Ultimate NBA Summer Trade Guide: 100 Players, Split into 11 Tiers, Who Could Be Dealt During 2025 Offseason
The 2025 NBA offseason is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic in recent memory. With the dust settling after an explosive playoff season and franchises recalibrating for a fresh title push, trade rumors are flying. From disgruntled superstars to undervalued role players, executives are already dialing phones, targeting pieces that could shift the balance of power.
In this ultimate NBA summer trade guide, we break down 100 players across 11 unique tiers, based on market value, trade likelihood, and team strategy. Whether your team is rebuilding, retooling, or reloading, this list identifies who might be wearing a new jersey next season.
The 11 Tiers Explained
| Tier | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Franchise-Changing Stars | All-NBA level talents who could shake the league if moved. |
| 2 | Star Players with Trade Rumors | Big names frequently discussed in trade chatter. |
| 3 | Rising Stars | Young, high-ceiling players who could headline major deals. |
| 4 | Veteran All-Stars | Older stars with a few strong years left, potentially available. |
| 5 | Prime Role Players | Productive, team-friendly players sought after by contenders. |
| 6 | High-Risk, High-Reward | Talents with potential but injury or attitude concerns. |
| 7 | Salary Filler with Upside | Contracts needed to match trade math, with potential sweeteners. |
| 8 | Rookies or Sophomores | Early-career players teams might reluctantly include. |
| 9 | Reclamation Projects | Once-promising players looking for a fresh start. |
| 10 | Rental Veterans | Expiring deals or players near retirement. |
| 11 | Underrated Bench Assets | Glue guys or low-profile contributors who could tip playoff outcomes. |
Tier 1: Franchise-Changing Stars (5 Players)
These are the names that keep GMs awake at night.
- Luka Dončić – Dallas Mavericks
Unlikely, but whispers persist amid internal frustration. - Joel Embiid – Philadelphia 76ers
The health cloud looms. If Philly falters again, teams will pounce. - Trae Young – Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta’s future direction is uncertain after another early playoff exit. - Devin Booker – Phoenix Suns
Booker could be the odd man out in Phoenix’s failed Big Three. - Jayson Tatum – Boston Celtics
Extremely unlikely, but a blockbuster like this redefines eras.
Tier 2: Star Players with Trade Rumors (10 Players)
- Zach LaVine – Chicago Bulls
Long-rumored, LaVine’s scoring doesn’t fit Chicago’s new youth movement. - Brandon Ingram – New Orleans Pelicans
Contract year plus Zion’s emergence could force a tough call. - Karl-Anthony Towns – Minnesota Timberwolves
Gobert’s presence makes KAT’s future murky. - Pascal Siakam – Indiana Pacers
Could re-sign, but some execs see trade potential if extension falters. - Dejounte Murray – Atlanta Hawks
Not ideal next to Trae; could be split to reshape backcourt.
Tier 3: Rising Stars (10 Players)
- Tyrese Maxey – Philadelphia 76ers
- Scoot Henderson – Portland Trail Blazers
- Jaden Ivey – Detroit Pistons
- Jonathan Kuminga – Golden State Warriors
- Keegan Murray – Sacramento Kings
These players are mostly untouchable but may become trade centerpieces for a superstar.
Tier 4: Veteran All-Stars (10 Players)
- DeMar DeRozan – Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA)
- Chris Paul – Golden State Warriors
- Klay Thompson – Golden State Warriors
- Jrue Holiday – Boston Celtics
- Paul George – Los Angeles Clippers
Age and fit make them moveable, especially for teams looking to reset.
Tier 5: Prime Role Players (10 Players)
- Malik Beasley – Milwaukee Bucks
- Alex Caruso – Chicago Bulls
- Monte Morris – Detroit Pistons
- Dorian Finney-Smith – Brooklyn Nets
- Norman Powell – Los Angeles Clippers
These players can swing playoff series—and are easier to acquire than stars.
Tier 6: High-Risk, High-Reward (10 Players)
- Ben Simmons – Brooklyn Nets
- Miles Bridges – Charlotte Hornets
- James Wiseman – Detroit Pistons
- Cam Reddish – Los Angeles Lakers
- Mo Bamba – Free Agent
Injuries or inconsistency hold them back, but the upside is still intriguing.
Tier 7: Salary Filler with Upside (10 Players)
- Tim Hardaway Jr. – Dallas Mavericks
- Davis Bertans – Charlotte Hornets
- Joe Harris – Free Agent
- Cedi Osman – San Antonio Spurs
- Reggie Bullock – Free Agent
Often included to make salaries match—but could contribute in a new setting.
Tier 8: Rookies or Sophomores (10 Players)
- Dereck Lively II – Dallas Mavericks
- Ausar Thompson – Detroit Pistons
- Jarace Walker – Indiana Pacers
- Gradey Dick – Toronto Raptors
- Jordan Hawkins – New Orleans Pelicans
Teams are reluctant to part with them, but might for the right deal.
Tier 9: Reclamation Projects (10 Players)
- Killian Hayes – Detroit Pistons
- Patrick Williams – Chicago Bulls
- Obi Toppin – Indiana Pacers
- James Bouknight – Charlotte Hornets
- Josh Christopher – Free Agent
These players are looking for fresh starts—cheap and possibly impactful.
Tier 10: Rental Veterans (10 Players)
- Gordon Hayward – Oklahoma City Thunder
- Kyle Lowry – Philadelphia 76ers
- Patty Mills – Miami Heat
- Danilo Gallinari – UFA
- Otto Porter Jr. – Free Agent
One-year commitments that help contenders make a short-term push.
Tier 11: Underrated Bench Assets (10 Players)
- Naz Reid – Minnesota Timberwolves
- Isaiah Hartenstein – New York Knicks
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker – Timberwolves
- Delon Wright – Free Agent
- Santi Aldama – Memphis Grizzlies
These aren’t flashy names, but could be the final piece for contenders.
FAQ : Table
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What’s driving so much trade activity in 2025? | Several expiring contracts, new CBA pressure, and franchise crossroads are all factors. |
| Who is the most likely Tier 1 star to be traded? | Trae Young, if Atlanta pivots to build around younger players or moves Dejounte Murray first. |
| Are rookie-scale players really on the block? | Rarely, but they’re sometimes included in superstar packages or salary dumps. |
| How does the new CBA affect trades? | The second tax apron punishes teams for stacking stars, pushing some to shed salary. |
| Which teams are most active in trade talks? | Atlanta, Chicago, Brooklyn, and Golden State are reportedly aggressive early. |
| Could Golden State blow it up? | Very possible. Klay Thompson and Chris Paul are prime trade chips if the Warriors reset. |
| Who is the best ‘value’ trade target? | Alex Caruso—he’s elite defensively, cheap, and playoff-ready. |
| Is Joel Embiid really available? | Not actively shopped, but rival GMs are watching closely if Philly exits early again. |
Conclusion
The 2025 NBA offseason will test front offices across the league. Between franchise-defining moves, tough cap decisions, and under-the-radar steals, executives will have to balance short-term glory with long-term sustainability. Stars like Trae Young or Karl-Anthony Towns may reshape the map, while smart role player pickups could quietly decide next year’s title.
If this guide proves anything, it’s that no player is truly “untouchable” in today’s NBA—only the right offer is missing. The next few months will be a rollercoaster of rumors, Woj bombs, and front office chess. Buckle up. The summer is just getting started.