From Mardi Gras to the Motor City: Here are 5 Blockbuster NBA Trades That Would Turn These Teams Into Serious Championship Contenders.
Zion Williamson to the Detroit Pistons
Potential trade
Pistons receive = F Zion Williamson, C Daniel Theis, G Javonte Green
Pelicans receive = G Jaden Ivey, C Isaiah Stewart, F Ausar Thompson, 2026 own first-round pick, 2028 own first-round pick
Why it works
This bold trade idea follows an announcement that the New Orleans Pelicans are open to trading every player on their roster except for Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, and Yves Missi. In light of this, GM Bryson Graham might struggle to find a better trade package than what the Pistons could offer. Ivey is an All-Star caliber talent, Stewart could split center minutes with Missi, and Thompson adds further versatility to the lineup. From the Pistons’ perspective, a healthy Zion Williamson would give them a chance to compete for a championship around Cade Cunningham. After going 3-1 in the NBA Cup, it is clear that Detroit is closer to being a legitimate contender than many anticipated. A starting lineup built around Cunningham, Williamson, and young center Jalen Duren would establish the Pistons as a team to watch in the Eastern Conference. Not to mention, first-round pick Ron Holland II would have an increased role on the bench unit.
Zach LaVine to the Orlando Magic
Potential trade:
Magic receive = G Zach LaVine and F Torrey Craig
Bulls receive = F Jonathan Isaac, G Cole Anthony, G Jett Howard, and a protected 2025 own first-round pick
Why It Works
At 11-15, the Chicago Bulls have been stuck in the NBA’s middle-ground since losing to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021. By trading LaVine, the Bulls would save $40+ million each of the next three seasons and improve their chances of keeping their top-10 protected 2025 first-round pick. For the Magic, an All-Star guard who is a dynamic scorer and shoots 42.8% from three on 7.5 attempts per game would greatly improve their 24th-ranked offensive rating. With Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner recovering from injury, LaVine could play a pivotal part in helping the Magic secure a spot in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. His offensive firepower would be crucial for Orlando as the team looks to match up against the formidable 5-out scheme run by the Celtics.
Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors
Potential trade:
Warriors receive = F Jimmy Butler, G Alec Burks
Heat receive = F Andrew Wiggins, F Jonathan Kuminga, C Kevon Looney, F Kyle Anderson, 2026 own first-round pick
Why It Works
The Miami Heat do not have as many trade options for Jimmy Butler as highlighted by most major media outlets. The Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks are committed to their core rosters, while Bradley Beal is the only notable player that the Phoenix Suns would be willing to trade. However, the Warriors have an array of assets–headlined by young star Jonathan Kuminga–that they could package to South Beach in exchange for Butler. Currently 2-8 over their last 10 games, Golden State GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. has undoubtedly demonstrated that he is willing to make roster moves by acquiring the Brooklyn Nets’ Dennis Schroder this week. Butler would fit seamlessly next to Curry as a secondary scorer with a strong 64.2 true shooting percentage, and he would certainly provide defensive intensity alongside Draymond Green.
Cam Johnson to the Sacramento Kings
Potential trade:
Kings receive = F Cam Johnson
Nets receive = G Keon Ellis, G Kevin Huerter, C Alex Len, 2026 own second-round pick, 2027 own second-round pick
Why It Works
The 12th-seed Sacramento Kings have been one of the more disappointing teams to start the 2024-2025 NBA season. While the team’s front office is reluctant to trade their emerging all-defensive guard Keon Ellis, they may have to make a roster change to avoid falling outside of the NBA Play-In. One possible move could be trading for Nets forward Cam Johnson, as Brooklyn looks to improve its NBA Draft Lottery standing by moving each of its win-now players. Johnson is shooting 43.3% from three this season and has an 18.72 PER (Player Efficiency Rating), meaning that his total offensive and defensive impact is above league average. He would help the Kings win clutch games–which is something that they have struggled with lately, as highlighted by their 130-129 loss to the Denver Nuggets on December 16th.
Kyle Kuzma returns to the Los Angeles Lakers
Potential trade
Lakers receive = F Kyle Kuzma
Wizards receive = G D’Angelo Russell, G Jalen Hood-Schifino, C Jaxon Hayes, 2029 own first-round pick, 2031 own first-round pick
Why It Works
Given that JJ Redick has appeared visibly defeated in his recent postgame interviews and the Washington Wizards are aiming to “Capture the Flagg” in June’s NBA Draft, Kyle Kuzma could find himself returning to his former team. The Los Angeles Lakers have the 16th-ranked offensive rating in the NBA, which is not an improvement from the Darvin Ham motion offense of old. Kuzma would act as a floor spacer for point-forward LeBron James and could play backup center when Anthony Davis is off of the floor, as he did during the 2018-2019 NBA season. Since the Milwaukee Bucks are in the luxury tax threshold and the Los Angeles Clippers have excelled early on this season, the Lakers have emerged as the favorite to add Kuzma to their roster. The Wizards will likely release D’Angelo Russell upon making this trade, both to free up salary space and to give him the opportunity to contribute to another contending team.