One ‘Realistic’ Dream Trade Target for Every NBA Team.Giang

NBA training camps start in less than a month. Every team is tied at 0-0, but it won’t take long for the postseason to take shape—not to mention the corresponding drop to the bottom.

While 20 teams will make at least the Play-In Tournament (16 in the playoffs), only one will get the opportunity to draft Duke prospect Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick. The division between the haves (playoff contenders) and the have-nots (lottery participants) should be clear by the time trade season unofficially begins on December 15.

Some teams may even make moves before the regular season starts. Most will wait until close to the February 6 deadline, but every team has at least someone they covet from another squad’s roster.

The following is a list of “realistic” dream trade targets for each NBA team:

If this were a list of true “dream” targets, 30 teams would have some variation of Victor Wembanyama and Luka Dončić. The goal is to find players for each franchise that may be theoretically attainable based on early intel, the strict rules of the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement and each team’s existing contracts.

For instance, New Orleans Pelicans wing Brandon Ingram is extension-eligible and will be an unrestricted free agent next summer. Julius Randle is in a similar position with the New York Knicks but can opt into an additional year at $30.9 million. Do the franchises reinvest or move their veterans before the deadline—and if so, who would be thrilled to add one of the two All-Star forwards?

Other factors to consider are current tax ($170.8 million threshold), first apron ($178.1 million and second apron ($188.9 million) scenarios. Those numbers project to grow with the 2025-26 salary cap (an estimated $154.6 million) to $187.9 million (tax), $195.9 million (first apron) and $207.8 million (second apron).

Moves made by the deadline may heavily impact flexibility next summer, be it opening cap room or the apron limiting the team to just minimum players. Teams must tread carefully.

Status: $1.3 million under luxury tax
Potentially available: Trae Young, Clint Capela, De’Andre Hunter, Bogdon Bogdanović

The Hawks seem to have chosen between Dejounte Murray (traded to the New Orleans Pelicans) and Young, but the franchise could reset entirely in the right situation. Assuming Young sticks for the year, the team needs to add youthful, athletic talent that doesn’t hurt the budget.

Bennedict Mathurin of the Indiana Pacers would make a great addition to rising star Jalen Johnson and No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher.

Status: Approximately $25.8 million over tax ($65.6 million penalty)
Potentially available: Jaden Springer

After the 2023-24 championship, the Celtics retained nearly their entire squad. If healthy, the team doesn’t need much, and any added players may not make the rotation.

Instead, the goal may be more of a simple cost-cutting move, like trading Jaden Springer without any salary in return. That could enable the team to keep Lonnie Walker IV as the 14th player while reducing its tax bill by $7.2 million.

Maybe that’s not a traditional “dream” target, but Boston may already have the roster to repeat.

Status: Approximately $3.3 million under the luxury tax
Potentially available: Ben Simmons, Cam Johnson, Bojan Bogdanović, Dorian Finney-Smith, Dennis Schröder, Day’Ron Sharpe

As a rebuilding team, the Nets project to have more cap space than any other franchise next summer (perhaps $56 million). Look for Brooklyn to shop its veteran players aggressively for draft compensation and young athletes.

The Nets would be another suitor for Bennedict Mathurin. While they may not be looking to move the athletic wing, the Pacers could view him as a luxury after he missed their playoff run with a shoulder injury, but it would take a lot for Indiana to give him up.

Status: $17.2 million below the tax
Potentially available: Miles Bridges, Cody Martin, Grant Williams, Vasilije Micić, Nick Richards

It is challenging to get a read on the Hornets with Jeff Peterson taking over in March. He paid $75 million to keep Bridges for three years. Was that a commitment, or was Peterson trying to turn Bridges around in trade?

Will the team continue to build slowly through the draft? Charlotte isn’t known as a free-agent destination. Would the chance to land an All-Star like Julius Randle be a leap worth making?

Status: Approximately $6.6 million below the tax
Potentially available: Zach LaVine, Jevon Carter, Lonzo Ball

The Bulls want to get out of the $138 million owed to LaVine over the next three seasons. Unfortunately, injuries have diminished his value.

If Chicago can trade for D’Angelo Russell from the Los Angeles Lakers, that would likely mean LaVine is off to L.A. The Bulls don’t really need a point guard like Russell, but his expiring contract would be welcome.

Status: Approximately $7.4 million below the tax
Potentially available: Caris LeVert, George Niang, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen (the latter two are not currently available), Isaac Okoro (via sign-and-trade)

The Cavaliers are near the tax and haven’t resolved Okoro’s restricted free agency. He can be sent out via sign-and-trade until the season starts. While Cleveland is focused on competing in the playoffs, the franchise will likely be hesitant to add long-term salary with Evan Mobley’s extension kicking in next year.

Acquiring Bruce Brown Jr. from the Toronto Raptors would give Cleveland a versatile, defensive-minded wing on an expiring contract.

Status: $2.6 million below the first apron ($4.8 million tax)
Potentially available: Jaden Hardy, Dwight Powell, Maxi Kleber

The Mavericks advanced to the NBA Finals before falling to the Boston Celtics. The team chose to part ways with Tim Hardaway Jr., Josh Green and Derrick Jones Jr., adding Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall and Quentin Grimes. If Grimes can regain his shooting touch, Dallas will replace Hardaway’s shooting, but the wing defense is suspect unless Marshall thrives in Jones’ vacated role.

Dallas doesn’t look like it will be an active team in trade discussions. If anything, another defensive wing would help. Perhaps a reunion with Dorian Finney-Smith of the Brooklyn Nets would help—probably costing a combination of Hardy and Kleber.

Status: $5.2 million below the second apron ($20.4 million tax)
Potentially available: Zeke Nnaji, Michael Porter Jr.

The Nuggets don’t have much flexibility in replacing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who left as a free agent for the Orlando Magic. Any team with Nikola Jokić is a contender, but Denver has a significant payroll. There may be a world in which the Nuggets try to trade Porter to get ahold of their finances, but that’s probably not the “dream” scenario.

While Jordan Clarkson isn’t a defender like Caldwell-Pope, he’s a better scorer who could help carry some of the load for the second unit. Denver’s only real path to a deal without Porter would be Zeke Nnaji and a few younger players like Julian Strawther (the Nuggets can’t take back more salary than they send out). A deal with Utah might be complicated in-season with roster space, but it’s not impossible (though it may require a third team).

Status: $10.2 million below the $140.6 million salary cap
Potentially available: Isaiah Stewart II, Tobias Harris, Tim Hardaway Jr., Jaden Ivey

Some around the league speculate that the Pistons aren’t sold on Ivey, but there’s no compelling reason (yet) to think he’s moved. Instead, Detroit may be looking to move veterans to add young players and draft considerations. Several teams would be interested in Stewart, who has a friendly $60 million contract over the next four seasons (team option).

The Pistons might want some of the young players on the Indiana Pacers, notably Jarace Walker and/or Bennedict Mathurin. The Pacers may be more likely to part with Walker if forced to choose in a deal that helped improve their playoff chances.

Golden State Warriors
Status: About $534,000 below the first apron ($14.6 million tax)
Potentially available: Andrew Wiggins, De’Anthony Melton, Kevon Looney, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Gay Payton II, Draymond Green

The Warriors broke up the Splash Brothers, sending Klay Thompson via sign-and-trade to the Dallas Mavericks. It’s a sign that anyone can be moved, though it’s highly unlikely the team will part ways with Stephen Curry. Extension negotiations will determine if the team sticks with Kuminga and Moody long term.

If the Warriors aren’t willing to pay Kuminga and Moody, perhaps they can relocate them to the Washington Wizards for Kyle Kuzma. Golden State would need to include others like Kevon Looney and Gary Payton II, and roster space would be an issue for the Wizards taking in that many players, but it’s workable with some creativity. Kuzma has $3.1 million of unlikely incentives, but the Warriors can stay below the first apron this year (and next) in adding the one-time NBA champion.

Status: Approximately $6.9 million under the tax
Potentially available: Jalen Green, Jeff Green, Jock Landale, Jae’Sean Tate

The Rockets have the contracts to bring on an All-Star, but the challenge is finding one that fits their timeline. Donovan Mitchell extended with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Jimmy Butler may be available from the Miami Heat, but he’s much older than the rest of Houston’s core.

The New Orleans Pelicans would part with Brandon Ingram, but the Rockets aren’t giving up someone like Alperen Şengün to get him. Would Jalen Green and filler contracts make sense for Houston? Is Green, expecting a significant extension this offseason, the right fit for the Pelicans? If not, the Rockets might need a third team to get a deal done.

Status: About $400,000 under the tax
Potentially available: Jarace Walker, Bennedict Mathurin, Obi Toppin, Isaiah Jackson

The Pacers emerged as one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference, changing the timeline for younger players like Walker (who need significant development time). Mathurin is more polished and ready to play.

Indiana needs to look toward the future at center, with Myles Turner in the last year of his deal and Jalen Smith leaving for the Chicago Bulls. Walker Kessler (who should have multiple suitors) will still be on his rookie-scale contract next season. The Utah Jazz have previously considered moving him. The Pacers could try to make that happen, probably with Walker.

Status: $2.5 million under the first-apron hard cap ($6.2 million tax)
Potentially available: PJ Tucker, Bones Hyland, Kawhi Leonard, Terance Mann (the last two only if things go spectacularly wrong)

The Clippers want to move Tucker and Hyland but, with the first apron limitation, cannot increase their salaries much. One possible target could be Miles Bridges of the Charlotte Hornets.

Bridges recently re-signed and cannot be traded until January 15—and it’s unclear if Charlotte kept him strategically or if it truly values him as a player. He would give the Clippers another physical, scoring forward. The math might be tricky, as it’s workable without Mann, but awkwardly and just barely.

Status: About $45,000 under the second apron ($53.2 million tax)
Potentially available: D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, Christian Wood, Jarred Vanderbilt, Austin Reaves (worst case for L.A.)

The Lakers may avoid the three-star concept, especially given the restrictive new rules and the team’s high payroll, which has bottlenecked its flexibility this summer.

Still, if Darius Garland became available out of Cleveland, the Lakers would probably offer both of their firsts to the Cavaliers for the young guard. Salary matching would be complex, probably requiring more than one team.

Note: If Stephen Curry were available (he’s not currently), the Lakers would jump at the chance.

Memphis Grizzlies
Status: About $258,000 under the tax
Potentially available: Luke Kennard, Brandon Clarke, Marcus Smart

The Grizzlies went from one of the top teams in the Western Conference to the lottery, but the franchise hopes to overcome injuries and off-court issues (notably with Ja Morant) and compete again at the highest level.

One need is a defensive wing who can shoot the ball. The Brooklyn Nets are rebuilding and don’t appear invested in 31-year-old Dorian Finney-Smith. The two teams recently executed the Ziaire Williams swap (for Mamadi Diakite, since waived) and could find common ground with Kennard and one of the Grizzlies’ younger players for Finney-Smith.

Status: $1.6 million under the second apron ($25.9 million tax)
Potentially available: Tyler Herro, Jimmy Butler, Terry Rozier, Duncan Robinson

The Heat are at a bit of a crossroads. Butler is eligible for an extension, but the franchise is seemingly hesitant to recommit. The goal is to stay competitive, and that could include Butler—or he may be the big contract Miami uses in trade.

Optimistically, if the Cavaliers decided to move Darius Garland, he would be an ideal target to join Bam Adebayo, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and whoever else the Heat choose to keep long-term. Miami only has one future first to offer (2030 or 2031), but Herro could be an enticing player for Cleveland or a third team.

Milwaukee Bucks
Status: $22.3 million over tax ($74.8 million penalty)
Potentially available: Bobby Portis, Brook Lopez, Pat Connaughton, Khris Middleton (in the right situation)

The Bucks have an aging, expensive roster with minimal flexibility to build around stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Above the second apron, Milwaukee is limited to trades that don’t add salary or include aggregated players.

Since Portis will likely opt out of his $13.4 million for 2025-26, the Bucks may want to deal with him now if he proves too expensive to retain. One option might be Brandon Clarke from the Memphis Grizzlies, an athletic forward who has recovered from an Achilles injury.

That assumes Clarke is back to his bouncy, disruptive self. The Grizzlies hope to return to the playoffs after a down year, and Portis would be a strong fit.

Status: $17.1 million over the second apron ($105.6 million tax)
Potentially available: Karl-Anthony Towns

The Timberwolves are the most difficult team to tinker with, given the ownership dispute between Glen Taylor, Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore. Sorting it out may go beyond the trade deadline, which could paralyze the front office.

Is the franchise really willing to pay out this much for its roster? Given recent playoff success and the legal inertia, for now, yes. But at some point, if something has to give, it may be Town’s hefty contract. Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid can opt out of their contracts after this season and are likely to expect lengthy new deals.

The Timberwolves have marginal flexibility regarding moves. Their deadline could be as simple as bringing back Monte Morris (on a minimum contract with the Phoenix Suns) via trade.

Status: $1.6 million over the tax threshold ($2.3 million tax)
Potentially available: Brandon Ingram

The Pelicans have a history of avoiding luxury taxes. While the direct penalty isn’t high, New Orleans would miss out on the tax kickback for teams below the threshold that currently projects to almost $18 million per team.

Considering that paying Brandon Ingram and Trey Murphy III may be difficult for next season, many around the league believe Ingram will be moved and Murphy will be extended before the season.

Meanwhile, New Orleans could use a center to replace Jonas Valančiūnas, sent via sign-and-trade to the Washington Wizards. Walker Kessler‘s size (7’0″) and contract appeal to many teams on this list.

Status: $6.9 million below the second apron ($13.4 million tax)
Potentially available: Julius Randle, Precious Achiuwa

The Knicks accomplished much this summer by adding Mikal Bridges via trade with the Brooklyn Nets. OG Anunoby re-signed, and Jalen Brunson extended. However, the team lost Isaiah Hartenstein and has a hole at the center position with Mitchell Robinson struggling to stay healthy and Precious Achiuwa a bit undersized (6’8″).

The team previously talked to the Utah Jazz about Kessler but didn’t find common ground. He’s a viable option, but Isaiah Stewart II of the Detroit Pistons may be a natural fit. He’s about the same height as Achiuwa but has a bigger body. Stewart has a team-friendly multiyear contract, has improved his outside shot and could be part of the return if the Knicks send out Randle.

Status: Approximately $11.6 million below the tax
Potentially available: Kenrich Williams, Jaylin Williams

The Thunder finished first in the Western Conference and improved this offseason, adding Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso. The team can keep its roster (if healthy) as is and compete in the playoffs. Perhaps veteran leader Kenrich Williams, who may not be needed as much on the court, could be had if a friendly deal fell into the Thunder’s lap.

If anything, the Thunder need to consolidate its draft picks. Look for Oklahoma City to package some of its 2025 draft currency, including protected firsts from the Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat, along with either their own or one from the LA Clippers or Houston Rockets. The goal would be first-round picks starting with the 2026 draft.

Orlando Magic
Status: $20.5 million under the tax
Potentially available: Wendell Carter Jr., Gary Harris, Goga Bitadze, Cole Anthony

After returning to the playoffs, the Magic added Kentavious Caldwell-Pope as a free agent. The team reinvested in Franz Wagner, Jonathan Isaac and others. With Jalen Suggs still extension-eligible and Paolo Banchero due the following year, Orlando may be conservative with any acquisitions that add heavy long-term salary. At this early stage, there’s no intel that Anthony is available, but some around the league believe Carter may be attainable.

Perhaps Dorian Finney-Smith of the Brooklyn Nets would fit as an experienced defensive-minded forward who can shoot. His $15.4 million player option for 2025-26 shouldn’t break Orlando’s budget, though the Nets don’t necessarily need Carter—a third team may be required.

Status: $10.7 million over tax ($17.7 million penalty)
Potentially available: KJ Martin

The Sixers had more financial flexibility this summer than any team, filling out the roster with what appeared to be diligent choices (Paul George, Andre Drummond, Caleb Martin, etc.). Barring injuries or something else going askew, the franchise may not be active in the trade market.

The one player who seemed circumstantial was Martin, who Philadelphia re-signed with his rights to a short $16 million deal (second season non-guaranteed). It’s difficult to say who they’d target, but the 76ers may miss Nicolas Batum, an important playoff contributor. The Clippers may not want Martin back (they originally sent him to Philadelphia), but Batum would help round out the Sixers’ forward rotation.

Status: $49.1 million over tax ($185.4 million penalty)
Potentially available: Josh Okogie, Kevin Durant (if things go really, really poorly)

The rules significantly limit Phoenix. Given that this is the Suns’ dream scenario, the assumption is they are competitive and Durant remains happy with their trajectory.

Outside of acquiring players on minimum contracts, the Suns are limited to taking in as much as they send out in salary (without aggregation, and not $1.00 more). The highest-paid, expendable player appears to be Okogie at $8.25 million.

Perhaps the best available player will be Jevon Carter of the Chicago Bulls, another veteran ball-handling guard who can shoot and defend. Carter will probably opt into his $6.8 million for 2025-26, giving Phoenix another expiring contract to swap out.

Status: $3.7 million under the tax
Potentially available: Jerami Grant, Robert Williams III, Anfernee Simons (for a significant return)

The Blazers have some exciting, talented young players but may be a few years away from a winning product. While adding players to the mix may make sense, the greater attraction may be subtracting, notably Grant’s remaining $132.4 million contract (over four seasons).

The Los Angeles Lakers have a very different timeline and may feel pressured to add a player like Grant to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Today, the Lakers don’t give up both of their available future first-round picks (2029 and 2031), but Portland may stay patient and win that holdout by the deadline.

Status: Approximately $1.1 million under the luxury tax
Potentially available: Kevin Huerter

The Kings finally made the playoffs in 2022-23 after a 17-year absence but couldn’t return to the postseason last season. The team added DeMar DeRozan to try to bolster their chances, but they could use additional shooting to space the floor for All-Stars Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox.

The Nets might be willing to part with Cam Johnson and take back Kevin Huerter and filler (possibly Trey Lyles to make the math work), but they would need to be compensated to take on Huerter’s $18 million salary for 2025-26.

Status: Approximately $25.8 million below the tax
Potentially available: Harrison Barnes, Zach Collins, Keldon Johnson, Chris Paul, Tre Jones

The Spurs will give Victor Wembanyama time to develop before aggressively trying to build a playoff team around him, but the timeline has undoubtedly sped up. The team could use a young point guard and may be willing to give up veterans, young players and draft compensation for the right opportunity.

If the Cavaliers and Darius Garland choose to part ways, the Spurs could arguably make the best offer if Cleveland wants to replenish some of the draft capital it gave up to acquire Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz in 2022.

Status: Approximately $9.3 million under the tax
Potentially available: Bruce Brown Jr., Chris Boucher, Jakob Pöltl (not initially)

The Raptors have started to flesh out a core built around Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. With Pöltl at the center, there is an opening at the starting shooting guard. The team acquired Brown in the Pascal Siakam trade with the Indiana Pacers last year. Toronto chose to opt him in at $23 million as a precursor to another trade.

The Blazers need some time to see how their young group fits together, but Simons only has one year left on his deal after this season and could be the piece they cash out. Portland would need more than just Brown, but Anfernee Simons would be an interesting fit as Toronto’s fifth starter. The backcourt is a little small, but the team should be set offensively.

Status: Approximately $27.2 million under the tax
Potentially available: Walker Kessler, Jordan Clarkson, Collin Sexton, John Collins

As the Jazz continue to rebuild, the team must add talent while playing the draft lottery. The potential interest in Kessler should lead to a deal, with Utah adding future considerations.

In the meantime, can Utah get Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans at a relatively low price? The Jazz would need to pre-negotiate a long-term deal with Ingram, who is in the final year of his contract. Few teams will have cap space in 2025, giving Utah a real chance to pair Lauri Markkanen with a second All-Star.

Status: Approximately $11.9 million under the tax
Potentially available: Kyle Kuzma, Jordan Poole, Malcolm Brogdon, Richaun Holmes, Marvin Bagley III, Jonas Valančiūnas, Corey Kispert

The Wizards are also rebuilding and appear to be one of the league’s current clearing houses for unwanted contracts. Washington may send out veterans for youth and picks, primarily focusing on the lottery. Even recently acquired players like Valančiūnas may be rerouted once trade restrictions lift.

One young player the Wizards should target is Jarace Walker of the Indiana Pacers. Indiana has quickly become an Eastern Conference contender and may not have the court time to develop Walker properly. While that may not make sense directly, the Wizards may be an ideal partner in a multi-team swap.