Next Big-Name Trade Candidate for All 30 NBA Teams: LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Ja Morant Headline List

Trae Young remains the Atlanta Hawks' offensive centerpiece, averaging 24.2 points and a league-leading 11.6 assists last season. Despite his elite production, concerns persist about his ball dominance and defensive limitations. Young is under contract through 2027 and eligible for a substantial $222 million extension. His already high salary raises questions about the Hawks' long-term financial flexibility and value. The team's offseason moves (acquiring Kristaps Porzingis, signing Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard, drafting Asa Newell) signal a shift towards more balanced play and spacing. However, these additions complicate salary distribution and future direction, making exploring trade options for Young a possibility if Atlanta hesitates on a max extension. Potential landing spots include the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks.

Jaylen Brown is a cornerstone for the Boston Celtics, coming off a Finals MVP performance and averaging 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists last season. He is entering the second year of a five-year, $285 million extension. With Jayson Tatum expected to miss significant time due to an Achilles injury, Brown faces increased pressure as the Celtics' primary scoring option. His hefty contract ($53 million+ in 2025-26) significantly strains Boston's challenging salary-cap situation. The Celtics are retooling after trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis (adding Anfernee Simons and Georges Niang) but lack reliable, affordable frontcourt depth. Competing for a title without Tatum is unlikely, potentially forcing the Celtics to explore trading Brown to reset future flexibility while maintaining some competitiveness. Potential landing spots include the Atlanta Hawks and San Antonio Spurs.

The Brooklyn Nets, finishing 26-56 last season, are firmly in rebuilding mode focused on acquiring draft capital. Despite being a key defensive anchor (career 1.7 blocks average, 19th-best defensive box plus/minus last season), Nic Claxton may not align with this long-term strategy as his presence hinders the team's ability to accumulate losses for better draft positioning. Claxton excels defensively and as a rim runner/lob threat offensively, but his lack of a perimeter shot limits his versatility. His youth, athleticism, and rim protection make him a valuable trade asset for the Nets to potentially acquire draft picks or young talent.