Shakeup Watch: 5 Young Stars Who Could Be Dealt This Summer
Ben DiGiacomo
Host · Writer
Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
Cade Cunningham is too talented to be stuck in whatever is happening with the Detroit Pistons. He needs to find a new home, and the Pistons should sell high on him while they still can, as another disastrous season seems likely for 2025 in the Motor City. This rebuild has turned into a disaster, and all of their highly-touted prospects have failed to pan out to give Cunningham any help; they’ll have just the fifth overall pick in this summer’s draft after having a league-worst 14 wins last season. Come on now, it’s just not meant to be for the Pistons. Plus, it already seems like Monty Williams lost the locker room. Cunningham being the best player - by a lot - on one of the worst teams in NBA history isn’t saying much, but he was the consensus No. 1 overall pick just a few short years ago and still has All-Star potential. Teams like the Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs should do everything possible to land him.
Jalen Green, Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets want to add a star to their young roster, and it’s been known that they’re more than willing to add Jalen Green to a potential trade package to get a deal done. Frankly, when analyzing the trade market throughout the entire league, Houston’s collection of picks and young talent should allow them to acquire whoever hits the market, and someone like Green could use a new home to maximize his potential. Teams like the Orlando Magic and Brooklyn Nets would most benefit from a potential Green addition as his high-volume scoring and playmaking potential fits their timeline and needs.
Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers didn’t have the season they hoped for in 2023-24, and their young talent didn’t impress. Their prized asset, Scoot Henderson, didn’t look that great as a rookie, and Shaedon Sharpe didn’t develop as many expected. However, Anfernee Simons did look to take strides as an all-around offensive player, averaging 22.6 points and a career-high 5.5 assists in just 46 games. Simons’s long-term fit doesn’t make sense with Henderson and Sharpe being 20 and 21 years old, and Simons too could use a change of scenery to take the next step in his career. A team that gives him the freedom to be a true combo guard would be a great fit, making the Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs ideal fits.
Deni Avdija, Washington Wizards
No one knows what the Washington Wizards are doing these days, but it’s clear that they need to rebuild their rebuild. Jordan Poole stinks, Kyle Kuzma can’t play winning basketball, and Brian Keefe unfortunately seems to be entering a situation as the full-time head coach where success is hard to envision. The Wizards have a few nice young pieces, but not enough to be happy about in the long term, making Deni Avdija their best trade asset. Avdija developed into a reliable all-around player on both ends of the floor in the second half of the season, and contenders around the league could view him as a plug-and-play starting small forward around shot-creators or as a sixth man. Washington needs picks, and contenders could be willing to cough up a few for Avdija’s services. Contenders like the Philadelphia 76ers or Oklahoma City Thunder should be interested and have picks to appeal to Washington.
Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz
Trade rumors about Lauri Markkanen have been swirling for about two years now, and I continue to struggle to understand why the Utah Jazz think that Markkanen is worth building around. Yes, Markkanen is a great player who has developed into a better player than most ever anticipated, but given the current state of the Western Conference, there is no chance he’ll ever be the best player on a championship trade. On the other hand, a contender should view Markkanen as a potential second or third option on a championship team that could get them over the hump. The Jazz are still rebuilding, and a team will be willing to give an absolute haul up to acquire Markkanen. Imagine how many picks the Oklahoma City Thunder will be willing to part ways with in a potential bidding war! Come on Danny Ainge, do the deal.
Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
Cade Cunningham is too talented to be stuck in whatever is happening with the Detroit Pistons. He needs to find a new home, and the Pistons should sell high on him while they still can, as another disastrous season seems likely for 2025 in the Motor City. This rebuild has turned into a disaster, and all of their highly-touted prospects have failed to pan out to give Cunningham any help; they’ll have just the fifth overall pick in this summer’s draft after having a league-worst 14 wins last season. Come on now, it’s just not meant to be for the Pistons. Plus, it already seems like Monty Williams lost the locker room. Cunningham being the best player - by a lot - on one of the worst teams in NBA history isn’t saying much, but he was the consensus No. 1 overall pick just a few short years ago and still has All-Star potential. Teams like the Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs should do everything possible to land him.
Jalen Green, Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets want to add a star to their young roster, and it’s been known that they’re more than willing to add Jalen Green to a potential trade package to get a deal done. Frankly, when analyzing the trade market throughout the entire league, Houston’s collection of picks and young talent should allow them to acquire whoever hits the market, and someone like Green could use a new home to maximize his potential. Teams like the Orlando Magic and Brooklyn Nets would most benefit from a potential Green addition as his high-volume scoring and playmaking potential fits their timeline and needs.
