategy to ensure the retention of LeBron James, the face of basketball. While Bronny may not be heralded as the top prospect in the 2024 Draft, his talents as a scorer, especially his prowess as a shooter, have not gone unnoticed.

LeBron James himself has expressed a fervent desire to share the court with his son, a sentiment that has reverberated through the basketball world. Reports have surfaced indicating that the Lakers are actively considering drafting Bronny, viewing him as a strategic move to solidify their commitment to LeBron and bolster their pursuit of a second championship since their triumph in 2020.

Beyond the conventional metrics of draft prospects, the allure of familial ties and the potential for a storied father-son partnership add an extra layer of intrigue to the Lakers’ draft considerations. The prospect of drafting Bronny James looms large as a symbol of continuity and legacy because the Lakers’ future is entirely in the hands of LeBron and drafting his son could be the ultimate convincing factor.

5. The Spurs Interested In A Star Guard To Pair With Victor Wembanyama

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The San Antonio Spurs find themselves at a crossroads, acknowledging the need for a transformative presence in their backcourt to complement the talent of Victor Wembanyama. Despite flashes of brilliance from Wembanyama (20.5 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 3.2 BPG), showcasing glimpses of superstardom, the Spurs continue to struggle, languishing at the bottom of the league standings. A glaring deficiency in offense underscores their woes, as they currently rank 24th in points per game (111.8), highlighting the urgent necessity for an injection of dynamic talent.

Enter Trae Young, the electrifying point guard synonymous with offensive wizardry. Linked with the Spurs in recent rumors, Young embodies the quintessential playmaker, adept at threading the needle with pinpoint passes while boasting a lethal scoring touch from beyond the arc. At just 25 years old, Young represents not only a strategic acquisition for the present but also a cornerstone for the Spurs’ future aspirations.

His ability to seamlessly integrate with Wembanyama, capitalizing on the young phenom’s athleticism with alley-oops while stretching defenses with his shooting prowess, promises to catalyze a resurgence for the Spurs. The Spurs tried to acquire him earlier and could go all-in for his services this summer to start their ascension in the West.

6. Luka Doncic Might Not Be In Dallas Forever

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The looming uncertainty surrounding Luka Doncic’s future with the Dallas Mavericks has ignited murmurs throughout the NBA community, hinting at the possibility of a departure if the Mavericks fail to meet expectations in the playoffs. Despite Doncic’s stellar performance this season (34.2 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 9.5 APG), positioning him as a frontrunner for the MVP title, questions linger regarding his long-term commitment to Dallas.

The Mavericks’ recent playoff struggles, with three consecutive postseason disappointments culminating in a missed playoffs appearance last year after a promising Western Conference Finals run in 2022, have exacerbated concerns about Doncic’s satisfaction with the team’s trajectory.

The absence of Jalen Brunson, a key contributor to Doncic’s success, has been keenly felt, further exacerbating doubts about the Mavericks’ ability to contend. With formidable rivals such as the Nuggets, Clippers, Thunder, and Timberwolves emerging as stronger contenders, the prospect of Doncic seeking greener pastures gains credence should Dallas falter once again in the playoffs.

7. Klay Thompson Wants To Remain With Warriors, Possibly Accept Pay-Cut

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One of the best shooters ever, Klay Thompson wants to stay in Golden State with the Warriors because he has won four NBA championships with the team and seems to enjoy living in the Bay Area with his boats and luxurious lifestyle. In the summer, Klay Thompson made the strategic decision to decline a contract extension offer from the Golden State Warriors, opting instead to showcase his skills on the court in hopes of securing a more favorable deal.

However, his performances throughout the season have failed to bolster his market value, potentially limiting his options in free agency. With teams increasingly prioritizing long-term salary cap flexibility, Thompson may find himself without the lucrative offers he had anticipated. Despite this, his contributions remain valuable, with solid averages of 16.9 points on 41.3% shooting from the field and 37.3% from three-point range, making him a rotational player and no longer a star player.

Given the circumstances, including how he has come off the bench for the first time since his rookie season, returning to the Warriors could emerge as Thompson’s most viable option to secure a contract reflective of his worth. He wants to stay and might accept a pay cut as a result.

8. The Pelicans Might Have To Trade Zion Williamson Or Brandon Ingram

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The New Orleans Pelicans are confronted with a significant dilemma as they assess their future trajectory, balancing the financial constraints imposed by luxury tax concerns with the imperative to secure extensions for their burgeoning young talents. With star players such as Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram commanding substantial salaries, the Pelicans face the prospect of making tough decisions by choosing between them.

The hefty salaries of Williamson, Ingram, and C.J. McCollum, each exceeding $33 million annually, means the Pelicans are stuck with regard to roster improvements. Concerns arise over Zion’s injury history, despite him averaging 22.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists while shooting 58.5% from the field and 36.4% from three-point range across 44 games.

Conversely, Ingram has been a more consistent presence for the Pelicans, despite encountering his own injury setbacks. Ingram’s performance this season, averaging 21.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists while shooting 49.1% from the field and 35.7% from beyond the arc across 50 games has shown his value.

The Pelicans hold the sixth spot in the standings with a record of 33-22, and a playoff failure could result in a roster shake-up and they might need to decide if Zion Williamson or Brandon Ingram belong on the team. It might be as simple as this: if Zion Williamson suffers another untimely injury, he could be traded for star players and/or future picks. Otherwise, they might see Zion as their long-term answer as the face of the franchise and look to move Ingram by bringing in players to surround the big man with.

9. Detroit Pistons Came Very Close To Acquiring Zach LaVine, Looking Towards The Summer

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The Detroit Pistons recently found themselves on the brink of acquiring Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls, signaling a potential shift in their roster dynamics. LaVine’s availability on the trade market has been a consistent storyline throughout the season, with murmurs surrounding his declining production (19.5 PPG on 34.9% 3-PT FG) and the Bulls’ desire to embark on a rebuilding phase.

In response to this environment, the Pistons seized the opportunity to propose a trade for Zach LaVine before the trade deadline, indicating their readiness to make a significant roster upgrade. Despite LaVine’s unfortunate season-ending injury, the Pistons are keeping a watchful eye on the horizon, with their sights set on a potential acquisition of the dynamic guard in the upcoming summer.

This strategic move reflects the Pistons’ commitment to bolstering their roster around burgeoning star Cade Cunningham, as they aim to emerge as a more formidable force in the league. By pursuing LaVine, the Pistons aspire to not only fortify their offensive firepower but also to solidify their status as a team on the rise in the Eastern Conference.

10. Jonathan Kuminga is 100% Untouchable In Any Trade

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The Golden State Warriors have made it abundantly clear that Jonathan Kuminga is not up for negotiation in trade talks, solidifying his status as an untouchable asset within the organization. With impressive statistical averages including 15.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 0.7 steals per game, alongside shooting percentages of 53.1% from the field and 31.7% from beyond the arc, Jonathan Kuminga has proven himself as a significant contributor within the team’s lineup.

Of particular note are Kuminga’s recent scoring streaks, highlighting his evolution into a dynamic offensive threat for the Warriors. Consistently posting impressive numbers, such as an eight-game stretch with over 20 points and a 13-game streak exceeding 15 points, further underscores his reliability and ability to make an impact on the offensive end.

Meanwhile, the Warriors have demonstrated resilience and competitiveness, securing victories in seven of their last eight games and elevating their record to 27-26. This resurgence has propelled them from the 12th spot to the 10th in the highly competitive Western Conference standings, showcasing their ability to thrive in a demanding environment. As the Warriors play better basketball and Draymond Green can be the example for Kuminga to follow, the future star seems to be an untouchable piece this season.