5 NBA Players to Monitor Ahead of the Next Blockbuster Trade

Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets

Mikal Bridges has been a player teams have monitored since being dealt by the Suns as part of the trade to bring Kevin Durant to Phoenix. Since arriving in Brooklyn, the former Villanova standout has thrived and become one of the best two-way players in the league. As a result, many teams have tried to lure Bridges away from the Nets, but the front office hasn’t been enticed to make a deal with any inquiring teams. But with Brooklyn fresh off firing their head coach, the Nets may be headed towards a rebuild in which the 27-year-old Bridges may not fit the future timeline. If made available, the forward could be a massive addition to nearly any team in the league.

NBA Championship Odds: Brooklyn Nets: +95000

Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks

Trae Young is one of the more recent names added to the rumor mill. The former Oklahoma star has shown nothing but promise since being drafted by Atlanta. However, in six seasons with the Hawks, the team hasn’t come close to contending for a championship, which may be the deciding factor for the team to hit the reset button. Nonetheless, if the team does elect to enter a complete rebuild, Young would be an ideal candidate to move, considering the package and assets Atlanta could get from them.

NBA Championship Odds: Atlanta Hawks: +24000

Zach Lavine, Chicago Bulls

Zach LaVine was a name many around the league believed would be moved at the start of the season. After many public comments and the Bulls' rough start, it looked increasingly like LaVine was leaving Chicago. However, after a season-ending injury, talks regarding a trade for the Bulls star were shut down, much like his season. But with the Bulls' future still in question, expect LaVine and his agent to find a way out of the Windy City this offseason.

NBA Championship Odds: Chicago Bulls: +49000

Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans

Zion Williamson was once one of the most highly anticipated prospects coming out of college after dominating his one season at Duke. The high-flying product was taken first overall by the Pelicans in 2019, and in four years, Williamson has only played in 161 games. While the playmaker has looked good in his time on the court, the main concern is how much he’s spent on it. If NOLA looks to move on from Williamson, the Pelicans could get a hefty package in return, especially if he finishes the year off strongly.

NBA Championship Odds: New Orleans Pelicans: +5500

Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks

Dejounte Murray is another name to monitor as Atlanta heads toward a rebuild. The former Spurs All-Star was dealt to ATL with the hopes that a duo of him and Trae Young would get the team over the hump. However, with that hope looking bleak, Murray became a hot name ahead of the deadline before the Hawks ultimately decided to keep the versatile guard to end the season. At only 27 with plenty of years left on his contract, Murray will be an enticing player for many teams.

NBA Championship Odds: Atlanta Hawks: +24000

Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets

Mikal Bridges has been a player teams have monitored since being dealt by the Suns as part of the trade to bring Kevin Durant to Phoenix. Since arriving in Brooklyn, the former Villanova standout has thrived and become one of the best two-way players in the league. As a result, many teams have tried to lure Bridges away from the Nets, but the front office hasn’t been enticed to make a deal with any inquiring teams. But with Brooklyn fresh off firing their head coach, the Nets may be headed towards a rebuild in which the 27-year-old Bridges may not fit the future timeline. If made available, the forward could be a massive addition to nearly any team in the league.

NBA Championship Odds: Brooklyn Nets: +95000