The 2024 NBA offseason has been quiet for a while as many top stars including Zach LaVine and Brandon Ingram have not been traded yet. Upon the completion of the 2024 Paris Olympics, we expect some player movement to happen and five blockbuster trades must happen this summer as we approach the 2024-25 season.

Zach LaVine Finally Joins The Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Zach LaVine, 2027 First-Round Pick 

Chicago Bulls Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent

The long-anticipated union of Zach LaVine and the Los Angeles Lakers would give the team the explosive scoring punch they need alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. LaVine, who averaged 19.5 points per game last season, is a proven scorer capable of taking over games with his athleticism and shot-making ability. The Lakers have been searching for a dynamic perimeter player who can complement LeBron’s playmaking and provide consistent offense. LaVine’s ability to score both on and off the ball (career 38.2% 3-PT FG) would relieve pressure on the aging LeBron and allow Davis to focus more on defense and rebounding. The first-round pick also gives the Lakers some flexibility in their future once LeBron James decides to call it quits.

For the Chicago Bulls, moving LaVine marks the beginning of a necessary rebuild. By acquiring D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura, they gain a versatile guard who can run the offense and a young forward with the potential for more growth. Russell’s playmaking (6.3 APG) will provide stability at the point guard position, while the 26-year-old Hachimura’s offensive prowess and energy will fit well into Chicago’s frontcourt rotation featuring the 22-year-old Patrick Williams. Gabe Vincent also has a chance to prove his worth after only appearing in only 11 games last season.

This trade is a win-win for both teams. The Lakers get their third star, increasing their chances of competing for a championship while LeBron is still playing at a high level. Meanwhile, the Bulls can begin retooling for the future, adding depth and versatility to a team that needs a fresh direction. LaVine’s arrival in Los Angeles would signal a serious title push, while Chicago starts to build for the next era.

Brandon Ingram Creates A Big Two With The Utah Jazz

Trade Details

Utah Jazz Receive: Brandon Ingram

New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Collin Sexton, Walker Kessler, 2027 First-Round Pick (CLE)

Pairing Brandon Ingram with Lauri Markkanen would instantly make the Utah Jazz one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the Western Conference. Ingram, who posted 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game last season, is a versatile wing who can score at all three levels. His ability to create his own shot and facilitate for others makes him the perfect complement to Markkanen’s sharpshooting and inside-outside game (23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game on 39.9% from three). Together, they would form a potent Big Two, giving the Jazz a foundation to contend in the West.

The New Orleans Pelicans, in return, receive Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler, two young players who fit well with their timeline and style of play. Sexton, a dynamic guard with a knack for scoring (18.7 PPG in 78 appearances), can provide Zion Williamson and the Pelicans with the offensive punch they need, while Kessler offers elite shot-blocking and rebounding (2.4 BPG, 7.5 RPG) to bolster their interior defense. By moving Ingram, the Pelicans can refocus on building around Zion Williamson and a younger, more balanced roster. The first-round pick also gives them flexibility in their long-term outlook since Zion is only 24 years old and has his best years ahead of him.

For the Jazz, this trade solidifies their core around Markkanen and Ingram, giving them two All-Star caliber players to lead them into the future. The Pelicans, on the other hand, add depth and versatility, allowing them to remain competitive while building a younger and more cohesive unit. Both teams come out ahead, with the Jazz now possessing one of the most intriguing duos in the league, and the Pelicans positioning themselves for long-term success.

Myles Turner Makes The Golden State Warriors Stronger

Trade Details

Golden State Warriors Receive: Myles Turner

Indiana Pacers Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Kevon Looney, 2027 First-Round Pick (GSW)

With Klay Thompson departing in free agency, the Golden State Warriors need to reload to remain competitive in the Western Conference. Acquiring Myles Turner from the Indiana Pacers would address two of their most pressing needs: rim protection and interior scoring. Turner, who averaged 17.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game last season, is a premier shot-blocker and floor-spacer, making him an ideal fit alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. His presence in the paint would solidify the Warriors’ defense while also stretching the floor with his three-point shooting (35.8% from deep).

In exchange, the Pacers receive Andrew Wiggins, Kevon Looney, and valuable future draft capital. Wiggins, a former All-Star, would provide Indiana with a proven scorer and versatile defender, while Looney brings championship experience and elite rebounding (5.7 RPG). The addition of a 2027 first-round pick gives the Pacers the assets needed to continue building for the future, whether by drafting young talent or making further trades. This trade allows Indiana to reset around Tyrese Haliburton and their young core while still remaining competitive.

For the Warriors, this deal is about maximizing their current championship window. Turner’s defensive presence and floor spacing will help the Warriors maintain their status as contenders in a tough Western Conference. Losing Wiggins hurts, but Turner’s impact on both ends of the floor addresses more significant needs, especially with Thompson gone. The Warriors are banking on Turner’s ability to elevate their defense and keep their offense dynamic, making this a high-risk, high-reward move that could pay off in another title run.

Deandre Ayton Brings Some Star Power To The Charlotte Hornets

Charlotte Hornets Receive: Deandre Ayton

Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Josh Green, Grant Williams, Devonte’ Graham, 2027 First-Round Pick, 2029 First-Round Pick

Deandre Ayton joining the Charlotte Hornets would give them the star power they’ve been craving in the frontcourt. Ayton, who averaged 16.7 points and 11.1 rebounds per game last season, is a force in the paint on both ends of the floor. His combination of size, athleticism, and touch around the rim would instantly elevate the Hornets’ interior presence, making them a more balanced and competitive team. With LaMelo Ball running the point (23.9 PPG, 8.0 APG), Ayton could thrive as a pick-and-roll partner, giving Charlotte a dynamic inside-outside duo to build around.

The Portland Trail Blazers, after trading Damian Lillard last year, are fully committed to rebuilding. By acquiring Josh Green, Grant Williams, and Devonte’ Graham, along with two future first-round picks, they add depth, defensive versatility, and significant future assets. Green and Williams are both young players with upside, capable of contributing immediately while still developing their games. The draft picks, especially the 2027 and 2029 first-rounders, provide the Blazers with additional flexibility as they navigate their rebuild.

For the Hornets, this trade is about taking the next step toward playoff contention. Adding Ayton gives them a legitimate star in the frontcourt, something they’ve lacked for years. His presence would help shore up their defense while providing a reliable scoring option in the paint. For the Blazers, this deal accelerates their rebuilding process, adding young talent and valuable draft picks that can be used to either develop new stars or make further trades. Both teams benefit, with Charlotte gaining a cornerstone big man and Portland stocking up on assets for the future.

Anfernee Simmons Brings Offense To The Orlando Magic

Trade Details

Orlando Magic Receive: Anfernee Simons

Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Cole Anthony, Moritz Wagner, 2025 First-Round Pick (ORL), 2026 First-Round Pick Swap (ORL)

The Orlando Magic, already one of the best defensive teams in the league, would significantly improve their offense by acquiring Anfernee Simons. Simons, who averaged 22.6 points and 5.5 assists per game last season, is a proven scorer who can create his own shot and knock down threes at a high clip (38.5% from deep). Pairing him with Paolo Banchero would give the Magic a potent inside-outside combination, balancing their elite defense with much-needed firepower on offense. With Simons in the backcourt, Orlando could make a serious push in the Eastern Conference.

The Portland Trail Blazers, in exchange, receive Cole Anthony, Moritz Wagner, and valuable draft assets that align with their rebuilding timeline. Anthony, a talented young guard, averaged 13.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game last season and could blossom into a key piece for Portland. Wagner adds depth to their frontcourt with his scoring and rebounding (10.9 PPG, 4.3 RPG), while the future first-round pick and pick swap provide further flexibility for the Blazers as they reshape their roster around Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe.

This trade works well for both sides. The Magic get the scoring punch they need to complement their defense and help Banchero lead the team into playoff contention. Simons’ ability to stretch the floor and create offense will be invaluable as Orlando continues to develop its young core. Meanwhile, the Blazers gain additional young talent and draft capital, ensuring they have the assets to build a competitive team in the future.