5 NBA Trades I Would Like To See This Season

As the NBA season begins, eventually so will the trade rumors. In this article, I’ll explore five intriguing trades I’d like to see this season which help determine the playoff chase later on in the year.

Collin Sexton Brings Orlando Some Offensive Magic

Trade Details:

Orlando Magic Receive: Collin Sexton

Utah Jazz Receive: Cole Anthony, Gary Harris, and a Top-5 2025 first-round pick (via Denver)

Paolo Banchero is the real deal, but he needs help if the Magic want to be a true contender out East. In this deal, Sexton gives Orlando another shot creator, relieving some of the offensive burden on Banchero. Sexton's ability to score and create plays for others will help space the floor for a team that struggles with consistent scoring. Meanwhile, Utah gains another future first-round pick and a young guard in Anthony, adding another developing piece to their young team. The Jazz would likely buy out Harris or try to trade him for a second-round pick as they look to gather as much draft capital as possible.

The Spurs Get Wemby Another Point Guard

Trade Details:

Chicago Bulls Receive: Harrison Barnes and a Top-14 2025 first-round pick (via Charlotte)

San Antonio Spurs Receive: Lonzo Ball

Lonzo Ball is finally back on the basketball court and it is great to see. However, he is now a strange fit on this Bulls roster with Josh Giddey in the fold and as he is in a contract year, if he is healthy, I expect the Chicago to trade him. The Bulls would acquire Harrison Barnes, whose contract runs through 2026, giving Chicago the opportunity to trade him to a contender at next year’s deadline while adding draft capital. Ball could provide the Spurs with a talented point guard to pair with Victor Wembanyama, not just for this season but for the foreseeable future. If Ball can even partially recover his pre-injury playmaking skills, he would be an ideal floor general to maximize Wembanyama’s impact on both ends of the court.

Brandon Ingram Situation Is Finally Resolved

Trade Details:

Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Brandon Ingram & Jose Alvarado

New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Jarrett Allen & Caris LeVert

Brandon Ingram is in the final year of his contract, and it appears the Pelicans are not keen on extending him. The Pelicans need to address the center position if they want to contend in the West, and Ingram is their best trade chip. By adding Jarrett Allen, New Orleans gains a dependable rim protector and inside presence to pair in the frontcourt with Zion Williamson, while LeVert brings energy off the bench. For Cleveland, Ingram would be the versatile wing the team has lacked for years, and although Alvarado may not play a ton, he brings a certain grit that could be valuable in the postseason.

The Grizzlies Finally Get a Forward

Trade Details:

Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Jerami Grant

Portland Trailblazers Receive: Marcus Smart, Brandon Clarke, 2025 First Round Pick (Top 10 Protected)

Last season, it was reported that the Memphis Grizzlies heavily pursued forwards on the trade market, specifically targeting Raptors players OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam. As we now know, Memphis was unable to acquire either, and that may have been for the best, as last season was one they'd likely prefer to forget. Now, with their core back healthy and the Western Conference being wide open, this could be a year for the Grizzlies to go all in. Grant would provide Memphis with floor spacing and defense, while the Blazers would acquire another young frontcourt player in Brandon Clarke, an additional draft pick, and Marcus Smart, whom they could flip to a contender.

Lakers Send D'Angelo to the Place He Never Wanted to Leave

Trade Details:

Brooklyn Nets Receive: D'Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincet, 2025 Second Round Pick

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Dorian Finney-Smith & Dennis Schroder

In theory, D'Angelo Russell should be the perfect point guard for LeBron James at this stage of his career. He likes to run the show, is a gifted passer, and is a reliable outside shooter. Unfortunately, it seems that all of that skill disappears when the games start to matter most. In this deal, Russell returns to Brooklyn, where he was at the height of his career. Joining him would be Gabe Vincent, who in his two years with team, has done almost nothing for the Lakers, along with a 2025 second-round pick. The Lakers would acquire swingman Dorian Finney-Smith and fan favorite Dennis Schroder. Both of these players fit well alongside LeBron and Anthony Davis as the Lakers aim to make a deep postseason run.