NBA 2024 Offseason: 10 trade storylines that will dominate

The NBA trade market might be quite busy during this offseason. The conditions appear ideal for a blockbuster-filled summer. That doesn't guarantee the hoop gods will provide that, but they have all the elements to do so: Stagnant rosters, possibly restless players, shrinking windows for contention, acceleration candidates among the rebuilders, and a forgettable free-agent class.

Let us find out the top 10 NBA trade storylines that will take centre stage in the 2024 offseason:

10. Does anyone bet on Zach LaVine?

Zach LaVine once generated genuine interest in the trade market. With an electrifying three-ball, anti-gravity bounce, and tight enough handles to take down most defenders, he has consistently demonstrated one of the most lethal offensive skill sets in the league. However, his current market worth may be non-existent. His name has been floating about for over a year, and the Chicago Bulls have been unable to find a taker. They are prioritising a LaVine trade this offseason, but whether or not a deal is completed remains to be seen. 

9. Will the Spurs accelerate their pursuit of Victor Wembanyama?

The Spurs ultimately figured it out and used Wembanyama as a lone big man besides a true lead guard. Unsurprisingly, everything fell into place after that. When San Antonio had the Frenchman and Tre Jones on the floor instead of Sochan and Collins, their nett rating improved to plus-3.2 points per 100 possessions (69% in the league).

8. Is Oklahoma City Thunder Prepared to Make a Purchase?

Oklahoma City Thunder were encouraging patience and attempting to lower the expectations for their youthful squad even before the 2023–24 NBA season officially began. In the MVP and Rookie of the Year voting, Shai Gilegous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren placed second and third, respectively. Coach of the Year was awarded to Mark Daigneault. When it comes the Most Improved Player polls, Jalen Williams came in at No. 1.

7. Can Golden State Warriors Look for the Co-Star for Stephen Curry?

Stephen Curry was once again outstanding this season, but it didn't matter. Despite his best efforts, which included nightly contributions of 26.4 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.8 three-pointers, the Golden State Warriors received little more than a passing mention in title discussions. Finding a true co-star for Curry would necessitate losing some of the youthful core. Moses Moody is an apparent trade prospect but he hasn't accumulated enough floor time to be a needle-mover. 

6. Will the Los Angeles Lakers get back on line?

In the four seasons since their championship, the Los Angeles Lakers have missed the playoffs once, have been eliminated in the first round twice, and made an unlikely conference finals run as a seventh seed. However, when L.A. can only muster a.573 winning % during a season in which James and Davis both reach the 70-game mark, it's evident that this team requires a boost.

5. Are the Players in Brooklyn and Utah Who Seem to Be Off-Limits Really Off-Limits?

Brooklyn Nets and Utah Jazz combined for 101 defeats during the 2023-24 season. The Netts intend to "build and add talent around" Mikal Bridges. According to Tony Jones of The Athletic, the Jazz would need an offer "so great that it's...probably not going to come" before considering releasing Lauri Markkanen. Bridges will turn 28 this offseason and is hoping to make his first All-Star appearance. Markkanen is a year younger and has only one All-Star selection. They are more like really excellent players than great ones, the type who assist centrepiece abilities but fall short when thrust into such a prominent role.

4. Phoneix Suns to leave out with Kevin Durant?

It would be interesting to learn whether Kevin Durant is on board with all of this. During his season-plus with the Suns, he's seen the team become more top-heavy while being no closer to championship contention. He's seen two coaches fired, the team's lack of depth exposed, and his teammates battle injuries. In the meantime, he must have realised how impossibly deep the West may get as time passes. If Durant isn't persuaded about his current and future in Phoenix, an all-time great might emerge from this summer's trade market.

3. Is Brandon Ingram interested?

The New Orleans Pelicans had a great time before Brandon Ingram got injured. They won 49 games and were placed in the play-in tournament but failed to get further in playoffs. The New Orleans Pelicans are looking for a Brandon Ingram trade. If this happens, they will have to get an impact player. 

2. What’s next for the Atlanta Hawks? 

Atlanta Hawks has been an underdog for the season. De’Andre Hunter and Clint Capela have been there for a long while and may be pulled on the backcourt to get a pair of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. While Young and Murray both have scored 1,200 points together in this season. If they both go in trade it must not value their individual performance. Young is a playmaker and Murray has an average of 20-plus points while being second in command. Now it’s time for the Atlanta Hawks to part ways with one another and think about making a difference. 

1. Who will leave the Cleveland Cavaliers?

Cleveland Cavaliers has just managed to win 48 and has won its first playoff series after LeBron James left them in 1993. Ahead of next summer, Donovan Mitchell is set to leave as a free agency while he has the option to hold a $37.1 million player option for 2025-26. The Cleveland Cavaliers will try to stay with them. The five-time All-Star has been in decent form throughout the season. As per reports Los Angeles Lakers are interested in signing him.