The NBA landscape is constantly evolving, with player movement and trade requests becoming a prominent feature in today’s game. From superstar duos forming to superteams being dismantled, the league has witnessed seismic shifts that have left fans and analysts eagerly speculating about the next wave of trade requests. As franchise loyalty gives way to player empowerment, it’s become increasingly common for star players to seek new challenges and opportunities elsewhere. In this article, we delve into the intriguing realm of NBA trade requests and explore some of the potential superstars who might be looking for a change of scenery in the near future.
Damian Lillard, the dynamic and loyal point guard of the Portland Trail Blazers, has long been a centerpiece of the team and a beloved figure in the city of Portland. However, the star’s commitment to the Blazers has wavered, and his request to get traded to the Miami Heat is well-documented. Since Lillard made the decision to request a trade, it could set off a chain reaction throughout the league, igniting a flurry of trade activities and reshaping the NBA landscape once again.
While we cannot predict the future with certainty, several factors indicate that the NBA is poised for another wave of high-profile trade requests. In an era where players value both individual success and the chance to compete for championships, the allure of new surroundings and fresh opportunities has become irresistible for many. From the desire to join forces with other superstars to seeking a more prominent role on a different team, there are numerous motivations that might prompt a superstar to explore trade possibilities.
It is time to examine some of the top NBA superstars who could potentially request a trade in the near future, analyzing their current situations, contract scenarios, team dynamics, and the potential ripple effects that their decisions might have on the league as a whole.
By examining the factors at play and understanding the motivations behind these potential trade requests, we aim to provide insights into the evolving nature of player movement in the NBA and the transformative impact it can have on the competitive landscape. Without further ado, here are the eight All-Star players who will request a trade from their teams next.
Zach LaVine
Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Season Statistics: 24.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
If the Chicago Bulls fail to make significant progress in terms of team success, based on what we have seen from the recent seasons of being a fringe playoff team, All-Star Zach LaVine might consider requesting a trade to a team with a better chance of competing at a higher level. Like many elite players, he may prioritize the opportunity to compete for championships and seek a situation where he can maximize his chances of winning.
LaVine is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2025-26 NBA season, after which he has a player option of over $48 million for the following year. If the Bulls’ financial situation limits their ability to build a competitive roster, LaVine may explore other options by requesting a trade to a team that can offer him a more lucrative contract or a better chance at success.
LaVine’s desire for a larger role or a different style of play could also influence his decision to request a trade. If he feels that his talents are not being fully utilized or if he desires a change in the team’s direction, he might consider exploring trade possibilities. LaVine is a walking 25 PPG scorer, so the chance to play for a contender that can use him properly might suit his needs better. Expect teams such as the Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors, or the Portland Trail Blazers to go after LaVine in a very strong manner.
Donovan Mitchell
Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Season Statistics: 28.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Considering the Cleveland Cavaliers were bounced in the first round of the playoffs, Donovan Mitchell might consider requesting a trade to a team with a better chance of competing at a higher level. Like many elite players, he may prioritize the opportunity to compete for championships and seek a situation where he can maximize his chances of winning.
Mitchell may have personal goals or ambitions that he feels could be better achieved in a different environment or with a different team. This could include factors such as playing alongside other star players, being in a bigger market, or having a different style of play that aligns more closely with his s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 set. Remember, the All-Star was traded to Cleveland with him having no say in the matter, so he might want a chance to play in a situation that suits his s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s and playing style.
Mitchell is signed under contract until the 2024-25 season but has a player option worth over $37 million in the 2025-26 season. Clearly, the shooting guard needs to find a destination that he wants to remain with long-term in order to reject his player option and sign a far more lucrative max extension. Expect the New York Knicks to go after Mitchell as soon as any rumblings come out in Cleveland.
Karl-Anthony Towns
Credit: Kevin Jaira-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Season Statistics: 20.8 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 4.8 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.6 BPG
If the Minnesota Timberwolves continue to struggle in terms of team success, with a lack of playoff success as they wait on Anthony Edwards to become a superstar player, 3-time All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns might become frustrated and seek a trade to a team with better championship prospects. Like many All-Star players in their primes, Towns may prioritize the opportunity to compete for titles and may desire a change of scenery to achieve that goal.
While Minnesota has tried to build a contender around Towns, including acquiring 3-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert, it has not worked. This past season, the Timberwolves were defeated in the first round of the playoffs against the Denver Nuggets and were outplayed on both ends of the court. Towns didn’t exactly have his best postseason, averaging 18.2 PPG and 10.2 RPG in his third appearance. The big man could be looking for a change of scenery to get him motivated to play at his best.
If Minnesota’s front office or coaching staff undergoes significant changes that alter the team’s direction or long-term vision, Towns might reassess his fit within that framework. Mainly, it is clear that Edwards is the star in town going forward, and he might receive the bulk of the touches on the offensive end going forward. Once Towns believes that the organization’s plans no longer align with his own goals or if he desires a different style of play or roster construction, he might consider exploring trade possibilities, and the likes of the New York Knicks will be seriously looking at him.
Trae Young
Credit: Brett Davis/USA Today Sports
2022-23 Season Statistics: 26.2 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 10.2 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Trae Young, who has been a standout player for the Hawks, is widely regarded as one of the best point guards in the league on the offensive side of the floor after posting 26.2 PPG and 10.2 APG in the regular season, followed by 29.2 PPG and 10.2 APG in the playoffs against the heavily-favored Boston Celtics. In terms of offensive firepower, there are only a select few better than Young.
However, Young could be looking for a way out of Atlanta. The miniature point guard’s team isn’t exactly stacked with talent, other than former All-Star Dejounte Murray, who just signed a 4-year extension worth $120 million. While Murray is certainly a more than capable two-way guard, the Hawks need a bit more to actually compete in the Eastern Conference that is stacked with the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Miami Heat looking to make big moves this summer. As a result, Young could look at top contenders for a move.
Similar to what Bradley Beal and Damian Lillard have done, Young could thank his original franchise for the max deals and loyalty and look elsewhere. In case the Miami Heat can’t acquire Lillard, Young would be a spectacular backup choice. Not to mention, the Los Angeles Lakers have been rumored to be interested in Young, while a franchise on the come-up such as the San Antonio Spurs, could want him to pair with Victor Wembanyama. No matter what, Young might find another destination to be more attractive and force his way out of Atlanta.
Ja Morant
Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Season Statistics: 26.2 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 8.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Ja Morant’s behavior off the court has been downright silly and quite frankly, sad. While he is only 23 years old and has plenty of years ahead of him to mature, a player with his type of ability should not risk his career to impress an entourage that probably doesn’t need impressing. Morant is not only the most explosive player in the NBA right now, but his comparison to both Russell Westbrook and Allen Iverson shows just how dominant he can be in the right situation.
Unfortunately, it seems that staying in Memphis is not the right choice. The city of Memphis, while home to loyal fans and iconic culture, is not the best place to be for youngsters struggling with behavioral problems. The Grizzlies franchise has tried to keep Morant out of harm’s way, but the player is doing it to himself. The team needs to manage without Morant, who will be banned for the first 25 games to start the 2023-24 season, and that isn’t a good look for a player who is supposed to be one of the faces of the league going forward.
Instead, Ja Morant could be looking to move elsewhere, and if he and his family decide to pack it up and look outside Memphis, the franchise might have no choice but to respond. Expect any team looking for a franchise star to go after Morant if he requests a trade, offering any package of talented players and first-round picks to get the deal over the line. Time will tell if Morant can correct his behavior, and it might have to do with leaving the city of Memphis.
Zion Williamson
Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Season Statistics: 26.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.6 BPG
What’s going on with Zion Williamson is plain ugly and quite frankly, none of our business. Even his own teammates have come out to support him in the midst of social media drama. The big man is a supreme talent that has been unable to stay healthy, and that is a bad look for him and the New Orleans Pelicans franchise. Despite the fact that Zion has commented about being happy in New Orleans, he doesn’t seem too interested in the Pelicans franchise and might prefer a shot at playing in a bigger market.
As a result, teams such as the New York Knicks will always be in the running for Zion Williamson. The Knicks need a superstar player in his prime, and while Julius Randle has been a 2-time All-Star and elite all-around big man, he will never be on Zion’s level as a pure talent and impactful player. A swap deal involving Julius Randle could be in the cards because the Pelicans would gladly rid themselves of a problematic player for a guy who shows up to work.
In New York, Zion would be motivated and kept heavily under pressure to keep in shape and play. That is probably what Williamson needs to stay on the court and reach his potential because a franchise catering to his needs and being patient with him has not worked. It might be time for Williamson to leave, and the player might be the one to end this relationship.
Joel Embiid
Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Season Statistics: 33.1 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.7 BPG
An elite two-way superstar and the reigning MVP, Joel Embiid is right behind Nikola Jokic in terms of being the most dominant big man in the world. The Cameroonian had himself a spectacular regular season, winning his second straight scoring title and capturing his first-ever MVP trophy. However, his playoff run was quite poor yet again, and the big man was forced to head home at the hands of the Boston Celtics.
Now, there could be changes coming to Philadelphia. James Harden has requested a trade, and as a superstar who is in his prime, Embiid might not be too happy about that. Harden’s trade request means the 76ers are working to find him a new home, and if he leaves without another All-Star coming back, the 76ers are not a threat to the Celtics, Bucks, or Heat. Rather, they will most likely be a first-round exit.
Embiid is 29 years old and heading onto 30 next year, meaning the time to win is now. The big man’s injury history is well-documented, and he can’t afford to waste seasons before the injury bug strikes again. While the 76ers would be devastated to lose Embiid, the big man has to find a way to compete for championships, and if he feels that it isn’t in Philly, a request to join the Heat or Knicks could be in the future.
Luka Doncic
Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
2022-23 Season Statistics: 32.4 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 8.0 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Luka Doncic, superstar player for the Dallas Mavericks, is too good to be on a team that doesn’t make the playoffs. The fact that Kyrie Irving re-signed with the team shows that the duo is there to stay unless Doncic decides otherwise. Luka is under contract until the 2024-25 season, after which he has a player option for over $48 million in the 2025-26 season. Luka will certainly turn that option down for another max contract.
However, Luka’s run in Dallas might not even reach that far. The Slovenian has been linked to New York, quite amazingly. The superstar guard and forward posted 32.4 PPG, 8.6 RPG, and 8.0 APG this season despite failing to lead the team to a playoff seed. No doubt, Doncic might be fed up with the situation in Dallas and if the team struggles to win games next year as well, time could be up. This would be the perfect time for the Knicks to jump in and acquire the superstar Slovenian.
Luka belongs in any big market that caters to superstar players. He has the s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁, personality, and leadership s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s to make a difference for any franchise that needs it, and the Knicks are a major franchise in the mix. Even if the Slovenian doesn’t want to play for the Knicks, teams such as the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers will always be in the mix. Even when top analysts and renowned media members see Doncic asking for a trade, it might all depend on how well the Mavericks play in the 2023-24 NBA season.
